Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 56
Adhivāsana-vidhi
Procedure for Preliminary Consecration in Vāstu–Pratiṣṭhā / Īśāna-kalpa
एवमष्टांश वृद्ध्या तु लिङ्गे सार्धकरादिके भवेदष्टयवा पृथ्वी गम्भीरान्नवहास्तिके
evamaṣṭāṃśa vṛddhyā tu liṅge sārdhakarādike bhavedaṣṭayavā pṛthvī gambhīrānnavahāstike
Ebenso gilt: Wird das Maß um ein Achtel vermehrt, so soll bei einem Liṅga, beginnend mit dem Typ «eineinhalb Hasta», die Erd-Basis (pṛthvī) acht yava betragen; und beim Liṅga «neun Hasta» (navahāstika) ist eine entsprechende Tiefe (gambhīrā) vorzusehen.
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Applying aṣṭāṃśa-vṛddhi (1/8 increase) to liṅga size-classes and deciding base measure (8 yavas) and special instruction for very large (nava-hasta) liṅga embedment depth.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Liṅga Class Scaling: 8-Yava Pṛthvī and Deep Setting for Nava-hasta","lookup_keywords":["nava-hasta liṅga","aṣṭāṃśa-vṛddhi","pṛthvī 8 yava","gambhīrā","liṅga-lakṣaṇa"],"quick_summary":"For liṅgas whose measures are scaled by one-eighth, the pṛthvī/base is standardized to eight yavas; exceptionally large liṅgas (nine-hasta) require deeper installation."}
Concept: Bṛhat (large) sacred forms demand proportionate grounding; correctness is both structural and dhārmic.
Application: When planning large liṅgas, allocate deeper foundations and keep base measures consistent with the pramāṇa rule to prevent doṣa (fault) in installation.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra / Linga-Lakshana (Iconometry and measurements of the Shiva-linga)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A large nine-hasta Śiva-liṅga being lowered into a deep foundation pit, with artisans measuring the pṛthvī/base as eight yavas and marking the depth lines.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: dramatic sanctum construction scene, large liṅga suspended with ropes, priests supervising, depth pit shown in cutaway, measurement marks, oil lamps and temple pillars.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: monumental liṅga with gold-ornamented frame, attendants and sthapati holding measuring cord, stylized deep pit indicated with layered bands, rich reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: diagrammatic cut-section of deep foundation for nava-hasta liṅga, labeled yava and hasta units, fine ink outlines, calm instructional layout.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: court-sponsored temple construction vignette, engineers measuring and directing workers lowering a tall liṅga into a deep shaft, delicate tools and annotations."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भवेदष्टयवा → भवेत् + अष्टयवा; गम्भीरान्नवहास्तिके → गम्भीरा + नवहास्तिके (पाठे 'अन्' संधि/पाठदोषसम्भवः)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 96 (liṅga-pramāṇa and installation measures)
FAQs
It gives a Vāstu/Śilpa rule for liṅga-installation: apply an eighth-part increase to certain liṅga measures and set the earth-base (pṛthvī) to a specified thickness (eight yavas), with special emphasis on deeper setting for the nine-hasta liṅga.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical temple-engineering standards—units (yava, hasta), proportional increments, and foundation directives—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of Vāstu-śāstra and consecration logistics alongside ritual doctrine.
Correct proportion and stable installation are treated as prerequisites for a properly consecrated liṅga; following the prescribed measures supports ritual efficacy, auspiciousness of the shrine, and the devotee’s merit through faultless worship.