Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 12
Vāsudevādi-pratimā-lakṣaṇa-vidhiḥ
Iconographic and Iconometric Procedure for Vāsudeva and the Vyūha Forms
ललाटं नासिकावक्त्रं कर्तव्यञ्चतुरङ्गुलं ग्रीवाकर्णौ तु कर्तव्यौ आयामाच्चतुरङ्गुलौ
lalāṭaṃ nāsikāvaktraṃ kartavyañcaturaṅgulaṃ grīvākarṇau tu kartavyau āyāmāccaturaṅgulau
Le front, le nez et le visage doivent être façonnés, chacun, à la mesure de quatre aṅgulas; et le cou ainsi que les oreilles doivent pareillement avoir quatre aṅgulas de longueur.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, as per the Agni Purāṇa’s standard narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Pratimā/portrait sculpting and painting: set facial proportions using aṅgula units for forehead, nose, face, neck, and ears.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Mukha-pramāṇa: catur-aṅgula measures for facial parts","lookup_keywords":["pratimā-lakṣaṇa","aṅgula-pramāṇa","lalāṭa","nāsikā","grīvā-karṇa"],"quick_summary":"Standardize the image’s face by assigning four-aṅgula measures to forehead, nose, face/visage, and likewise four-aṅgula length to neck and ears for harmonious proportion."}
Concept: Rūpa-sādhutā (aesthetic rightness) arises from pramāṇa (correct measure).
Application: Use aṅgula-based grids/cords to keep facial features proportionate in carving, casting, or painting.
Khanda Section: Shilpa-shastra / Pratima-lakshana (Iconography and measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sculptor marks a deity-image face with a measuring cord and aṅgula ticks, indicating four-aṅgula segments for forehead, nose, face, neck, and ears.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: artisan in traditional attire measuring a divine face outline on a wooden panel, clear aṅgula marks, warm ochres and greens, temple-workshop ambience with lamps and tools.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: partially finished deity mukha with gold halo, artisan holding measuring strip, highlighted facial segments labeled by placement, ornate jewelry sketched, gold work accenting the sacred context.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional composition with neat proportional lines across forehead, nose, face, neck, ears; soft colors, fine brushwork, emphasis on measurement clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: atelier scene with master craftsman and apprentices, a face diagram with measured segments, delicate tools, paper and pigments, architectural studio backdrop."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कर्तव्यञ्चतुरङ्गुलं = कर्तव्यम् + चतुरङ्गुलम् (m + c → ñc); आयामाच्चतुरङ्गुलौ = आयामात् + चतुरङ्गुलौ (t + c → cc).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 44.13-44.15 (continued mukha-aṅga pramāṇa)
FAQs
It teaches iconometric (pramāṇa) rules for sculpting/depicting a divine image: specific facial and neck–ear dimensions are prescribed in aṅgulas to ensure canonical proportions.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purāṇa codifies applied arts—temple design and image-making—by giving measurable standards (aṅgula-based proportions), showing its coverage of śilpa-śāstra alongside ritual and doctrine.
Correct proportions are treated as dhārmic precision in sacred art: a properly made icon supports valid worship (pūjā) and is believed to yield purifying merit through adherence to śāstric injunctions.