Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 48
Agnisthāpana-vidhi (Procedure for Establishing the Sacred Fire) and Protective Īśāna-kalpa Homa Sequences
यथावत् सर्वभक्षाणां लाजानां मुष्टिसम्मितं खण्डत्रयन्तु मूलानां कलानां स्वप्रमाणतः
yathāvat sarvabhakṣāṇāṃ lājānāṃ muṣṭisammitaṃ khaṇḍatrayantu mūlānāṃ kalānāṃ svapramāṇataḥ
Pour toutes les denrées comestibles, il faut observer la juste mesure selon le rite. Pour le lāja (riz grillé), la mesure est une poignée; pour les racines (mūla), trois morceaux; et pour les portions (kalā), selon leur mesure propre et reconnue.
Lord Agni (in discourse, traditionally to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Dietetic portioning (āhāra-mātrā): specify practical serving measures for certain foods (lāja, roots, kalā portions) to prevent over/under-eating and to standardize preparations.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Āhāra-mātrā: Measures for Lāja, Mūla, and Kalā Portions","lookup_keywords":["āhāra-mātrā","lāja","mūla","kalā","portion-measure"],"quick_summary":"Observe proper quantity for foods: parched rice by a fistful, roots by three pieces, and other portions according to their standard measure—emphasizing regulated intake."}
Dosha: Tridosha
Concept: Mātrā (right measure) is a discipline that supports bodily order and ritual/ethical life; regulated consumption is a practical dharma.
Application: Adopt measurable serving rules (hand/fist/count) as an accessible method of dietary restraint and consistency.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Ahara-matra / dietetics and medicinal-measurements)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A household/āyurvedic kitchen scene where foods are portioned: a fistful of parched rice, three pieces of roots, and measured ‘kalā’ portions laid out neatly for proper intake.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized kitchen/annapātra scene, hands measuring lāja by fist, roots counted in threes, balanced composition symbolizing moderation","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, devotional domestic abundance with gold detailing: bowls of lāja and roots, a figure demonstrating measured portions, rich textiles and ornate vessels","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear instructional layout: close-up of hand as unit (muṣṭi), three root pieces aligned, labeled measures, calm palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed still-life of foods and measuring hand gesture, refined domestic setting, emphasis on precision and everyday discipline"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: खण्डत्रयन्तु = खण्डत्रयम् + तु; स्वप्रमाणतः = स्व-प्रमाण-तः (अव्ययीभाव/तसिल्)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 75 (āhāra-mātrā and dravya-māna)
FAQs
It gives practical portion-measure rules: a fistful (muṣṭi) for parched rice, three pieces for roots, and other portions (kalā) as per their established standard—useful for regulated diet and preparation.
By preserving applied technical norms—food-portion standards and measurement terms (muṣṭi, kalā)—it shows the text functioning as a handbook that includes Ayurvedic dietetics alongside ritual and other sciences.
Observing proper measure supports purity and discipline (niyama) in consumption and offerings, reducing excess and promoting sattvic regulation, which is traditionally linked with clarity and merit.