Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 16
Mantra-paribhāṣā
Technical Definitions and Operational Rules of Mantras
प्रविश्य विधिवद्दीक्षामभिषेकावसानिकाम् श्रुत्वा तन्त्रं गुरोर् लब्धं साधयेदीप्सितं मनुम्
praviśya vidhivaddīkṣāmabhiṣekāvasānikām śrutvā tantraṃ guror labdhaṃ sādhayedīpsitaṃ manum
既依仪轨如法入受灌顶之入门(dīkṣā)，以灌顶礼(abhiṣeka)为终，并从师尊(guru)处领受而听闻所得之密续(Tantra)，则当修成所欲之真言(mantra，manu)。
Lord Agni (instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s didactic frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Establish proper eligibility and empowerment for mantra-sādhana through dīkṣā, abhiṣeka, and guru-transmitted tantra instruction before undertaking mantra perfection.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Dīkṣā–Abhiṣeka–Guru-śravaṇa as Prerequisite for Mantra-sādhana","lookup_keywords":["dīkṣā","abhiṣeka","guru-śravaṇa","tantra","manu mantra"],"quick_summary":"After duly receiving initiation culminating in abhiṣeka and hearing the tantra from the guru, one should proceed to accomplish the desired mantra; authorization and transmission precede practice."}
Concept: Adhikāra (authorization) through guru and rite is essential; mantra is not merely text but empowered practice received by transmission.
Application: Seek qualified guru, undergo prescribed dīkṣā and abhiṣeka, learn tantra by śravaṇa, then begin mantra-sādhana with correct rules and protections.
Khanda Section: Mantra-Tantra Sadhana and Diksha-Vidhi (Agneya-vidya / Tantra-prayoga)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A guru performs dīkṣā and abhiṣeka for a disciple, pouring consecrated water, then instructs from a tantra text; the disciple prepares to undertake the chosen mantra.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, guru and disciple in frontal iconic pose, abhiṣeka water stream stylized, palm-leaf tantra manuscript in guru’s hand, sacred lamps and yantra motifs, serene temple interior","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-embossed abhiṣeka scene, ornate vessels, guru with halo, disciple kneeling, richly decorated altar, gold borders emphasizing consecration","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear ritual depiction: abhiṣeka vessel, guru’s hand gestures, disciple’s posture, manuscript with visible script, soft colors and precise outlines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed ashram courtyard, guru seated on carpet, disciple receiving water consecration, attendants holding manuscripts and ritual items, fine architectural background"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vidhivat + dīkṣām → vidhivaddīkṣām (t→d before voiced). dīkṣām + abhiṣeka... → dīkṣāmabhiṣeka... (ā+a sandhi). sādhayet + īpsitam → sādhayedīpsitam (t/d sandhi + vowel coalescence).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 292 (dīkṣā and mantra-prayoga sequence)
FAQs
It prescribes the operational sequence for mantra-sādhana: proper dīkṣā (initiation) culminating in abhiṣeka, then learning the Tantra from the guru, and only then undertaking practice to attain siddhi of the chosen mantra.
Beyond mythic narration, it preserves a procedural ritual science—codifying initiation, consecration, guru-lineage transmission, and mantra-practice—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of practical Tantric-ritual disciplines alongside other knowledge-systems.
It emphasizes purity and authorization: mantra practice becomes spiritually efficacious and ethically grounded when undertaken after formal initiation and guru-sanctioned instruction, reducing ritual fault (doṣa) and strengthening merit and attainment.