Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 31
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
चतुर्दशसहस्राणि चतुर्दशशतानि च एवमष्टाङ्गुलविस्तारो नवैककरगर्भतः
caturdaśasahasrāṇi caturdaśaśatāni ca evamaṣṭāṅgulavistāro navaikakaragarbhataḥ
Quatorze mille et mille quatre cents (en nombre/mesure). Ainsi, la largeur est de huit aṅgula, mesurée en prenant pour module étalon (garbha) neuf (ou) une envergure de main (kara).
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vashistha, as the standard frame of the Agni Purana)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Applying numeric modules and aṅgula/hasta-based standards to set breadth and core module (garbha) for icon/structure measurement in design and construction.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Formula","entry_title":"Aṅgula Breadth and Kara-Garbha Module (Numeric Standard)","lookup_keywords":["aṅgula","kara","garbha module","breadth 8 aṅgula","numeric count 14,000 1,400"],"quick_summary":"Provides a numeric standard and states that the breadth is eight aṅgulas, derived from a kara-based ‘garbha’ module (nine or one kara as the base reading), indicating a canonical proportional system."}
Concept: Pramāṇa (standard measure) as the basis of śilpa correctness; numbers as carriers of order.
Application: Fix a consistent module (kara/garbha) before deriving aṅgula measures to avoid proportional drift across components.
Khanda Section: Vastu / Pratima-Lakshana (Iconography and measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A drafting scene showing a measuring hand-span (kara), a scale of aṅgulas, and a temple/icon component labeled ‘breadth = 8 aṅgula’, with a ‘garbha’ module block used to derive dimensions; large numbers written as canonical counts.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sthapati with measuring rod and hand-span gesture, a stylized scale marked in aṅgulas, a small shrine component highlighted with ‘8’, flat composition with tool motifs.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-highlighted measuring scale and temple component, sthapati presenting a ‘garbha’ module block, ornate frame, numerals rendered decoratively.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical diagram clarity: kara and aṅgula ruler, labeled breadth line ‘8 aṅgula’, modular block ‘garbha’, neat annotations and fine outlines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architect’s workshop with rulers, cords, and tablets; a scribe writes the canonical numbers; a model component is measured to 8 aṅgulas, detailed instruments and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: evamaṣṭāṅgulavistāro → evam aṣṭa-aṅgula-vistāraḥ; navaikakaragarbhataḥ → nava-eka-kara-garbhataḥ (compound treated adverbially).
Related Themes: Agni Purana pratimā-lakṣaṇa/māna-pramāṇa passages near 54.31; Agni Purana vāstu measurement rules where aṅgula/hasta recur
FAQs
It gives an iconometric rule: the image/component breadth is specified as eight aṅgulas, using the kara (hand-based unit) as the underlying measuring module (garbha).
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical Vastu and iconography—standardized units (aṅgula, kara) and proportional rules used for temple images and sacred construction.
Correct sacred proportions are traditionally held to ensure ritual efficacy and auspiciousness—supporting merit (puṇya) by aligning the worship-image with sanctioned measurements.