Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 4
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
तुर्यभागेन मञ्जर्याः कार्यः सम्यक् प्रदक्षिणः तन्माननिर्गमं कार्यमुभयोः पार्श्वयोः समं
turyabhāgena mañjaryāḥ kāryaḥ samyak pradakṣiṇaḥ tanmānanirgamaṃ kāryamubhayoḥ pārśvayoḥ samaṃ
بمقدار ربع القياس، يُرسم على وجهٍ صحيح الانحرافُ الخاصُّ بالطواف يمينًا (برَدَكْشِنا) حول عنصر المَنْجَرِي؛ ويُنفَّذ إسقاطُ ذلك القياس بالتساوي على الجانبين.
Lord Agni (in dialogue with the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Setting out the pradakṣiṇā-patha/offset around a specific architectural member (mañjarī) using a 1/4 module and keeping lateral projections symmetrical for structural and visual balance.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Pradakṣiṇā-offset around Mañjarī by Turyabhāga (¼ module)","lookup_keywords":["turyabhāga","mañjarī","pradakṣiṇa","offset projection","symmetry"],"quick_summary":"Lay out the circumambulatory offset around the mañjarī using one-fourth of the base measure, and carry the same projection equally on both sides to preserve symmetry and clear circulation."}
Concept: Sāmya (symmetry) and māna (measure) as dhārmic order in sacred construction.
Application: Use a fixed module and mirror-equal projections to avoid visual imbalance and functional obstruction in circumambulatory paths.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra (Temple Architecture & Measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Temple plan being marked on the ground: a central element labeled mañjarī with a pradakṣiṇā offset drawn at one-fourth module, equal projections on both sides, craftsmen with measuring cord and pegs.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, warm earthy palette, temple architects (sthapati) drawing a sacred plan with measuring cord, symmetrical offsets around a central mañjarī element, stylized pillars and lotus motifs, flat decorative background","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf accents on the temple plan lines and instruments, sthapati holding a measuring cord, symmetrical pradakṣiṇā path around central element, ornate borders and jewel-like detailing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, clean linework, instructional diagram feel: quarter-module markings, equal side projections, craftsmen placing pegs, subtle pastel wash, emphasis on geometry","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed architectural draughtsmanship scene, artisans measuring with cord and scale, plan view with precise quarter offsets, fine textiles and tools, delicate shading"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तन्माननिर्गमं = तत् + माननिर्गमम्; कार्यमुभयोः = कार्यम् + उभयोः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (Vāstu—prāsāda/maṇḍapa māna sections)
FAQs
It gives a Vāstu-śāstra rule for setting out a temple component (mañjarī) using a one-fourth proportional measure, ensuring a correct rightward (pradakṣiṇa) layout and perfectly symmetrical projections on both sides.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical technical canons—here, architectural measurement (māna), projection (nirgama), and symmetry—showing its coverage of applied sciences like Vāstu alongside ritual and mythic material.
In temple-building, precise proportion and symmetry are treated as dharmic correctness: a properly laid-out pradakṣiṇa-oriented design supports auspiciousness and the orderly embodiment of sacred space.