Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 5
Chapter 172 — “Expiations beginning with the Secret
Rites)” (Rahasya-ādi-prāyaścitta
करोति कर्मभूतो ऽसौ स्थवरस्य चरस्य च तत् पापन्नाशमायातु तस्मिन्नेव हि चिन्तिते
karoti karmabhūto 'sau sthavarasya carasya ca tat pāpannāśamāyātu tasminneva hi cintite
พระองค์ทรงเป็นดุจตัวการแห่งกรรมเอง กระทำกิจของทั้งสิ่งอยู่กับที่และสิ่งเคลื่อนไหว; ขอให้บาปพินาศไป—แท้จริงเพียงเมื่อระลึกภาวนาถึงพระองค์นั้น
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Prayashchitta through smarana/japa: contemplation of the Lord as universal agent reduces guilt, purifies intention, and is prescribed as a quick inner expiation alongside ethical correction.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Smarana-matra papa-nasha (sin-destruction by contemplation)","lookup_keywords":["prayashchitta","papa-nasha","smarana","japa-phala","sthavara-jangama"],"quick_summary":"Teaches that the Lord, as the inner agent of all beings (movable and immovable), destroys sin at the very moment of true contemplation. Practical use: immediate mental turning (smriti) as expiation, followed by dharmic resolve."}
Alamkara Type: Arthantaranyasa (reasoning support): because He is agent of all, contemplation destroys sin
Concept: Ishvara as karmadhyaksha/inner doer across sthavara-jangama; smarana as immediate purifier (papa-kshaya) when contemplation is sincere.
Application: When remorse arises, pause action, recollect Vishnu as the inner witness/agent, mentally offer the act and its fruits, and take a vow of restraint; use as a daily prayashchitta at dusk/dawn.
Khanda Section: Prayashchitta and Mantra-vidhi (Sin-removal through contemplation/japa)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A devotee turning inward in repentance; the cosmos of moving and unmoving beings shown around, with a central Vishnu presence as the unseen agent; sin dissolving as dark smoke dispersing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: circular composition—trees/mountains (sthavara) and animals/humans (jangama) around; central blue-gold Vishnu aura; dark haze (papa) fading near the devotee’s folded hands.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Vishnu’s radiant presence with gold leaf halo; below, devotee offering a dark bundle (symbolic sin) that transforms into light; ornate frame and temple lamps.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: narrative-instructional scene—two panels: ‘before contemplation’ with dark cloud over head, ‘after’ with clear aura; subtle labels; calm palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: allegorical courtly scene of a penitent figure; surrounding vignettes of creatures and trees; a luminous central medallion representing Vishnu; fine detailing and muted gold."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कर्मभूतः+असौ→कर्मभूतोऽसौ; पाप+नाशम्→पापन्नाशम् (अनुस्वार/नकार-सन्धि); नाशम्+आयातु→नाशमायातु; तस्मिन्+एव→तस्मिन्नेव
Related Themes: Agni Purana 172.6 (dhyana and dream-vision fruit); Agni Purana prayashchitta discussions in dharma-related sections elsewhere
FAQs
It teaches a prayāścitta principle: sin is destroyed through focused contemplation (cintana) of the supreme agency that operates all actions in all beings (mobile and immobile).
Alongside ritual and practical sciences, the Agni Purana also systematizes expiatory doctrine (prayāścitta) and karma-theory—showing how inner disciplines like contemplation function as a purificatory method.
It frames purification as immediate and internal: right contemplation of the ultimate doer/ground of action can neutralize pāpa, emphasizing transformation of intention and awareness as a karmic remedy.