Brahma Vidya: Agni Purana, the highest call (book to download)

One needs to read just first 13 verses to understand the importance of this Purana.

Agni Purana is the main text on Brahma Vidya.

Brahma Vidya is a Sanskrit term that can be translated as “the knowledge of Brahman,” or the knowledge of the ultimate reality or truth that underlies all of existence. In Hinduism, Brahman is considered to be the highest and most fundamental reality, the source of all that exists.

Brahma Vidya is a branch of spiritual knowledge that is focused on understanding the nature of Brahman and the methods for realizing it. It is considered to be one of the most important aspects of spiritual practice, as it is through the knowledge of Brahman that one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and achieve the ultimate goal of human life.

The study and practice of Brahma Vidya can involve a wide range of techniques and methods, including meditation, self-inquiry, and the study of scripture and philosophical texts. It is often taught by spiritual teachers or gurus who have themselves attained a deep understanding of Brahman and can guide their students in the path of realization.

Overall, Brahma Vidya is a profound and transformative spiritual discipline that has been practiced by countless seekers throughout the ages in the pursuit of ultimate truth and liberation.

There are several sacred texts in Hinduism that contain knowledge of Brahma Vidya, and each has its own unique perspective and approach. However, the Upanishads are generally considered to be the most authoritative and comprehensive source of knowledge on this subject.

The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical texts that form a key part of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. They contain a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of spiritual and philosophical topics, including the nature of Brahman, the methods for realizing it, and the ultimate goal of human life.

The Upanishads are characterized by their emphasis on self-inquiry and direct realization, as opposed to blind faith or ritualistic practices. They encourage seekers to question their own identity and the nature of reality in order to arrive at a deeper understanding of the ultimate truth.

Some of the most well-known Upanishads include the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the Chandogya Upanishad, and the Mandukya Upanishad. Each of these texts offers a unique perspective on Brahma Vidya and can be studied and contemplated in depth by spiritual seekers in the pursuit of ultimate truth and liberation.

The Agni Purana is one of the 18 Mahapuranas, which are considered to be the most important and authoritative texts of Hinduism. Each of these Mahapuranas is dedicated to a particular deity or theme, and they contain a vast range of knowledge on various aspects of Hindu philosophy, theology, mythology, history, ethics, and practical living.

The Agni Purana is dedicated to the deity Agni, who is the god of fire in Hinduism. It is considered to be one of the most important Puranas, as it contains a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of topics, including cosmology, creation, the gods and goddesses, worship, yoga, ethics, and the conduct of kings and rulers.

One of the unique features of the Agni Purana is that it includes a detailed description of the process of fire worship, which is considered to be one of the most important forms of Hindu worship. It also contains several hymns and mantras that are recited during fire rituals and yajnas.

The Agni Purana also includes several sections on the benefits of various forms of worship, such as the worship of Shiva, Vishnu, and other deities. It also discusses the importance of following dharma, or righteous conduct, and the consequences of not doing so.

Overall, the Agni Purana is considered to be a highly significant text in Hinduism, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the universe and the role of humans in it, as well as practical guidance for leading a spiritual and ethical life.

The Agni Purana, like many Hindu scriptures, contains various references and descriptions of the divine that may seem contradictory or confusing at first glance. The eleventh verse of the Agni Purana you are referring to describes the end of the world, when Vishnu is said to come in the form of Agni to destroy everything. This can be understood as a symbolic representation of the cycle of creation and destruction that is a fundamental aspect of Hindu cosmology.

As for the twelfth verse, it refers to Agni as Brahman. Brahman is a term used in Hinduism to refer to the ultimate reality or ultimate truth that underlies all of existence. It is often described as the unchanging, eternal, and infinite essence of the universe. In Hindu philosophy, Brahman is considered to be the ultimate goal of spiritual practice and the highest form of knowledge.

In this context, referring to Agni as Brahman can be understood as a recognition of the divine nature of fire and its role in the cosmic order. Fire has long been considered a powerful symbol of transformation and purification in many spiritual traditions, and in Hinduism, Agni is often associated with spiritual transformation and the burning away of ignorance and impurities.

Overall, the Agni Purana contains a rich and complex understanding of the divine and its relationship to the universe and human life. As with any scripture, it requires careful study and contemplation to fully understand its teachings and the ways in which they can be applied to our lives.

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Agni Purana in brief

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CONTENTS

PART I 
PREFACEvii
ABBREVIATIONSviii
INTRODUCTIONxv
CHAPTERS 
1.Introductory1
2.Manifestation of Visnu as Fish3
3.Manifestation of Visnu as Tortoise5
4.Manifestation of Visnu as Boar7
5.Manifestation of Visnu as Rama9
6.Manifestation of Visnu as Rama11
7.Manifestation of Visnu as Rama15
8.Manifestation of Visnu as Rama17
9.Manifestation of Visnu as Rama19
10.Manifestation of Visnu as Rama21
11.Manifestation of Visnu as Rama24
12.Manifestation of Visnu as Rama25
13.Origin of Kauravas and Pandavas31
14.Story of the Mahabharata34
15.Ascendance of Pandavas to heaven36
16.Manifestation of Visnu as Buddha and Kalki38
17.Creation39
18.Genealogy of Svayambhuva Manu41
19.Secondary Creation: the progeny of Kasyapa45
20.Primary Creation48
21.Method of worshipping Visnu and other gods50
22.Bath prior to a religious rite53
23.Mode of performing worship54
24.Mode of constructing the sacrificial pit and the oblations unto fire56
25.Mode of worshipping Vasudeva, Sankarsana Pradyumna and Aniruddha62
26.Position of fingers in Worship66
27.Initiation rite67
28.Mode of anointment for the preceptor74
29.Mode of Worshipping Hair in Sarvatobhadra75
30.Mode of worshipping gods in lotus figures79
31.Mode of cleansing oneself and others82
32.Purifacotory rites85
33.Investiture of the sacred thread for the deity and the installation of the deity87
34.Mode of performing oblation92
35.Mode of consecration of an image96
36.Mode of performing the investiture of sacred thread98
37.Mode of investiture of sacred thread for all gods100
38.Benefits of constructing temples101
39.Preparations of ground for constructing temples106
40.Mode of making the respectful offering to the god107
41.Mode of performing Consecration110
42.Construction of a temple113
43.Installation of deities in temples116
44.Characteristics of the image of Vasudeva118
45.Characteristics of pedestals and details relating to images123
46.Characteristics of different Salagrama stones124
47.Mode of worshipping Salagrama126
48.Adoration of twenty four forms of Visnu127
49.Characteristics of forms of Fish etc of Visnu129
50.Characteristics of an image of the goddess132
51.Characteristics of images of Sun and other planets136
52.Characteristics of images of different forms of goddesses138
53.Characteristics of Linga (parabolic representation of Siva)139
54.The dimensions of different varieties of Linga141
55.Characteristics of the pedestal146
56.Five divisions of installation147
57.Consecration of pitchers149
58.Consecration of pitchers152
59.Preliminary consecration of an image155
60.Mode of installation of image of Vasudeva161
61.Consecration of the door of the temple and the erection of banner164
62.Mode of installation of image of Goddess Laksmi169
63.Mode of installation of other gods and Goddesses, the Sudarsana disc and the writing of books and their installations171
64.Mode of consecration of tanks and ponds173
65.Building pavilions in front of temples178
66.Mode of consecration of other gods180
67.Renovation of decayed images184
68.Mode of taking out a procession and celebration of festivals after fixing the new image184
69.Mode of conducting the bathing festival186
70.Mode of planting trees188
71.Mode of Worshipping Ganesha186
72.Mode of bathing and daily worship190
73.Mode of Worshipping Sun195
74.Mode of Worshipping Siva197
75.Mode of installation of fire205
76.Mode of worshipping Canda (attendant of Siva)211
77.Mode of Worshipping Kapila212
78.Mode of investiture of the sacred thread for the deity215
79.Investiture of the Sacred thread221
80.Mode of investiture with the fibres of amanaka225
81.Mode of spiritual initiation226
82.Mode of performing purificatory initiation235
83.Mode of spiritual Initiation that removes one’s bondage238
84.Mode of Initiation for Emancipation243
85.Mode of purifying the Beatific principle of establishment248
86.Mode of purifying of Scriptural knowledge252
87.Mode of purification of the principle of peace254
88.Mode of initiation for attaining liberation257
89.Initiation of principles262
90.Anointing the disciple after worshipping Siva263
91.Mantras for worshipping gods265
92.Mode of installing the image of Siva266
93.Mode of worshipping the presiding deity of a ground272
94.Mode of placing the stone slabs276
95.Mode of installation of Linga278
96.Mode of initial consecration of an image283
97.Mode of installation of lord Siva294
98.Mode of installation of the image of goddess Gauri302
99.Mode of installation of the image of sun-god303
100.Rites of Consecration of doors of a temple304
 PART II 
PREFACEvii
ABBREVIATIONSxv
101.Mode of consecration of a temple307
102.Mode of consecrating the flag staff308
103.Mode of repair of old or broken lingas311
104.General characteristics of a divine edifice313
105.Mode of worship of the presiding deity of a place316
106.Vastu relating to Cities320
107.The creation of Svayambhuva Manu322
108.Cosmographical account323
109.The greatness of sacred spots326
110.The greatness of Ganga328
111.The Greatness of Prayaga329
112.The greatness of Varanasi330
113.The greatness of Narmada331
114.The greatness of Gaya332
115.Mode of making a pilgrimage to Gaya335
116.Mode of making a pilgrimage to Gaya341
117.Mode of performing the ancestral rites345
118.The Country of Bharata350
119.Description of different continents351
120.The extent of the universe353
121.The Science of Jyotisa (Astronomy and Astrology)356
122.Pancanga: The Almanae364
123.Svarodaya cakra, Sanicakra, Kurmacakra, Rahucakra370
124.Essence of astrology as described in the Victory in battles372
125.Different circles which get success in battle375
126.Combinations of good and bad asterisms380
127.The auspicious and inauspicious periods of the day based on certain combinations383
128.The Kotacakra – a drawing to forecast results385
129.Guide-lines for storing and selling grains386
130.Different spheres marked by astorisms indicating victory in battle387
131.Ghataka cakra, Naracakra, Jayacakra indicating failure or success in battle388
132.Sevacakra and the indication of accrual of benefits390
133.Different traits in infants and combinations indicating success in battle392
134.Sacred formula for the conquest of three worlds396
135.Formula for success in battle397
136.The diagram of asterisms indicating the period for undertaking a journey400
137.The formula known as Mahamari401
138.The six accessory acts relating to all mantras403
139.The names of sixty years of Hindu cycle and the good or bad results accruing from them404
140.Description of herbs used in charms405
141.Description of herbs used in charms, medicines407
142.Description of medicinal incantations409
143.Mode of worship of Goddess Kubjika411
144.Mode of worship of Goddess Kubjika413
145.Different Kinds of mantras and the rites of locating them.416
146.Names of different Goddesses420
147.Mode of worshipping the goddess Tvarita and others423
148.Mode of worship for success in the battle425
149.Mode of performing Laksa and Kotihoma425
150.Names of different Manus, different sages and others during their period.427
151.Duties laid down for different castes429
152.Duties of a householder431
153.Duties of a student434
154.Rules of marriage436
155.The Code of Conduct439
156.Purification of things439
157.Pollution and Purification440
158.Kinds of pollution444
159.The merits of libation and the performance of good deeds.450
160.Duties of a brahmin leading in the forest452
161.Duties of an ascetic452
162.Code of laws455
163.Mode of performing a sraddha457
164.Propitiatory rite for the planets461
165.Code of conduct463
166.Duties of different castes465
167.Propitiatory rite for the planets467
168.Kinds of major sins471
169.Atonements for various offences474
170.Expiations for association with major sinners478
171.Description of certain subtle expiations482
172.The hymn which destroys sins483
173.Different expiations for different sins485
174.Expiations for discontinuing the worship of gods490
175.Rules and regulations relating to the Vows492
176.Vows observed on the first lunar day497
177.Vows observed on the second lunar day498
178.Vows observed on the third lunar day500
179.Vows observed on the fourth lunar day503
180.Vows observed on the fifth lunar day504
181.Vows observed on the sixth lunar day504
182.Vows observed on the seventh lunar day504
183.Vows observed on the eighth lunar day505
184.Vows observed on the eighth lunar day507
185.Vows observed on the ninth lunar day509
186.Vows observed on the tenth lunar day510
187.Vows observed on the eleventh lunar day511
188.Vows observed on the twelfth lunar day512
189.Rules of observing Sravanadvadasi vrata513
190.Mode of practising vows on the thirteenth lunar day514
191.Mode of practising vows on the thirteenth lunar day515
192.Vows to be observed on the fourteenth lunar day516
193.Description of Sivaratrivrata517
194.Details relating to the vows of Asoka Purnima518
195.Vows relating to the weak-days519
196.Vows relating to different asterisms520
197.Vows performed on certain days522
198.Vows performed in different months523
199.Vows relating to different seasons524
200.Vow of giving a gift of a lamp525
201.Mode of Worshipping Visnu in a figure of nine Compartments527
202.Different flowers used in worship528
203.The nature of hell530
204.Mode of practising the vow of fasting for stipulated months533
205.Mode of performing the Bhismapancakavrata534
206.Mode of offering water of libation to the Venerable sage: Agastya535
207.Mode of performing Kaumuda vrata537
208.Rules and regulations relating to vows and gifts in genral538
209.Rules relating to gifts539
210.Sixteen great gifts544
211.Different kinds of gifts546
212.Gifts granting the desired fruits552
213.Mode of making a gift of the earth and its benefits555
214.The system of veins in the body and their benefits556
215.Mode of reciting Gayatri and its greatness559
216.Instructions relating to Gayatri563
217.Vasistha’s hymn to lord Siva564
218.Mode of performing the Coronation of a king566
219.sacred syllables for the coronation569
220.Accomplishment of assistance of the king573
221.Code of Conduct for the servants575
222.Construction of forts576
223.Duties of a king579
224.Duties of a king in the harem581
225.Duties of a King584
226.Means of Conciliation587
227.Code of Criminal laws588
228.Instructions relating to military expedition594
229.Significance of dreams595
230.Inauspicious auguries597
231.Good and bad augures known from the sounds of animals and birds598
232.Omens known from birds600
233.Propitious periods for undertaking an expedition604
234.Six expedients used by the King606
235.Daily duties of a king608
236.Rites preceding the march of a king609
237.A hymn to Laksmi for success615
238.Ethics narrated by Rama617
239.Duties of a King618
240.Six expedients used by a king622
241.Four ways of policy: Conciliation etc.624
242.Statesmanship for a king629
243.Physiognomy of men and their indications635
244.Characteristic features of women637
245.Characteristics of the royal fan, bow and sword638
246.Testing of gems640
247.Characteristics of a Site for building642
248.Benefit of worshipping Lord Visnu with flowers and leaves644
249.Science of archery645
250.Science of archery647
251.Method of using a noose649
 PART III 
PREFACEvii
ABBREVIATIONSxiii
252.The mode of wielding the swords, maces etc.651
253.The description of administration of justice653
254.Debts and their repayments659
255.Description of rules relating to disputes and different kinds of ordeals661
256.Description of the procedure for division of properties666
257.Settlement of disputes relating to the boundaries of fields670
258.Punishment for making defamatory speeches and committing other offences675
259.The application of the mantras of the Rgveda683
260.The use of the hymns of Yajurveda695
261.The use of the hymns of Samaveda704
262.The use of the hymns of Atharvaveda707
263.Appeasing rites for portents710
264.Worship of gods to ward off the effects of portents and mode of offering the Vaisvadeva ball713
265.The sacred bathing of the deities716
266.The mode of performing the ceremonial bathing to wash off obstacles718
267.Ceremonial bathing known as Mahesvara and other kinds of ablutions719
268.Mode of worshipping Indra, doing nirajana (relating to King’s expedition) and other rites722
269.The sacred formulas for the consecration of the umbrella and other royal insignia725
270.A hymn to Visnu that destroys Evil728
271.The different recensions of the Vedas730
272.The meritoriousness of making gifts of the different Puranas732
273.The description of the solar race735
274.Description of the lunar race738
275.Description of the dynasty of Yadu740
276.The manifestations of the Lord Visnu744
277.The narration of the lineage of Anga747
278.The description of the lineage of Puru748
279.The description of the potent remedies751
280.The remedies for all the diseases757
281.The description of the characteristics of the different tastes and the qualities of the herbs761
282.Description of horticulture764
283.The remedial herbs for all the diseases766
284.Narration of sacred formulas that are medicinal770
285.The accomplished recipes that would revive the dead.772
286.Collection of medical recipes778
287.The treatment of the diseases of elephants781
288.The diseases of the horses and the management of the horses784
289.The characteristics of the horses and the treatment of the diseases of the horses789
290.Propitiatory rites for curing the ailments of horses794
291.Propitiatory rites for curing the ailments of elephants795
292.The greatness of cows and their welfare798
293.Different kinds of mantras and their nomenclature802
294.The characteristics of different kinds of serpents807
295.The medical treatment for a serpent bite811
296.The five constituents of the worship of Rudra814
297.The remedial mantra that would remove poison817
298.The treatment for the poison due to snakes such as the gonasa and others818
299.Recipes for the diseases of infants820
300.Description of the mantras which remove the baneful influences of planets826
301.The mode of worship of Sun830
302.Description of different kinds of potential mantras and herbs832
303.The propitiation of the letters of one’s limbs to ward off evil835
304.The mode of worship of Siva with the mantra of five syllables837
305.The fiftyfive names of (Lord) Visnu and their greatness840
306.Description of the mantras to be repeated to ward off evil incantations etc.843
307.Description of the mantras that would stupefy the three worlds845
308.On the mode of worship of goddess Laksmi and others that confer immense benefits849
309.The mode of worship of Tvarita852
310.The narration of the spell relating to Tvarita854
311.The location of the basic mantras of Tvarita and her worship858
 PART IV 
PREFACEvii
ABBREVIATIONSxiii
INTRODUCTIONxv
312.The occasions for the use of the Tvarita-mantra and the benefits863
313.The mantras relating to the worship of different gods865
314.Mantras relating to the worship of Goddess Tvarita868
315.Narration of mantras relating to paralysing, captivating etc.871
316.Narration of different kinds of mantras872
317.The different kinds of mantras of Siva873
318.The mode of worshipping Ganapati, accomplishing all things876
319.Mode of worshipping Vagisvari (Goddess of speech)878
320.The different mystic diagrams879
321.The appeasing rites relating to Aghorastra883
322.The appeasing rite employing the mantra of the weapon of Pasupati885
323.The mantra of the weapons of Aghora and the six constituents887
324.Appeasing rite for lord Siva891
325.The benefits of wearing the rosary beads and the counting of the formulae with them894
326.Description of the mode of worshipping Goddess Gauri for gaining enjoyment, emancipation etc.896
327.The greatness of establishing a linga and worship with the accessories899
328.The rules of prosody901
329.An abridgement of rules of prosody relating to the Vedic metres902
330.An abridgement of the rules of metres902
331.Metres of different kinds905
332.The metres of un-equal characteristics in the four quarters908
333.Description of metres having equal characteristics in the alternate quarters910
334.Description of metres having similar characteristics in the four quarters911
335.The tabular representation of long and short vowels of different metres915
336.Description of phonetics915
337.Description of the characteristics of a kavya918
338.Description of the different types of drama921
339.Description of the santiments, emotions, hero etc.923
340.Description of diction and mode927
341.Description of the actions and movements of the limbs928
342.Definition of dramatic representation930
343.Definition of the embellishment of words933
344.Description of the embellishment of sense939
345.The embellishments of sound and sense942
346.Investigation into poetic excellences944
347.Investigation into poetic blemishes946
348.List of mono-syllabic words950
349.The pratyaharas and fundamental rules in grammar953
350.The forms of completed euphonic combinations954
351.Perfected forms of inflection in the nouns957
352.Narration of the finished forms of the substantives in the feminine966
353.The finished forms of substantives in the neuter968
354.The relation between a noun and a verb in a sentence970
355.Different kinds of compounds973
356.The rules governing the formation of taddhita (secondary nominal bases)976
357.The formation of the primary nominal bases by adding primary affixes known as unadi, beginning with affix u980
358.The completed form of the verbs after adding the conjugational signs etc.981
359.The finished forms after adding the krt affixes (Primary affixes added to verbs)985
360.The synonyms of group of words denoting the celestial region and the nether world986
361.The indeclinables996
362.Words having many meanings1001
363.The words denoting men and four classes of men1005
364.Words denoting men and four classes of men1013
365.Words relating to the class of brahmins1017
366.Words relating to ksatriya, vaisyas and other classes1018
367.The class of words dependent on the substantives1024
368.Constant dissolution, occasional and total dissolution1028
369.The description of absolute dissolution and the process of creation1030
370.The constituent parts of a body1034
371.The description of hells1037
372.The major and minor religious observances (yama-s and niyama-s)1041
373.Description of asanas (different physical postures) and control of breath1044
374.Contemplation1046
375.Fixing-up of the mind in the object of contemplation1049
376.Deep meditation (samadhi)1051
377.Knowledge of Brahman1055
378.Knowledge of Brahman1057
379.Knowledge of Brahman again1059
380.Knowledge of non-dual Brahman1062
381.The essence of the Bhagavadgita1068
382.The Yamagita1073
383.The glorification of the Agnipurana1077
INDEX1085

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