Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 7
Chapter 41 — शिलाविन्यासविधानं
The Procedure for Laying the Stones / Foundation Setting
तरत् समन्दीरिति च पावमानीभिरेव च उदुत्तमं वरुणमिति कथानश् च तथैव च
tarat samandīriti ca pāvamānībhireva ca uduttamaṃ varuṇamiti kathānaś ca tathaiva ca
மேலும் “தரத் சமந்தீரி…” எனத் தொடங்கும் ஸூக்தத்தையும் பாவமானி ஸூக்தங்களுடன்; அதுபோல “உதுத்தமம் வருணம்…” மற்றும் “கதா நः…” ஸூக்தங்களையும் அதே முறையில் பாராயணம் செய்ய வேண்டும்.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Ritual purification through prescribed Vedic hymn recitations: Tarat samandīri, Pavamanī hymns, Uduttamaṃ Varuṇam, and Kathā naḥ—used for śuddhi, prokṣaṇa, and abhiṣeka contexts.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Pavamanī and Varuṇa-related ṛk recitations for śuddhi","lookup_keywords":["Pavamanī","Varuṇa","Uduttamam","Tarat samandīri","Kathā naḥ"],"quick_summary":"Purificatory rites are strengthened by specific Vedic hymn sets—especially Pavamanī (purifying) and Varuṇa hymns—recited in sequence as part of ritual śuddhi."}
Concept: Śabda-śuddhi: purification is enacted through disciplined recitation (pāṭha) aligned with Vedic authority.
Application: Maintain correct incipits, order, and pronunciation for śuddhi recitations in pūjā and saṃskāras.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Vedic hymns and Pavamanī recitations for purification/ritual use)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A priest seated near a water vessel and fire-lamp, reciting Vedic hymns from a palm-leaf manuscript; subtle visualization of purifying currents of water and Varuṇa’s presence as a guardian of ṛta.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: priest chanting with palm-leaf manuscript, water pot beside him, stylized Varuṇa motif in the background (makara emblem), muted temple interior, rhythmic wave patterns symbolizing Pavamanī purification.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: devotional portrait of chanting priest with ornate manuscript stand, gold-highlighted kalaśa, decorative wave-and-lotus motifs, sanctity emphasized through gilded aura.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clear instructional scene—manuscript, rosary, water vessel—priest reciting; fine linework; minimal background; emphasis on ritual correctness.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: scholar-priest reciting in a pavilion, attendants holding manuscript and water pot, intricate textiles, delicate depiction of rippling water patterns and a faint Varuṇa emblem."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Malkauns","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: समन्दीरिति = समन्दीर् + इति; वरुणमिति = वरुणम् + इति; तथैव = तथा + एव.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: sections prescribing Pavamanī/śānti recitations in pūjā-vidhi
FAQs
It lists specific Vedic hymn-incpits—“Tarat samandīri…”, the Pavamanī hymns, “Uduttamaṃ Varuṇam…”, and “Kathā naḥ…”—to be used as prescribed recitations for ritual purification and mantra-prayoga.
Rather than giving only theology, it catalogs practical liturgical materials by naming mantra incipits and grouping them (e.g., Pavamanī), functioning like a ritual index for priests and practitioners—one hallmark of the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic scope.
Recitation of Pavamanī and Varuṇa-related hymns is traditionally linked with inner and outer purification, removal of ritual impurity, and strengthening satya/ṛta-aligned conduct, thereby supporting merit (puṇya) and clarity in worship.