Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 35
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
छत्राभं कुक्कुटाभं वा बालेन्दुप्रतिमाकृतिः एकैकस्य चतुर्भेदैः काम्यभेदात् फलं वदे
chatrābhaṃ kukkuṭābhaṃ vā bālendupratimākṛtiḥ ekaikasya caturbhedaiḥ kāmyabhedāt phalaṃ vade
Qu’elle soit semblable à un parasol, à un coq, ou qu’elle ait la forme de la jeune lune : chacune comporte quatre sous-types. J’énoncerai les fruits selon les différences de l’intention kāmya (désir rituel).
Lord Agni (teaching to the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s instructional dialogue)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Interpreting auspicious/inauspicious results from observed shapes/marks (nimitta) according to desired objectives (kāmya).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Nimitta-ākṛti bheda: chatra, kukkuṭa, bālendu forms and their fruits","lookup_keywords":["nimitta","chatra-ākṛti","kukkuṭa-ākṛti","bālendu-ākṛti","kāmya-phala"],"quick_summary":"Enumerates three omen-shapes (umbrella, cock, young-moon) and notes each has four subtypes; results are to be stated according to the intended aim."}
Concept: Nimitta-śāstra: meaning is inferred from form (ākṛti) and varies with intention (kāmya).
Application: Apply omen-reading to ritual planning, travel, construction starts, or vow-performance by matching observed marks to desired outcomes.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha & Nimitta-shastra (Omens and marks; physiognomic/auspicious signs)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Three emblematic omen-shapes displayed like a chart: an umbrella silhouette, a cock form, and a crescent young moon, each subdivided into four variants with labels indicating kāmya-based results.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural chart panel: stylized umbrella, rooster, and crescent moon icons in three registers; each split into four small variants; palm-leaf manuscript aesthetic with decorative borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore auspicious-sign board: gold-highlighted umbrella, cock, and crescent motifs; four sub-panels under each; temple ornamentation framing the chart.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore technical plate: neat grid showing 3×4 variants; fine linework and clear Devanāgarī labels; instructional, manuscript-illustration feel.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature scientific folio: court astrologer showing an illustrated omen manual with umbrella/cock/crescent diagrams; delicate pigments, marginal notes for kāmya-phala."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: बालेन्दुप्रतिमाकृतिः = बाल + इन्दु + प्रतिमा + आकृतिः (आकृतिः → कृतिः as in given reading); चतुर्भेदैः = चतुर् + भेदैः
Related Themes: Agni Purana nimitta/śakuna materials (nearby in 54 and adjacent chapters)
FAQs
It introduces a nimitta/lakṣaṇa classification method: specific symbolic shapes (umbrella, cock, crescent-moon) are analyzed in four sub-types each, and their results are to be applied according to the intended kāmya objective.
Beyond theology, it systematizes applied predictive knowledge (jyotiṣa/nimitta-śāstra): cataloging observable forms/marks, subdividing them, and linking them to practical outcomes—typical of the Agni Purana’s wide-ranging, handbook-like coverage.
It frames outcomes as purpose-dependent (kāmya): choosing or interpreting signs/marks aligns action with intention, guiding one toward auspicious, dharmically ordered results rather than random or heedless activity.