Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 37
Tvaritā-pūjā (The Worship of Tvaritā) — Transition Verse and Context
वज्रतुण्डा समाख्याता वज्रदेशे तु बन्धयेत् उभाभ्याञ्चैव हस्ताभ्यां मणिबन्धन्तु बन्धयेत्
vajratuṇḍā samākhyātā vajradeśe tu bandhayet ubhābhyāñcaiva hastābhyāṃ maṇibandhantu bandhayet
มุทรานี้เรียกว่า ‘วัชรตุณฑา’ (Vajratuṇḍā). พึงผูกตรึงไว้ที่บริเวณวัชระ; และด้วยมือทั้งสองให้ยึดไว้ที่ ‘มณิพันธะ’ คือข้อข้อมือ.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in encyclopedic ritual-technical procedures)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Vajratuṇḍā mudrā placement at the ‘vajra-region’ and fastening at the wrist-joint (maṇibandha) with both hands; used as a sealing/protective lock in ritual and mantra-prayoga.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vajratuṇḍā-mudrā (vajra-sthāna and maṇibandha application)","lookup_keywords":["Vajratuṇḍā","vajra-deśa","maṇibandha","mudrā","bandhana"],"quick_summary":"This seal named Vajratuṇḍā is to be applied at the vajra-region and then fixed at the wrist-joint using both hands, functioning as a firm ‘vajra-like’ binding in the rite."}
Concept: ‘Vajra’ signifies indestructible steadiness; fixing the seal at maṇibandha symbolizes controlling outward action (karma-indriya) and securing the rite’s boundary (maryādā).
Application: Use Vajratuṇḍā as a protective ‘lock’ before/after japa or during kavaca portions; keep wrists steady to reduce fidgeting and preserve ritual concentration.
Khanda Section: Tantra / Mudrā-vidhi (Nyāsa and hand-seals used in mantra-sādhana and ritual practice)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A practitioner forms Vajratuṇḍā and applies it at a designated ‘vajra’ locus, then clasps/fastens both wrists (maṇibandha) with the seal, suggesting a protective binding.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, strong stylized hands at wrist-joints, glowing vajra motif near the applied locus, bold contours, ritual setting with bell and lamp.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-highlighted vajra emblem and wrist ornaments, both hands fastening at maṇibandha, rich decorative borders, shrine backdrop.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear depiction of wrist-joint placement, instructional clarity of both-hand fastening, soft palette, minimal background for focus.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed wrists and bangles, subtle vajra symbol near the locus, refined interior with patterned textiles, composed posture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vajratuṇḍā = vajra + tuṇḍā; ubhābhyāñcaiva = ubhābhyām + ca + eva (ṃ + c → ñc); maṇibandhantu = maṇibandham + tu (final -m before t often written with anusvāra/assimilation).
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa 309 (mudrā-vidhi; body-loci mapping such as hṛdaya, nābhi, maṇibandha)
FAQs
It teaches the application (bandhana) of the Vajratuṇḍā mudrā—where it is to be placed in ritual body-mapping: at the ‘vajra’ region and at the wrist-joint (maṇibandha) using both hands.
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana preserves procedural, technical ritual know-how—precise mudrā names, placement points, and performance cues—functioning like a manual for mantra-sādhana and pūjā-technology.
Correct mudrā-bandhana is traditionally held to ‘seal’ and stabilize mantra-power, protect the practitioner, and ensure the rite bears intended fruit (siddhi) without ritual defects (doṣa).