Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 40
Chapter 31 — मार्जनविधानं
The Procedure of Mārjana / Purificatory Sprinkling
प्राच्यां प्रतीच्यां च दिशि दक्षिणोत्तरतस् तथा रक्षाङ्करोतु सर्वात्मा नरसिंहः सुगर्जितः
prācyāṃ pratīcyāṃ ca diśi dakṣiṇottaratas tathā rakṣāṅkarotu sarvātmā narasiṃhaḥ sugarjitaḥ
مشرق و مغرب کی سمتوں میں، اور اسی طرح جنوب و شمال کی طرف سے بھی، سب کا باطن، مبارک و ہیبت ناک گرجنے والے نرسِمہ ہماری حفاظت کرے۔
Lord Agni (narrating the protective rite/mantra to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Dik-bandhana (directional sealing) and raksha-kavaca recitation in puja to ward off seen/unseen harms from all quarters.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Mantra","entry_title":"Narasimha Dik-Raksha (Directional Protection)","lookup_keywords":["Narasimha","dik-bandhana","raksha-mantra","prācī-pratīcī","sugharjita"],"quick_summary":"Invoke Narasiṃha as the all-pervading inner Self to establish a protective perimeter in the cardinal directions; used as a ritual safeguard before/within worship and prayoga."}
Alamkara Type: Anuprāsa (phonetic resonance in directional listing)
Concept: Sarvātmatva (the Lord as inner Self of all) as the basis of protection.
Application: During nyāsa/saṅkalpa, visualize Narasiṃha pervading the quarters; cultivate fearlessness grounded in the all-pervading Self.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Raksha-mantra (Narasimha protective invocation; Dik-bandhana theme)
Primary Rasa: Vira
Secondary Rasa: Adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A worshipper stands within a consecrated circle, visualizing Narasiṃha’s roaring presence sealing the east, west, south, and north with protective light.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, Narasiṃha with radiant halo and leonine face, roaring to the four directions, stylized flames and lotus motifs, priest performing dik-bandhana, earthy reds and greens, sacred geometry border.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, Narasiṃha central with embossed gold halo, four directional guardianship indicated by gold rays to cardinal points, devotee in añjali, rich jewel tones, ornate arch frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition showing the four directions labeled, Narasiṃha’s protective aura extending, clean linework, soft shading, ritual implements (kalasha, lamp) in foreground.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed courtyard shrine scene, Narasiṃha as a luminous apparition roaring, attendants and priest, compass-like layout marking directions, fine floral margins and delicate architecture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"protective","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"devotional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: रक्षाङ्करोतु = रक्षाम् + करोतु (म् + क → ङ्क). दक्षिणोत्तरतस् = दक्षिण-उत्तर-तः (द्वन्द्व + तः).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 31 (Rakṣā-mantra / Puja-vidhi context)
FAQs
It teaches a rakṣā-prayoga (protective application) focused on dik-rakṣā—invoking Narasiṃha to establish protection in the cardinal directions (east, west, south, north) as part of ritual safeguarding.
Alongside theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical liturgical technology—directional warding, mantra-based protection, and structured invocations—showing it functions as a manual of ritual procedures in addition to narrative and doctrine.
Invoking Narasiṃha as sarvātmā frames protection as alignment with the indwelling divine presence; it is traditionally held to remove fear, avert obstacles, and purify the practitioner’s environment through devotional remembrance.