Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 19
Śāva-āśauca and Sūtikā-śauca: Death/Childbirth Impurity, Preta-śuddhi, and Śrāddha Procedure
Chapter 157
चतुरङ्गुलविस्तारं तत्खातन्तावदन्तरं वितस्तिदीर्घं कर्तव्यं विकर्षूणां तथा त्रयं
caturaṅgulavistāraṃ tatkhātantāvadantaraṃ vitastidīrghaṃ kartavyaṃ vikarṣūṇāṃ tathā trayaṃ
ইয়াক চাৰি অঙ্গুল প্ৰস্থে বনাব লাগে আৰু তেনেই পৰিমাণৰ মাজত খাত (খাঁজ/গহ্বৰ) ৰাখিব লাগে। দৈৰ্ঘ্য এক বিতস্তি হ’ব; আৰু বিকর্ষূৰ বাবেও তদ্ৰূপ তিন (পৰিমাপ/নির্দেশ) নিৰ্দিষ্ট।
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Standardizing weapon/implement components by precise measurements (aṅgula, vitasti) for reliable performance and safe handling in archery/armament making.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Formula","entry_title":"Aṅgula–Vitasti measurements for a weapon component (vikarṣū specification)","lookup_keywords":["aṅgula","vitasti","vikarṣū","weapon-measurement","khāta (hollow)"],"quick_summary":"Prescribes breadth, hollow/cut-out spacing, and length using traditional units (aṅgula, vitasti), giving a reproducible specification for crafting a martial component."}
Weapon Type: Archery/weapon-making component (vikarṣū; measurement specification)
Concept: Measurable proportion (māna) as the basis of effective technology in śāstra.
Application: Use standardized units to replicate functional weapon parts and maintain consistency across craftsmen and arsenals.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Archery & Weapon-making Measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An armorer/craftsman measures a weapon component with finger-width (aṅgula) marks and a handspan (vitasti), carving a hollow of equal measure; tools and a workbench are visible.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, artisan workshop with measuring hand gestures, marked wooden/metal piece showing 4-aṅgula breadth and hollow, earthy tones, stylized tools.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, craftsman and weapon component centered, gold highlights on tools and metal edges, decorative border, emphasis on sacred precision of craft.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical instructional scene with clear measurement annotations (4 aṅgula, 1 vitasti), neat composition, focus on process and proportions.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed atelier with artisan using calipers/marked rod, assistants holding materials, fine rendering of tools and textures, marginal notes indicating measures."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चतुरङ्गुलविस्तारं = चतुर्-अङ्गुल-विस्तारम्; तत्खातन्तावदन्तरं resolved as तत्-खात-अन्तावत्-अन्तरम् (complex sandhi/compound); वितस्तिदीर्घं = वितस्ति-दीर्घम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda sections on bow/arrow/weapon construction (within the Dhanurveda khanda surrounding 157.19)
FAQs
It gives precise Dhanurveda construction measurements using traditional units (aṅgula and vitasti), specifying width, hollow/gap, and length for a named implement/part (vikarṣū).
Beyond mythology and worship, it preserves practical engineering-style standards for military/archery material culture—showing the Purana’s coverage of applied sciences like weapon-craft and measurement systems.
In the Purāṇic frame, mastering disciplined, rule-based craft (śāstra-yukta karma) supports righteous protection (dharma-rakṣaṇa) and reduces harm through standardized, competent practice.