Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 36
अश्ववाहनसारः
Aśvavāhana-sāra) — Essentials of Horses as Mounts (and Horse-Treatment
पादौ तेनापि पादः स्याद्गृहीतो वाम एव हि अग्रे चेच्चरणे त्यक्ते जायते सुदृढासनं
pādau tenāpi pādaḥ syādgṛhīto vāma eva hi agre ceccaraṇe tyakte jāyate sudṛḍhāsanaṃ
ด้วยวิธีนั้นเองควรจับเท้าทั้งสอง; แท้จริงให้จับเท้าซ้ายก่อน เมื่อปล่อยเท้าไปข้างหน้าและวางให้มั่นคง ย่อมเกิดท่านั่ง/อาสนะที่แน่นแฟ้นยิ่ง
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Yoga-śāstra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Asana stability cue: grasp/position the left foot first, then extend/release forward to lock a firm seat/posture.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Āsana-bandha: Left-foot-first grasping for firm posture","lookup_keywords":["āsana","pāda-graha","vāma-pāda","sthira-āsana","yoga-śāstra"],"quick_summary":"A practical sequencing rule for posture-building: begin with the left foot grasp/placement; when the foot is set forward and released into position, the posture becomes stable."}
Concept: Sthiratā (steadiness) arises from correct method (krama) and controlled placement.
Application: Apply stepwise technique in āsana practice to build stability before breath-control or meditation.
Khanda Section: Yoga-śāstra (Āsana-prakaraṇa)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A yogin demonstrating an asana setup: left foot grasped/positioned first, then released forward to create a firm seated posture; emphasis on hands, feet, and alignment.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, yogin seated on mat in temple-ashram setting, clear depiction of left foot being held then placed forward, warm earthy palette, stylized anatomy and calm face.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, yogin with halo-like aura, ornate border, gold accents, hands holding left foot, posture transitioning into stable seat, minimal background with lotus motifs.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional clarity: sequential pose depiction (two-step), fine lines, soft shading, labeled left foot emphasis, serene studio-like background.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, yogin in garden pavilion, attendant observing, detailed textiles and mat, precise rendering of foot placement and hand grip."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तेनापि = तेन + अपि; स्याद्गृहीतः = स्यात् + गृहीतः; चेच्चरणे = चेत् + चरणे; सुदृढासनम् = सु + दृढ + आसनम् (कर्मधारय).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 287 (Yoga-śāstra / āsana-prakaraṇa)
FAQs
It gives a practical āsana-sequencing cue: grasp and position the left foot first, then release/place the foot forward to stabilize the seat, producing a firm posture suitable for practice.
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana preserves applied yogic body-technology—stepwise posture mechanics—showing its coverage of practical disciplines (yoga/health/meditation methods) alongside ritual, polity, and arts.
A steady āsana supports breath-control and meditation without distraction; stability of the body is treated as a prerequisite for inner steadiness, aiding concentration and the purificatory aims of yogic practice.