Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 3
Chapter 280 — रसादिलक्षणम् / सर्वरोगहराण्यौषधानि
Characteristics of Taste and Related Factors; Medicines that Remove All Diseases
त्रिधा विपाको द्रव्यस्य कट्वम्ललवणात्मकः द्विधा वीय्य समुद्दिष्टमुष्णं शीतं तथैव च
tridhā vipāko dravyasya kaṭvamlalavaṇātmakaḥ dvidhā vīyya samuddiṣṭamuṣṇaṃ śītaṃ tathaiva ca
Випака (vipāka), то есть послепищеварительное превращение вещества, бывает трёх видов: острое, кислое и солёное по природе. Вирья (vīrya), то есть сила действия, учится как двоякая: горячая и также холодная.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Predict therapeutic outcome by identifying a substance’s vipāka (threefold) and vīrya (hot/cold), aiding safe prescription and diet planning.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Vipāka (threefold) and Vīrya (twofold) classification","lookup_keywords":["vipāka trividha","kaṭu amla lavaṇa vipāka","vīrya uṣṇa śīta","dravya-guṇa","post-digestive effect"],"quick_summary":"Vipāka is taught as threefold (kaṭu, amla, lavaṇa), and vīrya as twofold (uṣṇa, śīta). These categories help infer a drug’s systemic action beyond initial taste."}
Concept: Causal inference in therapeutics: observable qualities (vīrya) and resultant transformation (vipāka) determine effect.
Application: Use a consistent analytical grid for materia medica to reduce trial-and-error in treatment.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Dravya-guṇa: Rasa–Vipāka–Vīrya classification)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A physician explains two tables: vipāka as three outcomes (kaṭu, amla, lavaṇa) and vīrya as two potencies (uṣṇa, śīta), with example jars and herbs placed beneath each heading.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized teaching board with three vipāka symbols and two vīrya symbols; physician pointing with palm-leaf stylus; jars and herbs arranged; bold outlines, traditional palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, symmetrical taxonomy display with gold-highlighted headings ‘Vipāka’ and ‘Vīrya’; ornate vessels representing categories; central teacher figure; rich colors and gilded accents.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional scene: neatly drawn chart showing 3 vipāka and 2 vīrya; students seated; fine linework, soft washes, emphasis on legibility.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholar-physician in a library presenting a folio with vipāka/vīrya classification; detailed apothecary jars and herbs; delicate brushwork and architectural depth."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कट्वम्ललवणात्मकः = कटु + अम्ल + लवण + आत्मकः; समुद्दिष्टमुष्णं = समुद्दिष्टम् + उष्णम्; तथैव = तथा + एव; वीय्य (पाठ) = वीर्यम् (सामान्यपाठ/लिप्यन्तरदोष सम्भव).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 280 (rasa-vīrya-vipāka exposition sequence)
FAQs
Ayurvedic dravya-guṇa knowledge: it defines two core diagnostic parameters for substances—vipāka (post-digestive effect) as three types and vīrya (potency) as hot or cold—used to predict therapeutic action.
It shows the Agni Purana functioning as a compendium beyond myth, preserving technical Ayurveda taxonomy (vipāka and vīrya) that underpins classical drug-action analysis and formulation design.
By promoting correct knowledge and application of healing substances, the verse supports dharmic care of the body—viewed as a means to sustain sādhana and righteous living—thus aligning wellbeing with religious duty.