Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 39
Pratiṣṭhā-sāmagrī-vidhāna — Prescription of Materials and Conditions for Consecration
रक्षायै तिलदर्भौघो भस्मस्नानन्तु केवलं यवगोधूमविल्वानां चूर्णानि च विचक्षणः
rakṣāyai tiladarbhaugho bhasmasnānantu kevalaṃ yavagodhūmavilvānāṃ cūrṇāni ca vicakṣaṇaḥ
เพื่อการคุ้มครอง ควรใช้กองงาและหญ้าดัรภะ; และการอาบด้วยเถ้าล้วนก็เป็นข้อกำหนดด้วย. ผู้มีปัญญาควรใช้ผงข้าวบาร์เลย์ ผงข้าวสาลี และผงผลบิลวะเพิ่มเติม
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Ayurveda","practical_application":"Protective rite (rakṣā-kalpa) using sesame and darbha, ash-bath, and grain/bilva powders for purification and warding off harm.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Rakṣā-kalpa: tila-darbha, bhasma-snāna, yava-godhūma-bilva-cūrṇa","lookup_keywords":["rakṣā-kalpa","tila","darbha","bhasma-snāna","bilva-cūrṇa"],"quick_summary":"For protection, employ sesame with darbha, perform an ash-only bath, and apply/use powders of barley, wheat, and bilva as purificatory-protective substances."}
Concept: Protection is pursued through disciplined purificatory acts and apotropaic substances (rakṣā-dravya).
Application: Before vulnerable transitions (travel, vows, worship), perform prescribed cleansing and carry/apply rakṣā substances per tradition.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Raksha-kalpa (Protective rites and ritual remedies)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A protective purification: sesame and darbha arranged as a protective bundle, a person performing bhasma-snāna, and bowls of barley, wheat, and bilva powders prepared for use.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, ascetic/priest applying bhasma, darbha and sesame bundle on a ritual tray, bowls of grain and bilva powders, temple courtyard with bold outlines and rhythmic patterns","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, devotional protective scene with gold-highlighted bhasma markings, ornate tray holding tila-darbha, shining bowls of powders, rich textile backdrop and gold frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional depiction: three-step rakṣā—(1) tila+darbha bundle (2) bhasma-snāna (3) application of yava/godhūma/bilva powders—clear sequencing and fine detail","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate domestic courtyard purification, figure bathing with ash, attendants holding darbha-sesame bundle and powder bowls, delicate architectural and textile detail"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तिलदर्भौघो = तिल + दर्भ + ओघः (sandhi: a + o → au); भस्मस्नानन्तु = भस्मस्नानम् + तु; यवगोधूमविल्वानां = यव + गोधूम + विल्वानाम् (compound).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 95 (rakṣā-kalpa context)
FAQs
It prescribes simple apotropaic measures: using sesame and darbha as protective materials, performing ash-bath (bhasma-snāna) for purification, and applying/using powders of barley, wheat, and bilva as practical protective adjuncts.
Alongside theology, the text records actionable ritual-technology—specific materials (tila, darbha, bhasma) and plant/grain preparations (yava, godhūma, bilva) used for protection and cleansing—showing the Purana’s coverage of applied religious practice and household-level remedies.
These acts function as purification and warding-off rites: ash-bathing signifies removal of impurity, while darbha and bilva are traditionally sanctifying substances—together aiming to reduce harmful influences and support ritual cleanliness, which is treated as merit-bearing in dharmic practice.