Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 18
सकलादिमन्त्रोद्धारः (Sakalādi-mantra-uddhāra) — Chapter Colophon/Transition
मन्मथं मधुसूदञ्च सुन्दरं भावपुष्टकम् सौम्ये ब्रह्मेश्वरं ब्राह्मं मनोवृत्तिञ्च संलयम्
manmathaṃ madhusūdañca sundaraṃ bhāvapuṣṭakam saumye brahmeśvaraṃ brāhmaṃ manovṛttiñca saṃlayam
Dapat pagnilayan (at bigkasin) ang mga ito: Manmatha; Madhusūdana; ang Marikit; ang Tagapagpalusog ng debosyon; ang Maamo; si Brahmeśvara; ang Mala-Brahman (Kataas-taasan); ang mga galaw ng isip; at ang laya, ang pagkalusaw sa pagninilay.
Lord Agni (traditionally narrating the Agni Purana’s teachings to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Nāma-japa and devatā-smṛti: using a sequence of divine names and inner states (vṛtti, laya) for contemplative upāsanā and mind-integration.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Devata-smṛti Nāma-samuccaya with Manovṛtti and Laya","lookup_keywords":["nama-japa","devata-smriti","Manmatha","Madhusudana","manovritti"],"quick_summary":"A recitation-list that blends deity-epithets with yogic-psychological terms, guiding the practitioner from devotional contemplation toward mental absorption (laya)."}
Alamkara Type: Nāma-mālā (catalog of names) with semantic progression (arthānupūrvyā).
Concept: Upāsanā that unites bhakti (names/epithets) with yoga (manovṛtti-nirodha leading to laya).
Application: Use the list as a japa-cycle: begin with deity-names to steady emotion, then contemplate manovṛtti (mental movements) and conclude in laya (absorption) during meditation.
Khanda Section: Nama-japa & Devata-smriti (Mantra/Upasana: enumerating divine names for contemplation)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A meditator performing nāma-japa: deity-forms (Manmatha, Madhusūdana, a gentle Brahmeśvara-like form) appear as subtle visions, then dissolve into waves of mind (vṛtti) and finally into stillness (laya).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural showing a seated sādhaka with japa-mālā; above, three vignette panels: Manmatha with floral bow, Madhusūdana with conch and discus, a serene Brahmeśvara form; the topmost panel fades into stylized mind-waves dissolving into a calm lotus of stillness (laya)","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with central sādhaka and small golden medallions around: Manmatha, Madhusūdana, Sundara; outer ring shows stylized script of names; inner ring shows a calm blue aura symbolizing laya, heavy gold leaf halos and ornaments","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting emphasizing instructional clarity: sequence diagram—icons of deities transitioning to a schematic of mind-waves labeled ‘manovṛtti’ and a final blank luminous circle labeled ‘laya’; fine lines, soft colors, neat captions","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature of a scholar-sādhaka in a quiet chamber with manuscripts; faint visionary figures of Manmatha and Madhusūdana in cloud-like cartouches; the final cartouche shows abstract swirling lines settling into a still pool, intricate borders and textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: madhusūdañca → madhu-sūdam + ca; brahmeśvaraṃ → brahma-īśvaram; manovṛttiñca → mano-vṛttim + ca.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 317 (Nama-japa & devata-smriti sequence around pūjā-vidhi)
FAQs
It gives a compact upāsanā-method: remembering/reciting divine epithets (nāma-smaraṇa/japa) together with yogic contemplations—observing manovṛtti (mind-activities) and entering saṃlaya (laya/absorption).
In a single line it bridges devotional theology (Vishnu epithets like Madhusūdana), sect-neutral metaphysics (brāhma—Brahman-oriented), and practical yoga psychology (manovṛtti, laya), showing how the Agni Purana integrates bhakti and yogic discipline.
Nāma-smaraṇa purifies speech and mind, while attention to manovṛtti and laya steadies concentration; together they are presented as a means to inner purification and meditative union with the Supreme.