Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 17
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
अपरे च तथा पार्श्वं तद्वत् सूत्रं निधापयेत् तदूर्ध्वन्तु भवेद्वेदी सकण्टा मनसारकं
apare ca tathā pārśvaṃ tadvat sūtraṃ nidhāpayet tadūrdhvantu bhavedvedī sakaṇṭā manasārakaṃ
Demikian pula pada sisi yang lain, hendaknya tali ukur ditempatkan dengan cara yang sama; di atasnya hendaknya ada vedī dengan leher menonjol (kaṇṭa), tersusun menurut tatanan Manasāra.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Symmetrical cord-setting on both sides for accurate layout, then constructing a vedī (altar-platform) with a defined kaṇṭa (projecting neck) following a Mānasāra-type arrangement.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vedi-nirmāṇa: bilateral sūtra placement and kaṇṭa with Mānasāra arrangement","lookup_keywords":["vedī","kaṇṭa","sūtra-vinyāsa","mānasāra","altar-platform"],"quick_summary":"Instructs repeating the same cord placement on the opposite side to maintain symmetry, then building the vedī above with a projecting kaṇṭa and a standardized Mānasāra-style configuration."}
Concept: Samatā (symmetry) and niyama (standard rule) as ritual correctness in sacred construction.
Application: Mirror measurements side-to-side before raising the platform; follow a recognized canon (Mānasāra-type) to avoid ritual/structural defects.
Khanda Section: Vastu-Shastra / Vedi-Nirmana (Ritual Architecture and Altar Construction)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual platform layout: cords placed symmetrically on both sides, then a raised vedī with a distinct neck-like projection (kaṇṭa) shown in profile.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: altar-platform scene with symmetrical cords, vedī rising above with a clear kaṇṭa moulding, priests and artisans in stylized forms, warm tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: vedī depicted as a sacred platform with gold accents on mouldings, symmetrical cord lines, ceremonial ambiance with ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: diagrammatic profile of vedī showing kaṇṭa, side-by-side cord placement, clean instructional composition with delicate coloration.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: courtyard construction of a vedī, artisans stretching cords on both sides, stepped platform with neck projection, fine architectural detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bilawal","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तद्वत् = तत् + वत्; तदूर्ध्वन्तु = तत् + ऊर्ध्वम् + तु; भवेद्वेदी = भवेत् + वेदी.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (vedī and superstructure sequencing)
FAQs
It gives a practical instruction in vedi-nirmāṇa: placing the measuring cord symmetrically on the side and defining the altar-platform above it, including the specification of a ‘kaṇṭa’ (projecting neck/edge) and a manasāra-type arrangement.
Beyond theology, it preserves applied knowledge—ritual architecture, measurement practice, and formal design vocabulary (e.g., kaṇṭa, manasāra)—showing the Purana as a manual for constructing precise sacrificial structures.
Accurate, rule-based construction of the vedi is treated as essential for the efficacy and purity of yajña; correctness in measurement and form supports proper ritual performance and the intended religious merit (puṇya).