Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 1
Mantra-paribhāṣā
Technical Definitions and Operational Rules of Mantras
इत्य् आग्नेये महापुराणे शान्त्यायुर्वेदो नामैकनवत्यधिकद्विशततमो ऽध्यायः अथ द्विनवत्यधिकद्विशततमो ऽध्यायः मन्त्रपरिभाषा अग्निर् उवाच मन्त्रविद्याहरिं वक्ष्ये भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदं शृणु विंशत्यर्णाधिका मन्त्रा मालामन्त्राः स्मृता द्विज
ity āgneye mahāpurāṇe śāntyāyurvedo nāmaikanavatyadhikadviśatatamo 'dhyāyaḥ atha dvinavatyadhikadviśatatamo 'dhyāyaḥ mantraparibhāṣā agnir uvāca mantravidyāhariṃ vakṣye bhuktimuktipradaṃ śṛṇu viṃśatyarṇādhikā mantrā mālāmantrāḥ smṛtā dvija
इत्याग्नेये महापुराणे ‘शान्त्यायुर्वेद’नामैकनवत्यधिकद्विशततमोऽध्यायः समाप्तः। अथ द्विनवत्यधिकद्विशततमोऽध्यायः ‘मन्त्रपरिभाषा’। अग्निरुवाच—मन्त्रविद्याहरीं वक्ष्ये भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदां शृणु। विंशत्यर्णाधिकाः मन्त्राः मालामन्त्राः स्मृता द्विज॥
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Defines mantra-length taxonomy (mālā-mantra) and frames mantra-vidyā as yielding both bhukti and mukti; used for selecting appropriate mantra forms in sādhana and ritual manuals.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Mālā-mantra definition (syllable-count) and aim of mantra-vidyā","lookup_keywords":["mantra-paribhāṣā","mālā-mantra","viṃśatyarṇa","bhukti-mukti","Hari"],"quick_summary":"Mantra-science is taught as a means to worldly attainment and liberation; mantras exceeding twenty syllables are classified as mālā-mantras in this paribhāṣā."}
Concept: Mantra-vidyā is a disciplined means (upāya) oriented to both bhukti (worldly fruition) and mukti (liberation), and requires precise technical classification.
Application: When choosing a mantra for japa/nyāsa/homa, classify by syllable-count and intended fruit; document it in paddhati as mālā-mantra when >20 syllables.
Khanda Section: Mantra-vidya / Tantra-Mantra-Paribhasha (Ritual Science and Mantra Definitions)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Agni as teacher addressing a brāhmaṇa disciple; palm-leaf manuscript titled ‘Mantra-paribhāṣā’; a garland motif illustrating ‘mālā-mantra’ and a count of syllables.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Agni seated as luminous teacher, disciple with añjali, manuscript and akṣara-count beads depicted, garland motif around text panel, bold colors and temple-style framing.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Agni with gold halo, ornate manuscript stand, gold-foil garland motif symbolizing mālā-mantra, disciple in reverent pose, rich decorative borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic classroom feel, clear depiction of syllable-count marks on manuscript, mala (rosary) and garland visual metaphor, soft palette and fine lines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: scholarly discourse scene, Agni as radiant sage, scribe counting akṣaras on folio, garland and rosary on carpet, detailed library setting."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्याग्नेये = इति + आग्नेये (इ + आ → या); ...तमोऽध्यायः = ...तमः + अध्यायः (ः + अ → ओऽ); अग्निरुवाच = अग्निः + उवाच (ः + उ → र्).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 291 (chapter colophon; śānti and āyurveda conclusion); Agni Purana 292 (Mantra-paribhāṣā opening definitions)
FAQs
It defines a formal mantra-classification: mantras exceeding twenty syllables are termed mālā-mantras, and frames the chapter as a technical manual of mantra-vidyā aimed at both worldly aims (bhukti) and liberation (mukti).
By shifting from a prior chapter on peace-rites and Ayurveda into a new chapter that codifies mantra terminology, it exemplifies the Agni Purana’s catalog-like treatment of multiple disciplines—medicine, ritual pacification, and precise mantra-science definitions.
The verse links correct mantra-knowledge and proper classification/usage with sanctioned results—bhukti and mukti—implying that disciplined, rule-governed mantra practice is both efficacious and spiritually elevating.