Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 20
Chapter 53 — Liṅga-lakṣaṇa
Characteristics and Proportions of the Śiva-liṅga and Piṇḍikā
द्यंगेन चोर्ध्वपट्टन्तु एकांशाः शेषपट्टिका भागं भागं प्रविष्टन्तु यावत् कण्ठं ततः पुनः
dyaṃgena cordhvapaṭṭantu ekāṃśāḥ śeṣapaṭṭikā bhāgaṃ bhāgaṃ praviṣṭantu yāvat kaṇṭhaṃ tataḥ punaḥ
Dann, mit erhobenem (Körper-)Glied, ordne man das obere Band an; einen Teil befestige man, und den übrigen Streifen füge man Abschnitt für Abschnitt ein, bis er den Hals erreicht; danach wiederum (wiederholen/fortsetzen) die Anordnung.
Lord Agni (in instruction mode, narrating ritual/technical procedure to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Stepwise placement/assembly of a band/strip element in temple construction or liṅga-pīṭha adjuncts (paṭṭikā/upper band), ensuring correct reach up to the neck/throat level before continuing.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Upper band (ūrdhva-paṭṭa) placement up to the throat (kaṇṭha)","lookup_keywords":["ūrdhva-paṭṭa","paṭṭikā","kaṇṭha-māna","band placement","devalaya-vidhi"],"quick_summary":"Gives a procedural instruction for arranging an upper band/strip in measured segments until it reaches the kaṇṭha level, then continuing the arrangement."}
Concept: Precision and sequential method (krama) in sacred construction/arrangement.
Application: Use staged measurement checkpoints (like kaṇṭha-level) to avoid cumulative error in installation.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Devalaya-vidhi (Ritual procedure and liturgical technique)
Primary Rasa: samanya
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple artisan or sthapati fitting an upper band/strip in segments around a sacred structural element, measuring up to the throat/neck marker before continuing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, sthapati and assistants installing a paṭṭikā band in segments around a sacred pillar/liṅga structure, clear measurement marks up to kaṇṭha level, earthy reds and ochres, temple workshop setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, artisan placing an ornate upper band with gold-highlighted mouldings, sacred workshop near a shrine, emphasis on the band reaching kaṇṭha marker, rich maroons and gold leaf detailing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional diagram-like scene of segmented band insertion (paṭṭikā) up to kaṇṭha level, fine linework, labeled measurement points, calm workshop background.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, craftsmen assembling a decorative band around a shrine element, precise tools and rulers visible, segmented insertion shown step-by-step, architectural interior with delicate detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: coर्ध्वपट्टन्तु = ca + ūrdhva-paṭṭam + tu; प्रविष्टन्तु is imperative plural; भागं भागं is repetition indicating distributive sense.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 53 (Liṅga-lakṣaṇa context); Agni Purana 54 (Liṅga-māna continuation)
FAQs
It teaches a precise, stepwise method of arranging and tucking an upper cloth-band (paṭṭa/paṭṭikā) by fixing one segment and inserting the remainder part-by-part up to the neck/throat.
Beyond theology, it preserves hands-on procedural detail (how to physically arrange ritual cloth/bands), showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of practical liturgical mechanics alongside broader religious doctrine.
Correct performance of prescribed ritual procedure is treated as a form of disciplined purity (śauca) and obedience to vidhi, supporting the efficacy (siddhi) and merit (puṇya) of the rite by avoiding procedural fault (doṣa).