Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 6
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
मूलन्तु त्र्यङ्गुलं योन्या अग्रं तस्याः षडङ्गुलं लक्षणञ्चैकहस्तस्य द्विगुणं द्विकरादिषु
mūlantu tryaṅgulaṃ yonyā agraṃ tasyāḥ ṣaḍaṅgulaṃ lakṣaṇañcaikahastasya dviguṇaṃ dvikarādiṣu
योनि में मूल (आधार) तीन अङ्गुल का हो और उसका अग्रभाग छह अङ्गुल का हो। एक-हस्त प्रतिमा का जो लक्षण है, वही दो-हस्त आदि रूपों में दुगुना किया जाए।
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Scaling pedestal-socket (yoni) measurements and applying proportional doubling rules when moving from one-handed to multi-armed icon forms, ensuring consistent iconometry.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Yoni-mūla/agra-māna and kara-bheda scaling rule","lookup_keywords":["yoni","mūla","agra","eka-hasta","dvihasta","māna-dviguṇa"],"quick_summary":"Defines base and front measures within the yoni socket and gives a general scaling rule: specifications for one-handed images are doubled for two-handed and other multi-armed forms."}
Concept: Generalization rule (dviguṇa) as a craft-logic: complexity (more arms) requires proportional expansion while preserving harmony.
Application: When designing multi-armed icons, scale key socket/pedestal specs systematically rather than improvising.
Khanda Section: Vastu / Shilpa-shastra (Iconometry and measurement canons)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A drafting board shows a yoni socket with base (3 aṅgulas) and front (6 aṅgulas) labeled; beside it, two icon silhouettes (one-handed and two-handed) with arrows indicating ‘double the measure’ for multi-armed forms.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: artisan-sage demonstrating two icon diagrams, one simple and one multi-armed, with a yoni socket plan; bold outlines, traditional palette, didactic gesture.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central diagram of yoni socket with gold-highlighted measurement marks; flanking small deity-forms (eka-hasta, dvi-hasta) rendered iconically with ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional plate-like painting with clear labels ‘3’ and ‘6’ aṅgulas and a doubling table for kara-count; refined linework and soft shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: workshop scene with master measuring a pedestal socket; assistants hold sketches of one-armed and two-armed figures; meticulous tools and calligraphy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मूलन्तु = मूलम् + तु; लक्षणञ्च = लक्षणम् + च; चैकहस्तस्य = च + एकहस्तस्य.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (iconometric scaling and pedestal measures)
FAQs
It gives iconometric rules for the pedestal/socket (yoni) dimensions in aṅgulas and a scaling principle: measurements stated for a one-handed image are doubled for two-handed and other multi-armed images.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical Śilpa/Vāstu standards—precise proportional canons used by sculptors and temple-builders—showing the text’s coverage of technical arts alongside ritual and doctrine.
Correct proportion and canonical measurement are treated as essential for a valid consecrated form (pratimā); accuracy supports proper installation and worship, helping ensure the intended religious efficacy of the image and its rites.