Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 5
Chapter 45 — Piṇḍikā-Lakṣaṇa
Characteristics and Measurements of the Pedestal/Plinth
मेखला भागमात्रा स्यात् खातं तस्यार्धमानतः भागं भागं परित्यज्य पार्श्वयोरुभयोः समं
mekhalā bhāgamātrā syāt khātaṃ tasyārdhamānataḥ bhāgaṃ bhāgaṃ parityajya pārśvayorubhayoḥ samaṃ
La bande de ceinture (mekhalā) doit avoir pour mesure une seule « part »; la tranchée (khāta) doit être faite à la moitié de cette mesure. En laissant une portion de chaque côté, on la maintiendra égale sur les deux flancs.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, the standard Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Construction measurement rule: set mekhalā (girdle-band/plinth-band or binding band) to one unit, dig khāta (trench) to half-unit, and maintain equal side offsets for symmetry and stability.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Mekhalā-pramāṇa and khāta-māna (band and trench proportions)","lookup_keywords":["mekhalā","khāta","pramāṇa","bhāga-mātra","samatā"],"quick_summary":"Make the mekhalā one unit; make the trench half that. Leave equal portions on both sides so the work remains centered and balanced."}
Concept: Pramāṇa and samatā (proportion and symmetry) are the basis of sound construction.
Application: Apply fixed ratios (1 : 1/2) and equal side allowances to avoid structural skew and uneven load distribution.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra / Śilpa-vidyā (Measurements and construction procedure)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Builders measure a mekhalā band and dig a trench at half-measure, leaving equal margins on both sides; tools like measuring cord and plumb line are visible.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style; artisans measuring a band course (mekhalā) on a foundation, trench (khāta) being dug to half depth/width, equal side offsets marked, bold outlines and earthy tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style with gold; stylized construction scene with a highlighted mekhalā band, trench shown below, gold accents on measurement marks, auspicious border motifs.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style; clear instructional layout showing ratio 1 unit mekhalā to 1/2 unit trench, equal side margins indicated with fine lines, craftsmen demonstrating with measuring rope.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature; detailed construction site with masons measuring and digging, annotated-looking marks on ground, balanced symmetry emphasized, refined depiction of tools and attire."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tasyārdhamānataḥ = tasya + ardhamānataḥ; pārśvayorubhayoḥ = pārśvayoḥ + ubhayoḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 45.6 (outer allowance and water outlet placement)
FAQs
It gives a proportional rule for architectural layout: the mekhalā (encircling measuring band/strip) is set to one unit, while the khāta (excavated trench) is made half that measure, ensuring symmetrical margins on both sides.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purāṇa preserves practical śāstric material—here, Vāstu/Śilpa measurement ratios and symmetry principles used in construction and site preparation.
In Vāstu contexts, correct proportion and symmetry are treated as dharmic correctness in building sacred or auspicious spaces; precision is linked to purity of the rite and the intended beneficial results of the structure.