Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 6
Mahāpātaka-ādi-kathana
Account of the Great Sins) — concluding note incl. ‘Mārjāra-vadha’ (killing of a cat
चतुर्थकालमश्रीयादक्षारलवणं मितं गोमूत्रेण चरेत् स्नानं द्वौ मासौ नियतेन्द्रियः
caturthakālamaśrīyādakṣāralavaṇaṃ mitaṃ gomūtreṇa caret snānaṃ dvau māsau niyatendriyaḥ
وہ صرف چوتھے وقت کھانا کھائے، کھار اور نمک مقدار کے ساتھ لے؛ اور حواس کو قابو میں رکھ کر دو ماہ تک گوموتر سے غسل کرے۔
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Describes a purificatory regimen with dietary timing (fourth-kāla eating), measured kṣāra-lavaṇa intake, and bathing with gomūtra for two months under sense-restraint—used as shodhana-like discipline in expiation contexts.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Śodhana-Regimen: Caturtha-kāla Bhojana, Kṣāra-Lavaṇa-mātra, Gomūtra-snāna","lookup_keywords":["caturtha-kāla","kṣāra","lavaṇa","gomūtra-snāna","niyata-indriya"],"quick_summary":"A timed, restricted diet with measured alkali and salt, combined with gomūtra bathing and sense-control for two months, is prescribed as a sustained purification regimen."}
Dosha: Kapha
Concept: Indriya-nigraha (sense-restraint) as the backbone of purification; bodily regimen supports ethical-spiritual cleansing.
Application: Pairs external discipline (diet, bathing) with internal discipline (sense-control) as a sustained practice over a fixed duration.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Rasayana & Shodhana / Purificatory regimen)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A disciplined penitent follows a regimen: eating only at a prescribed time, measuring salt and alkali, and bathing with gomūtra over two months; the scene emphasizes methodical purification and restraint.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sequential vignette: penitent measuring kṣāra and lavaṇa in small bowls, then bathing ritual with a vessel labeled gomūtra, calm posture indicating indriya-nigraha, warm earthy palette and stylized water motifs","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central figure with ritual vessels, gold-highlighted bowls for salt/alkali, ornate pot for bathing liquid, rich background, subtle gold to mark ritual purity rather than luxury","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional clarity: time-of-meal indicated by sun position, measured ingredients shown precisely, bathing step depicted with clean lines, soft colors, emphasis on regimen steps and duration","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, domestic courtyard with detailed utensils, penitent carefully measuring condiments, then bathing scene with attendants at a respectful distance, fine architectural detail and naturalistic water rendering"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: aśrīyāt + akṣāra-lavaṇam → aśrīyādakṣāralavaṇam; niyata + indriyaḥ → niyatendriyaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Ayurveda-related regimens (rasāyana/śodhana passages); Agni Purana: prāyaścitta dietary rules (same khanda)
FAQs
It prescribes a structured purification regimen: restricted meal-timing (caturthakāla), moderate intake of alkaline-saline substances, and a two-month course of bathing with gomūtra, all under sensory restraint.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical health-and-hygiene protocols framed as disciplined observances—showing its wide scope that includes Ayurvedic-style regimen, dietetics, and purification practices.
The verse links bodily cleansing and dietary restraint with inner discipline (niyatendriya), presenting purification as both a physical practice and a merit-bearing austerity that supports mental and ritual purity.