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
ان کا دھیان اور جپ کرنا چاہیے—منمتھ، مدھوسودن، سندر، بھاوپُشٹک (بھکتی کو پرورش دینے والا)، سَومیہ، برہمیश्वर، برہمی (پرَب्रह्म-سروپ)، منوورتّی اور سنلَی (لَی/سمادھی)۔
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.