Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 32
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
तेषां कोणार्धकोणस्थैश्चिन्त्यात् कोणानि सूत्रकैः विस्तारं मध्यमः कृत्वा स्थाप्यं वा मध्यतस्त्रयं
teṣāṃ koṇārdhakoṇasthaiścintyāt koṇāni sūtrakaiḥ vistāraṃ madhyamaḥ kṛtvā sthāpyaṃ vā madhyatastrayaṃ
Pour ces divisions/figures, on doit déterminer les angles au moyen de cordes de mesure (sūtraka) placées aux points d’angle et de demi-angle ; ayant pris la mesure médiane pour largeur, on établira ensuite les « trois » (lignes/points principaux) à partir du centre.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purāṇa narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Geometric layout of temple diagrams/plots using cords to fix corner and half-corner points, establishing central axes/triads for accurate construction lines.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Cord-Geometry for Corners and Central Triad स्थापना","lookup_keywords":["sūtraka cord","koṇa","ardha-koṇa","madhya vistāra","madhyataḥ traya"],"quick_summary":"Instructs using measuring cords to determine corner and half-corner points; taking the middle measure as breadth, one establishes three principal lines/points from the center for correct layout."}
Concept: Order from the center (madhya) and correctness through instruments (sūtra) — disciplined method yields stable sacred space.
Application: Use cord-based surveying to ensure right angles/diagonals and to place central axes before foundation work begins.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra (Temple/Diagram Geometry and Construction Layout)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Builders on a cleared plot stretching cords diagonally to mark corners and half-corners; a central point is pegged, from which three principal lines are drawn; a plan grid is faintly visible on the ground.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, artisans with white cords forming diagonals on an ochre ground, pegs at corners and half-corners, central bindu marked, three radiating lines, stylized tools and flat perspective.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-highlighted cords and pegs, central bindu with lotus motif, craftsmen in traditional attire laying out the plan, ornate border framing a geometric ground diagram.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, highly legible instructional scene: top-down plan with cords, corner/half-corner points labeled, center with three lines drawn, soft colors and precise outlines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed construction yard: surveyors with cords and stakes, a master pointing to the center, assistants drawing three lines from the bindu, architectural backdrop with meticulous detail."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Saveri","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: koṇārdhakoṇasthaiś → koṇa-ardha-koṇa-sthaiḥ; madhyatastrayaṃ → madhyataḥ trayam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana vāstu-maṇḍala/layout instructions near 54.32; Agni Purana measurement-tool references (sūtra, daṇḍa, aṅgula) in adjacent verses
FAQs
It teaches a Vāstu-śāstra technique: using measuring cords to fix corners and half-corners, then setting key central lines/points to lay out a plan or maṇḍala accurately.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purāṇa preserves practical sciences—here, architectural geometry and site-planning methods (cord-based surveying) used for temples, altars, and structured spaces.
Correct geometric alignment of sacred space is treated as a prerequisite for an efficacious temple/ritual setting; precision in layout supports purity (śuddhi) and the intended religious merit of construction and worship.