Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 116
Adhivāsana-vidhi
Procedure for Preliminary Consecration in Vāstu–Pratiṣṭhā / Īśāna-kalpa
मूलेन स्वीयवीजैर् वा ज्ञेयन्तत्त्वत्रयात्मके शिलापिण्डो वृषेष्वेवं पूर्णाछिन्नं सुसंवरैः
mūlena svīyavījair vā jñeyantattvatrayātmake śilāpiṇḍo vṛṣeṣvevaṃ pūrṇāchinnaṃ susaṃvaraiḥ
Man soll erkennen — entweder durch das Wurzelmantra (mūla) oder durch die eigenen Samen-Silben (bīja) —, dass (dieser Ritus/diese Gestalt) aus den drei Prinzipien (tattva-traya) besteht. In dieser Weise ist der Steinblock, der als Stier zu formen ist, vollständig und ohne Bruch herzustellen, mit gut gesicherten Bindungen (und angemessener Fixierung).
Lord Agni (in dialogue framework addressing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Guidance for ritual construction/selection of a stone component (bull-form) for liṅga–yantra–pratiṣṭhā: ensure integrity (unbroken), proper binding/containment, and doctrinal grounding in tattva-traya via mūla-mantra or personal bījas.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Tattva-traya basis and stone-bull (vṛṣa) construction criteria","lookup_keywords":["tattva-traya","mūla-mantra","bīja","śilāpiṇḍa","vṛṣa"],"quick_summary":"States that the rite/object is to be known as constituted of three principles (tattva-traya) through mantra, and prescribes that the stone bull-form used in installation be whole, unfractured, and properly secured."}
Concept: Ritual objects embody doctrine (tattva-traya) and must be materially flawless; mantra is the epistemic tool to ‘know’/establish the tattvic constitution.
Application: In pratiṣṭhā work, select stone free from cracks; ensure secure placement/binding; accompany construction with mūla-mantra/bīja contemplation of tattva-traya.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Tantra (Linga–Yantra–Pratishtha and ritual construction)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Artisans and priests examine a stone block to be shaped into a bull (vṛṣa/Nandin), checking for cracks, then securing it with bands/setting while reciting mūla-mantra/bījas and contemplating tattva-traya.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, artisan-priest duo inspecting a dark stone bull form, visible ‘no cracks’ emphasis, ritual thread and bands, palm-leaf manuscript with bīja syllables, subdued temple workshop background","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, Nandin/bull stone icon centered with gold halo accents, priest holding mantra scroll, craftsmen with tools, ornate borders, gold leaf highlighting the ‘complete unbroken’ stone texture","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional workshop scene: labeled checks for fractures, binding/setting method, small inset showing tattva-traya triad symbols, clean composition and soft colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed atelier: stone-carver shaping a bull, priest pointing to a manuscript, fine tools, measured calm, architectural workshop setting with delicate linework"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: svīyavījair vā = svīyavījaiḥ + vā; jñeyantattvatrayātmake = jñeyam + tattvatrayātmake; śilāpiṇḍo = śilāpiṇḍaḥ; vṛṣeṣvevaṃ = vṛṣeṣu + evam
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa 96 (liṅga–yantra–pratiṣṭhā related instructions)
FAQs
It gives a tantric-ritual specification: recognize the rite/form as based on a triad of tattvas and ensure the stone form (here, bull-form) is intact, unfractured, and properly secured/contained—an instruction relevant to image/ritual construction and installation.
It shows the text blending metaphysical taxonomy (tattva-traya) with practical craft rules (selection and preparation of stone forms, avoidance of fractures, securing/fastening), illustrating how Agni Purana preserves both doctrine and applied ritual-technology.
Using properly empowered mantras (mūla/bīja) and an unbroken, well-prepared form supports ritual purity and efficacy, helping ensure the installation is auspicious and free from defects that are traditionally believed to diminish merit or invite obstacles.