Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 48
Āgneya-Purāṇa-māhātmya
The Greatness and Self-Testimony of the Agni Purāṇa
नास्मात्परतरो ग्रन्थो नास्मात्परतरो गतिः नास्मात्परतरं शास्त्रं नास्मात्परतरा श्रुतिः
nāsmātparataro grantho nāsmātparataro gatiḥ nāsmātparataraṃ śāstraṃ nāsmātparatarā śrutiḥ
இதற்கு மேல் சிறந்த நூல் இல்லை; இதற்கு மேல் உயர்ந்த அடைவு/இலக்கு இல்லை. இதற்கு மேல் பெரிய சாஸ்திரம் இல்லை; இதற்கு மேல் உயர்ந்த ஸ்ருதி இல்லை।
Lord Agni (narrating the Agni Purana) to Sage Vasiṣṭha (traditional dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"A hierarchy-of-authority proclamation used to inspire commitment to study/recitation and to treat the text as a guiding refuge (gati) for conduct and liberation-oriented practice.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Supremacy-claims: Grantha, Gati, Śāstra, Śruti","lookup_keywords":["grantha","gati","shastra","shruti","mahatmya"],"quick_summary":"Asserts unsurpassed status of this teaching as text, refuge/goal, śāstra-system, and śruti-like authority—functioning as a motivational seal for adherence."}
Alamkara Type: Anaphora (repetition of ‘nās māt parataraḥ’)
Concept: Textual refuge: treating śāstra as a ‘gati’ (path/goal) and aligning one’s life with its prescriptions as the highest support.
Application: Adopt disciplined śāstra-based living—regular study, reflection, and application—using the text as a normative compass.
Khanda Section: Śāstra-stuti / Śruti-grantha-māhātmya (Praise of scripture; doctrinal summary)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A didactic tableau: a towering scripture pedestal labeled grantha/śāstra/śruti/gati, with seekers ascending steps toward a luminous summit, guided by a sage-teacher.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized staircase to a radiant manuscript shrine, four inscriptions (grantha, gati, śāstra, śruti), sages guiding devotees, bold outlines and saturated tones","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, central scripture on throne with gold radiance, four symbolic emblems around it (path, teaching wheel, śruti scroll, book), heavy gold work and ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clean instructional symbolism: labeled elements, teacher pointing, balanced composition, gentle colors and fine linework","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architectural steps leading to a library pavilion, scholars and seekers, delicate calligraphy panels for the four terms, refined detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नास्मात्परतरो = न + अस्मात् + परतरः. नास्मात्परतरं = न + अस्मात् + परतरम्. नास्मात्परतरा = न + अस्मात् + परतरा.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: śāstra-stuti/mahatmya cluster (382.46–49)
FAQs
It teaches śāstra-prāmāṇya: the principle that an authoritative text/teaching (śāstra) and revealed tradition (śruti) are the highest guides for practice and attainment, establishing scriptural authority as the operative “method” for dharma and sādhanā.
By asserting the supremacy of the Purāṇic teaching as an integrating framework, it legitimizes the Agni Purana’s wide-ranging subjects—ritual, polity, medicine, architecture, and poetics—under a single śāstric authority, a hallmark of its encyclopedic design.
It promotes śraddhā (trust) in sacred instruction: treating the teaching as the highest refuge supports right conduct and disciplined practice, which Purāṇic tradition associates with purification of karma and progress toward the highest goal (gati).