Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 4
वागीश्वरीपूजा
The Worship of Vāgīśvarī
शतक्षेत्रार्धमानेन कोणसम्पातमादिशेत् एवं सूत्रचतुष्कस्य स्फालनाच्चतुरस्रकम्
śatakṣetrārdhamānena koṇasampātamādiśet evaṃ sūtracatuṣkasya sphālanāccaturasrakam
Mit einem Maß, das der Hälfte von hundert Flächeneinheiten entspricht, soll der Schnittpunkt der Diagonalen angezeigt werden. Auf diese Weise entsteht durch Spannen und Schnappenlassen der vier Schnüre ein Quadrat (caturasra).
Lord Agni (in instruction to Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Producing a true square by locating diagonal intersection and using four snapped cords—core for vāstu-pada grids, temple plans, and mandala boundaries.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Caturasra-Nirmāṇa: Diagonal Intersection and Four-Cord Snapping","lookup_keywords":["caturasra","koṇa-sampāta","sūtra-catuṣka","sphālana","kṣetra-māna"],"quick_summary":"Determine the diagonal meeting point using a prescribed measure, then snap four cords to establish the square—ensuring right angles and symmetry for further layouts."}
Concept: Correct space (kṣetra) arises from correct measure (māna) and verified diagonals; truth in form is tested, not assumed.
Application: Use diagonal checks to avoid skew; snap cords for straight edges; establish the square before subdividing into vāstu-padas or plotting walls.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra (Geometry, measurement, and diagrammatic construction)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A square being laid out on the ground: diagonals drawn to find the intersection; four cords snapped to form crisp edges; pegs at corners; measuring rod indicating the half-hundred measure.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural; bold square outline with crossing diagonals; artisans snapping cords at four sides; corner pegs emphasized; cardinal directions stylized; earthy reds and yellows.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore; square mandala with gold-leaf border; diagonals shimmering; craftsmen and a supervising sthapati; ornate tools; auspicious border motifs.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore; technical clarity: stepwise depiction—diagonal intersection, then four-cord snapping; labels for koṇa-sampāta and sūtra-catuṣka; refined linework.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature; garden-like ground with surveyors; diagonals and square lines delicately painted; a ledger of measures; architectural backdrop suggesting a planned pavilion."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śatakṣetrārdhamānena is a multi-member compound; koṇasampātam → koṇa-sampātam; sphālanāccaturasrakam → sphālanāt + caturasrakam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana vāstu/śilpa chapters on kṣetra-māna, rekha, and maṇḍala-vinyāsa (surrounding verses)
FAQs
It teaches a practical Vāstu/geometry method: determining the diagonal intersection (koṇa-sampāta) and producing a true square (caturasra) by using four measuring cords (sūtra-catuṣka) stretched and snapped as marking lines.
Beyond myth and devotion, the Agni Purāṇa preserves applied sciences such as architectural surveying and diagram construction—here, a string-based geometric procedure central to Vāstu-maṇḍala and building layouts.
In Vāstu contexts, correct geometric layout is treated as dhārmic order (ṛta) in built space; accurate marking of the square supports a ritually pure foundation for temples or sacred structures and is therefore linked with auspiciousness and merit.