Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 28
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
पञ्चमं वर्धमानाख्यं व्यासान्नाहप्रवृद्धितः द्विधा भेदा बहून्यत्र वक्ष्यन्ते विश्वकर्मतः
pañcamaṃ vardhamānākhyaṃ vyāsānnāhapravṛddhitaḥ dvidhā bhedā bahūnyatra vakṣyante viśvakarmataḥ
Le cinquième type de temple/structure est nommé Vardhamāna, caractérisé par l’accroissement de la largeur et de la hauteur. Ici seront exposées ses nombreuses subdivisions, selon une classification en deux modes, conformément à Viśvakarman (l’architecte faisant autorité).
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Temple typology selection and proportional planning for a Vardhamāna-class shrine with increased breadth/height and its subtypes per authoritative tradition.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Vardhamāna Temple Type (Fifth Class) and Its Subdivisions","lookup_keywords":["Vardhamāna","temple type","Viśvakarman","breadth and height increase","subdivisions"],"quick_summary":"Defines the Vardhamāna as the fifth structural type marked by progressive enlargement in width and height, and signals a twofold scheme with many subtypes to be taught in the Viśvakarman tradition."}
Concept: Śāstric classification and authority (Viśvakarman) as the basis for correct construction.
Application: Follow recognized canons and typologies before detailing measurements and subtypes in design work.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra (Architecture and Iconography)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A master architect (Viśvakarman archetype) presenting a temple plan showing a Vardhamāna shrine with visibly increasing breadth and height, alongside a chart of its subtypes.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, warm earthy palette, Viśvakarman-like sthapati holding palm-leaf manuscript and measuring rod, behind him a stylized prāsāda with stepped enlargement in width and height, schematic subtype panels, flat iconic composition.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf highlights on temple vimāna and ornaments, sthapati seated with manuscript labeled ‘Vardhamāna’, miniature temple model with expanded base and taller superstructure, rich reds and greens, ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, fine linework, instructional diagram feel: labeled temple elevation and plan showing incremental vṛddhi, architect demonstrating proportional scaling with a measuring cord, soft pastel background.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly workshop scene: architect and assistants around a drawing board, temple model with broadened plinth and taller tower, detailed textiles and tools, marginal notes indicating ‘twofold classification’ and ‘many subtypes’."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vardhamānākhyaṃ → vardhamāna-ākhyam; vyāsānnāhapravṛddhitaḥ → vyāsāt nāha-pravṛddhitaḥ (t/d assimilation); viśvakarmataḥ treated as tasil-avyaya ‘according to’.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Vāstu/Prāsāda-bheda sections around 54.26–54.33; Agni Purana Pratimā-lakṣaṇa and māna-pramāṇa chapters (icon/temple measurement sequences)
FAQs
It introduces the Vāstu-vidyā classification of the fifth temple type, Vardhamāna, defined by proportional increase in width (vyāsa) and height (nāha), and signals its twofold subdivision.
By systematizing temple typology and measurements under the authority of Viśvakarman, it shows the Agni Purana functioning as a technical manual—cataloging architectural science alongside other disciplines.
Correct architectural proportion and sanctioned typology are treated as dharmic requirements for sacred buildings; building in accord with authoritative Vāstu is understood to support purity of worship and the merit of consecration.