Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 15
Chapter 244 — चामरादिलक्षणम् / आयुधलक्षणादि
Characteristics of the Fly-whisk and Related Royal Emblems; Weapon Characteristics
लौहदैत्यं स ददृशे विध्नं यज्ञे तु चिन्तयन् तस्य चिन्तयतो वह्नेः पुरुषो ऽभूद्वली महान्
lauhadaityaṃ sa dadṛśe vidhnaṃ yajñe tu cintayan tasya cintayato vahneḥ puruṣo 'bhūdvalī mahān
स यज्ञे विध्नं चिन्तयन् लौहदैत्यं ददर्श; तस्य चिन्तयतः वह्नेः पुरुषोऽभूद् वली महान्।
Lord Agni (narrative voice of the Agni Purana, traditionally instructing Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Ritual diagnostics and countermeasure logic: identifying a vighna (obstructing entity) and invoking/manifesting a protective force from Agni to remove impediments to yajña.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Yajña-vighna: Lauha-daitya and Agni-born protector","lookup_keywords":["yajna-vighna","lauha-daitya","agni-purusha","vighna-nivarana","raksha"],"quick_summary":"Describes a ritual obstruction appearing as an ‘Iron Demon’ and the arising of a mighty Agni-born Personified force as the counteracting protector."}
Alamkara Type: Rūpaka/Personification (puruṣa arising from fire)
Concept: Vighna is met by focused contemplation and invocation of divine śakti; fire as purifier and protector
Application: When rites face obstacles, identify the vighna and perform Agni-centered protective measures (rakṣā) with steadiness of mind
Khanda Section: Yajña-vighna-nivāraṇa (Ritual Obstruction and its Removal)
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Inside a yajña hall, an iron-bodied demon looms as an obstruction; from the sacrificial fire rises a towering Agni-born warrior-like figure, radiating heat and light, confronting the vighna.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized yajña-kuṇḍa with high flames, metallic dark daitya with iron sheen, Agni-puruṣa emerging in red-orange, bold outlines, ritual priests in the background","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, dramatic gold-highlighted flames, embossed ornaments on Agni-puruṣa, the iron demon rendered with dark metallic tones, strong central symmetry around the fire altar","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear depiction of yajña implements, the moment of emergence from fire shown with fine gradations, instructional composition emphasizing ‘vighna’ vs ‘rakṣā’","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, interior pavilion scene with detailed carpets and vessels, a smoky fire altar, a dark iron demon at one side, luminous figure rising from flames, expressive faces and gestures"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"intense","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पुरुषो 'भूत् = पुरुषः अभूत्; लौहदैत्यं = लौह-दैत्यम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana sections on vighna-nivāraṇa, rakṣā, and śānti rites (same khanda vicinity)
FAQs
It conveys the ritual principle that obstacles (vighna) to a yajña can manifest as hostile forces, and that focused contemplation invoking Agni can generate a protective, personified power to counter such impediments.
Alongside theology and myth, the Agni Purana preserves practical ritual logic: identifying vighnas, recognizing their forms, and emphasizing Agni-centered protective efficacy—integrating narrative with applied yajña-procedure.
It underscores that unwavering ritual intent and Agni-devotion preserve the integrity of sacred acts; removing vighnas protects the merit (puṇya) of the sacrifice and supports purification through successfully completed rites.