Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 14
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
तत्तृतीयेण वा कुर्याद्रथकानान्तु निर्गमं वामत्रयं स्थापनीयं रथकत्रितये सदा
tattṛtīyeṇa vā kuryādrathakānāntu nirgamaṃ vāmatrayaṃ sthāpanīyaṃ rathakatritaye sadā
അല്ലെങ്കിൽ മൂന്നാം അളവുപ്രകാരം രഥങ്ങളുടെ നിർഗമം (പുറത്തേക്കുള്ള പ്രക്ഷേപം) ക്രമീകരിക്കണം; ഇടത്തുവശത്ത് രഥത്രയത്തിനായി മൂന്നിന്റെ കൂട്ടം എപ്പോഴും സ്ഥാപിക്കണം.
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Ratha-śālā/mandapa layout planning: deciding the projection/exit alignment for multiple chariots and fixing a left-side triadic placement to maintain symmetry and ritual correctness.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Ratha-nirgama (Chariot exit/projection) and left-side triad placement","lookup_keywords":["ratha-nirgama","vāma-traya","ratha-tritaya","vāstu-māna","ratha-śālā"],"quick_summary":"Gives a rule for arranging the outward exit/projection for chariots using a specified division/measure, and mandates a fixed left-side triad placement for a set of three chariots to preserve ordered circulation and auspicious orientation."}
Concept: R̥ta-like order expressed as proportion and directional placement in built space.
Application: Use consistent modular measures and directional conventions (vāma/dakṣiṇa) to avoid functional and ritual defects in processional architecture.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya & Ratha-nirmana (Chariot design and installation rites)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A craftsman-architect marks a ground-plan with cords, indicating the chariot exit/projection and a left-side triad of chariots aligned in a measured bay.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, temple workshop scene: sthapati with measuring cord and chalk lines, three decorated rathas placed on the left bay, earthy reds and ochres, stylized architecture, clear directional layout.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: ceremonial rathas with ornate canopies, gold-leaf highlights on chariot fittings, sthapati indicating the left triad placement, symmetrical composition with architectural borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: instructional diagram-like scene with fine lines—ground grid, cords, labeled bays, three chariots grouped left, muted palette, emphasis on measurement and clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: courtly workshop with artisans, three chariots aligned left, architect holding a cord and pointing to the exit projection, detailed textiles and precise perspective cues."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुर्याद्रथकानान्तु = कुर्यात् + रथकानाम् + तु; वामत्रयं = वाम + त्रयम्; रथकत्रितये = रथक + त्रितये.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (Vāstu-vidyā / ratha-nirmāṇa context)
FAQs
It gives a technical placement rule using a “third” measure/division: how to set the chariot’s nirgama (exit/outward arrangement) and how to fix a left-side triad configuration for a set of three chariots.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge—here, practical design/placement norms for rathas—showing its coverage of engineering-style Vāstu instructions alongside ritual and dharma topics.
Correct measurement and placement are treated as dharmic order (ṛta) in Vāstu traditions; following the prescribed layout is understood to support auspiciousness and avoid defects (doṣa) in a sacred or royal undertaking.