Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 7
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
प्रासादगर्भमानं वा कुर्वीत मुखमण्डपं एकाशीतिपदैर् व्यास्तुं पश्चात् मण्डपमारभेत्
prāsādagarbhamānaṃ vā kurvīta mukhamaṇḍapaṃ ekāśītipadair vyāstuṃ paścāt maṇḍapamārabhet
Mukha-maṇḍapa hendaknya dibangun sesuai ukuran garbha (ruang suci) prasāda; setelah denah ditata dengan kisi 81-pada, barulah pembangunan maṇḍapa (utama) dimulai.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, standard Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Sizing the mukha-maṇḍapa in relation to garbhagṛha dimensions and using the 81-pada vāstu-maṇḍala grid to begin systematic maṇḍapa construction.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Mukha-maṇḍapa by Garbha-māna; 81-pada Vāstu-maṇḍala for Maṇḍapa commencement","lookup_keywords":["mukha-maṇḍapa","garbha-māna","ekāśīti-pada","vāstu-maṇḍala","layout grid"],"quick_summary":"Match the front hall’s measure to the sanctum’s prescribed dimension, then lay out the plan on an 81-square vāstu grid and proceed with maṇḍapa construction in that ordered scheme."}
Concept: Bandha (structured ordering) through maṇḍala—space becomes ritually intelligible when gridded and proportioned from the sanctum.
Application: Use the 81-pada grid to standardize bay spacing, wall thickness zones, and placements of functional/ritual subspaces around the sanctum axis.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra (Temple Architecture and Maṇḍapa/Prāsāda Measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A 9x9 vāstu grid drawn on the ground with pegs; the garbhagṛha square highlighted; the mukha-maṇḍapa dimension derived from it; builders preparing to start the main maṇḍapa.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sacred 9x9 grid with stylized squares, garbha highlighted, mukha-maṇḍapa outlined, sthapati performing a brief rite before commencing construction, rich flat colors","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-embossed 81-square grid motif, temple plan with sanctum and front hall, ornate framing, auspicious symbols (śrīvatsa, lotus)","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, technical plate: crisp 9x9 grid, labeled garbha and mukha-maṇḍapa, step-by-step commencement scene, subdued palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architect and assistants drawing a 9x9 grid on plastered ground, measuring rods, patron observing, fine detail and patterned textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पदैर् व्यास्तुं = पदैः + व्यास्तुम्; मण्डपमारभेत् = मण्डपम् + आरभेत्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (vāstu-maṇḍala, prāsāda/maṇḍapa layout sequence)
FAQs
It teaches a vāstu-śāstra rule: size the entrance hall (mukha-maṇḍapa) with reference to the garbha (sanctum) measure, and lay out the building plan using the 81-pada vāstu grid before beginning the maṇḍapa.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purāṇa preserves applied technical knowledge—here, temple planning and proportional design (māna) using the standardized vāstu-pada grid—showing its coverage of architecture alongside ritual and doctrine.
Correct proportional planning of the garbha and maṇḍapas is treated as ensuring ritual fitness (yogyatā) of the sacred space; building according to vāstu order supports auspiciousness and the proper efficacy of worship performed in the temple.