Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 7
Chapter 91 — विविधमन्त्रादिकथनम्
Teaching of Various Mantras and Related Matters
एकत्रिकातित्रिकान्ते पदे द्विपमकान्तके अशुभं मध्यमं मध्येष्विन्द्रस्त्रिषु नृपः शुभः
ekatrikātitrikānte pade dvipamakāntake aśubhaṃ madhyamaṃ madhyeṣvindrastriṣu nṛpaḥ śubhaḥ
Au terme d’une seule triade ou d’une triple triade, et au terme de la seconde paire dans la suite des pas (pada), le résultat est néfaste. Aux positions médianes, le résultat est moyen ; aux positions centrales, il est « Indra » (excellent). Dans les ensembles de trois, le « nṛpa » (roi) est faste.
Lord Agni (teaching sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s instructional discourse)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Rule-of-thumb prognostics for praśna/nimitta using positional endpoints and middle positions in a step/triad sequence to grade outcomes as aśubha, madhyama, or excellent (Indra) and to mark auspicious ‘nṛpa’ results in triads.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Pada-Position Omen Rules: Endpoints Aśubha, Middles Madhyama/Indra, Triads Nṛpa-Śubha","lookup_keywords":["nimitta","śakuna","pada","ekatrika","tritrika","indra","nṛpa"],"quick_summary":"Outcome-quality is read from positions in a counted sequence: certain endpoints are inauspicious, middle positions yield middling or excellent (Indra) results, and triadic groupings can indicate an auspicious ‘kingly’ result."}
Concept: Nimitta-knowledge operates through patterned correspondences (positions and groupings) that translate observation into actionable judgment.
Application: When applying omen-counting, avoid overreach: treat ‘aśubha’ as a prompt for delay/propitiation and ‘indra/nṛpa’ as permission to proceed with dharmic safeguards.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha (Nimitta & Shakuna-vidya: omens and prognostics)
Primary Rasa: Adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: Bhayānaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A counted pathway of ‘pada’ squares marked with endpoints and middle positions; labels ‘aśubha’, ‘madhyama’, ‘indra’, and ‘nṛpa’ placed on specific nodes; a diviner indicating the node reached by a token/seed.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, geometric pathway diagram with bold blocks, diviner pointing with stylus, symbolic Indra motif (vajra emblem) at central node, restrained palette, temple-school ambience.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, decorative but clear grid/path diagram with gold accents on ‘Indra’ central node, diviner and patron, rich background, ornate borders framing the instructional chart.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, crisp instructional diagram of steps/padas with Sanskrit labels, gentle colors, emphasis on legibility and didactic clarity, minimal ornament.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, tabletop with a drawn grid and a small token, scholar explaining to a noble, fine detailing of calligraphy and instruments, balanced composition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एकत्रिकातित्रिकान्ते → एक-त्रिक-अति-त्रिक-अन्ते. मध्येष्विन्द्रः → मध्येषु इन्द्रः. इन्द्रस्त्रिषु → इन्द्रः त्रिषु.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: praśna/nimitta rules surrounding this verse in ch. 91; Agni Purana: subsequent yantra and protective rites used as remedies for aśubha indications
FAQs
It gives a rule-based method for judging outcomes (auspicious, middling, inauspicious) from counted positions (pada) using triad/pair groupings—typical of nimitta-śāstra style prognostics.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical decision-tools used in governance and daily life—here, a compact divinatory algorithm for interpreting signs by numerical placement.
By aligning actions with auspicious indicators and avoiding inauspicious placements, one is advised to act in harmony with dharma and reduce avoidable harm, supporting favorable karmic outcomes.