Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 33
Ṛग्विधानम् (Ṛgvidhāna) — Applications of Ṛgvedic Mantras through Japa and Homa
दुःस्वप्नञ्चार्हते कृत्स्नं भोजनञ्चाप्नुयाच्छुभम् उभे पुमानिति तथा रक्षोघ्नः परिकीर्तितः
duḥsvapnañcārhate kṛtsnaṃ bhojanañcāpnuyācchubham ubhe pumāniti tathā rakṣoghnaḥ parikīrtitaḥ
เขาย่อมขจัดความฝันร้ายทั้งปวง และได้อาหารอันเป็นมงคล. อีกทั้งวลี “อุเภ ปุมาน” ก็ได้รับการประกาศว่าเป็นรัคโษฆนะ คือผู้ปราบรากษส (อมนุษย์อันพาล).
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Protective mantra-prayoga to avert nightmares and hostile beings (rākṣasa), and to secure auspicious nourishment/food.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Rakṣā-mantra fruits: Duḥsvapna-nāśa, Śubha-bhojana, Rākṣoghna (‘Ubhe pumān’)","lookup_keywords":["duḥsvapna","rākṣoghna","ubhe pumān","rakṣā-kalpa","śubha-bhojana"],"quick_summary":"The verse lists practical fruits of a protective mantra regimen: removal of bad dreams, attainment of auspicious food, and rākṣasa-slaying protection via the phrase ‘ubhe pumān’."}
Concept: Mantra as psychological and spiritual protection—transforming fear (nightmares/hostility) into safety and well-being (food, stability).
Application: Use a short, repeatable protective phrase as daily/bedtime japa; pair with ethical, sattvic living to support the stated fruits.
Khanda Section: Mantra-vidhi & Raksha-kalpa (Protective rites and mantra applications)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sleeper is protected by a luminous mantra-circle; dark nightmare-figures dissolve, while a rākṣasa-like shadow retreats. In the morning, auspicious food is received, symbolizing śubha-bhojana.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, night scene with sleeping figure, stylized dark duḥsvapna forms at the edges, protective mantra halo around the bed, rākṣasa silhouette fleeing, dawn panel with offering of wholesome food, rich earthy palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central protective aura with gold leaf around the sleeper, small rākṣasa figure repelled, gold accents on auspicious food vessels, ornate borders and lamps","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear narrative: (1) bedtime japa posture, (2) peaceful sleep, (3) morning auspicious meal; fine lines, gentle colors, emphasis on practical sequence","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed bedroom interior at night with attendants, faint spectral forms outside the frame, luminous calligraphic band representing mantra protection, morning courtyard scene with trays of food, refined architectural detail"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Malkauns","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दुःस्वप्नञ्चार्हते→दुःस्वप्नम् + च + अर्हते; भोजनञ्चाप्नुयाच्छुभम्→भोजनम् + च + आप्नुयात् + शुभम्; पुमानिति→पुमान् + इति; रक्षोघ्नः→रक्षः + घ्नः
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rakṣā-kalpa and mantra-phala sections (near 258)
FAQs
It states the practical phala (result) of a protective formula: removal of bad dreams and securing auspicious nourishment; it also identifies “ubhe pumān” as an apotropaic (rakṣoghna) utterance used for warding off hostile spirits.
Alongside theology, the Agni Purana catalogues applied ritual technology—mantra-results, protective utterances, and everyday benefits (sleep, food, safety)—showing its wide coverage from spiritual aims to household welfare.
By prescribing a rakṣā-oriented utterance and its fruits, the verse frames protection from negative influences as a dharmic act that supports purity of mind (undisturbed sleep) and sustenance (śubha-bhojana), reinforcing auspicious living.