Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 34
Chapter 61 — द्वारप्रतिष्ठाध्वजारोहाणादिविधिः
Gateway Installation, Flag Hoisting, and Allied Rites
दण्डाग्राद्धरणीं यावद्धस्तैकं विस्तरेण तु महाध्वजः सर्वदः स्यात्तुर्यांशाद्धीनतोर्चितः
daṇḍāgrāddharaṇīṃ yāvaddhastaikaṃ vistareṇa tu mahādhvajaḥ sarvadaḥ syātturyāṃśāddhīnatorcitaḥ
Dari hujung tiang hingga ke tanah, jika lebarnya satu hasta, maka itulah ‘panji agung’ (mahā-dhvaja) dan dikatakan menganugerahkan segala manfaat. Jika dikurangkan seperempat, hendaklah dianggap lebih rendah, namun masih layak untuk dipuja.
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, per the common Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Puja-vidhi","practical_application":"Standardizing dhvaja dimensions for temple ritual use, classifying a banner as mahā-dhvaja and judging acceptable inferiority for worship.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Mahā-dhvaja: breadth standard and gradation","lookup_keywords":["mahā-dhvaja","hasta","vिस्तार (breadth)","dhvaja-lakṣaṇa","inferior (hīna)"],"quick_summary":"A dhvaja whose breadth is one hasta (measured along the pole-to-ground span context) is termed mahā-dhvaja and grants all benefits; if reduced by one-fourth it is inferior but still worship-worthy."}
Concept: Śāstric proportion (pramāṇa) governs ritual efficacy; even suboptimal forms retain conditional sanctity when properly worshipped.
Application: When commissioning banners, aim for mahā-dhvaja standard; if constrained, maintain at least the worship-eligible minimum and perform due pūjā.
Khanda Section: Ritual Standards and Iconography (Dhvaja–lakṣaṇa / Temple-Ritual Implements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A measuring scene: a priest-craftsman team measures a banner’s breadth in hasta units, labeling it mahā-dhvaja; a second banner is shown reduced by one-fourth yet still offered worship.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized craftsmen with measuring rod (hasta), two dhvajas side-by-side, temple courtyard, clear proportion emphasis, lamps and ritual vessels","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, gold accents on measuring marks and banner borders, mahā-dhvaja prominently centered, smaller inferior banner to the side, temple arch framing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, diagrammatic clarity with hasta grid, annotations-like visual cues, calm instructional mood, minimal ornamentation","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, precise measurement activity with rulers and textiles, architectural depth, inscriptions on scroll indicating ‘mahā-dhvaja’ and ‘hīna’"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दण्डाग्राद्धरणीम् = दण्डाग्रात् + धरणीम्; यावद्धस्तैकम् = यावत् + हस्तैकम्; स्यात्तुर्यांशात् = स्यात् + तुर्यांशात्; धीनतोर्चितः = हीनतः + अर्चितः (संहितायां ‘तो’ संयोग).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 61.33-37 (dhvaja materials, measures, installation, adhivāsa)
FAQs
It gives pramāṇa (measurement) rules for classifying a ceremonial/temple banner: one-hasta breadth defines a mahādhvaja; a reduction by one-fourth makes it an inferior grade, though still worshippable.
Beyond mythology, it preserves practical standards for ritual material culture—exact proportions and classifications of temple implements—showing the text’s coverage of vastu-style measurement science and pūjā procedure.
Correct proportion and proper honoring of the dhvaja are presented as merit-bearing: the ‘mahādhvaja’ is said to grant comprehensive benefits, while even an inferior banner remains ritually valid when duly worshipped.