Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 29
Abhiṣeka-mantrāḥ
Consecration Mantras
इन्द्रश् च मेत्यादिशतु ततः प्रतिमकृत्तथा मितश् च सम्मितश् चैव अमितश् च महाबलः
indraś ca metyādiśatu tataḥ pratimakṛttathā mitaś ca sammitaś caiva amitaś ca mahābalaḥ
Puis Indra donna l’injonction par les mots : « Viens ! », et de même fut नियुक्तé le façonneur d’images (pratimakṛt). Il y avait aussi Mita, Sammita et Amita—Amita étant d’une grande vigueur.
Lord Agni (narrating the iconographic procedure to Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Contextual cue for commissioning an image (pratimā): divine authorization, appointment of the sculptor, and naming/typology of measures (mita/sammita/amita) relevant to proportioning.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Pratimā-karaṇa: appointment of the image-maker and measure-classes (Mita–Sammita–Amita)","lookup_keywords":["pratima-krit","murti measurement","mita sammita amita","icon-making procedure","Agni Purana 219.29"],"quick_summary":"Indicates the ritual-social step of installing an authorized artisan and hints at proportional categories (measured, well-measured, immeasurable/expansive) used in image planning."}
Concept: Sacred art requires sanctioned intention (saṅkalpa) and correct measure (māna) mediated by skilled śilpin.
Application: Before image-making: formally appoint the artisan, define scale/proportion class, and proceed with measured planning rather than improvisation.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Pratima-lakshana (Iconography and image-making)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Indra gestures commandingly while a sculptor (pratimakṛt) receives instructions; measuring rods and proportional grids lie beside a partially carved image block labeled mita/sammita/amita.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Indra with regal posture instructing a seated śilpin, tools (tāla-measure, cord), partially carved stone/wood, warm traditional palette","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, Indra with ornate crown and gold highlights, artisan with chisels, measuring staff, gleaming workshop setting, embossed gold on ornaments and tools","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, workshop scene with clear depiction of measuring grid and tools, calm instructional composition, fine lines, muted colors","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, atelier scene: artisan carving while a divine messenger/Indra oversees, detailed tools and textures, architectural interior with patterned floor"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इन्द्रश् च = इन्द्रः + च (विसर्ग → श्). चैव = च + एव. मितश्/सम्मितश्/अमितश् = मितः/सम्मितः/अमितः (विसर्ग → श् before च). मेत्यादिशतु: पाठे 'मेति' = 'इति' इत्यर्थे, ततः 'आदिशतु'।
Related Themes: Agni Purana śilpa/pratimā-lakṣaṇa sections (iconography chapters); Agni Purana pūjā-vidhi contexts around commissioning and installation
FAQs
It situates the authority-chain for sacred image-making: Indra’s command initiates/authorizes the appointment of the pratimakṛt (sculptor) and identifies associated assistants/persons, implying an organized, sanctioned craft-process.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical institutional details—how temple images are commissioned and who participates—showing the Purana’s coverage of sacred art, craft administration, and ritualized production.
By stressing that image-making proceeds under divine instruction and proper appointment, it implies that correctly authorized craftsmanship supports ritual purity and merit, while irregular procedure risks diminishing sanctity.