Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 16
Mantra-paribhāṣā
Technical Definitions and Operational Rules of Mantras
प्रविश्य विधिवद्दीक्षामभिषेकावसानिकाम् श्रुत्वा तन्त्रं गुरोर् लब्धं साधयेदीप्सितं मनुम्
praviśya vidhivaddīkṣāmabhiṣekāvasānikām śrutvā tantraṃ guror labdhaṃ sādhayedīpsitaṃ manum
விதிப்படி தீட்சையில் நுழைந்து—அபிஷேகத்தால் நிறைவடையும் வரை—குருவிடமிருந்து பெற்ற தந்திரத்தை கேட்டு/பெற்று, பின்னர் விரும்பிய மந்திரம் (மனு) யை சாதித்து சித்தி பெற வேண்டும்।
Lord Agni (instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s didactic frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Establish proper eligibility and empowerment for mantra-sādhana through dīkṣā, abhiṣeka, and guru-transmitted tantra instruction before undertaking mantra perfection.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Dīkṣā–Abhiṣeka–Guru-śravaṇa as Prerequisite for Mantra-sādhana","lookup_keywords":["dīkṣā","abhiṣeka","guru-śravaṇa","tantra","manu mantra"],"quick_summary":"After duly receiving initiation culminating in abhiṣeka and hearing the tantra from the guru, one should proceed to accomplish the desired mantra; authorization and transmission precede practice."}
Concept: Adhikāra (authorization) through guru and rite is essential; mantra is not merely text but empowered practice received by transmission.
Application: Seek qualified guru, undergo prescribed dīkṣā and abhiṣeka, learn tantra by śravaṇa, then begin mantra-sādhana with correct rules and protections.
Khanda Section: Mantra-Tantra Sadhana and Diksha-Vidhi (Agneya-vidya / Tantra-prayoga)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A guru performs dīkṣā and abhiṣeka for a disciple, pouring consecrated water, then instructs from a tantra text; the disciple prepares to undertake the chosen mantra.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, guru and disciple in frontal iconic pose, abhiṣeka water stream stylized, palm-leaf tantra manuscript in guru’s hand, sacred lamps and yantra motifs, serene temple interior","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-embossed abhiṣeka scene, ornate vessels, guru with halo, disciple kneeling, richly decorated altar, gold borders emphasizing consecration","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear ritual depiction: abhiṣeka vessel, guru’s hand gestures, disciple’s posture, manuscript with visible script, soft colors and precise outlines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed ashram courtyard, guru seated on carpet, disciple receiving water consecration, attendants holding manuscripts and ritual items, fine architectural background"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vidhivat + dīkṣām → vidhivaddīkṣām (t→d before voiced). dīkṣām + abhiṣeka... → dīkṣāmabhiṣeka... (ā+a sandhi). sādhayet + īpsitam → sādhayedīpsitam (t/d sandhi + vowel coalescence).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 292 (dīkṣā and mantra-prayoga sequence)
FAQs
It prescribes the operational sequence for mantra-sādhana: proper dīkṣā (initiation) culminating in abhiṣeka, then learning the Tantra from the guru, and only then undertaking practice to attain siddhi of the chosen mantra.
Beyond mythic narration, it preserves a procedural ritual science—codifying initiation, consecration, guru-lineage transmission, and mantra-practice—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of practical Tantric-ritual disciplines alongside other knowledge-systems.
It emphasizes purity and authorization: mantra practice becomes spiritually efficacious and ethically grounded when undertaken after formal initiation and guru-sanctioned instruction, reducing ritual fault (doṣa) and strengthening merit and attainment.