Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 30
Chapter 150 — Manvantarāṇi (The Manvantaras) and the Purāṇic Map of Vedic Transmission
सुमन्तुश्चाथर्वतरुं व्यासशिष्यो विभेद तं शिष्यानध्यापयामास पैप्यलादान् सहस्रशः
sumantuścātharvataruṃ vyāsaśiṣyo vibheda taṃ śiṣyānadhyāpayāmāsa paipyalādān sahasraśaḥ
苏曼图（Sumantu）作为毗耶娑之弟子，将阿闼婆吠陀（Atharva-veda）之传承分为诸支派，并令其弟子——以派毗耶罗（Paipyala）为首——在成千的诵持与传系中学习之。
Lord Agni (narrating the Purāṇic account to Vasiṣṭha, in the standard Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vyakarana","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Tracing Atharvaveda śākhā-division and teaching lineages for correct mantra usage in domestic rites, protective rites, and specialized Atharvan applications.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Atharvaveda Branching by Sumantu and the Paipyala Lineage","lookup_keywords":["Atharvaveda","Sumantu","Paipyala","śākhā-bheda","adhyāpana"],"quick_summary":"States that Sumantu divided the Atharvaveda into branches and propagated it widely through disciples such as Paipyala, indicating extensive reciter lineages."}
Concept: A Veda survives through systematic division and mass teaching; authority is distributed across many disciplined reciters.
Application: For Atharvan mantras, prioritize śākhā-consistent pāṭha and teacher authorization, especially in rites of protection and appeasement.
Khanda Section: Veda-Vyasa Parampara and Vedic Transmission (Shruti-Smrti Itihasa)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Sumantu as a teacher dividing Atharvaveda into multiple branches, shown as a tree with many limbs; Paipyala and numerous students seated in concentric rows reciting from palm leaves.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Sumantu under a many-branched Atharva-tree, Paipyala in front row, large assembly of students, rhythmic recitation gestures, bold outlines and flat color fields.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, Sumantu with golden halo, Atharva-tree behind with many gilded leaves, students holding manuscripts, ornate gold borders emphasizing sacred transmission.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, schematic yet elegant depiction of branching: Sumantu pointing to a branching chart, Paipyala labeled, multiple student groups, refined linework and soft shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, expansive madrasa-like courtyard scene: Sumantu teaching, many pupils in groups, manuscript bundles, architectural arches, fine detail and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सुमन्तुश्चाथर्वतरुं → सुमन्तुः + च + अथर्वतरुम्; शिष्यानध्यापयामास → शिष्यान् + अध्यापयामास (नकार-सन्धि/अनुस्वार-लोप)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 150.29; Agni Purana 150.31
FAQs
It conveys the technical principle of śākhā-vibhāga—how the Atharva-veda was systematically divided into recensions and transmitted through authorized teaching lineages (beginning with Paipyala).
By documenting Vedic genealogy and methods of textual preservation (division into branches and mass oral propagation), the Agni Purāṇa functions as a reference compendium not only of rituals but also of intellectual history and transmission systems.
Honoring and preserving Vedic recitation through a valid guru–śiṣya lineage is treated as dharma: it safeguards śruti, supports yajña-based religious life, and accrues merit through faithful study and teaching.