Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 39
Abhiṣeka-mantrāḥ
Consecration Mantras
प्रह्लादो विरोचनो ऽथ बलिर्वाणो ऽथ तत्सुताः एते चान्ये ऽभिषिञ्चन्तु दानवा राक्षसास् तथा
prahlādo virocano 'tha balirvāṇo 'tha tatsutāḥ ete cānye 'bhiṣiñcantu dānavā rākṣasās tathā
Да совершат Прахлада, Вирочана, Бали, Вана и его сыновья — и эти, и другие данавы, равно как и ракшасы — освящение посредством помазания (абхишекой).
Lord Agni (narrating the ritual formula within the Agni Purana’s instructional discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Puja-vidhi","practical_application":"A consecration formula extending abhiṣeka agency even to Dānavas/Rākṣasas (mythic powers) to universalize sovereignty/efficacy; used in ritual recitation to ‘enlist’ all classes of beings as witnesses/supporters of the rite.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Mantra","entry_title":"Dānava–Rākṣasa Abhiṣeka-Anumodana (Prahlāda–Bali–Vāṇa)","lookup_keywords":["Prahlada","Bali","Vana","danava","rakshasa"],"quick_summary":"An abhiṣeka benediction invoking famed Asura lineages as consecrators, signaling comprehensive cosmic assent to the rite and its intended success."}
Alamkara Type: Samuccaya (accumulative listing)
Concept: Ritual efficacy framed as cosmic consensus—invocation can ritually subordinate or harmonize even adversarial classes into the sacramental act.
Application: In abhiṣeka, recite to symbolically neutralize opposition and convert all forces into protectors/witnesses of the consecration.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Abhisheka-Mantra (Consecration and Invocation)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A consecration scene where renowned Dānavas—Prahlāda, Virocana, Bali, Vāṇa and sons—appear as mythic consecrators, pouring sanctified water as part of a grand cosmic rite.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, dramatic abhiṣeka with Asura kings in ornate crowns, strong physiques, yet auspicious demeanor, ritual vessels pouring water, flames and lamps, cloud bands separating realms, traditional bold palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central consecrated figure with gold halo, flanked by Bali and Prahlāda holding kalashas, heavy gold embossing, jewel-toned garments, temple arch and lotus motifs","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear narrative composition of abhiṣeka, Asura figures labeled, emphasis on ritual implements (kalasha, conch, pañcapātra), soft colors with fine gold lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, mythic coronation with Asura nobles in a pavilion, attendants and sons behind, detailed textiles and crowns, water being poured from ewers, fine border illumination"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विरोचनो ऽथ = विरोचनः + अथ; बलिर्वाणो ऽथ = बलिः + वाणः + अथ; चान्ये = च + अन्ये; ऽभिषिञ्चन्तु = अभिषिञ्चन्तु (after avagraha)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 219 (Abhiṣeka-mantra chain including celestial and chthonic beings)
FAQs
It provides an abhiṣeka-style invocatory formula: specific powerful beings (Prahlāda, Virocana, Bali, Vāṇa and others among Dānavas/Rākṣasas) are verbally appointed to ‘anoint/consecrate’ as part of a consecration sequence.
Beyond myth, it operationalizes names and categories of beings into a usable ritual component (puja-vidhi), showing how Purāṇic lore is integrated into practical liturgy and consecration procedures.
Ritually invoking and harmonizing all classes of beings for abhiṣeka symbolizes universal assent and protection for the consecrated act, aiming at purification, stability of the rite, and removal of obstacles.