Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 29
Mantra-paribhāṣā
Technical Definitions and Operational Rules of Mantras
प्राङ्मुखो ऽवाङ्मुखो वापि मन्त्रकर्म समारभेत् प्रणवाद्याः सर्वमन्त्रा वाग्यतो विहिताशनः
prāṅmukho 'vāṅmukho vāpi mantrakarma samārabhet praṇavādyāḥ sarvamantrā vāgyato vihitāśanaḥ
प्राङ्मुखोऽवाङ्मुखो वा मन्त्रकर्म समारभेत्; सर्वमन्त्राः प्रणवाद्याः; वाग्यतः विहिताशनः साधकः स्यात्।
Lord Agni (narrating to sage Vashistha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Set correct orientation, pranava-prefacing, silence discipline, and diet rules before beginning mantra-karman.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Mantra-karman: Dik (Orientation), Pranava-adi, Vak-niyama, and Ahara-niyama","lookup_keywords":["prangmukha","udangmukha","pranava-adi","vagyata","vihita-ashana"],"quick_summary":"Begin mantra-rites facing east or north; prefix mantras with Oṃ; maintain restraint of speech and follow prescribed dietary discipline to support purity and steadiness."}
Concept: External disciplines (dik, vak, ahara) stabilize the mind and make mantra effective.
Application: Before japa/homa, choose a clean seat facing east/north, begin with Oṃ, keep silence except for mantra, and follow the vrata-like food rule for the rite.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Mantra-karman (Ritual procedure and mantra discipline)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner prepares for mantra-rite: seated on kusa/asana facing east or north, hands in japa-mudra, Oṃ written above, with a simple regulated meal set aside.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sadhaka facing east with temple lamp and palm-leaf manuscript; Oṃ symbol above; attendants silent; emphasis on ritual cleanliness and directionality.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, seated devotee facing a stylized sunrise (east) or northern star motif; gold Oṃ at top; offering plate with simple sattvika food; ornate frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional layout showing compass directions (E/N), posture, and a small panel of 'vihita-ashana' meal; fine linework and captions.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, quiet chamber with prayer mat, compass-like directional cues, calligraphic Oṃ, and a modest meal; subdued palette, intimate devotional mood."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्राङ्मुखः+अवाङ्मुखः→प्राङ्मुखोऽवाङ्मुखो; वाक्+यतः→वाग्यतः; प्रणव+आद्याः→प्रणवाद्याः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 292 (puja-vidhi/mantra-karman sequence)
FAQs
It prescribes core mantra-prayoga rules: the practitioner’s orientation (east or north), beginning mantras with Oṃ (Praṇava), and maintaining speech-restraint and regulated diet as part of ritual discipline.
Beyond theology, it records practical liturgical protocol—directionality, mantra-structure (Praṇava-prefix), and purity observances—showing the Agni Purana’s compendium-style coverage of ritual science alongside other domains.
Correct orientation, Praṇava-led recitation, and disciplined speech and diet are presented as purity-enhancing restraints that stabilize the mind and increase the efficacy (siddhi) and merit (puṇya) of mantra-ritual action.