Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 42
Vāsudevādi-pratimā-lakṣaṇa-vidhiḥ
Iconographic and Iconometric Procedure for Vāsudeva and the Vyūha Forms
पञ्चाङ्गुलस्तु नाहोस्य दीर्घा तद्वत् प्रदेशिनी अष्टमाष्टांशतोन्यूनः शेषाङ्गुल्यः क्रमेण तु
pañcāṅgulastu nāhosya dīrghā tadvat pradeśinī aṣṭamāṣṭāṃśatonyūnaḥ śeṣāṅgulyaḥ krameṇa tu
Das Maß der Nabelgegend beträgt fünf Aṅgulas. Der Zeigefinger (pradeśinī) ist von derselben Länge wie das angegebene Normmaß. Die übrigen Finger sind der Reihe nach jeweils geringfügig kürzer, jeder um ein Achtel eines Achtelteils vermindert.
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Standardizing hand/finger and navel-region measures for accurate pratimā carving and for creating consistent aṅgula-based measuring systems in workshops.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Nābhi-pramāṇa and Aṅguli-krama (Finger-Length Gradation)","lookup_keywords":["nābhi","pradeśinī","aṅguli-krama","aṣṭāṃśa","pramāṇa"],"quick_summary":"Defines the navel-region as 5 aṅgulas and sets a rule for finger lengths: the forefinger matches the stated standard, while other fingers decrease successively by a minute fractional step."}
Concept: Order (krama) and proportion as a canon for representing the sacred body
Application: Apply a consistent decrement rule to avoid unnatural hands; use the navel measure as a torso reference point in layout.
Khanda Section: Shilpa-shastra / Pratima-Lakshana (Iconography and measurements of images)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Close study of a hand and torso diagram: navel marked as 5 aṅgulas; index finger highlighted as standard; other fingers shown slightly shorter in sequence with fractional notes.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, didactic panel showing a stylized torso with nābhi marked, and a hand with finger lengths graded, bold outlines, minimal shading, workshop-teacher pointing","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, ornate framed instructional icon with a highlighted nābhi and hand, gold accents on measurement marks and borders, rich reds and greens","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, fine-line anatomical proportion chart with delicate color washes, clear labels for pradeśinī and successive finger reductions, scholarly calm mood","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, artist’s desk with a proportion manuscript open, detailed hand sketch with marginal fractional annotations, refined brushwork"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पञ्चाङ्गुलस्तु = पञ्चाङ्गुलः + तु; अष्टमाष्टांशतोन्यूनः = अष्टमात् + अष्टांशतः + न्यूनः; शेषाङ्गुल्यः = शेष + अङ्गुल्यः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 44 (aṅgula system; hand/limb pramāṇa sequences)
FAQs
It gives śilpa-śāstra proportional rules: a standard aṅgula-based measure for the navel region and a graded fractional shortening for the remaining fingers, used when designing/pricing the correctness of a deity image (pratimā).
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied technical standards—here, iconographic measurement rules—showing its coverage of architecture and sculpture (vāstu/śilpa) alongside ritual and doctrine.
In temple arts, correct proportions are treated as a condition for an image’s ritual fitness; following canonical measurement is understood to support proper consecration (pratiṣṭhā) and thus the merit (puṇya) of the patron and artisan.