Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 6
Chapter 94 — शिलाविन्यासविधानम्
The Procedure for Laying the Foundation Stones
शम्बरैर् मूर्तिनाथानां यथा स्युर्भित्तिमध्यतः तासु धर्मादिकानष्टौ कोणात् कोणं विभागशः
śambarair mūrtināthānāṃ yathā syurbhittimadhyataḥ tāsu dharmādikānaṣṭau koṇāt koṇaṃ vibhāgaśaḥ
Au moyen de cordes de mesure (śambara), on doit disposer les divinités présidant aux images de sorte qu’elles se trouvent au milieu des espaces de mur ; dans ces divisions, on assignera les huit principes commençant par Dharma, selon un partage ordonné, d’angle en angle.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purāṇa’s standard dialogic frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Wall-space planning: use measuring cords to center presiding deities within wall panels and assign the eight principles (Dharma etc.) across corner-to-corner divisions.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Wall-Panel Layout by Śambara Cords: Centering Deities and Assigning Dharma-ādi Eight","lookup_keywords":["śambara","bhitti","mūrti-nātha","Dharma-ādi","vibhāga"],"quick_summary":"Measure wall divisions with cords so each presiding deity aligns to the center of its wall-space; then distribute the eight principles beginning with Dharma across the subdivided corners in a fixed order."}
Concept: Sacred order is expressed through proportion and centeredness; ethical/cosmic principles (Dharma etc.) are mapped onto built form.
Application: Use cord-measurement to avoid misalignment; keep icon centers on panel centers; maintain prescribed eightfold distribution for coherent iconographic narrative.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra (Iconography & Temple/Wall Layout)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Architects and priests stretching measuring cords across a temple wall, marking the center of each wall panel; a schematic showing eight labeled segments from corner to corner with ‘Dharma’ and the next seven principles placed in order.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, artisans with cords and chalk marking wall centers, faint grid lines, small deity medallions centered in panels, eight principle labels in corner-to-corner band, earthy palette and temple interior feel.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, decorative wall panels with centered deity icons, gold borders emphasizing symmetry, eight principle medallions (Dharma etc.) arranged diagonally corner-to-corner, ornate architectural framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, technical illustration vibe: wall elevation with measured divisions, cords shown, center points highlighted, eightfold diagonal segmentation labeled, clean lines and soft colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, workshop scene with master-measurer holding cord, assistants marking wall, architectural elevation in background with centered niches, diagonal band of eight labeled principles, fine detail and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्युर्भित्तिमध्यतः = स्युः भित्ति-मध्यतः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 94 (vāstu measurements; mandala divisions; deity placements on architectural members)
FAQs
It teaches Vāstu-style measurement and placement: using measuring cords to center icon-panels on wall sections and then mapping an eightfold scheme (starting with Dharma) across the corners in a systematic grid.
Beyond theology, it preserves applied architectural procedure—how to measure, center, and subdivide wall-spaces for icon programs—showing the Agni Purāṇa’s practical coverage of Vāstu and temple/iconographic planning.
Correct spatial placement of deities and principled (Dharma-led) ordering is treated as ritual correctness in sacred construction, supporting auspiciousness, harmony, and the merit (puṇya) of properly established worship spaces.