Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 27
Chapter 38 — देवालयनिर्माणफलं
The Merit of Constructing a Temple
अतस्तत्कारयेद्धीमान् विष्ण्वादेर्मन्दिरादिकं विनिवेश्य हरेर्धाम भक्तिमद्भिर् नरोत्तमैः
atastatkārayeddhīmān viṣṇvādermandirādikaṃ viniveśya harerdhāma bhaktimadbhir narottamaiḥ
म्हणून बुद्धिमान पुरुषाने विष्णु इत्यादी देवांसाठी मंदिर व संबंधित रचना उभाराव्यात. हरिचे पवित्र धाम विधिपूर्वक प्रतिष्ठित करून, भक्तिमान श्रेष्ठ पुरुषांकडून हे कार्य करवावे.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s instructional dialogue style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Commissioning and supervising construction of a Viṣṇu-temple complex (mandira and ancillary structures) with proper establishment (pratiṣṭhā) by qualified, devoted patrons and artisans.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Viṣṇv-ādi Mandira-karaṇa (commissioning Viṣṇu’s temple and appurtenances)","lookup_keywords":["Viṣṇu-mandira","mandirādika","pratiṣṭhā","Hari-dhāma","bhakti-yukta kartṛ"],"quick_summary":"The verse enjoins the wise to cause a Viṣṇu-temple and related structures to be built and properly established as Hari’s abode, undertaken by devoted and capable persons."}
Concept: Deity-abode construction and establishment as a meritorious dharmic act grounded in bhakti and proper agency.
Application: Undertake temple-building as a regulated religious work: choose competent devotees, follow correct establishment rites, and treat the temple as Hari’s living abode.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi & Vastu (Temple construction and installation of Viṣṇu’s abode)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A learned patron instructs artisans to build a Viṣṇu temple complex; foundation-laying, rising walls, and a sanctum prepared for Hari’s installation, with devotees assisting.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, warm earthy palette, stylized figures: a patron with folded hands overseeing craftsmen building a Viṣṇu mandira with maṇḍapa and prākāra; Viṣṇu’s sanctum indicated by a glowing garbhagṛha doorway; ritual vessels and palm-leaf plans.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, rich colors and gold leaf: Viṣṇu’s temple under construction with ornate pillars; central sanctum framed in gold; patron and priests in devotional posture; craftsmen with tools; auspicious kalasha and lamps.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, delicate linework: architectural plan and elevation of a Viṣṇu mandira shown alongside artisans measuring with cords; priest marking the site; calm instructional composition.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, fine detail: a courtly patron commissioning a temple; artisans carving stone, measuring plinth; a small shrine with Viṣṇu emblem; landscaped setting with attendants and ritual paraphernalia."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अतस् + तत् → अतस्तत्; तत् + कारयेत् → तत्कारयेत्; विष्णु + आदेः → विष्ण्वादेः; भक्तिमद्भिः (visarga sandhi) → भक्तिमद्भिर्; नर + उत्तमैः → नरोत्तमैः; हरेः + धाम → हरेर्धाम (रेफ-सन्धि).
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Vāstu/mandira-nirmāṇa sections in the Puja-vidhi & Vāstu khanda (adjacent verses in ch. 38); Agni Purana: Pratiṣṭhā-vidhi and pratimā-lakṣaṇa discussions (later Vāstu-Śilpa chapters)
FAQs
It teaches the practical injunction to commission and properly establish (viniveśya) a Viṣṇu-centered temple complex (mandirādika), emphasizing correct layout/installation and qualified devotional execution.
By combining architectural planning (vāstu/mandira-niveśa), institutional worship (temple as dhāma), and ritual authority (construction by qualified devotees), it exemplifies the Agni Purāṇa’s coverage beyond mythology into applied religious infrastructure.
Establishing Hari’s abode through devoted, competent agents is presented as a meritorious act that supports sustained worship, sanctifies space, and strengthens bhakti through an enduring sacred institution.