Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 23
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
चतुरष्टाष्टवृत्तञ्च तत्त्वत्रयगुणात्मकं लिङ्गानामीप्सितं दैर्घ्यं तेन कृत्वाङ्गुलानि वै
caturaṣṭāṣṭavṛttañca tattvatrayaguṇātmakaṃ liṅgānāmīpsitaṃ dairghyaṃ tena kṛtvāṅgulāni vai
Le liṅga doit être façonné selon la forme circulaire prescrite et selon les proportions 4–8–8, incarnant les qualités des trois principes (tattva). Après avoir fixé la longueur souhaitée des liṅga, on la calcule en aṅgula (largeurs de doigt).
Lord Agni (in dialogue, instructing sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Śiva-liṅga nirmāṇa and pratiṣṭhā preparation: fixing canonical proportions and converting the chosen length into aṅgula units for workshop execution.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Liṅga-pramāṇa (4–8–8 vṛtta) and aṅgula-māna","lookup_keywords":["liṅga-pramāṇa","aṅgula-māna","4-8-8 vṛtta","tattva-traya-guṇa","liṅga-nirmāṇa"],"quick_summary":"The liṅga’s circular form is set by a canonical 4–8–8 proportional scheme and aligned with tri-tattva qualities; once the desired overall length is chosen, it must be computed precisely in aṅgulas for fabrication."}
Concept: Sacred form is governed by measurable proportion (pramāṇa) and metaphysical correspondence (tattva/guṇa).
Application: Use standardized aṅgula-based modules so ritual objects are reproducible, verifiable, and ritually ‘fit’ (yogya) for installation.
Khanda Section: Vastu & Linga-Pratishtha (Iconometry and installation of Shiva-linga)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sthapati measures a freshly shaped stone liṅga with aṅgula marks on a measuring rod, laying out a circular profile and modular 4–8–8 divisions before sanctum installation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style: sthapati and assistants in a workshop beside a garbhagṛha doorway, measuring a dark stone Śiva-liṅga with aṅgula scale, clear circular bands indicating 4–8–8 modules, muted earth pigments, sacred calm.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: central Śiva-liṅga on pedestal with gold-leaf halo motifs, artisan holding a measuring scale with aṅgula ticks, ornamental borders, rich reds and greens, emphasis on sacred geometry.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: instructional composition showing the liṅga with annotated proportional bands (4–8–8), artisan demonstrating aṅgula measurement, fine linework, soft shading, didactic clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: atelier scene with craftsmen measuring a stone liṅga using a marked rule, architectural niche suggesting a temple sanctum, delicate detailing, restrained palette, focus on precision tools."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चतुरष्टाष्टवृत्तञ्च = catur-aṣṭa-aṣṭa-vṛttam + ca; लिङ्गानामीप्सितं = liṅgānām + īpsitam; कृत्वाङ्गुलानि = kṛtvā + aṅgulāni.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 54 (Vāstu & Liṅga-pratiṣṭhā sections on pramāṇa, māna, and lakṣaṇa)
FAQs
It gives iconometric guidance for a Shiva-linga: the form is circular, proportions are indicated by the 4–8–8 scheme, and the final length is to be calculated using the aṅgula unit.
By preserving precise, technical standards of sacred architecture and image-making (vastu/iconometry), it shows the Agni Purana functioning as a practical manual alongside its theological material.
Correct proportion and measurement are treated as essential to a valid, efficacious installation, supporting ritual purity and ensuring the linga becomes a proper focus for worship and merit.