Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 14
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
सार्धमङ्गुष्ठकं वा स्यात्तदग्रे तु मुखं भवेत् चतुरङ्गुलविस्तारं पञ्चाङ्गुलमथापि वा
sārdhamaṅguṣṭhakaṃ vā syāttadagre tu mukhaṃ bhavet caturaṅgulavistāraṃ pañcāṅgulamathāpi vā
وقد يكون المقدار بمقدار عرض إبهام ونصف (aṅguṣṭhaka)، وعلى مقدمته يكون الوجه. ويكون العرض أربع عرضات أصابع، أو بدلاً من ذلك خمس عرضات أصابع.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Setting front-face placement and dimensional options (1.5 thumb-length; 4–5 finger breadth) for a component of an image/implement so the frontal aspect aligns and the piece remains proportionate.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Mukha-sthāna and Vistāra Options (front face and breadth)","lookup_keywords":["sārdha-aṅguṣṭha","mukha","catur-aṅgula","pañca-aṅgula","pratimā-māna"],"quick_summary":"Specify the length as one-and-a-half thumb units; place the mukha at the front; choose breadth as four or five aṅgulas depending on the intended scale and aesthetic."}
Concept: Form is governed by measurable options; śilpa allows controlled variation (vikalpa) within canon.
Application: Select between 4 or 5 aṅgula breadth based on the overall scale, material strength, and desired visual balance.
Khanda Section: Vastu-Shastra / Pratima-Lakshana (Iconography and Measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A measured component is shown with a clearly defined front (agra) where the mukha is placed; two alternative breadths (4 and 5 aṅgulas) are indicated on a scale.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, frontal icon component with mukha indicated, artisan marking 4 and 5 aṅgula widths on a wooden/stone piece, bold outlines, traditional workshop ambience.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, mukha/front emphasized with gold-highlighted contours, measurement marks subtly integrated, rich jewel tones, ornamental frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clean instructional panel showing two variants side-by-side (4-aṅgula and 5-aṅgula breadth), labeled measures, delicate pastel palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, craftsman presenting two measured prototypes to a patron/priest, fine calligraphic measurement notes, detailed textiles and tools."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सार्धमङ्गुष्ठकम् = सार्धम् + अङ्गुष्ठकम्; स्यात् तदग्रे = स्यात् + तदग्रे; चतुरङ्गुलविस्तारम् = चतुर् + अङ्गुल + विस्तारम्; पञ्चाङ्गुलम् = पञ्च + अङ्गुलम्; अथापि = अथ + अपि.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (continued pratimā/implement measurements)
FAQs
It gives iconographic measurement rules using traditional units (aṅguṣṭha and aṅgula), specifying a proportional length (one-and-a-half thumb units) and a standard width (four or five finger-breadths), and indicating that the face/front should be placed at the forepart.
Beyond myth and devotion, it preserves practical śāstric standards for making sacred forms—technical drafting rules for icons/structures—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of applied sciences like Vāstu and Pratimā-śilpa.
Correct proportion and placement in sacred images is traditionally held to ensure ritual efficacy and auspiciousness—supporting proper consecration (pratiṣṭhā) and the intended devotional merit (puṇya) from worship.