Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 16
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
शुषिरं कण्ठदेशे स्याद्विशेद् यावत् कनीयसी शेषकुण्डन्तु कर्तव्यं यथारुचि विचित्रितं
śuṣiraṃ kaṇṭhadeśe syādviśed yāvat kanīyasī śeṣakuṇḍantu kartavyaṃ yathāruci vicitritaṃ
Qu’on pratique un creux dans la région du cou (kaṇṭha-deśa) ; qu’il soit percé jusqu’à la mesure de l’auriculaire. Ensuite, le kuṇḍa restant (logement/creuset) doit être façonné selon le goût, orné de motifs variés.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Technical instruction for boring a hollow at the neck region to a specified depth (little-finger measure) and then ornamenting the remaining socket (kuṇḍa) according to design choice.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Kaṇṭha-śuṣira and Kuṇḍa-nirmāṇa (neck hollow and socket formation)","lookup_keywords":["śuṣira","kaṇṭha-deśa","kanīyasī","kuṇḍa","vicitrīkaraṇa"],"quick_summary":"Bore a hollow at the neck region up to the little-finger measure; then shape the remaining kuṇḍa and ornament it variably to suit the intended aesthetic and function."}
Concept: Function-led construction (hollowing to measure) is complemented by controlled artistic freedom (yathāruci) in ornamentation.
Application: Maintain specified boring depth for fit/strength; vary surface ornament without compromising structural margins.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śilpa (Architecture & Iconography / Temple & Ornament Construction)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An artisan drills a hollow at the neck region to a little-finger depth; beside it, the remaining kuṇḍa is shown with alternative ornamental patterns.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, craftsman boring a cavity with traditional drill, kaṇṭha region highlighted, surrounding motifs showing ‘vicitra’ ornament options, bold lines and warm tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, the kuṇḍa ornamentation rendered with gold leaf patterns, artisan and tools depicted, rich saturated colors, temple-craft aura.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, step-by-step panel: (1) mark kanīyasī depth, (2) bore śuṣira, (3) decorate kuṇḍa; labeled measures, clean instructional clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, workshop interior with drill and chisels, close attention to the hollowing action, patterned ornament samples laid out like design swatches."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्याद्विशेत् = स्यात् + विशेत्; शेषकुण्डन्तु = शेषकुण्डम् + तु; यथारुचि = यथा + रुचि (अव्ययीभाव).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (continuing implement/pratimā construction steps); Agni Purana (sections on ornamentation and śilpa finishing in nearby adhyāyas)
FAQs
It gives a śilpa/vāstu specification: create a cavity at the neck-region and bore it to the depth/extent measured by the little finger, then complete the remaining kuṇḍa (socket/pit) with decorative finishing as desired.
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana preserves practical craft-standards—fine measurements, construction steps, and aesthetic finishing—typical of its vāstu-śilpa and iconographic manuals.
In temple/icon construction, correct proportions and prescribed workmanship are treated as part of dharmic correctness; accurate execution supports ritual efficacy and the purity of the sacred installation.