Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 13
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
खातस्य मेखलां रम्यां शेषार्धेन तु कारयेत् कण्ठं त्रिभागविस्तारं अङ्गुष्ठकसमायतं
khātasya mekhalāṃ ramyāṃ śeṣārdhena tu kārayet kaṇṭhaṃ tribhāgavistāraṃ aṅguṣṭhakasamāyataṃ
Mit der verbleibenden Hälfte des vorgeschriebenen Maßes soll man für die Höhlung/Einlassung (khāta) ein anmutiges Gürtelband (mekhalā) formen. Der Halsbereich (kaṇṭha) ist in der Breite auf drei Teile zu machen und in der Höhe einer Daumenbreite (aṅguṣṭhaka) gleich.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, the standard Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Iconometric/architectural detailing: specifying proportional measures for a cavity/socket (khāta), its girdle-band (mekhalā), and neck (kaṇṭha) so the component fits, looks balanced, and functions structurally.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Khāta–Mekhalā–Kaṇṭha Māna (socket, girdle-band, neck measures)","lookup_keywords":["khāta","mekhalā","kaṇṭha","aṅguṣṭhaka","aṅgula-māna"],"quick_summary":"Use the remaining half of the prescribed measure to form an attractive mekhalā around the khāta; make the kaṇṭha three-part in width and one thumb-breadth in height for proportional stability and finish."}
Concept: Śilpa requires measured proportion (māna) to yield beauty (ramyatā) and functional integrity.
Application: Apply standardized units (aṅguṣṭha/aṅgula and fractional parts) to ensure repeatable, harmonious fabrication.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya / Shilpa-shastra (Architectural & iconometric measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A craftsman measures a socket (khāta) and forms a decorative girdle-band (mekhalā) around it; the neck portion is shown with marked width divisions and thumb-breadth height.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, artisan with measuring cord and aṅgula marks, carved wooden/stone component showing khāta and mekhalā band, earthy reds and ochres, clear proportional lines, workshop setting with traditional tools.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central crafted component with mekhalā highlighted using gold leaf accents, artisan holding a measuring scale, ornate border motifs, rich maroons and greens, emphasis on auspicious craftsmanship.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, instructional diagram-like depiction of khāta and kaṇṭha with labeled aṅgula/aṅguṣṭha divisions, soft shading, clean lines, palm-leaf manuscript aesthetic.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, atelier scene with master craftsman and apprentice, precise measuring of a carved socket and neck, fine textiles, detailed tools, delicate linework and muted palette."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शेषार्धेन = शेष + अर्धेन (षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष); त्रिभागविस्तारम् = त्रि + भाग + विस्तारम्; अङ्गुष्ठकसमायतम् = अङ्गुष्ठक + समायतम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (Pratimā/Vāstu-Śilpa māna sections); Agni Purana (Homa-dravya/yantra/śilpa implement descriptions in adjacent verses)
FAQs
It gives shilpa/vaastu measurement rules: how to proportion a mekhalā (encircling band or rim) for a khāta (socket/recess) and how to size the kaṇṭha (neck portion) using part-units and the aṅguṣṭha (thumb-breadth) unit.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical craft science—precise proportional canons and measurement vocabulary used in architecture and fabrication—showing its coverage of applied technical disciplines (śilpa-śāstra/ vāstu-vidyā).
Correct proportion and workmanship are treated as integral to dharmic building and consecrated objects; accurate measures support ritual efficacy, aesthetic harmony, and the merit (puṇya) associated with properly executed sacred construction.