Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 9
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
द्वारमानात् त्रिसङ्ख्याकं नवधा गर्भमानतः नवधा गर्भमानेन लिङ्गन्धाम्नि च पूजयेत्
dvāramānāt trisaṅkhyākaṃ navadhā garbhamānataḥ navadhā garbhamānena liṅgandhāmni ca pūjayet
Aus dem Maß der Türöffnung soll die Triade (dreifache Proportionsreihe) berechnet werden. Aus dem Maß des garbha-gṛha (Heiligtums) teile man in neun Teile; und nach eben diesem neunfachen Maß verehre man den Liṅga im Heilraum (dhāman).
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purāṇa narration style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Computing proportional modules from doorway and garbhagṛha measures (triad and ninefold division) to determine the correct scale for liṅga worship/placement within the shrine.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Dvāra-māna Triad and Garbha-gṛha Navabhāga for Liṅga-pūjā Scale","lookup_keywords":["dvāra-māna","trisaṅkhyā","garbha-māna","navadhā","dhāman"],"quick_summary":"Derive a threefold proportional set from the doorway measure and a ninefold module from the sanctum measure. Use the ninefold garbha module to set the liṅga’s worship-scale within the shrine."}
Concept: Ritual efficacy is supported by correct spatial proportion; the shrine is a measured cosmos where worship aligns with architectural order.
Application: When designing or adapting a shrine, compute modules from dvāra and garbha measures to standardize liṅga scale and placement for pūjā.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Liṅga/Śiva-pūjā and Vāstu-Temple Measurement)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple plan scene: the doorway is measured, a triad of proportions is noted; the garbhagṛha is shown divided into nine equal parts, and the liṅga is worshipped/placed according to that ninefold module.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized temple cutaway with garbhagṛha grid of nine parts, priest pointing to measurements, liṅga in sanctum with lamps, bold outlines, ochre-red background.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, sanctum with gold-embellished doorway, nine-part grid subtly indicated on floor, priest offering flowers to liṅga, inscriptions of ‘navadhā’ motif, rich ornamentation.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional diagram aesthetic: clean ninefold division lines, doorway measurement marks, priest and architect with palm-leaf manuscript, soft colors and precise geometry.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architect’s workshop inside a temple complex, measured doorway, drawn nine-part sanctum plan on paper, priest performing pūjā to liṅga, fine detailing and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: liṅgaṃ dhāmni = liṅgam + dhāmni (anusvāra sandhi).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 54.8 (door-recess placement and small measures); Agni Purana 54.10-54.12 (liṅga measure classes and totals)
FAQs
It teaches a measurement-based (māna) method for liṅga-pūjā/placement: derive key proportions from the doorway and the garbha-gṛha, especially using a ninefold division (navadhā) as the operative unit.
It blends devotional practice (Śaiva liṅga-pūjā) with applied technical knowledge (vāstu/temple proportioning), showing how the Agni Purāṇa preserves both ritual theology and architectural measurement systems.
By worshipping the liṅga according to correct sacred proportions, the act is treated as ritually ‘well-formed’ (properly aligned with dharma), enhancing the efficacy and merit (puṇya) of the worship performed in the shrine.