Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 3
Chapter 264 — Dikpālādi-snāna
Bathing rites for the Dikpālas and associated deities
पद्मिन्यां स्नापयेन्नारीं गर्भो यस्याः स्रवेत्तथा अशोकसन्निधौ स्नायाज्जातो यस्या विनश्यति
padminyāṃ snāpayennārīṃ garbho yasyāḥ sravettathā aśokasannidhau snāyājjāto yasyā vinaśyati
怀孕将要流产的女子，应在莲池中沐浴。又若女子所生新生儿屡屡夭亡，应在阿输迦树（Aśoka）近旁沐浴。
Lord Agni (teaching sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Strī-roga context: ritual-therapeutic snāna (bathing) at specific natural loci (lotus-pond, Aśoka tree) as a remedial measure for recurrent miscarriage and repeated neonatal loss.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Snāna-prayoga for garbha-srāva and jāta-vināśa (lotus-pond & Aśoka proximity)","lookup_keywords":["garbha-srava","jāta-vināśa","padminī-snāna","aśoka-vṛkṣa","strī-roga"],"quick_summary":"For threatened miscarriage, bathe the woman in a lotus-pond; for repeated death of newborns, bathe near an Aśoka tree—presented as a locus-based remedial rite within strī-roga."}
Concept: Place-based śuddhi and śānti as therapeutic support for fertility and child-protection.
Application: Integrate ritual purity practices with care for pregnancy/infant survival, emphasizing environment, sanctity, and regular observance.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda / Stri-roga (Gynecology & Fertility Remedies)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: Tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A pregnant woman is gently bathed in a lotus-filled pond; in a second vignette, a mother bathes near a blooming Aśoka tree as attendants perform protective rites.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, lotus pond with broad green pads and pink lotuses, serene women attendants, Aśoka tree with red blossoms, ritual vessels, flat earthy palette, sacred calm","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central mother figure with ornate jewelry, stylized lotus pond and Aśoka tree, gold leaf highlights on lotuses and ornaments, auspicious motifs, temple-like framing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, delicate linework, instructional two-panel composition (pond-bath and Aśoka-bath), soft colors, labeled ritual vessels, emphasis on procedure and setting","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed garden landscape with lotus tank, Aśoka tree in bloom, women attendants with brass pots, fine textiles, naturalistic flora, narrative split-scene"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Ahir Bhairav","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्नापयेन् + नारीम् → स्नापयेन्नारीम्; स्नायात् + जातः → स्नायाज्जातः (त् + ज → ज्ज)
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Strī-roga/Āyurveda sections on garbha-rakṣā and snāna/śuddhi prayogas; Agni Purana: Tīrtha-snāna and puṇya-phala discussions
FAQs
It prescribes therapeutic-ritual bathing (snāna) using specific sacred/natural loci—lotus-water for threatened miscarriage and bathing near an Aśoka tree for recurrent loss of newborns.
It illustrates the text’s Ayurveda-plus-ritual interface: practical women’s health guidance is presented alongside place-based remedies and protective rites, reflecting the Purana’s wide-ranging, applied knowledge.
By linking purification (snāna) with auspicious symbols (lotus) and a protective sacred tree (Aśoka), the verse frames healing as both bodily therapy and removal of adverse influences affecting pregnancy and infant survival.