Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 40
Chapter 342: शब्दालङ्काराः
Verbal/Sound-based Ornaments
अधोधःस्थितवर्णानां यावत्तूर्यपदन्नयेत् तुर्यपादान्नयेदूर्ध पादार्धं प्रातिलोम्यतः
adhodhaḥsthitavarṇānāṃ yāvattūryapadannayet turyapādānnayedūrdha pādārdhaṃ prātilomyataḥ
अधोधःस्थितवर्णानां विन्यासं कृत्वा यावत् तूर्यपदं नयेत्। तूर्यपादात् ऊर्ध्वं प्रातिलोम्यतः क्रमं परिवर्त्य पादार्धं नयेत्॥
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, as the standard Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Alamkara","secondary_vidya":"Vyakarana","practical_application":"Completing bandha layouts by following a two-phase traversal: proceed through the lower-placed syllables up to the fourth quarter, then reverse direction and ascend retrograde through the half-verse to close the pattern symmetrically.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Traversal Rule: To Tūrya-pada then Prātilomya Ascent through Pādārdha","lookup_keywords":["tūrya-pada","pādārdha","prātilomya","adhodhaḥ","bandha-traversal"],"quick_summary":"Move through the lower-positioned syllables until the fourth quarter (tūrya-pada). From there, reverse (prātilomya) and proceed upward through the half-verse to complete the bandha path."}
Alamkara Type: Citra (Bandha-kāvya)
Concept: Reversal (prātilomya) as a formal device to ensure balance and closure in constructed forms.
Application: When drafting/reading a bandha, mark the tūrya-pada as the turning point; then verify the upward retrograde sequence to avoid mismatched endpoints.
Khanda Section: Chandas & Prosody (Sanskrit Metrics / Kavya-shastra)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A bandha diagram with a highlighted path: arrows move along lower syllables to the fourth quarter, then turn and climb upward in reverse order to finish the half-verse.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, a large diagram with a clear turning point at the tūrya-pada, arrows reversing upward (prātilomya), warm temple interior with scholar reciting and tracing the path.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gilded turning-point marker at the fourth quarter on a decorative grid, bold arrows showing reversal and ascent, rich colors and ornate frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, step-by-step instructional plate: phase 1 to tūrya-pada, phase 2 prātilomya ascent through pādārdha, clean labels and measured spacing.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, illuminated manuscript page with a traced route in colored ink: forward to the fourth quarter then reverse upward, marginal notes explaining prātilomya, refined detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Arabhi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अधोधःस्थितवर्णानाम् = अधोधः-स्थित-वर्णानाम्; यावत्तूर्यपदम् = यावत् तूर्य-पदम्; पदन्नयेत् = पदम् नयेत्; तुर्यपादान्नयेत् = तूर्य-पादात् नयेत्; नयेदूर्धम् = नयेत् ऊर्धम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 342.39 (descending placement and joints); Agni Purana 342.36-342.38 (bandha types to which the traversal applies)
FAQs
It teaches a technical method of metrical scanning/arrangement: proceed through the verse up to the fourth pāda, then trace upward through the half-verse in reverse order (prātilomya) to verify or compute the metrical pattern.
Beyond theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical śāstric know-how—here, Sanskrit chandas (prosody). This shows its role as a compendium that includes literary science (kāvya-śāstra) alongside religious teachings.
Correct metrical knowledge supports accurate recitation and preservation of sacred and literary texts; precision in chanting and textual transmission is traditionally regarded as purifying and merit-bearing because it safeguards śabda (authoritative sound).