Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 36
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
लिङ्गमस्तकविस्तारं वसुभक्तन्तु कारयेत् आद्यभागं चतुर्धा तु विस्तारोच्छ्रायतो भजेत्
liṅgamastakavistāraṃ vasubhaktantu kārayet ādyabhāgaṃ caturdhā tu vistārocchrāyato bhajet
On doit établir la largeur du sommet (mastaka) du liṅga en la divisant en huit parts égales. Ensuite, la portion antérieure est répartie en quatre parts, selon la largeur et la hauteur du liṅga.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana’s standard dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Workshop rule for measuring and proportioning the liṅga’s top breadth and its foremost section using fractional divisions tied to overall breadth and height.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Liṅga-mastaka measurement by eightfold division; forepart quartering","lookup_keywords":["liṅga-mastaka","vasu-bhāga","vibhāga","vistāra","ucchrāya"],"quick_summary":"Construct the liṅga’s top breadth by dividing into eight parts; then divide the foremost portion into four, proportionate to the liṅga’s breadth and height."}
Concept: Ritually valid form depends on exact proportion (māna) and part-whole harmony.
Application: Use standardized fractional divisions to ensure consistency across liṅga commissions and to satisfy pratiṣṭhā requirements.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Linga-lakshana (Shiva-linga measurements and iconometric rules)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sculptor measures the liṅga’s mastaka with a cord and marks eight equal divisions; then he subdivides the front portion into four, referencing overall height and breadth on a measuring board.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural workshop scene: sthapati and assistants measuring a liṅga with a cord; eight division marks on the mastaka; palm-leaf style annotations; warm earthy palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore artisan depiction: liṅga on a pedestal, mastaka rim highlighted in gold with eight segment marks; the forepart shown with four subdivisions; ornate frame and gold detailing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore instructional diagram: orthographic liṅga drawing with dimension lines; mastaka divided into 8; ādyabhāga into 4; clear labels and proportional notes.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal atelier scene: master craftsman using calipers and measuring cord on a stone liṅga; assistants hold a scale showing 8 and 4 divisions; fine architectural background."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: लिङ्गमस्तकविस्तारं = लिङ्ग-मस्तक-विस्तारम्; वसुभक्तन्तु = वसुभक्तम् + तु; विस्तारोच्छ्रायतो = विस्तार-उच्छ्रायतः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 54 (liṅga-lakṣaṇa measurement sequence)
FAQs
It gives iconometric (pramāṇa) instructions for shaping the Śiva-liṅga—specifically how to proportion the mastaka (top) using an eightfold division and how to further quarter the foremost section relative to overall width and height.
Beyond myth and devotion, the Agni Purana preserves practical temple-arts knowledge—measurement systems, proportional design, and construction standards—showing it functions as a manual for ritual architecture and sacred iconography.
Correct proportion in sacred construction is treated as part of proper worship (vidhi): making the liṅga according to rule supports ritual purity, steadies devotion, and is traditionally held to yield merit (puṇya) through accurate, reverent installation.