Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 13
The Six Limbs (Ṣaḍaṅga) of the Aghora-Astra (अघोरास्त्राणि षडङ्गानि)
ह्रीं रोचनानागपुष्पाणि कुङ्कुमञ्च महःशिला ललाटे तिलकं कृत्वा यं पश्येत्स वशी भवेत्
hrīṃ rocanānāgapuṣpāṇi kuṅkumañca mahaḥśilā lalāṭe tilakaṃ kṛtvā yaṃ paśyetsa vaśī bhavet
ह्रीं रोचनानागपुष्पकुङ्कुममहःशिलाः। ललाटे तिलकं कृत्वा यं पश्येत् स वशी भवेत्॥
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha, as per the usual Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Vāśīkaraṇa-oriented tilaka preparation using specified substances with the bīja ‘Hrīṁ’ to influence the perceived disposition of others.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Hrīṁ-tilaka with rocanā, nāga-puṣpa, kuṅkuma, and mahaḥśilā for vāśīkaraṇa","lookup_keywords":["hrīṃ","tilaka","rocanā","nāga-puṣpa","vāśīkaraṇa"],"quick_summary":"A forehead tilaka made from rocanā, nāga-puṣpa, saffron, and mahaḥśilā, empowered with ‘Hrīṁ’, is claimed to produce vāśīkaraṇa effects upon those seen."}
Concept: Bīja-mantra (Hrīṁ) combined with dravya-saṃyoga and bodily mark (tilaka) as a ritual technology for influence.
Application: Ethically, treat such claims as symbolic/ritual; in practice prefer consent-based relationships and dhārmic conduct over coercive intent.
Khanda Section: Tantra-Mantra and Vashikarana (Occult rites within Puja-vidhi/Mantra-shastra)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner prepares a red-golden tilaka paste from rocanā, nāga-puṣpa, saffron, and mineral pigment, applies it to the forehead, and silently intones ‘Hrīṁ’ before meeting another person.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, close-up of forehead tilaka application, small bowls of yellow rocanā and red kuṅkuma, stylized lotus motifs for Hrīṁ, dim sanctum-like background.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, gold-highlighted tilaka mark, ornate jewelry and ritual tray, saffron and flowers rendered richly, sacred syllable ‘Hrīṁ’ subtly embossed in gold.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, precise depiction of ingredients and mixing proportions, then tilaka placement at lalāṭa, calm instructional framing with delicate ornamentation.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate dressing-room scene with attendants, tiny pigment boxes, the protagonist applying tilaka, refined textiles and architectural niches, understated mystical aura."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"mysterious","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुङ्कुमञ्च → कुङ्कुमम् + च; पश्येत्स → पश्येत् + सः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 322 (Hrīṁ and vāśīkaraṇa prayoga cluster)
FAQs
It teaches a vashīkaraṇa procedure: preparing a forehead tilaka from specified ritual pigments (rocanā, nāga-puṣpa, kuṅkuma, mahaḥśilā) while using the bīja “Hrīṁ”, then looking at a target to render them compliant.
Beyond myth and devotion, the Agni Purana catalogs applied ritual technologies—mantras, material recipes (pigments/minerals/flowers), and their intended effects—showing its compendium-like coverage of mantra-shastra and practical rites.
It reflects a siddhi-oriented (power-seeking) use of mantra and ritual substances; traditionally such acts are treated as potent but ethically weighty, with results tied to intention and the disciplined (or improper) use of sacred speech and ritual purity.