Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 16
Chapter 338 — शृङ्गारादिरसनिरूपणम्
Exposition of the Rasas beginning with Śṛṅgāra
अष्टौ स्तम्भादयः सत्त्वाद्रजसस्तमसः परम् स्तम्भश्चेष्टाप्रतीघातो भयरागाद्युपाहितः
aṣṭau stambhādayaḥ sattvādrajasastamasaḥ param stambhaśceṣṭāpratīghāto bhayarāgādyupāhitaḥ
अष्टौ स्तम्भादयो भावाः सत्त्व-रजस्-तमोगुणसमुद्भवाः। स्तम्भो नाम चेष्टाप्रतीघातः, भयरागादिभिरुपहितः।
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Alamkara","practical_application":"Diagnose transitory affective states (e.g., stambha) by tracing them to guṇa-dominance and associated factors (fear/attachment), useful for both yogic self-observation and aesthetic characterization.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Stambha and allied conditions as guṇa-vikāras","lookup_keywords":["stambha","guṇa","sattva-rajas-tamas","ceṣṭā-pratīghāta","bhaya-rāga"],"quick_summary":"Eight conditions beginning with stambha arise from the guṇas. Stambha is obstruction of activity, accompanied by fear, attachment, and similar factors."}
Concept: Mental states are guṇa-conditioned; stambha is a tamas/rajas-influenced inhibition of action compounded by fear/attachment.
Application: In yoga/self-study, notice ‘freeze’ as a guṇa-vikāra; reduce it by cultivating sattva (clarity) and loosening rāga-bhaya through practice and discernment.
Khanda Section: Sankhya–Yoga / Tattva-Nirupana (Guna-vikara and psychological afflictions)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A yogic/psychological diagram scene: three guṇas depicted as colored strands influencing a person who becomes motionless (stambha), with shadow-figures labeled fear and attachment pressing in.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, symbolic guṇa depiction (white/red/black) swirling around a frozen figure, fear and attachment as attendant spirits, strong outlines, temple-mural iconography","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, gold haloed allegory: central figure in stambha posture, three guṇa bands around, small personifications of bhaya and rāga, ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional allegory with clear labels: sattva/rajas/tamas streams leading to stambha (ceṣṭā-pratīghāta), calm palette and fine lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, philosophical court scene: scholar explaining guṇas to students, inset showing a man frozen in fear/attachment, detailed manuscripts and carpets"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: sattvādrajasastamasaḥ = sattvāt rajasas tamasaḥ; stambhaśceṣṭāpratīghātaḥ = stambhaḥ ca iṣṭā-pratīghātaḥ; bhayarāgādyupāhitaḥ = bhaya-rāga-ādi-upāhitaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 338 (guṇa/bhāva linkage); Agni Purana sections on Sāṅkhya/Yoga tattva-nirūpaṇa
FAQs
It imparts tattva-vidyā (Sāṅkhya/Yogic psychology): how guṇa-driven states manifest, defining stambha specifically as a blockage of ceṣṭā (activity) linked with fear and attachment.
Beyond ritual and dharma, the Agni Purana also systematizes inner science—classifying mental/behavioral conditions as effects of sattva–rajas–tamas—showing its coverage of philosophy and applied psychology.
By recognizing stambha as a guṇa-born obstruction fueled by fear/attachment, a practitioner can diagnose and reduce these bindings, supporting self-mastery, clearer discernment, and progress in sādhana.