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
诵念以“phaṭ（吽斩）”作结的顶髻（Śikhā）真言后，应将芥子撒掷于诸方。以婆苏提婆（Vāsudeva）真言涂抹或洒净牛尿；以僧迦尔沙那（Saṅkarṣaṇa）真言涂抹或洒净牛粪。
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.