Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 3
Mantra-paribhāṣā
Technical Definitions and Operational Rules of Mantras
पञ्चाक्षराधिका मन्त्राः सिद्धिदाः सर्वदापरे स्त्रीपुंनपुंसकत्वेन त्रिधाः स्युर्मन्त्रजातयः
pañcākṣarādhikā mantrāḥ siddhidāḥ sarvadāpare strīpuṃnapuṃsakatvena tridhāḥ syurmantrajātayaḥ
由五个音节或更多音节构成的真言，恒常能赐予成就（siddhi）。此外，真言的类别依语法性别分为三种：阴性、阳性与中性。
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vashistha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Mantra","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Mantra-selection and classification for japa/prayoga by syllable-count and grammatical gender to predict suitability for siddhi-oriented rites.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Mantra-jāti: pañcākṣarādhika-siddhidā and strī/puṃ/napuṃsaka-bheda","lookup_keywords":["pañcākṣara","mantra-jāti","strīmantra","puṃmantra","napuṃsakamantra"],"quick_summary":"Mantras of five syllables or more are stated to be siddhi-bestowing; mantra-types are further classified as feminine, masculine, and neuter for ritual deployment."}
Concept: Śabda (mantra) is systematized by measurable features (akṣara-saṅkhyā, liṅga) to guide efficacy in ritual.
Application: Before a prayoga, identify mantra-length and gender-class to choose an appropriate mantra-family and avoid mismatched deployment.
Khanda Section: Mantra-shastra (Tantric Mantra Classification / Japa-Vidhi)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A guru of mantra-śāstra instructs disciples, pointing to a palm-leaf chart dividing mantras by syllable-count and by grammatical gender (strī/puṃ/napuṃsaka).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, mantra-guru seated on a wooden āsana, palm-leaf manuscripts, disciples in añjali, diagram showing three mantra-jātis, earthy reds and ochres, flat iconic composition.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central guru with halo, ornate manuscript stand, gold-leaf highlights on the classification chart, rich maroons and greens, symmetrical devotional-instructional tableau.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, fine linework, soft shading, instructional scene with labeled mantra categories and akṣara counts on a scroll, calm scholarly ambience.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly study circle, detailed textiles and manuscript illumination, a chart with three columns for mantra genders and a note 'pañcākṣarādhika', delicate borders."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: syurmantrajātayaḥ → syuḥ + mantrajātayaḥ; sarvadāpare → sarvadā + apare.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 292 (Mantra-jāti, japa-vidhi context)
FAQs
It gives a rule-of-thumb for mantra taxonomy: effective mantras are typically five syllables or longer, and mantras are classified into three types based on grammatical gender—feminine, masculine, and neuter—used in later ritual and japa prescriptions.
By systematizing mantras through linguistic (gender) and structural (syllable-count) criteria, it shows the Agni Purana’s encyclopedic method—organizing ritual technology with grammatical and technical classifications rather than only narrative theology.
It frames mantra practice as a disciplined science: choosing properly formed mantras supports reliable siddhi (spiritual accomplishment), implying that correct form and classification strengthen ritual efficacy and merit.