Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 2
Chapter 53 — Liṅga-lakṣaṇa
Characteristics and Proportions of the Śiva-liṅga and Piṇḍikā
विष्कम्भं भूतभागैस्तु चतुरस्रन्तु कारयेत् आयामं मूर्तिभिर्भक्त्वा एकद्वित्रिक्रमान् न्यसेत्
viṣkambhaṃ bhūtabhāgaistu caturasrantu kārayet āyāmaṃ mūrtibhirbhaktvā ekadvitrikramān nyaset
വിഷ്കംഭം (വീതി) ഭൂത-ഭാഗങ്ങളുടെ വിഭജനപ്രകാരം നിശ്ചയിച്ച് ചതുരസ്രമായി നിർമ്മിക്കണം. തുടർന്ന് ആയാമം (നീളം) മൂർത്തി-മാനപ്രകാരം വിഭജിച്ച്, ഒരു/രണ്ട്/മൂന്ന് ക്രമങ്ങളായി അളവുകൾ സ്ഥാപിക്കണം.
Lord Agni (teaching Vāstu principles to the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s instructional dialogue)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Laying out square plans and modular grids for maṇḍala-based construction (temple/altar/diagram), using bhūta-bhāga divisions and mūrti-modules to set breadth and length with step-units (krama).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Maṇḍala layout: viṣkambha (breadth) by bhūta-bhāga; āyāma (length) by mūrti-modules and krama","lookup_keywords":["viṣkambha","bhūta-bhāga","caturasra","āyāma","krama"],"quick_summary":"Construct a square plan by setting breadth through elemental divisions, then apportion length by the prescribed module system and place measures in one-, two-, or three-step units for practical layout."}
Concept: Cosmic order expressed as measurable square (caturasra) and modular division—ritual space as a disciplined microcosm.
Application: Use the rule to draft site plans, set out cords, and ensure proportional harmony before construction or yantra/maṇḍala drawing.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra / Maṇḍala-lakṣaṇa (Architectural planning and measurement)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ground-plan being set with cords into a perfect square; a grid labeled by bhūta-bhāga divisions; an architect marks length modules (mūrti) and step-units (krama) along the perimeter.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, vāstu-ācārya with measuring cord and pegs, square maṇḍala on ground with elemental divisions indicated by symbolic colors, assistants placing markers, stylized temple-site setting","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, architect-priest laying a square maṇḍala with gold-highlighted grid lines, ritual vessels nearby, ornate border, emphasis on sacred geometry with rich colors","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional plate: crisp square grid, annotated segments for viṣkambha and āyāma, figures of architect and assistants, minimal background, delicate gold accents","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed construction-yard scene with survey tools, pegs and cords forming a square, artisans observing, architectural backdrop, fine linework and realistic textures"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: caturasrantu → caturasram tu; bhūtabhāgaistu → bhūta-bhāgaiḥ tu.
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa: vāstu/maṇḍala and prāsāda-lakṣaṇa sections (elsewhere); Agni Purāṇa ch. 53: continuing geometric/diagram rules in vv. 53.3–53.4
FAQs
It teaches Vāstu-vidyā measurement: set the plan’s breadth using bhūta-based divisions, keep the layout square, divide length by standard modules (mūrti), and mark out dimensions in 1–3 step units (krama) for ground-setting.
Beyond mythology, it preserves practical architectural procedure—grid planning, proportional modules, and on-site measurement—showing the Agni Purana’s coverage of applied sciences like Vāstu-śāstra alongside ritual and theology.
Correct Vāstu proportioning is treated as dharmic ordering of space: a properly measured, square, well-laid plan supports purity, stability, and auspiciousness for rites and habitation, reducing दोष (architectural/ritual faults).