Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 10
Chapter 46 — शालग्रामादिमूर्तिलक्षणकथनं
Exposition of the Characteristics of Śālagrāma and Other Sacred Forms
अनन्तो नागभोगाङ्गो नैकाभो नैकमूर्तिमान् स्थूलो दामोदरो मध्यचक्रो द्वाःसूक्ष्मविन्दुकः
ananto nāgabhogāṅgo naikābho naikamūrtimān sthūlo dāmodaro madhyacakro dvāḥsūkṣmavindukaḥ
พระองค์คืออนันตะ ผู้มีสรีระดุจขดวงของนาค; มีรัศมีหลากหลายและมีรูปภาวะหลากหลาย; องอาจใหญ่โต; เป็นทาโมทร (มีเครื่องหมายสายรัดที่เอว); มีเครื่องหมายจักรอยู่กึ่งกลาง; และมีบิณฑุอันละเอียดสองจุดเป็นนิมิต.
Lord Agni (narrating to sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s instructional frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Stotra","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Supports dhyāna (meditative visualization) and nāma-based worship by linking epithets (Ananta, Dāmodara) with form-features (nāga-bhoga body, central cakra, subtle bindu marks).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Ananta–Dāmodara dhyāna: nāga-bhoga body, manifold forms, central cakra, twin subtle bindu","lookup_keywords":["Ananta naga bhoga","naika murti","Damodara madhya chakra","dvi sukshma bindu","Vishnu dhyana lakshana"],"quick_summary":"A dhyāna-style identification: the Infinite as serpent-coiled-bodied, multi-radiant and multi-formed, vast; as Dāmodara with waist-mark; with central cakra and two subtle bindu signs—used to align name, form, and meditation."}
Alamkara Type: Bahunamokti
Concept: Dhyāna integrates nāma (name), rūpa (form), and guṇa (qualities); the Infinite is contemplated through symbolic form-features (Śeṣa, cakra, bindu).
Application: Use as a dhyāna-krama: recite epithets while visualizing corresponding features (serpent-coils, central cakra, twin bindu), stabilizing concentration in pūjā and japa.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Dhyana & Nama-stotra (iconographic and meditational epithets)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A contemplative icon: Viṣṇu as Ananta associated with serpent coils, radiating multiple hues; central cakra emphasized; a waist-cord/mark indicating Dāmodara; two tiny bindu marks subtly shown on the body.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Ananta-Viṣṇu with Śeṣa coils framing the body, deep blues and greens; multiple aura rings suggesting manifold radiance; central cakra motif on torso; delicate twin bindu dots; serene face, temple-lamp ambience.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: richly ornamented Viṣṇu with gold halo; Śeṣa canopy/coils behind; central cakra rendered with embossed gold; waist-cord highlighted; two tiny gem-like bindu marks; heavy gold work and red backdrop.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: soft gradients and precise detailing; serpent-coil motif stylized; central cakra clearly placed; waist-cord shown; twin bindu marks as fine dots; calm symmetrical composition.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: luminous multi-hued aura around Viṣṇu; serpent coils as elegant arabesque forms; central cakra motif; subtle twin bindu; refined facial features and patterned margins."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अनन्तो → अनन्तः; नागभोगाङ्गो → नाग-भोग-अङ्गः; नैकाभो → न-एक-आभः; नैकमूर्तिमान् → न-एक-मूर्तिमान्; मध्यचक्रो → मध्य-चक्रः; द्वाःसूक्ष्मविन्दुकः → द्वा(=द्वि)-सूक्ष्म-विन्दुकः (पाठे ‘द्वाः’ रूपभेदः).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 46 (dhyāna/nāma-lakṣaṇa cluster); Agni Purana 46.11 (cakra-based naming)
FAQs
It transmits dhyāna–vidhi through iconographic epithets: the deity is to be contemplated as Ananta (infinite), serpent-coiled, multi-radiant, multi-formed, with the central chakra and subtle bindu-marks—features used for precise visualization in worship.
By encoding theology, mantra-style naming, and iconographic specification in compact Sanskrit, it functions as a practical catalog for ritualists and temple traditions—showing the Purāṇa’s coverage beyond narrative into applied liturgy and sacred art description.
Meditating on these names and forms concentrates the mind on the divine attributes, supporting purification (citta-śuddhi) and devotion; such focused remembrance (smaraṇa/dhyāna) is traditionally held to generate religious merit and steadiness in worship.