Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 17
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
अपरे च तथा पार्श्वं तद्वत् सूत्रं निधापयेत् तदूर्ध्वन्तु भवेद्वेदी सकण्टा मनसारकं
apare ca tathā pārśvaṃ tadvat sūtraṃ nidhāpayet tadūrdhvantu bhavedvedī sakaṇṭā manasārakaṃ
दुसऱ्या बाजूसही त्याच प्रकारे सूत्र ठेवावे; त्याच्या वर कण्ठयुक्त वेदी असावी, जी मनसार-प्रकारच्या रचनेने युक्त असेल।
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Symmetrical cord-setting on both sides for accurate layout, then constructing a vedī (altar-platform) with a defined kaṇṭa (projecting neck) following a Mānasāra-type arrangement.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Vedi-nirmāṇa: bilateral sūtra placement and kaṇṭa with Mānasāra arrangement","lookup_keywords":["vedī","kaṇṭa","sūtra-vinyāsa","mānasāra","altar-platform"],"quick_summary":"Instructs repeating the same cord placement on the opposite side to maintain symmetry, then building the vedī above with a projecting kaṇṭa and a standardized Mānasāra-style configuration."}
Concept: Samatā (symmetry) and niyama (standard rule) as ritual correctness in sacred construction.
Application: Mirror measurements side-to-side before raising the platform; follow a recognized canon (Mānasāra-type) to avoid ritual/structural defects.
Khanda Section: Vastu-Shastra / Vedi-Nirmana (Ritual Architecture and Altar Construction)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual platform layout: cords placed symmetrically on both sides, then a raised vedī with a distinct neck-like projection (kaṇṭa) shown in profile.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: altar-platform scene with symmetrical cords, vedī rising above with a clear kaṇṭa moulding, priests and artisans in stylized forms, warm tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: vedī depicted as a sacred platform with gold accents on mouldings, symmetrical cord lines, ceremonial ambiance with ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: diagrammatic profile of vedī showing kaṇṭa, side-by-side cord placement, clean instructional composition with delicate coloration.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: courtyard construction of a vedī, artisans stretching cords on both sides, stepped platform with neck projection, fine architectural detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bilawal","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तद्वत् = तत् + वत्; तदूर्ध्वन्तु = तत् + ऊर्ध्वम् + तु; भवेद्वेदी = भवेत् + वेदी.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (vedī and superstructure sequencing)
FAQs
It gives a practical instruction in vedi-nirmāṇa: placing the measuring cord symmetrically on the side and defining the altar-platform above it, including the specification of a ‘kaṇṭa’ (projecting neck/edge) and a manasāra-type arrangement.
Beyond theology, it preserves applied knowledge—ritual architecture, measurement practice, and formal design vocabulary (e.g., kaṇṭa, manasāra)—showing the Purana as a manual for constructing precise sacrificial structures.
Accurate, rule-based construction of the vedi is treated as essential for the efficacy and purity of yajña; correctness in measurement and form supports proper ritual performance and the intended religious merit (puṇya).