Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 12
Chapter 301 — सूर्यार्चनं
Sūryārcana) / Sun-worship (closing colophon only
एतच्चूर्णं शिरःक्षिप्तं लिकस्य वशमुत्तमम् त्रिफलाचन्दनक्वाथप्रस्था द्विकुडवम् पृथक्
etaccūrṇaṃ śiraḥkṣiptaṃ likasya vaśamuttamam triphalācandanakvāthaprasthā dvikuḍavam pṛthak
एतच्चूर्णं शिरसि क्षिप्तं प्रियस्य वशीकरणाय परमं साधनम्। त्रिफलाचन्दनयोः क्वाथः पृथक् पृथक् द्विकुडवपरिमाणेन, प्रस्थमात्रेण च सिद्धः कार्यः।
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic teachings)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Preparation of a decoction and powder for topical use on the head, described as producing attraction/vaśīkaraṇa effects; also illustrates classical measures (prastha, kuḍava) for formulation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Triphalā–Candana Kvātha with Head-Sprinkled Cūrṇa (Vaśīkaraṇa-prayoga)","lookup_keywords":["triphala","candana","kvatha","curna","prastha-kudava"],"quick_summary":"Boil Triphalā and sandalwood as a measured decoction (kvātha) and use the associated powder by sprinkling on the head; the passage frames it as a vaśīkaraṇa (influence/attraction) application and preserves exact apothecary measures."}
Dosha: Tridosha
Concept: Knowledge as applied technique (yukti) using dravya (substances) and māna (measures) to produce a stated effect.
Application: Emphasizes precision in measurement and preparation as the basis of efficacy in formulations.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Rasayana / Aushadhi-yoga; medicinal formulations and practical remedies)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An Ayurvedic practitioner measures Triphalā and sandalwood, boils a kvātha in a pot, and sprinkles a fine powder on the crown of the head as a ritualized topical application.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat earthy palette, physician-sage preparing a decoction of Triphalā and sandalwood in a bronze vessel, assistant holding palm-leaf measure (prastha/kuḍava), gentle shṛṅgāra-adbhuta mood, ornate borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central seated vaidya with gold-leaf highlights on vessels and ornaments, Triphalā fruits and sandalwood depicted clearly, powder being sprinkled on the head, rich reds and greens, temple-like backdrop","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, clean linework and soft shading, instructional layout showing measured ingredients (prastha, kuḍava), boiling kvātha, and head-application step, labeled herb forms","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed apothecary scene with precise measuring cups, simmering pot, attendant presenting Triphalā and sandalwood, delicate facial expressions, fine textile patterns, indoor courtly clinic setting"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एतत्+चूर्णम्→एतच्चूर्णम्; वशम्+उत्तमम्→वशमुत्तमम्; त्रिफला+चन्दन+क्वाथ+प्रस्थाः→त्रिफलाचन्दनक्वाथप्रस्थाः; द्वि+कुडवम्→द्विकुडवम्; शिरः+क्षिप्तम्→शिरःक्षिप्तम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 301 (Ayurveda: rasāyana/aushadhi-yoga context)
FAQs
It teaches an Ayurvedic-style formulation and application: a cūrṇa (powder) used by sprinkling on the head, along with a kvātha (decoction) made from Triphalā and sandalwood, specified with traditional measures (prastha, kuḍava).
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied sciences—here, practical pharmacological preparation (kvātha/cūrṇa) and dosage-measure terminology—showing its wide coverage of medicine, household practice, and specialized yogas.
As a vashīkaraṇa-oriented instruction, it reflects the text’s inclusion of pragmatic rites and remedies; ethically, traditional readers treat such practices as requiring restraint and right intention, since coercive influence is karmically sensitive.