Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 22
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
प्रासादात् पादहीनस्तु गोपुरस्योच्छ्रयो भवेत् पञ्चहस्तस्य देवस्य एकहस्ता तु पीठिका
prāsādāt pādahīnastu gopurasyocchrayo bhavet pañcahastasya devasya ekahastā tu pīṭhikā
ゴープラ（gopura：門楼）の高さは、プラーサーダ（prāsāda）より一パーダ（pāda）、すなわち四分の一だけ低くすべきである。五ハスタ（hasta）の神像には、ピーティカー（pīṭhikā）の高さを一ハスタとする。
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in encyclopedic śāstric topics)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Set relative heights of gopura and prāsāda; determine pedestal height based on deity image height for stable installation and correct visual hierarchy.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Formula","entry_title":"Gopura–Prāsāda Height Relation and Pīṭhikā-māna","lookup_keywords":["gopura-ucchraya","prāsāda-ucchraya","pāda-māna","pīṭhikā","pratimā-māna"],"quick_summary":"Keep the gopura slightly lower than the main temple superstructure (one pāda less), and size the pedestal proportionally—e.g., for a 5-hasta image, a 1-hasta pedestal."}
Concept: Māna (measure) preserves visual and ritual hierarchy—gateway serves, sanctum presides; pedestal supports presence.
Application: Use proportional rules to avoid architectural dominance inversion (oversized gopura) and to ensure safe, aesthetically correct image installation.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra / Prāsāda–Gopura–Mūrti-māna (Temple architecture and iconometric measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple elevation shows the gopura slightly lower than the prāsāda; beside it, a sculptor measures a five-hasta deity image and sets a one-hasta pedestal for installation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, simplified temple silhouette with relative heights, artisan with measuring rod near a deity image on pedestal, muted palette and clear architectural outlines.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, temple gateway and sanctum with gold accents, deity image on ornate pedestal, measuring marks subtly indicated, rich decorative framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional plate: prāsāda and gopura height comparison, separate panel showing 5-hasta image and 1-hasta pedestal, crisp lines and light gold.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architectural drawing-like scene with craftsmen, careful measurement of statue and pedestal, detailed stone textures and proportional composition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पादहीनस्तु→पादहीनः तु; गोपुरस्योच्छ्रयः→गोपुरस्य उच्छ्रयः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (prāsāda/gopura/pratimā-māna sequence)
FAQs
It gives vāstu and iconometric proportion rules: the gopura’s height should be a quarter-measure less than the main temple (prāsāda), and a five-cubit deity-image should have a one-cubit pedestal.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied technical standards for sacred construction—precise proportional canons for gateways and image pedestals—showing it functions as a compendium of śilpa/vāstu knowledge.
Correct proportions are treated as dhārmic craftsmanship: building and installing sacred structures according to śāstric measure supports ritual efficacy, aesthetic harmony, and merit (puṇya) for patrons and builders.