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
జ్ఞానశక్తి, పరమైశ్వర్యం, వీర్యం, తేజస్సు—ఇవి సమగ్రంగా ‘భగవాన్’ అనే పదార్థం; మరియు నిందనీయం అయిన గుణాదులేమీ ఇందులో ఉండవు।
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.