Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 20
Chapter 53 — Liṅga-lakṣaṇa
Characteristics and Proportions of the Śiva-liṅga and Piṇḍikā
द्यंगेन चोर्ध्वपट्टन्तु एकांशाः शेषपट्टिका भागं भागं प्रविष्टन्तु यावत् कण्ठं ततः पुनः
dyaṃgena cordhvapaṭṭantu ekāṃśāḥ śeṣapaṭṭikā bhāgaṃ bhāgaṃ praviṣṭantu yāvat kaṇṭhaṃ tataḥ punaḥ
Ensuite, les (membres du) corps étant relevés, qu’on dispose la bande supérieure; qu’on fixe une portion, et que l’on insère la bande restante, section par section, jusqu’à la gorge; puis, de nouveau, qu’on reprenne/continue l’agencement.
Lord Agni (in instruction mode, narrating ritual/technical procedure to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Stepwise placement/assembly of a band/strip element in temple construction or liṅga-pīṭha adjuncts (paṭṭikā/upper band), ensuring correct reach up to the neck/throat level before continuing.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Upper band (ūrdhva-paṭṭa) placement up to the throat (kaṇṭha)","lookup_keywords":["ūrdhva-paṭṭa","paṭṭikā","kaṇṭha-māna","band placement","devalaya-vidhi"],"quick_summary":"Gives a procedural instruction for arranging an upper band/strip in measured segments until it reaches the kaṇṭha level, then continuing the arrangement."}
Concept: Precision and sequential method (krama) in sacred construction/arrangement.
Application: Use staged measurement checkpoints (like kaṇṭha-level) to avoid cumulative error in installation.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Devalaya-vidhi (Ritual procedure and liturgical technique)
Primary Rasa: samanya
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple artisan or sthapati fitting an upper band/strip in segments around a sacred structural element, measuring up to the throat/neck marker before continuing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, sthapati and assistants installing a paṭṭikā band in segments around a sacred pillar/liṅga structure, clear measurement marks up to kaṇṭha level, earthy reds and ochres, temple workshop setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, artisan placing an ornate upper band with gold-highlighted mouldings, sacred workshop near a shrine, emphasis on the band reaching kaṇṭha marker, rich maroons and gold leaf detailing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional diagram-like scene of segmented band insertion (paṭṭikā) up to kaṇṭha level, fine linework, labeled measurement points, calm workshop background.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, craftsmen assembling a decorative band around a shrine element, precise tools and rulers visible, segmented insertion shown step-by-step, architectural interior with delicate detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: coर्ध्वपट्टन्तु = ca + ūrdhva-paṭṭam + tu; प्रविष्टन्तु is imperative plural; भागं भागं is repetition indicating distributive sense.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 53 (Liṅga-lakṣaṇa context); Agni Purana 54 (Liṅga-māna continuation)
FAQs
It teaches a precise, stepwise method of arranging and tucking an upper cloth-band (paṭṭa/paṭṭikā) by fixing one segment and inserting the remainder part-by-part up to the neck/throat.
Beyond theology, it preserves hands-on procedural detail (how to physically arrange ritual cloth/bands), showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of practical liturgical mechanics alongside broader religious doctrine.
Correct performance of prescribed ritual procedure is treated as a form of disciplined purity (śauca) and obedience to vidhi, supporting the efficacy (siddhi) and merit (puṇya) of the rite by avoiding procedural fault (doṣa).