Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 27
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
रसभूतांशषष्ठांशत्र्यंशाधिकशरैर् भवेत् आढ्यानाढ्यसुरेज्यार्कतुल्यानाञ्चतुरस्रता
rasabhūtāṃśaṣaṣṭhāṃśatryaṃśādhikaśarair bhavet āḍhyānāḍhyasurejyārkatulyānāñcaturasratā
La quadrature du plan (caturasratā) s’obtient en prenant les « flèches/diagonales » (śara) augmentées d’un tiers, avec des sixièmes correspondant à ‘rasa’ et ‘bhūta’. Une telle justesse du carré est dite comparable à celle du riche (āḍhya), du non-riche (anāḍhya), du seigneur des dieux (surejya/Indra) et du Soleil (arka).
Lord Agni (teaching to sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s instructional frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Deriving/validating a square plan (caturasratā) through proportional parts (one-third increase, one-sixth parts) and diagonal/arrow (śara) operations—used for site-planning, plinth layout, and ensuring correct geometry.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Formula","entry_title":"Caturasratā-sādhana by śara (diagonal) with rasa/bhūta ṣaṣṭhāṃśa and tryaṃśādhika","lookup_keywords":["caturasra","vāstu-māna","śara-diagonal","ṣaṣṭhāṃśa","tryaṃśa"],"quick_summary":"A correct square plan is obtained/checked by a rule involving diagonals (śara) adjusted by one-third and combined with one-sixth parts keyed to rasa and bhūta; the resulting squareness is praised as exemplary across social/divine exemplars."}
Alamkara Type: Upamā
Concept: Cosmic/social order is mirrored in correct geometry; ‘squareness’ is not merely practical but a marker of auspicious alignment.
Application: Use diagonal-based checks and fractional modules to avoid skewed plans, ensuring stability, symmetry, and ritual acceptability.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra (Architecture & Proportional Measurement)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Architects lay out a square on the ground using cords, stakes, and diagonal checks; fractional markings (one-third, one-sixth) are shown on the measuring cord to achieve perfect caturasra.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: vāstu-ācārya with assistants stretching cords to form a square maṇḍala, diagonals highlighted; fractional marks on the cord; earthy pigments and temple-site ambience.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: ceremonial foundation-laying with a square grid, gold accents on measuring tools and borders; architect demonstrating diagonal equality; auspicious sun (arka) motif in corner.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: technical instructional painting—top-down view of square with diagonals, annotations for tryaṃśa and ṣaṣṭhāṃśa; craftsmen with cords and pegs; clean, precise lines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: garden-like construction site with surveyors using cords and stakes to set a perfect square; one scholar notes fractional measures; detailed textiles and instruments, emphasis on geometry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शरैर् = śaraiḥ; तुल्यानाञ्चतुरस्रता = tulyānām + caturasratā.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 54 (Vāstu measurement rules; caturasra/āyāma-vistāra discussions)
FAQs
It gives a Vastu-geometry rule for establishing ‘caturasratā’ (true squareness) using fractional parts (one-sixth and one-third increase) applied to the measure-lines termed ‘śara’ (often the diagonal/constructing line).
Beyond mythology, it preserves applied technical knowledge—architectural measurement language, numerical-code terms (rasa=6, bhūta=5), and geometric procedures—showing the Agni Purana’s broad coverage of Vastu and built-environment science.
Correct proportions in sacred construction are traditionally linked to harmony (ṛta) and auspicious outcomes; ensuring a true square plan is treated as supporting stability, prosperity, and ritual efficacy of the space.