Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 12
The Root-Mantra of Tvaritā
Tvaritā-mūla-mantra
कुड्ये फलकके वाथ शिलापट्टे हरिद्रया मुखस्तम्भं गतिस्तम्भं सैन्यस्तम्भन्तु जायते
kuḍye phalakake vātha śilāpaṭṭe haridrayā mukhastambhaṃ gatistambhaṃ sainyastambhantu jāyate
Если на стене, деревянной доске или каменной плите сделать отметку куркумой (харидрой), то возникают результаты, именуемые «мукха-стамбха», «гати-стамбха» и «сайня-стамбха»: препятствие речи/лица, препятствие движению и обездвиживание войска.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Reading/avoiding inauspicious turmeric markings on building surfaces; diagnosing omen-like ‘stambha’ (obstruction) effects in a house/fort/structure.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Haridrā-lepa nimitta: mukha-stambha, gati-stambha, sainya-stambha","lookup_keywords":["haridrā","kudya","śilāpaṭṭa","stambha-doṣa","vāstu nimitta"],"quick_summary":"Turmeric marking on wall/panel/stone is treated here as an inauspicious nimitta producing three kinds of ‘stambha’—speech/face obstruction, movement obstruction, and troop immobilization—hence to be avoided or countered."}
Concept: Nimitta-jñāna: external marks on built space are read as indicators of functional obstruction and misfortune.
Application: In construction/maintenance, treat anomalous stains/markings as prompts for inspection, cleansing rites, and corrective measures before occupation or military use.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra (Architectural omens, plastering, and auspicious markings)
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A wall, wooden panel, and stone slab each bear turmeric smears; three symbolic effects are shown—mouth bound (mukha-stambha), feet halted (gati-stambha), and soldiers frozen in place (sainya-stambha).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, three-panel narrative: turmeric mark on wall/panel/stone, stylized figures showing speech blocked, movement halted, and troops immobilized, bold outlines and earthy palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, gold accents on architectural surfaces, turmeric-yellow marks prominent, symbolic vignettes of halted speech and immobilized soldiers, ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional diagram-like layout labeling kudya/phalaka/śilāpaṭṭa and the three stambhas, fine lines and soft shading","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtyard wall with yellow smear, attendants gesturing in concern, a small troop scene in background halted mid-march, detailed textures of wood and stone"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vātha → vā + atha; sainyastambhantu → sainya-stambham + tu
Related Themes: Agni Purana 311 (vāstu-śāstra omens and markings section)
FAQs
It gives a Vāstu-śāstra diagnostic: turmeric markings applied on walls/boards/stone slabs are associated with specific ‘stambha’ effects—blocking speech/face (mukha-stambha), movement (gati-stambha), and military action (sainya-stambha).
Beyond myth, the Agni Purāṇa catalogs applied sciences like Vāstu—linking materials (turmeric), surfaces (wall/wood/stone), and predicted outcomes (omens/effects), reflecting its practical, multi-disciplinary scope.
It functions as a caution about inauspicious architectural/ritual signs: improper or ominous markings are believed to manifest as ‘obstructions’ (stambha), affecting personal function (speech/mobility) and collective welfare (security/army).