Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 6
Nīrājana-vidhiḥ
Procedure of Nīrājana / Auspicious Lamp-Waving and Royal Propitiation
वर्धस्वेन्द्र जितामित्र वृत्रहन् पाकशासन देव देव महाभाग त्वं हि भूमिष्ठतां गतः
vardhasvendra jitāmitra vṛtrahan pākaśāsana deva deva mahābhāga tvaṃ hi bhūmiṣṭhatāṃ gataḥ
Sumagana ka, O Indra—manlulupig ng mga kaaway, pumatay kay Vṛtra, tagapagparusa kay Pāka! O diyos ng mga diyos, O lubhang mapalad: tunay ngang natamo mo ang matatag na paninindig sa ibabaw ng lupa.
Puranic narrator (Agni Purana’s voice) presenting a hymn/praise addressed to Indra
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Stotra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Used as an Indra-invocation in praise, auspicious openings, and protective recitation for victory and stability in undertakings (especially royal/communal rites seeking rain and security).","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Indra as Vṛtrahan and Pākāśāsana (Victory and Earthly Steadfastness)","lookup_keywords":["Indra-stuti","Vṛtrahan","Pākāśāsana","jitamitra","bhūmiṣṭhatā"],"quick_summary":"The verse praises Indra by his classic epithets (slayer of Vṛtra, chastiser of Pāka) and blesses him with increase and firm establishment. Practically, it functions as a victory-and-stability benediction within stotra recitation."}
Alamkara Type: Sambodhana (direct address) with Bahuvrīhi-epithets; Anuprāsa (light alliteration)
Concept: Divine kingship as protector: victory over chaos (Vṛtra) and establishment of order on earth.
Application: Frames rulership/leadership as stabilizing the world through courage, discipline, and protection of the community.
Khanda Section: Stotra / Devendra-stuti (Puranic Hymn and Praise)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Indra, radiant and armed, is praised as the slayer of Vṛtra and conqueror of foes, standing firmly upon the earth as order is restored.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, Indra (Śakra) with golden aura, vajra in hand, celestial attendants, subdued serpent/dragon Vṛtra below, lush clouds and rain motifs, bold flat colors, ornate jewelry","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central Indra seated/standing with vajra, heavy gold foil ornaments, embossed halo, Vṛtra subdued at the base, rich red and green background, temple arch framing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, refined linework, soft shading, Indra with epithets inscribed on a scroll, symbolic earth pedestal indicating bhūmiṣṭhatā, minimal narrative clutter","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly composition with Indra as a regal warrior, detailed textiles, Vṛtra as a coiled adversary, attendants offering praise, delicate cloud bands and rain"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Megh Malhar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वर्धस्वेन्द्र → वर्धस्व + इन्द्र; भूमिष्ठतां (IAST bhūmiṣṭhatāṃ) taken as भूमि-ष्ठताम् (bhūmi-ṣṭhatām).
Related Themes: Agni Purana stotra sections praising devas and lokapālas (general); Agni Purana rajadharma passages linking victory, rain, and kingly welfare (general)
FAQs
This verse functions as a stuti (praise-formula) invoking Indra’s victorious and protective power through his epithets (Vṛtrahan, Pākaśāsana), used devotionally for strength, victory, and removal of obstacles.
By preserving deity-epithets and praise-structures (stotra-style address), it documents Purāṇic theology, mythic memory (Vṛtra-slaying), and practical devotional speech-forms alongside the Agni Purana’s many other domains (ritual, polity, arts, and sciences).
Praising Indra as the remover of obstruction and conqueror of foes is traditionally held to cultivate courage and auspiciousness, aligning the devotee with dharmic victory and protective divine order.