Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 54
Ṛग्विधानम् (Ṛgvidhāna) — Applications of Ṛgvedic Mantras through Japa and Homa
मनसः काम इत्य् एतां पशुकामो नरो जपेत् कर्दमेन इति स्नायात्प्रजाकामः शुचिव्रतः
manasaḥ kāma ity etāṃ paśukāmo naro japet kardamena iti snāyātprajākāmaḥ śucivrataḥ
Ang lalaking nagnanais ng mga alagang hayop ay dapat bumigkas ng mantrang nagsisimula sa “manasaḥ kāma…”. Ang nagnanais ng supling, na tumutupad sa malinis na panata, ay dapat maligo habang binibigkas ang mantrang nagsisimula sa “kardamena…”.
Lord Agni (traditional Agni Purana narrator) instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Desire-oriented mantra-japa and mantra-snāna (ritual bathing) for specific worldly aims such as cattle and progeny.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Kāma-siddhi via Mantra-japa and Mantra-snāna (Paśu-kāma, Prajā-kāma)","lookup_keywords":["manasaḥ kāma","kardamena","paśukāma","prajākāma","snāna-vidhi"],"quick_summary":"For cattle, recite the mantra beginning “manasaḥ kāma…”. For offspring, maintain purity/vow and bathe while reciting the mantra beginning “kardamena…”, treating snāna itself as a mantra-prayoga."}
Concept: Mantra efficacy is enhanced by śauca (purity), vrata (self-restraint), and correct prayoga (application) such as mantra-snāna.
Application: Undertake a short purity-vow (clean conduct, controlled speech/food) and perform japa/snāna with clear saṅkalpa for the stated aim.
Khanda Section: Mantra-japa & Snana-vidhi (Ritual applications for specific desires)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vow-observing practitioner at a riverbank or bathing platform, reciting a mantra while performing ritual bath; nearby cows/calf imagery for paśu-kāma and a family/blessing motif for prajā-kāma.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style: serene riverbank snāna scene, a brāhmaṇa in white cloth doing ācamana and japa, subtle depiction of cows behind, warm earthy palette, stylized lotus water, traditional ornamented borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: central figure performing mantra-snāna with gold-leaf halo-like aura, small cow and calf at side, ornate arch frame, rich reds and greens, embossed jewelry details.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: instructional composition showing steps—saṅkalpa, japa, snāna—clean linework, soft shading, labeled ritual items (kamaṇḍalu, darbha), calm domestic prosperity symbols.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed riverside bathing pavilion, figure reciting mantra with rosary, attendants holding cloth and water pot, cows in background pasture, fine architectural detailing and naturalistic landscape."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्य् एताम् = इति + एताम्; स्नायात्प्रजाकामः = स्नायात् + प्रजाकामः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 258 (Mantra-japa & Snana-vidhi context); Agni Purana mantra-prayoga sections on kāmya rites
FAQs
It gives a kāmya-prayoga (desire-oriented ritual application): japa of a specific mantra-incipit for obtaining cattle, and a mantra-accompanied ritual bath (snāna) for one seeking offspring, with an emphasis on śuci-vrata (maintained purity).
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana functions as a practical compendium: it catalogs targeted rites—mantra-japa, purity vows, and snāna procedures—showing how ritual technology is applied to everyday aims like prosperity in livestock and continuation of lineage.
The verse links desired outcomes to disciplined practice: purity (śuci-vrata), regulated recitation (japa), and purificatory bathing (snāna) are presented as karmically efficacious acts that align intention, body, and speech with dharmic ritual order.