Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 50
Prāyaścitta — Definitions of Killing, Brahmahatyā, and Graded Expiations
चान्द्रायणान् वा त्रीन्मासानभ्यस्य गुरुतल्पगः एवमेव विधिं कुर्याद् योषित्सु पतितास्वपि
cāndrāyaṇān vā trīnmāsānabhyasya gurutalpagaḥ evameva vidhiṃ kuryād yoṣitsu patitāsvapi
O kaya, matapos isagawa ang tatlong panatang Cāndrāyaṇa sa loob ng tatlong buwan, ang lalaking nagkasala ng paglapastangan sa higaan ng guro ay dapat sumunod sa gayunding itinakdang paraan ng pagtubos—maging sa kaso ng mga babaeng nalugmok sa maling asal.
Lord Agni (narrating dharma and expiation to sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s discourse frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Provides an alternative expiation via repeated Cāndrāyaṇa observances, offering a vow-based route for atonement in place of lethal penance; also extends procedure to fallen women in analogous cases.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Three Cāndrāyaṇas as expiation for gurutalpa; applicability to women","lookup_keywords":["cāndrāyaṇa","gurutalpa","vrata","prāyaścitta","patitā"],"quick_summary":"Instead of death-penance, the offender may perform three Cāndrāyaṇa vows over three months; the same procedural rule is stated as applicable in corresponding cases involving fallen women."}
Concept: Atonement can be pursued through sustained self-regulation aligned to lunar discipline (cāndrāyaṇa), emphasizing inner restraint over corporal punishment.
Application: Adopt structured vow-practice (regulated intake, observances, confession) as a rehabilitative expiation within dharma frameworks.
Khanda Section: Dharma-shastra / Prayashchitta (Expiatory rites and penances)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vow-observance scene across lunar days: the penitent marking moon phases on a palm-leaf calendar, taking measured food portions, with a priest instructing the Cāndrāyaṇa regimen.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, moon disc phases in a border frieze, penitent with measuring bowl, priest with manuscript, muted temple colors, serene austerity.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, crescent-to-full moon motif in gold, central figure with small measured rice portion, ornate frame, devotional-didactic tone.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional layout: lunar calendar, measured portions, simple household altar, fine linework and gentle colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholar and penitent in a courtyard at night with visible moon, detailed calendar sheet, delicate rendering of utensils and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्रीन्मासानभ्यस्य = त्रीन् + मासान् + अभ्यस्य; एवमेव = एवम् + एव; योषित्सु पतितास्वपि = योषित्सु + पतितासु + अपि.
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa 173.49 (severe expiation); Agni Purāṇa 173.51 (penance parity principle)
FAQs
It prescribes Cāndrāyaṇa-based penance (performed over three months) as an expiatory discipline for the gurutalpa offense, stating that the same rule applies even when the transgression involves women described as patitā (fallen in conduct).
It shows the Agni Purana functioning as a dharma compendium by cataloging specific sins and matching them with standardized, time-bound expiations (vratas), alongside broader topics elsewhere like ritual, polity, medicine, and aesthetics.
The verse frames penance as a structured means of karmic purification—restoring ritual and moral order through disciplined vrata practice after a grave transgression.