Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 9
Chapter 34 — होमादिविधिः
The Procedure for Homa and Related Rites
फट्कारान्तां शिखां जप्त्वा सर्षपान् दिक्षु निक्षिपेत् वासुदेवेन गोमूत्रं सङ्कर्षणेन गोमयम्
phaṭkārāntāṃ śikhāṃ japtvā sarṣapān dikṣu nikṣipet vāsudevena gomūtraṃ saṅkarṣaṇena gomayam
Sau khi tụng Śikhā-mantra kết thúc bằng tiếng cảm thán “phaṭ”, nên rải hạt cải theo các phương. Với thần chú Vāsudeva thì xức/rảy nước tiểu bò; với thần chú Saṅkarṣaṇa thì xức/rảy phân bò.
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Protective rite (rakṣā-karman) using phaṭ-ending śikhā-mantra, directional mustard-seed casting, and pañcagavya components (gomūtra, gomaya) applied with Vyūha-mantras for purification and warding off negativity.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Rakṣā-karman: phaṭ-śikhā-japa, sarṣapa-dik-kṣepa, gomūtra/gomaya with Vyūha-mantras","lookup_keywords":["phaṭ","śikhā-mantra","sarṣapa","Vāsudeva mantra","Saṅkarṣaṇa mantra"],"quick_summary":"Recite the phaṭ-terminated śikhā-mantra, cast mustard seeds to the directions, and apply cow urine and cow dung while invoking Vāsudeva and Saṅkarṣaṇa for ritual protection and cleansing."}
Concept: Mantra and substance together (mantra-dravya-saṃyoga) effect rakṣā: sound-power directs and seals the purificatory action of materials.
Application: When performing protective rites, coordinate mantra recitation with precise physical acts (directional casting, sprinkling/anointing) to maintain ritual efficacy and focus.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Mantra-kalpa / Raksha-karman and Shanti rites)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritualist recites a śikhā-mantra, then throws mustard seeds to the four directions; assistants hold vessels of cow urine and cow dung for sprinkling/anointing while Vyūha names are invoked.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: priest with raised hand, mustard seeds flying toward cardinal points marked by subtle symbols; vessels labeled gomūtra and gomaya; protective aura lines; warm lamp glow.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: priest centered with gold halo, gold-embossed mustard seeds as sparkling dots; ornate vessels; inscriptions of Vāsudeva and Saṅkarṣaṇa; rich gold work.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clear didactic depiction of four-direction casting; neat arrangement of ritual vessels; soft colors, fine outlines, minimal background clutter.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: courtyard scene with priest casting seeds; attendants holding small bowls; architectural detailing; directional birds-eye hints; refined textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"fast","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: phaṭkārāntāṃ → phaṭkāra-antām. (No further external sandhi requiring split in this verse.)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 34 (rakṣā, śānti, pañcagavya usage)
FAQs
It teaches a rakṣā-karman: recite a Śikhā protection mantra ending in “phaṭ,” cast mustard seeds to the quarters, and purify (sprinkle/apply) with gomūtra and gomaya while invoking Vāsudeva and Saṅkarṣaṇa.
Alongside theology, the Agni Purāṇa preserves practical liturgical technology—directional apotropaic actions, mantra-termini like “phaṭ,” and standardized purifiers (cow urine/dung) linked to specific deity-mantras—showing its coverage of applied ritual science.
The acts function as śuddhi (purification) and rakṣā (protection), ritually sealing the space in all directions and removing/repelling harmful influences through mantra-powered, auspicious substances.