Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 24
Vāsudevādi-pratimā-lakṣaṇa-vidhiḥ
Iconographic and Iconometric Procedure for Vāsudeva and the Vyūha Forms
मूर्तीनां केशवादीनां द्वात्रिंशद्वेष्टनं भवेत् पञ्चनेत्रा त्वधोग्रीवा विस्ताराद्वेष्टनं पुनः
mūrtīnāṃ keśavādīnāṃ dvātriṃśadveṣṭanaṃ bhavet pañcanetrā tvadhogrīvā vistārādveṣṭanaṃ punaḥ
Pour les images (mūrtis) de Keśava et des autres formes (à partir de Keśava), il doit y avoir trente-deux mesures d’enveloppement (veṣṭana). Mais pour la forme aux cinq yeux, dont le cou est placé plus bas (adho-grīvā), la mesure d’enveloppement est de nouveau fixée selon la largeur (vistāra).
Lord Agni (teaching the iconographic/ritual manual portions to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Differentiates iconometric wrap-measures for Vaiṣṇava forms (Keśava etc.) versus special multi-eyed forms; used to scale the whole icon consistently from a standard circumference rule.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Veṣṭana-māna for Keśavaādi mūrtis and pañca-netra form","lookup_keywords":["Keśava","veṣṭana","pañca-netra","adho-grīvā","vistāra"],"quick_summary":"Keśava and related forms take a 32-veṣṭana standard; a five-eyed, low-necked (adho-grīvā) form uses a wrap-measure recalculated from breadth (vistāra) to preserve proportions."}
Concept: Sāmānya-vidhi with viśeṣa-vidhi (general rule with exception) in śāstric construction.
Application: When icon type deviates (extra eyes/neck placement), recompute governing measures from breadth to avoid distortion.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Murti-lakshana / Iconography and measurement rules for deities)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Two icon templates side-by-side: Keśava with standard wrap-measure marks (32), and a five-eyed, low-necked form with breadth-based recalculation lines.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: split-panel showing Keśava icon on left with measurement bands, and pañca-netra form on right with five eyes and lowered neck, artisan annotating breadth lines, temple workshop setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Keśava richly ornamented with gold foil, measurement cord indicating 32 veṣṭana; adjacent smaller vignette of five-eyed form with dramatic eyes, gold highlights, ornate border.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic chart comparing standard vs exception rule, labeled veṣṭana and vistāra, fine line drawings of both heads/upper torsos.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: master draftsman presenting two scrolls—Keśava plan and pañca-netra plan—patron observing, detailed instruments and calligraphy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional-devotional","suggested_raga":"Madhyamavati","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: keśavādīnāṃ = केशव + आदीनाम्; dvātriṃśadveṣṭanaṃ = द्वा + त्रिंशत् + वेष्टनम्; tvadhogrīvā = tu + अधोग्रीवा.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 44 (sections enumerating deity forms and their pramāṇa)
FAQs
It gives a precise iconographic measurement rule: Keśava-class images are to be made with a standard of 32 veṣṭana (girth-wrap units), while a pañcanetra form with a lowered-neck proportion is measured by breadth (vistāra) as the determining basis.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical temple-arts knowledge—standardized sculptural canons (pramāṇa) and specialized exceptions—showing how Purāṇas function as handbooks for ritual, architecture, and image-making.
Correct proportions are treated as essential for a valid consecrated image (pratiṣṭhā): accurate measurement supports proper worship, preserves ritual efficacy, and is believed to align the form with the deity’s sanctioned manifestation.