Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 21
Chapter 312 — Various Mantras (नानामन्त्राः)
अर्धनारीशरूपो ऽयं लक्ष्म्यादिवैष्णवादिकः अनङ्गरूपा शक्तिश् च द्वितीया मदनातुरा
ardhanārīśarūpo 'yaṃ lakṣmyādivaiṣṇavādikaḥ anaṅgarūpā śaktiś ca dvitīyā madanāturā
இத்தத்துவம் அர்த்தநாரீஸ்வர ரூபமாய், லக்ஷ்மி முதலிய வைஷ்ணவ வகையினதும் ஆகும். இரண்டாம் சக்தி அனங்கன் (காமன்) ரூபமாய், மதன ஆவலால் கலங்கியவள்.
Lord Agni (narrating the Agni Purana’s doctrinal taxonomy to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Śakti-tattva classification for dhyāna/nyāsa: identifying forms (Ardhanārīśvara, Vaiṣṇavī/Lakṣmī, Anaṅga-rūpā) to align mantra, yantra, and visualization.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Śakti-bheda: Ardhanārīśvara–Vaiṣṇavī–Anaṅga-rūpā","lookup_keywords":["Ardhanarishvara","Vaishnavi Shakti","Lakshmi","Ananga-rupa","Madana-atura"],"quick_summary":"Defines a Śakti-principle as Ardhanārīśvara-like and also Vaiṣṇavī (Lakṣmī-type), and notes a second Śakti as Anaṅga/Kāma-formed, characterized by desire-agitation—useful for selecting the correct dhyāna and ritual intent."}
Concept: Śiva–Śakti non-duality expressed through form (Ardhanārīśvara) and functional differentiation of Śaktis (Vaiṣṇavī/Lakṣmī vs Kāma-impelling).
Application: Choose dhyāna and ritual aim (saumya/śrī-prada vs kāma/ākṛṣaṇa) according to the Śakti-form being invoked.
Khanda Section: Tantra & Shakti-Tattva (Ardhanarishvara / Vaishnavi-Shakti descriptions)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A theological tableau: Ardhanārīśvara as the axis, with Lakṣmī/Vaiṣṇavī Śakti on one side and an Anaṅga/Kāma-associated Śakti embodying desire-agitation on the other, indicating differentiated powers within one divinity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural, Ardhanārīśvara central with balanced half-forms, Lakṣmī-like Śakti with lotus and śrī symbols, and a red-hued Kāma-associated Śakti with subtle erotic energy, flat warm palette, bold outlines, sacred aura","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central Ardhanārīśvara with gold halo and embossed ornaments, Lakṣmī/Vaiṣṇavī beside with lotus and śrī, Anaṅga-rūpā Śakti in red with ornate jewelry, rich gold work, symmetrical composition","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, refined linework and soft shading, didactic labeling feel: Ardhanārīśvara center, Lakṣmī-type Śakti and Kāma-impelling Śakti as flanking conceptual forms, calm background, emphasis on iconographic clarity","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly allegorical scene: composite deity in the center, two feminine personifications (Śrī and Kāma-śakti) with delicate textiles, fine detailing, subdued landscape, emphasis on expression and gesture"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: रूपो ऽयम् → रूपः अयम् (विसर्ग-लोप); शक्तिश् च → शक्तिः च (विसर्ग-सन्धि)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 312.22-312.25 (stotra/mantra/yantra/dhyāna sequence)
FAQs
It imparts a doctrinal taxonomy used in Tantra/Pūjā-vidhi: identifying Shakti-forms by deity-lineages—Ardhanārīśvara-type, Vaiṣṇavī-type (Lakṣmī-led), and a second Shakti associated with Kāma/Anaṅga (desire-energy).
By cataloging deity-energies (śakti-bheda) and their iconographic/theological markers, it functions like a reference index for ritualists and theologians—one of the Agni Purana’s hallmark encyclopedic compilations across worship systems (Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Śākta).
It frames desire (Madana) as a definable śakti-mode; recognizing and ritually channeling such energies is presented as a means to order one’s worship and inner discipline, supporting purification through correct understanding (tattva-jñāna) and proper devotion.