Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 39
नगरादिवास्तुकथनं
Discourse on Vāstu for Cities and Related Settlements
मानश् च द्वारतः पूर्व ऊतरस्यान्दिशि क्रमात्
mānaś ca dvārataḥ pūrva ūtarasyāndiśi kramāt
Ukuran yang ditetapkan (māna) hendaklah disusun bermula dari pintu, dimulai pada sisi timur dan kemudian bergerak menurut tertib (krama) ke arah utara.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Setting out measurements from the doorway as the datum point, sequencing the layout from east toward north for consistent planning and marking.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Doorway-based measurement sequence (māna-krama)","lookup_keywords":["mana","dvara","purva","uttara","krama","vastu-measurement"],"quick_summary":"Defines the procedural rule: take the doorway as the reference point and lay out measurements starting from the east, proceeding in order toward the north."}
Concept: Right order (krama) and correct reference points (pramāṇa) are essential to successful construction outcomes.
Application: Use a consistent surveying workflow to avoid cumulative layout errors and contradictory door/axis placements.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra (Dvara/Vithi-Nirnaya and directional measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An architect with measuring cord (rajju) and staff marking a plan: starting at the doorway on the east, then stepping measurements toward the north with arrows indicating sequence.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: traditional sthapati holding a measuring rope, a house plan with compass directions, bold arrow from east doorway curving toward north, decorative borders with vāstu symbols.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gold-highlighted measuring tools (rod, rope) and a doorway as the central datum; compass rose with east and north emphasized; ornate frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: technical plate—clean plan view, doorway marked, numbered measurement steps from east to north, clear arrows and labels (पूर्व, उत्तर, क्रमात्).","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: workshop scene with draftsman and assistants, a parchment plan with directional arrows, measuring rope stretched from the door; meticulous architectural detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"fast","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मानश् = मानः (विसर्गः शकारादेशः परे च); ऊतरस्यान्दिशि (पाठभेद/लिप्यन्तरदोष): उत्तरस्याम् + दिशि; pūrva (IAST) intended as pūrve (locative) in context.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 105 (dvara-vicāra; measurement and placement rules); Agni Purana 106 (larger-scale planning likely continues measurement conventions)
FAQs
It gives a Vastu rule for laying out measurements from the doorway, starting on the east and then proceeding in order toward the north—guiding how entrance-related dimensions are to be marked.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical building-science (Vastu) instructions—directional sequencing and measurement protocols used in domestic and temple architecture.
In Vastu-based ritual culture, correct directional measurement at the entrance is treated as harmonizing the dwelling/temple with cosmic order (dik-krama), supporting auspiciousness and reducing inauspicious fault (doṣa).