Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 15
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
त्रिकं द्व्यङ्गुलकं तत् स्यान्मध्यन्तस्य सुशोभनम् आयामस्तत्समस्तस्य मध्यनिम्नः सुशोभनः
trikaṃ dvyaṅgulakaṃ tat syānmadhyantasya suśobhanam āyāmastatsamastasya madhyanimnaḥ suśobhanaḥ
Cette mesure en triade (tri-ka) sera de deux aṅgulas ; elle embellit la partie médiane et l’extrémité. La longueur totale doit être proportionnée, et un léger creux au centre est d’un bel effet.
Lord Agni (instructional narration to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Guidance on a specific proportional module (triad-measure) and aesthetic finishing: ensuring pleasing middle/end proportions and introducing a controlled central depression for visual refinement and fit.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Trika-māna and Madhya-nimnatā (triad measure and central depression)","lookup_keywords":["trika","dvy-aṅgula","madhya","anta","nimna"],"quick_summary":"Adopt a trika module of two aṅgulas for the middle and end portions; keep total length proportionate and add a gentle central depression to enhance appearance and seating."}
Concept: Saundarya arises from proportion plus subtle modulation (like controlled concavity), not from size alone.
Application: In carving/turning, maintain module-based measures and introduce slight concavity at the center to improve visual rhythm and functional seating.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra / Shilpa-shastra (Iconography and proportional canons)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A component is shown in profile with middle and end segments marked; a gentle central depression is illustrated, with a two-aṅgula trika module indicated by a measuring scale.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, profile diagram integrated into a workshop scene, artisan smoothing a shallow central concavity, strong contour lines, warm earthy palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, stylized profile of the crafted piece with gold accents along the curvature, artisan tools (chisel, file) depicted, ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, didactic illustration with labeled madhya/anta and nimna, precise linework, soft colors, manuscript-like clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, close-up of artisan finishing a concave center with fine tools, detailed textures of stone/wood, subtle shading and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: द्व्यङ्गुलकम् = द्वि + अङ्गुलकम्; स्यात् मध्यन्तस्य = स्यात् + मध्यन्तस्य; आयामस् तत्समस्तस्य = आयामः + तत्समस्तस्य.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (māna modules and finishing rules in adjacent verses)
FAQs
It gives a shilpa/vaastu proportional rule: a specific threefold unit is set to two aṅgulas, and it prescribes pleasing form-features like correct overall length and a slight central concavity.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical design canons—standardized measurements and aesthetic rules used in sculpture/temple arts—showing its coverage of technical sciences (śilpa-vidyā) alongside ritual and myth.
Correct proportions in sacred images/structures are traditionally held to support auspiciousness and proper worship, helping ensure that devotional installations are ritually fit and spiritually efficacious.