Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 56
Adhivāsana-vidhi
Procedure for Preliminary Consecration in Vāstu–Pratiṣṭhā / Īśāna-kalpa
एवमष्टांश वृद्ध्या तु लिङ्गे सार्धकरादिके भवेदष्टयवा पृथ्वी गम्भीरान्नवहास्तिके
evamaṣṭāṃśa vṛddhyā tu liṅge sārdhakarādike bhavedaṣṭayavā pṛthvī gambhīrānnavahāstike
De même, en augmentant la mesure d’un huitième, pour un liṅga commençant par le type «d’une coudée et demie», la base de terre (pṛthvī) doit être de huit yava; et pour le liṅga «de neuf hastas» (navahāstika), il convient de le disposer en profondeur (gambhīrā).
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Applying aṣṭāṃśa-vṛddhi (1/8 increase) to liṅga size-classes and deciding base measure (8 yavas) and special instruction for very large (nava-hasta) liṅga embedment depth.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Liṅga Class Scaling: 8-Yava Pṛthvī and Deep Setting for Nava-hasta","lookup_keywords":["nava-hasta liṅga","aṣṭāṃśa-vṛddhi","pṛthvī 8 yava","gambhīrā","liṅga-lakṣaṇa"],"quick_summary":"For liṅgas whose measures are scaled by one-eighth, the pṛthvī/base is standardized to eight yavas; exceptionally large liṅgas (nine-hasta) require deeper installation."}
Concept: Bṛhat (large) sacred forms demand proportionate grounding; correctness is both structural and dhārmic.
Application: When planning large liṅgas, allocate deeper foundations and keep base measures consistent with the pramāṇa rule to prevent doṣa (fault) in installation.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra / Linga-Lakshana (Iconometry and measurements of the Shiva-linga)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A large nine-hasta Śiva-liṅga being lowered into a deep foundation pit, with artisans measuring the pṛthvī/base as eight yavas and marking the depth lines.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: dramatic sanctum construction scene, large liṅga suspended with ropes, priests supervising, depth pit shown in cutaway, measurement marks, oil lamps and temple pillars.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: monumental liṅga with gold-ornamented frame, attendants and sthapati holding measuring cord, stylized deep pit indicated with layered bands, rich reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: diagrammatic cut-section of deep foundation for nava-hasta liṅga, labeled yava and hasta units, fine ink outlines, calm instructional layout.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: court-sponsored temple construction vignette, engineers measuring and directing workers lowering a tall liṅga into a deep shaft, delicate tools and annotations."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भवेदष्टयवा → भवेत् + अष्टयवा; गम्भीरान्नवहास्तिके → गम्भीरा + नवहास्तिके (पाठे 'अन्' संधि/पाठदोषसम्भवः)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 96 (liṅga-pramāṇa and installation measures)
FAQs
It gives a Vāstu/Śilpa rule for liṅga-installation: apply an eighth-part increase to certain liṅga measures and set the earth-base (pṛthvī) to a specified thickness (eight yavas), with special emphasis on deeper setting for the nine-hasta liṅga.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical temple-engineering standards—units (yava, hasta), proportional increments, and foundation directives—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of Vāstu-śāstra and consecration logistics alongside ritual doctrine.
Correct proportion and stable installation are treated as prerequisites for a properly consecrated liṅga; following the prescribed measures supports ritual efficacy, auspiciousness of the shrine, and the devotee’s merit through faultless worship.