Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 14
Chapter 378: Brahma-jñāna
Knowledge of Brahman
ज्ञानशक्तिः परैश्वर्यं वीर्यं तेजांस्यशेषतः भगवच्छब्दवाच्यानि विना हेयैर् गुणादिभिः
jñānaśaktiḥ paraiśvaryaṃ vīryaṃ tejāṃsyaśeṣataḥ bhagavacchabdavācyāni vinā heyair guṇādibhiḥ
ஞானசக்தி, பரம ஐஸ்வரியம், வீரியம், தேஜஸ்—இவை அனைத்தும் முழுமையாக ‘பகவான்’ என்ற சொல்லால் குறிக்கப்படுகின்றன; மேலும் குற்றத்தக்க குணாதிகளின்றி அது விளங்குகிறது।
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Employ as an attributes-checklist for the term ‘Bhagavan’—useful in theology, debate, and devotional contemplation to exclude defective conceptions of divinity.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Bhagavacchabda-vācya—jñānaśakti, para-aiśvarya, vīrya, tejas (nirdoṣatva)","lookup_keywords":["bhagavacchabda","jnanashakti","aishvarya","virya tejas","nirdoṣa"],"quick_summary":"The word ‘Bhagavān’ denotes complete knowledge-power, supreme sovereignty, valor, and splendor, while excluding all blameworthy qualities. It defines divinity as fullness plus faultlessness."}
Concept: Bhagavān is defined by plenitude of divine excellences (śakti/aiśvarya/vīrya/tejas) together with nirheya-guṇatva (absence of दोष/heyaguṇa).
Application: In worship and study, contemplate these ‘bhagas’ as meditative supports; in reasoning, reject any ‘god’ concept that entails limitation, ignorance, or moral defect.
Khanda Section: Bhagavata-tattva (Definitions of the Divine Attributes)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A symbolic tableau of four radiant emblems around Bhagavan—knowledge-power, sovereignty, valor, splendor—while dark ‘fault’ figures are shown being excluded or dissolved at the boundary of the divine aura.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Bhagavan with four surrounding medallions labeled jñānaśakti/aiśvarya/vīrya/tejas, demons of doṣa kept outside a glowing circular prabhā, saturated colors and stylized lotus motifs","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, Bhagavan enthroned with gold halo, four attribute-icons as jeweled lotuses, embossed gold rays for tejas, a protective aureole signifying nirdoṣatva, ornate borders","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clean didactic composition: central deity, four attribute panels with iconographic symbols (book/flame/crown/armored arm), subtle shading, elegant inscriptions","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, allegorical court scene: Bhagavan as ideal sovereign, attendants personifying jñāna, aiśvarya, vīrya, tejas; rejected vices shown departing, fine detailing and pastel palette"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तेजांस्यशेषतः = तेजांसि + अशेषतः; भगवच्छब्दवाच्यानि = भगवत् + शब्द + वाच्यानि; हेयैर् = हेयैः (रेफ-सन्धि); गुणादिभिः = गुण + आदिभिः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 378.13 (Bhagavan definition by omniscience); Agni Purana 378 (moksha-vidya continuation: avidya/moha analysis)
FAQs
A technical nirvacana (semantic definition) of the term “Bhagavān,” specifying the core divine excellences—knowledge-power, sovereignty, valor, and splendor—while excluding all defective attributes.
It shows the Agni Purana functioning as a doctrinal and linguistic compendium: alongside rituals and practical sciences, it also preserves precise theological terminology and definition-style exegesis (nirvacana) used in śāstric debate and devotion.
It guides correct contemplation and speech about the Divine: recognizing Bhagavān as perfect and free from दोष (defect) supports purified devotion and right understanding, which are treated as spiritually elevating in Purāṇic practice.