Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 36
Ṛग्विधानम् (Ṛgvidhāna) — Applications of Ṛgvedic Mantras through Japa and Homa
पितरित्युपतिष्ठेत नित्यमर्थमुपस्थितं अग्ने नयेति सूक्तेन घृतहोमश् च मार्गगः
pitarityupatiṣṭheta nityamarthamupasthitaṃ agne nayeti sūktena ghṛtahomaś ca mārgagaḥ
‘பிதரः’ என்று கூறி தினமும் பக்தியுடன் பணிவுடன் நிற்க வேண்டும்; சடங்கின் பொருளில் எப்போதும் நிலைத்திருந்து, ‘அக்னே நய…’ என்று தொடங்கும் ஸூக்தத்தால் நெய் ஹோமம் செய்ய வேண்டும்—அதனால் (பித்ரு/பிரேதன்) நல்வழிப் பயணியாகிறான்।
Lord Agni (narrating the ritual procedure in Agni Purana)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Daily/regular pitṛ-upasthāna and ghee-homa using the ‘Agne naya…’ sūkta to guide the departed on the proper path (preta/pitṛ-gati).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Pitṛ-upasthāna with ‘Agne naya’ ghee-homa for proper gati","lookup_keywords":["pitaraḥ upatiṣṭheta","Agne naya","ghṛta-homa","śrāddha","pitṛ-gati"],"quick_summary":"Maintain regular reverent attendance to the Fathers and perform ghṛta-homa with the ‘Agne naya…’ hymn; the rite is presented as ensuring right guidance and onward journey for the departed."}
Concept: Pitṛ-ṛṇa and continuity of dharma: the living sustain the departed through śrāddha-like attention and Agni-mediated offerings, supporting right post-mortem course.
Application: Integrate periodic pitṛ-karmas (tarpana/śrāddha/homa as per capacity) with sincerity and steadiness (nityam, artham-upasthitam).
Khanda Section: Shraddha and Pitri-Karma (Ancestral Rites / Agneya-vidhi)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A householder performs ghṛta-homa before a bright Vedic fire while invoking ‘Pitaraḥ’; in the background a subtle ancestral figure is shown being led along a luminous path by Agni.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, blazing homa-kuṇḍa with stylized flames, householder in white with sacred thread, hands offering ghee, faint ancestral silhouettes moving on a golden path guided by Agni-deity form, strong contours and flat perspective.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, Agni as a radiant deity above the fire with gold halo, devotee offering ghee with ladle, ornate arch and gold leaf flames, ancestral figures in miniature panels ascending a path.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear ritual diagram feel: homa-kuṇḍa, ghee ladle, posture of offerer, caption ‘Agne naya’, soft palette and precise detailing of implements.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, domestic courtyard homa scene with fine utensils, smoke curling upward, allegorical ‘path’ painted as a luminous road in the distance with faint ancestors, delicate linework."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पितरित्युपतिष्ठेत = पितरि + इति + उपतिष्ठेत; अर्थमुपस्थितम् = अर्थम् + उपस्थितम्; नयेति = नय + इति; घृतहोमश् च = घृत-होमः + च (visarga sandhi).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 258 (Śrāddha and Pitṛ-karma subsection)
FAQs
It prescribes a Pitṛ-rite: invoke the ancestors (“pitar iti”), maintain constant ritual attentiveness, and offer a ghṛta-homa using the ‘Agne naya…’ sūkta as the guiding mantra.
It exemplifies the text’s procedural cataloging of applied dharma—giving specific mantras and homa-instructions within the broader compendium of rites (śrāddha, tarpaṇa, pitṛ-yajña) alongside many other disciplines.
The verse links correct mantra-led homa with beneficial passage: Agni, invoked as ‘leader’, is ritually empowered to guide the departed/recipient along the proper path, supporting ancestral welfare and the performer’s merit.