Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 59
Dīkṣāvidhi-kathana
Explanation of the Rite of Initiation
इष्ट्वा देवं यथा पूर्वं सर्वोपकरणान्वितं सद्योधिवास्य द्वादश्यां दीक्षयेद्देशिकोत्तमः
iṣṭvā devaṃ yathā pūrvaṃ sarvopakaraṇānvitaṃ sadyodhivāsya dvādaśyāṃ dīkṣayeddeśikottamaḥ
依前法奉事本尊，诸般仪具悉皆具足时，最胜阿阇梨应于当日即行安置预修之仪（adhivāsa），并于第十二月日（dvādaśī）授予灌顶（dīkṣā）。
Lord Agni (in the Agni Purana’s instructional narration to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Sets a calendrical and procedural sequence for temple/rite initiation: prior worship with full implements, immediate adhivāsa, and dīkṣā on dvādaśī under a qualified ācārya.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Adhivāsa and Dīkṣā Timing: Sadyodhivāsa and Dvādaśī Initiation","lookup_keywords":["adhivāsa","dvādaśī","dīkṣā","deśika","upakaraṇa"],"quick_summary":"After completing the prescribed worship with full ritual equipment, the officiant performs same-day adhivāsa and confers dīkṣā on the dvādaśī tithi."}
Concept: Ritual correctness depends on krama (sequence), tithi (proper time), and adhikāra (qualified officiant).
Application: Plan consecration/initiations with calendrical discipline (dvādaśī) and ensure completeness of upakaraṇa; avoid improvisation that breaks krama.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Diksha-kalpa (Temple consecration and initiation rites)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple or consecration pavilion with full ritual implements laid out; the ācārya performs adhivāsa rites, and on dvādaśī confers dīkṣā to a kneeling disciple before the deity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yāgaśālā with lamps and vessels, ācārya in white garments, deity shrine in background, dvādaśī moon/tithi symbol subtly indicated, solemn ritual order.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, deity panel with gold, foreground ācārya holding dīkṣā thread/kuśa, abundant upakaraṇas rendered ornamentally, ceremonial richness.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, diagrammatic clarity: implements arranged, ācārya performing adhivāsa (sprinkling, mantra), then dīkṣā gesture; emphasis on sequence.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly pavilion adapted as yāgaśālā, detailed vessels and textiles, ācārya and disciple, subtle calendar motif for dvādaśī."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सद्योधिवास्य→सद्यः अधिवास्य; दीक्षयेद्देशिकोत्तमः→दीक्षयेत् देशिकोत्तमः; सर्वोपकरणान्वितम् is a compound (सर्व-उपकरण-अन्वित).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 27 (pūjā-vidhi sequence; adhivāsa/dīkṣā subsections)
FAQs
It prescribes the sequencing of rites in consecration/initiation: complete the prior worship with full ritual requisites, perform adhivāsa (preparatory sanctification/infusion), and then give dīkṣā specifically on the Dvādāśī tithi under a qualified ācārya.
It exemplifies the Agni Purana’s practical ritual manual dimension—recording calendrical timing (tithi), specialized preparatory procedures (adhivāsa), and officiant qualifications (deśikottamaḥ), alongside its many other domains like polity, medicine, and literary theory.
By aligning initiation with proper preparation (adhivāsa), correct timing (Dvādāśī), and an authorized preceptor, the rite is held to become ritually effective—purifying the initiand and ensuring the intended sacred empowerment (saṃskāra/adhikāra) is properly established.