Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 4
वागीश्वरीपूजा
The Worship of Vāgīśvarī
शतक्षेत्रार्धमानेन कोणसम्पातमादिशेत् एवं सूत्रचतुष्कस्य स्फालनाच्चतुरस्रकम्
śatakṣetrārdhamānena koṇasampātamādiśet evaṃ sūtracatuṣkasya sphālanāccaturasrakam
सौ क्षेत्र-एकक के आधे मान से विकर्णों के मिलन-बिन्दु को निर्धारित करे। इस प्रकार चार डोरियों को तानकर-झटककर एक चतुरस्र (वर्ग) बनता है।
Lord Agni (in instruction to Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Producing a true square by locating diagonal intersection and using four snapped cords—core for vāstu-pada grids, temple plans, and mandala boundaries.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Caturasra-Nirmāṇa: Diagonal Intersection and Four-Cord Snapping","lookup_keywords":["caturasra","koṇa-sampāta","sūtra-catuṣka","sphālana","kṣetra-māna"],"quick_summary":"Determine the diagonal meeting point using a prescribed measure, then snap four cords to establish the square—ensuring right angles and symmetry for further layouts."}
Concept: Correct space (kṣetra) arises from correct measure (māna) and verified diagonals; truth in form is tested, not assumed.
Application: Use diagonal checks to avoid skew; snap cords for straight edges; establish the square before subdividing into vāstu-padas or plotting walls.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra (Geometry, measurement, and diagrammatic construction)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A square being laid out on the ground: diagonals drawn to find the intersection; four cords snapped to form crisp edges; pegs at corners; measuring rod indicating the half-hundred measure.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural; bold square outline with crossing diagonals; artisans snapping cords at four sides; corner pegs emphasized; cardinal directions stylized; earthy reds and yellows.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore; square mandala with gold-leaf border; diagonals shimmering; craftsmen and a supervising sthapati; ornate tools; auspicious border motifs.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore; technical clarity: stepwise depiction—diagonal intersection, then four-cord snapping; labels for koṇa-sampāta and sūtra-catuṣka; refined linework.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature; garden-like ground with surveyors; diagonals and square lines delicately painted; a ledger of measures; architectural backdrop suggesting a planned pavilion."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śatakṣetrārdhamānena is a multi-member compound; koṇasampātam → koṇa-sampātam; sphālanāccaturasrakam → sphālanāt + caturasrakam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana vāstu/śilpa chapters on kṣetra-māna, rekha, and maṇḍala-vinyāsa (surrounding verses)
FAQs
It teaches a practical Vāstu/geometry method: determining the diagonal intersection (koṇa-sampāta) and producing a true square (caturasra) by using four measuring cords (sūtra-catuṣka) stretched and snapped as marking lines.
Beyond myth and devotion, the Agni Purāṇa preserves applied sciences such as architectural surveying and diagram construction—here, a string-based geometric procedure central to Vāstu-maṇḍala and building layouts.
In Vāstu contexts, correct geometric layout is treated as dhārmic order (ṛta) in built space; accurate marking of the square supports a ritually pure foundation for temples or sacred structures and is therefore linked with auspiciousness and merit.