Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 55
Adhivāsana-vidhi
Procedure for Preliminary Consecration in Vāstu–Pratiṣṭhā / Īśāna-kalpa
एवमष्टांशवृद्ध्या तु लिङ्गे सार्धकरादिके भवेदष्टयवा पृथ्वी गम्भीरात्र च हास्तिके
evamaṣṭāṃśavṛddhyā tu liṅge sārdhakarādike bhavedaṣṭayavā pṛthvī gambhīrātra ca hāstike
Ainsi, en augmentant la mesure d’un huitième, pour un liṅga du type «d’une coudée et demie» (sārdhakara) et des dimensions analogues, la base de terre (pṛthvī/pīṭha) doit avoir huit yava d’épaisseur; et pour le type «d’une coudée» (hāstika), la profondeur (gambhīrā) doit être réglée selon la même proportion.
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Determining proportional increases (aṣṭāṃśa-vृद्धि) for Śiva-liṅga installation: sizing the pīṭha/pṛthvī (base) thickness/extent and the required depth (gambhīrā) according to liṅga height classes (e.g., sārdha-hasta/karā).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Aṣṭāṃśa-vṛddhi for Liṅga Base (Pṛthvī) and Depth (Gambhīrā)","lookup_keywords":["aṣṭāṃśa-vṛddhi","liṅga-pramāṇa","pṛthvī (pīṭha)","gambhīrā","yava-māna"],"quick_summary":"When the liṅga’s standard measure is increased by one-eighth, the base (pṛthvī/pīṭha) is set to an 8-yava measure for certain size-classes, and the installation depth (gambhīrā) is adjusted correspondingly for the one-hasta class."}
Concept: Sacred form is stabilized through correct proportion (pramāṇa) and foundation depth; ritual efficacy is linked to measured order.
Application: Use standardized units (hasta, yava) and fractional scaling (1/8) to avoid structural/ritual faults in liṅga installation.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra (Liṅga-pramāṇa and temple/installation measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sthapati measures a Śiva-liṅga and its pīṭha with a measuring rod, marking an 8-yava base thickness and indicating the required foundation depth inside a garbhagṛha pit.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style: interior garbhagṛha scene with a black stone Śiva-liṅga on a yoni-pīṭha, sthapati-priest holding a measuring rod and palm-leaf plan, clear measurement marks, earthy reds and ochres, stylized lamps.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: Śiva-liṅga on ornate pīṭha with gold-leaf borders, priest and sthapati presenting measuring cord, emphasized sacred geometry motifs, rich jewel tones, temple sanctum backdrop.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: instructional composition showing liṅga height classes labeled (hasta/karā), a scale with yava subdivisions, cross-section of foundation depth (gambhīrā), fine linework and muted palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: workshop-like temple setting with artisans measuring a polished stone liṅga, annotated margins suggesting 1/8 increase and 8-yava base, delicate architectural details and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गम्भीरात्र → गम्भीरा + अत्र; भवेदष्टयवा → भवेत् + अष्टयवा (त् + अ → द्)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 96 (Vāstu-śāstra: liṅga-pramāṇa context)
FAQs
It gives an iconometric rule: for certain standard liṅga sizes (e.g., 1.5-hasta types), dimensions are adjusted by an eighth, and specific small-unit measures (yava) are prescribed for the base/foundation and depth used in installation.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical Vāstu-śāstra—precise construction and installation measurements—showing the Purāṇa functioning as a technical manual for temple building and icon installation.
Correct proportion and foundation-depth are treated as essential for a valid, stable consecration; following such measures is understood to support ritual correctness (śuddhi) and the intended religious merit of liṅga स्थापना (installation).