Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 11
Vidyā-viśodhana-vidhāna
Procedure for Purifying Mantra-Vidyā
ताडनं छेदनं तत्र प्रवेशञ्चापि योजनं आकृष्य ग्रहणं कुर्याद्विद्यया हृत्प्रदेशतः
tāḍanaṃ chedanaṃ tatra praveśañcāpi yojanaṃ ākṛṣya grahaṇaṃ kuryādvidyayā hṛtpradeśataḥ
ณที่นั้น พึงกระทำการตีและการตัดด้วยวิทยา; ทั้งการสอดเข้าและการตรึงให้มั่นคง แล้วดึง (เป้าหมาย) เข้ามาหาตน และพึงยึดไว้ โดยกำหนดจากบริเวณหัวใจ.
Lord Agni (instructing sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Yoga","practical_application":"Technical sequence for close-combat or weapon-handling: strike, cut, insert/fix, draw-in, seize—coordinated from the heart-region (hṛt-pradeśa) implying centered intent, breath, and posture.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Fivefold operation in combat: striking, cutting, insertion, fixing, drawing and seizing","lookup_keywords":["tāḍana","chedana","praveśa","yojana","ākṛṣya-grahaṇa"],"quick_summary":"A compact training rule enumerating core actions in weapon use and grappling. Emphasizes execution ‘from the heart-region’—centered control rather than limb-only force."}
Weapon Type: General (applicable to sword, spear, dagger, and grappling)
Concept: Skill (vidyā) as embodied cognition: actions arise from the ‘heart’ (center) rather than scattered limbs.
Application: Use heart-centered posture (sternum lifted, scapula set, breath steady) to improve timing, reduce telegraphing, and maintain composure under pressure.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Weapon-science and martial applications of Vidya)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A martial instructor demonstrates a sequence: strike, cut, thrust, pin/lock, then pull the opponent in and seize—shown as five panels around a central heart-symbol indicating ‘hṛt-pradeśa’.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, kṣatriya guru teaching weapon drill, five action vignettes around a stylized heart-lotus, bold outlines, earthy reds/ochres, dynamic poses","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, heroic warrior in mid-action with sword and dagger, gold embossing on armor, five-step narrative panels, temple-like framing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional combat sequence with clear body mechanics, labeled steps in Sanskrit, emphasis on chest-centered alignment, soft colors and precise linework","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, akhara training scene, master and student in controlled sparring, sequential actions depicted with elegant motion, detailed textiles and courtyard setting"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"energetic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: praveśañcāpi → praveśam ca api; kuryādvidyayā → kuryāt vidyayā; hṛtpradeśataḥ → hṛt-pradeśataḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 86 (Dhanurveda segment)
FAQs
It teaches a practical sequence of applied technique—strike, cut, insert, fix/secure, draw the opponent/target toward oneself, and then seize—executed through “vidyā,” i.e., trained specialized method (often understood in Dhanurveda as a disciplined technique, sometimes supported by mantric focus).
By detailing operational combat procedures (not merely mythology or ritual), it shows the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic scope—preserving Dhanurveda-style technical instruction alongside theology, rites, and other sciences.
The emphasis on acting “from the heart-region” implies disciplined inner-centeredness and controlled application of force; in Purāṇic framing, right technique joined with self-mastery supports dharmic conduct even in conflict.