Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 14
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
तत्तृतीयेण वा कुर्याद्रथकानान्तु निर्गमं वामत्रयं स्थापनीयं रथकत्रितये सदा
tattṛtīyeṇa vā kuryādrathakānāntu nirgamaṃ vāmatrayaṃ sthāpanīyaṃ rathakatritaye sadā
Oder nach der dritten Maßteilung soll man den Austritt (bzw. den äußeren Vorsprung) der Rathaka anordnen; und zur Linken ist stets ein Dreiersatz fest zu setzen für die Dreiergruppe der Rathaka.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Ratha-śālā/mandapa layout planning: deciding the projection/exit alignment for multiple chariots and fixing a left-side triadic placement to maintain symmetry and ritual correctness.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Ratha-nirgama (Chariot exit/projection) and left-side triad placement","lookup_keywords":["ratha-nirgama","vāma-traya","ratha-tritaya","vāstu-māna","ratha-śālā"],"quick_summary":"Gives a rule for arranging the outward exit/projection for chariots using a specified division/measure, and mandates a fixed left-side triad placement for a set of three chariots to preserve ordered circulation and auspicious orientation."}
Concept: R̥ta-like order expressed as proportion and directional placement in built space.
Application: Use consistent modular measures and directional conventions (vāma/dakṣiṇa) to avoid functional and ritual defects in processional architecture.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya & Ratha-nirmana (Chariot design and installation rites)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A craftsman-architect marks a ground-plan with cords, indicating the chariot exit/projection and a left-side triad of chariots aligned in a measured bay.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, temple workshop scene: sthapati with measuring cord and chalk lines, three decorated rathas placed on the left bay, earthy reds and ochres, stylized architecture, clear directional layout.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: ceremonial rathas with ornate canopies, gold-leaf highlights on chariot fittings, sthapati indicating the left triad placement, symmetrical composition with architectural borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: instructional diagram-like scene with fine lines—ground grid, cords, labeled bays, three chariots grouped left, muted palette, emphasis on measurement and clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: courtly workshop with artisans, three chariots aligned left, architect holding a cord and pointing to the exit projection, detailed textiles and precise perspective cues."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुर्याद्रथकानान्तु = कुर्यात् + रथकानाम् + तु; वामत्रयं = वाम + त्रयम्; रथकत्रितये = रथक + त्रितये.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (Vāstu-vidyā / ratha-nirmāṇa context)
FAQs
It gives a technical placement rule using a “third” measure/division: how to set the chariot’s nirgama (exit/outward arrangement) and how to fix a left-side triad configuration for a set of three chariots.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge—here, practical design/placement norms for rathas—showing its coverage of engineering-style Vāstu instructions alongside ritual and dharma topics.
Correct measurement and placement are treated as dharmic order (ṛta) in Vāstu traditions; following the prescribed layout is understood to support auspiciousness and avoid defects (doṣa) in a sacred or royal undertaking.