Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 15
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
शिखरार्थं हि सूत्राणि चत्वारि विनिपातयेत् शुकनाशोर्ध्वतः सूत्रं तिर्यग्भूतं निपातयेत्
śikharārthaṃ hi sūtrāṇi catvāri vinipātayet śukanāśordhvataḥ sūtraṃ tiryagbhūtaṃ nipātayet
لإقامة الشِّخَرا (śikhara) أي البنية العلوية للمعبد، تُسقَط أربعةُ حبالِ قياس (خيوط شاقول). وفوق الشُّكاناسا (śukanāsa) يُسقَط حبلٌ واحدٌ ممتدٌّ أفقياً.
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Setting out a śikhara accurately using plumb-lines/cords: establishing verticals and a horizontal reference above the śukanāsa to control profile and alignment.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Śikhara-sūtra-vinyāsa (Plumb-line setting for the temple spire)","lookup_keywords":["śikhara","sūtra","plumb-line","śukanāsa","tiryak-sūtra"],"quick_summary":"Prescribes dropping four cords for laying out the śikhara and adding a horizontal cord above the śukanāsa, ensuring true verticality and correct projection geometry."}
Temple Type: Nagara
Concept: Pramāṇa (right measure) as the basis of auspicious form; alignment as dharma of construction.
Application: Use multiple reference lines (vertical and horizontal) to prevent cumulative error in tall superstructures.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya (Temple Architecture and Measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Temple spire under construction with four plumb-lines hanging from the top and a horizontal cord stretched above the śukanāsa to check level and projection.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized temple elevation, artisans holding cords, four plumb-lines descending, one horizontal cord above the śukanāsa, bold outlines and warm tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gleaming temple façade with gold accents, cords rendered as fine lines, sthapati demonstrating the horizontal cord above śukanāsa, ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clean instructional depiction—spire profile, four vertical plumb-lines, one horizontal reference line, annotations-like clarity, delicate shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: construction scene with scaffolding, master builder with measuring cords, four plumb-lines and a taut horizontal cord above the projecting gable, intricate detail."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शिखरार्थं = शिखर + अर्थम्; शुकनाशोर्ध्वतः = शुकनासात् + ऊर्ध्वतः; तिर्यग्भूतं = तिर्यक् + भूतम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (śikhara and śukanāsa construction sequence)
FAQs
It teaches Vāstu-vidyā drafting practice: using four dropped cords (plumb reference lines) to set out the śikhara, and establishing a transverse (horizontal) reference cord above the śukanāsa for accurate alignment.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical architectural technique—measurement, layout, and structural referencing—showing the Agni Purana as a compendium that includes temple engineering (prāsāda-vāstu) alongside ritual and dharma.
Correct temple proportions and alignment are treated as part of proper sacred construction; executing the layout precisely supports ritual efficacy and is traditionally understood to accrue merit by ensuring the deity’s abode is built according to śāstra.