Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 87
Ṛग्विधानम् (Ṛgvidhāna) — Applications of Ṛgvedic Mantras through Japa and Homa
रात्रिसूक्तं जपन्न्रात्री रात्रिं क्षेमी जयेन्नरः कल्पयन्तीति च जपन्नित्यं कृत्त्वारिनाशनं
rātrisūktaṃ japannrātrī rātriṃ kṣemī jayennaraḥ kalpayantīti ca japannityaṃ kṛttvārināśanaṃ
இரவிலே இரவு தோறும் ‘ராத்ரி-ஸூக்தம்’ ஜபிப்பவன் பாதுகாப்பும் வெற்றியும் பெறுவான். மேலும் ‘கல்பயந்தீ…’ என்று தொடங்கும் மந்திரத்தை தினமும் ஜபித்தால் பகைவர் அழிவு நிறைவேறும்।
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s instructional dialogue)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Protective nightly japa of Rātri-sūkta for safety and victory; daily recitation of ‘kalpayantī…’ for enemy-destruction (rakṣā and abhichāra-adjacent protective intent).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Rakṣā-japa: Rātri-sūkta and ‘Kalpayantī…’ for Kṣema, Jaya, Ari-nāśana","lookup_keywords":["rātri-sūkta","rakṣā-mantra","kṣema","jaya","ari-nāśana"],"quick_summary":"Nightly recitation of the Rātri hymn is prescribed for security and victory; a daily japa of the ‘kalpayantī…’ mantra is stated to effect the destruction of enemies."}
Concept: Regularity (nityam) and correct timing (night) are essential conditions for mantra efficacy; protection and victory are framed as outcomes of disciplined recitation.
Application: Adopt a nightly protective recitation routine for personal security; employ daily japa as a deterrent/protective measure against hostile forces.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Mantra-japa and Protective Hymns (Raksha-mantra)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A warrior-householder performs night japa before a lamp, reciting the Rātri-sūkta; in a second scene he recites ‘kalpayantī…’ at dawn, while shadowy hostile figures dissolve, symbolizing enemy-destruction.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, night shrine with oil lamp, devotee chanting with mālā, personified Rātri as dark-blue goddess with starry veil, enemies shown as fading silhouettes, bold outlines and traditional ornamentation","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, devotee before a small altar, Rātri-devī with gold halo and star motifs, gold leaf on lamp flame and ornaments, side panel showing victory banner and subdued foes","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear two-panel instructional composition: (1) night japa of Rātri-sūkta, (2) daily ‘kalpayantī…’ recitation; precise ritual items (mālā, lamp, āsana), soft palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, nocturnal interior with lamp-lit recitation, detailed textiles and architecture, allegorical enemies retreating in the courtyard, delicate starry sky, ornate border"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: japannrātrī = japan + rātrī; jayennaraḥ = jayet + naraḥ; kalpayantīti = kalpayantī + iti.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 258 (rakṣā-mantra and japa-vidhi cluster)
FAQs
It prescribes a practical rakṣā-vidhi: nightly japa of the Vedic Rātri-sūkta for protection and victory, plus daily japa of a mantra identified by its incipit “kalpayantī…”, aimed at arināśana (neutralizing enemies).
Alongside theology and myths, the Agni Purāṇa catalogs applied disciplines—here, mantra-śāstra and protective ritual technology—giving concise, use-oriented instructions (when to recite, what outcome is promised).
Regular japa is presented as a dhārmic means of securing kṣema (well-being) and jaya (success), implying purification and divine protection through disciplined remembrance and Vedic hymn-recitation.