Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 10
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
एवं लिङ्गानि षट्त्रिंशत् ज्ञेयानि ज्येष्ठमानतः मध्यमानेन षट्त्रिंशत् षट्त्रिंशदधमेन च
evaṃ liṅgāni ṣaṭtriṃśat jñeyāni jyeṣṭhamānataḥ madhyamānena ṣaṭtriṃśat ṣaṭtriṃśadadhamena ca
Ainsi, les liṅgas doivent être compris comme trente-six (types) selon la mesure supérieure (jyeṣṭha) ; trente-six selon la mesure moyenne (madhyama) ; et trente-six encore selon la mesure inférieure (adhama).
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Classifying liṅgas by standardized measure-grades (superior/middle/inferior) for correct selection in installation and worship contexts.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Liṅga-bheda: Thirty-six Types by Jyeṣṭha, Madhyama, and Adhama Measures","lookup_keywords":["liṅga-bheda","ṣaṭtriṃśat","jyeṣṭha-māna","madhyama-māna","adhama-māna"],"quick_summary":"Liṅgas are enumerated as 36 types under each of three measure-grades—superior, middle, and inferior—forming a systematic iconometric taxonomy for selection and standardization."}
Concept: Multiplicity of sacred forms is ordered through measure; classification supports correct ritual choice without arbitrariness.
Application: When commissioning or choosing a liṅga, identify its measure-grade and corresponding type-set to maintain canonical conformity.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Linga-lakshana and iconographic standards)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A didactic display of liṅga categories: three columns labeled jyeṣṭha, madhyama, adhama, each showing stylized sets indicating ‘36’ types, with an artisan and priest referencing a manuscript.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, three-panel composition with labeled measure-grades, repeated liṅga silhouettes, priest-teacher gesturing, palm-leaf manuscript, strong outlines and flat color fields.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate framed triptych with gold borders, three graded liṅgas emphasized by size and pedestal detail, temple lamps, decorative inscriptions of ‘36’.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional chart-like painting: neat columns, fine linework, subtle shading, clear labels for jyeṣṭha/madhyama/adhama, artisan holding calipers.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, atelier scene with catalog sheets showing liṅga variants, scribes noting counts, refined architectural backdrop, delicate patterns and muted palette."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ṣaṭtriṃśadadhamena = ṣaṭtriṃśat + adhamena (t/d sandhi).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 54.11 (108 total by combination); Agni Purana 54.12 (movable measure ranges)
FAQs
It teaches the technical classification of Shiva-liṅgas by proportional standards—superior, medium, and inferior measures—used for correct ritual installation and worship.
By codifying iconographic and measurement-based taxonomies for worship-objects (liṅgas), it preserves applied temple-ritual knowledge alongside the Purana’s many other disciplines.
Following correct measures and classifications supports proper consecration and worship, which is traditionally held to enhance ritual efficacy (puṇya) and reduce faults (doṣa) in installation.