Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 19
Śāva-āśauca and Sūtikā-śauca: Death/Childbirth Impurity, Preta-śuddhi, and Śrāddha Procedure
Chapter 157
चतुरङ्गुलविस्तारं तत्खातन्तावदन्तरं वितस्तिदीर्घं कर्तव्यं विकर्षूणां तथा त्रयं
caturaṅgulavistāraṃ tatkhātantāvadantaraṃ vitastidīrghaṃ kartavyaṃ vikarṣūṇāṃ tathā trayaṃ
हे चार अङ्गुल रुंदीचे करावे आणि तितक्याच मापाचा मधला खात (खाच/गर्त) ठेवावा. लांबी एक वितस्ती असावी; तसेच विकर्षूंसाठीही तीन (माप/विधान) सांगितले आहे.
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Standardizing weapon/implement components by precise measurements (aṅgula, vitasti) for reliable performance and safe handling in archery/armament making.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Formula","entry_title":"Aṅgula–Vitasti measurements for a weapon component (vikarṣū specification)","lookup_keywords":["aṅgula","vitasti","vikarṣū","weapon-measurement","khāta (hollow)"],"quick_summary":"Prescribes breadth, hollow/cut-out spacing, and length using traditional units (aṅgula, vitasti), giving a reproducible specification for crafting a martial component."}
Weapon Type: Archery/weapon-making component (vikarṣū; measurement specification)
Concept: Measurable proportion (māna) as the basis of effective technology in śāstra.
Application: Use standardized units to replicate functional weapon parts and maintain consistency across craftsmen and arsenals.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Archery & Weapon-making Measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An armorer/craftsman measures a weapon component with finger-width (aṅgula) marks and a handspan (vitasti), carving a hollow of equal measure; tools and a workbench are visible.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, artisan workshop with measuring hand gestures, marked wooden/metal piece showing 4-aṅgula breadth and hollow, earthy tones, stylized tools.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, craftsman and weapon component centered, gold highlights on tools and metal edges, decorative border, emphasis on sacred precision of craft.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical instructional scene with clear measurement annotations (4 aṅgula, 1 vitasti), neat composition, focus on process and proportions.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed atelier with artisan using calipers/marked rod, assistants holding materials, fine rendering of tools and textures, marginal notes indicating measures."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चतुरङ्गुलविस्तारं = चतुर्-अङ्गुल-विस्तारम्; तत्खातन्तावदन्तरं resolved as तत्-खात-अन्तावत्-अन्तरम् (complex sandhi/compound); वितस्तिदीर्घं = वितस्ति-दीर्घम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana Dhanurveda sections on bow/arrow/weapon construction (within the Dhanurveda khanda surrounding 157.19)
FAQs
It gives precise Dhanurveda construction measurements using traditional units (aṅgula and vitasti), specifying width, hollow/gap, and length for a named implement/part (vikarṣū).
Beyond mythology and worship, it preserves practical engineering-style standards for military/archery material culture—showing the Purana’s coverage of applied sciences like weapon-craft and measurement systems.
In the Purāṇic frame, mastering disciplined, rule-based craft (śāstra-yukta karma) supports righteous protection (dharma-rakṣaṇa) and reduces harm through standardized, competent practice.