Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 2
The Six Limbs (Ṣaḍaṅga) of the Aghora-Astra (अघोरास्त्राणि षडङ्गानि)
अथ वा प्रणवेनैव मायया वा षडानन दिव्यान्तरीक्षभौमानां शान्तिरुत्पातवृक्षके
atha vā praṇavenaiva māyayā vā ṣaḍānana divyāntarīkṣabhaumānāṃ śāntirutpātavṛkṣake
अथ वा प्रणवेनैव मायया वा षडानन। दिव्यान्तरीक्षभौमानामुत्पातानां शान्तिरुत्पातवृक्षके॥
Lord Agni (traditionally instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic ritual sections)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Utpāta-śānti: pacifying ominous portents across divine/atmospheric/terrestrial domains using Oṃ (praṇava) or a māyā-protective formula.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Utpāta-Śānti by Praṇava or Māyā-Mantra for Threefold Portents","lookup_keywords":["utpāta-śānti","praṇava oṃ","māyā-mantra","divya-antarikṣa-bhauma","śānti-kalpa"],"quick_summary":"For omens arising from celestial, atmospheric, or earthly sources, the text allows a simplified śānti using the praṇava alone or an alternative protective māyā-mantra."}
Concept: Restoring ṛta-like harmony through śānti: portents are addressed by mantra as a dharmic corrective.
Application: When inauspicious signs appear (dreams, meteorological anomalies, terrestrial disturbances), perform a minimal yet orthodox remedy via praṇava-centered recitation.
Khanda Section: Shanti-kalpa (Utpata-shanti and Mantra-prayoga)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner chanting Oṃ beneath a sky showing subtle omens—celestial signs, atmospheric disturbances, and earthly tremors—being calmed by mantra.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: three-tier cosmos—devas above, clouds/winds mid, earth below—centered on a chanter with folded hands; subdued palette shifting from turbulent to calm.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central praṇava symbol with gold radiance; surrounding vignettes of sky, clouds, and earth omens dissolving; ornate borders and temple-like framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional triptych labeled divya/antarikṣa/bhauma; practitioner reciting praṇava; clean composition emphasizing the three domains and pacification outcome.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: panoramic landscape with sky phenomena and ground signs; a yogin/priest recites; fine cloud detailing and delicate color gradations showing calming."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Shankara","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्रणवेनैव = प्रणवेन + एव; शान्तिरुत्पातवृक्षके = शान्तिः + उत्पातवृक्षके.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 322 (śānti-kalpa/utpāta context)
FAQs
It teaches a concise Utpāta-Śānti method: pacifying inauspicious omens from three spheres (celestial, atmospheric, terrestrial) using the Pranava (Oṃ) and/or a protective māyā-mantra as the operative remedy.
Beyond mythic narration, it preserves applied ritual technology—classification of omens by realm and their standardized pacification—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of Jyotiṣa-linked shānti rites and practical mantra procedures.
Performing śānti with Oṃ/mantra is presented as a purificatory, protective act that reduces the harmful fruition of ominous signs, restoring auspiciousness and steadiness (śānti) in one’s life and environment.