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
Das Maß kann eineinhalb Daumenbreiten (aṅguṣṭhaka) betragen; und an der Vorderseite soll sich die Front/„das Gesicht“ befinden. Die Breite sei vier Fingerbreiten, oder alternativ fünf Fingerbreiten.
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.