Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 51
Adhivāsana-vidhi
Procedure for Preliminary Consecration in Vāstu–Pratiṣṭhā / Īśāna-kalpa
अञ्जयेल्लक्ष्मकृत् पश्चाच्छास्त्रदृष्टेन कर्मणा कृतकर्मा च शस्त्रेण लक्ष्मी शिल्पी समुत्क्षिपेत्
añjayellakṣmakṛt paścācchāstradṛṣṭena karmaṇā kṛtakarmā ca śastreṇa lakṣmī śilpī samutkṣipet
Ensuite, celui qui trace les marques de bon augure (lakṣma-kṛt) doit oindre/appliquer selon la procédure enseignée par les śāstra ; et lorsque les rites prescrits ont été dûment accomplis, l’artisan, avec l’outil approprié, doit élever et mettre en place « Lakṣmī », c’est-à-dire l’emblème ou l’image auspiciatrice.
Lord Agni (narrating the śāstric procedure to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Ritual anointing and śāstra-prescribed finishing/installation step for Lakṣmī emblem/image, including lifting/setting with proper tools after completing rites.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Lakṣmī-pratiṣṭhā: Anulepana and utkshepa (raising/setting) by the śilpī","lookup_keywords":["Lakṣmī","anulepana","pratiṣṭhā","śilpī","utkṣipet"],"quick_summary":"After making auspicious marks, anoint according to śāstra; once rites are complete, the artisan uses the proper tool to raise and set the Lakṣmī emblem/image in place."}
Concept: Śāstra-anusāra (rule-following) sanctifies craft; completion of rites precedes physical installation
Application: In sacred/ritual projects, sequence matters: marking → anointing → completion of rites → installation with correct tools and roles.
Khanda Section: Vastu–Shilpa–Lakshana (Iconography and ritual consecration of images)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A śilpī completes auspicious markings, anoints the prepared Lakṣmī emblem/image per śāstra, and then lifts and sets it into position with a tool, while priests witness the completed rites.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: artisan and priests near a sanctum-like setting, Lakṣmī emblem/image being anointed with sacred paste, ritual vessels, conch and lamps, then lifted into place with a stylized tool, rich reds/ochres and decorative borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Lakṣmī image/emblem central with gold foil halo and ornaments, artisan lifting/setting it on a pedestal, priests with lamps, heavy ornamentation and embossed gold work emphasizing auspiciousness.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clean instructional composition showing sequence—marking, anointing, lifting—fine outlines, soft colors, clear depiction of tools and pedestal placement, calm ritual interior.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: workshop-temple hybrid scene, detailed textiles and architecture, artisan using a lever-like tool to raise the image, priests performing concluding rites, naturalistic faces and precise objects."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shree","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अञ्जयेल्लक्ष्मकृत् = अञ्जयेत् लक्ष्मकृत्; पश्चाच्छास्त्रदृष्टेन = पश्चात् शास्त्रदृष्टेन (त्+श् → च्छ्).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 96 (Vāstu–Śilpa–Lakṣaṇa: marking, anointing, installation rites)
FAQs
It teaches the śāstra-based sequence for (1) anointing the marked image/space and (2) the artisan’s act of lifting/setting the auspicious Lakṣmī-emblem or image using the proper implement after rites are completed.
It preserves practical shilpa–vastu instructions—bridging ritual law (śāstric procedure), craftsmanship (the śilpī’s role), and installation mechanics—showing that the Agni Purana functions as a manual of applied sacred arts, not only mythology.
By insisting on śāstra-guided anointing and installation only after completing prescribed rites, the act becomes ritually valid (śuddha) and merit-bearing, aligning craftsmanship with dharma and invoking Lakṣmī as an embodied sign of auspiciousness and prosperity.