Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 4
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
योनिर्दशाङ्गुला रम्या षट्चतुर्द्व्यङ्गुलाग्रगा क्रमान्निम्ना तु कर्तव्या पश्चिमाशाव्यवस्थिता
yonirdaśāṅgulā ramyā ṣaṭcaturdvyaṅgulāgragā kramānnimnā tu kartavyā paścimāśāvyavasthitā
The yoni-shaped channel should be made pleasing, measuring ten aṅgulas in length. Its mouth/forepart is to be formed with successive breadths of six, four, and two aṅgulas; it should be constructed with a gradual downward slope and positioned facing the western direction.
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Designing a yoni-shaped channel/spout with specified aṅgula dimensions, graded mouth widths, slope, and westward placement—useful for pedestal drainage and ritual water-flow management.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Yoni-nāḍī/Pranāla: māna, agravistāra-krama, nimnatā, paścimāśā","lookup_keywords":["yoni","pranāla","daśāṅgula","nimna-krama","paścimāśā"],"quick_summary":"Gives the standard size and graded mouth widths for a yoni-channel and instructs a gentle downward slope with westward orientation for proper outflow and ritual correctness."}
Concept: Ritual engineering: auspiciousness and purity depend on correct form, slope, and direction of functional elements.
Application: Ensure the channel’s taper and slope prevent stagnation and maintain sanctity around the pedestal/altar.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra / Prasada-Vinyasa (Architectural layout and measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A cutaway diagram of a yoni-shaped channel with a 10-aṅgula length, a mouth tapering in three steps (6, 4, 2), and a gentle downward slope pointing west.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized temple interior with a pedestal and visible yoni-channel flowing westward; bold outlines, flat colors, annotated aṅgula steps as decorative script elements.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: ornate pedestal with yoni-channel, gold highlights on the channel rim; a small inset diagram showing 6-4-2 aṅgula gradation; rich jewel tones.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: technical illustration-like painting of the channel profile and plan, clear west-direction arrow, neat aṅgula labels, soft pastel palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: architect presenting a measured drawing of the yoni-channel to a patron; fine detailing of tools and calligraphy; the westward slope shown in a side profile panel."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: योनिर्दशाङ्गुला = योनिḥ + दशाङ्गुला; पश्चिमाशाव्यवस्थिता = पश्चिमा + आशा + व्यवस्थिताः (यहाँ स्त्री. एक. ‘व्यवस्थिता’).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (yoni/pranāla and pedestal measurements)
FAQs
It gives a precise Vastu/ritual-engineering specification for constructing a yoni-shaped channel/spout: total measure (10 aṅgulas), a graded mouth dimension (6–4–2 aṅgulas), a sequential downward slope, and a prescribed western placement.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical standards of sacred construction—units, proportional design, and directional placement—showing it functions as a compendium that includes Vastu-shastra and applied ritual architecture.
In temple/ritual contexts, correct proportion and orientation are treated as conditions for purity and efficacy: the properly sloped, correctly placed channel ensures orderly flow/cleanliness and supports the intended sanctity and merit of the installation.