Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 23
Dīkṣāvidhi-kathana
Explanation of the Rite of Initiation
शिखान्तसम्मितं सूत्रं पादाङ्गुष्ठादि षड्गुणं कन्यासु कर्तितं रक्तं पुनस्तत्त्रिगुणीकृतम्
śikhāntasammitaṃ sūtraṃ pādāṅguṣṭhādi ṣaḍguṇaṃ kanyāsu kartitaṃ raktaṃ punastattriguṇīkṛtam
சூத்திரத்தின் அளவு சிகையின் முடிவுவரை இருக்க வேண்டும். கன்னியர்க்கு பெருவிரல் முதலான அளவின் ஆறுமடங்கு விதிக்கப்பட்டது; அவர்களுக்காகச் செய்த சிவப்பு சூத்திரம் மீண்டும் மும்மடங்காக (மூன்று மடிப்பு) செய்யப்பட வேண்டும்.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Standardizing ritual cord/thread measurements and preparation (length, folding/plying, color) for specific participants (e.g., maidens) in pūjā/saṃskāra contexts.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Ritual sūtra measurement: śikhānta length and maiden-specific folding","lookup_keywords":["sūtra-māna","śikhānta","pādāṅguṣṭha-māna","kanyā-sūtra","rakta-sūtra triguṇa"],"quick_summary":"Measure the ritual thread up to the end of the topknot; for maidens, use a sixfold measure based on toe/foot measure and prepare a red cord folded into three strands."}
Concept: Ritual efficacy is supported by māna (measure) and saṃskāra (proper preparation) suited to adhikāra (eligibility/participant type).
Application: Use consistent body-based measures (aṅgula/foot-based) and prescribed color/plying to avoid procedural faults (doṣa) in rites involving cords/threads.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Ritual measurements and preparations)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A priest measures a ritual thread from the participant’s toe/foot measure and up to the śikhā end, then folds a red cord into three strands for a maiden’s rite.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, clear depiction of a seated maiden with śikhā, priest measuring a red thread with hand-span/foot-based measure, ritual tray with threads and dyes, warm lamp-lit interior.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, gold-highlighted ritual tray, vivid red cord being folded into three plies, priest holding a measuring cord aligned to the devotee’s śikhā, ornate borders and temple lamp.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, diagrammatic clarity: measurement from big toe indicated, then thread length up to śikhā, next panel shows red cord folded thrice, minimal background, fine lines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature workshop scene, artisan-priest measuring and twisting red thread, attendants holding a tray, detailed textiles, precise hand gestures, labeled tools."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शिखान्तसम्मितम् = शिखान्त + सम्मितम्; पादाङ्गुष्ठादि = पाद + अङ्गुष्ठ + आदि; षड्गुणम् = षट् + गुणम्; पुनस्तत् = पुनः + तत् (विसर्गसन्धि); तत्त्रिगुणीकृतम् = तत् + त्रिगुणीकृतम् (व्यञ्जनसन्धि).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 27 (Pūjā-vidhi: materials, measures, and preparations)
FAQs
It gives precise pramāṇa (measurement) and construction rules for a ritual cord/thread—its length (up to the śikhā) and how it is to be multiplied (sixfold) and folded into three strands, especially in the case of maidens.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical procedural details—standardized measurements, materials, and preparation methods used in rites—showing its role as a compendium of applied ritual science (vidhi) alongside broader dharma and worship topics.
Following correct measurements and prescribed preparation is treated as part of ritual śuddhi (procedural purity); accurate observance supports the rite’s efficacy and is traditionally linked with producing the intended merit (puṇya) and auspicious results.