Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 10
वागीश्वरीपूजा
The Worship of Vāgīśvarī
पद्मक्षेत्रे तु सूत्राणि दिग्विदिक्षु विनिक्षिपेत् वृत्तानि पञ्चकल्पानि पद्मक्षेत्रसमानि तु
padmakṣetre tu sūtrāṇi digvidikṣu vinikṣipet vṛttāni pañcakalpāni padmakṣetrasamāni tu
ਪਦਮਖੇਤਰ-ਯੰਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਿਸ਼ਾਵਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਉਪਦਿਸ਼ਾਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੂਤਰ (ਮਾਰਗਦਰਸ਼ਕ ਰੇਖਾਂ/ਡੋਰਾਂ) ਵਿਛਾਏ ਜਾਣ। ਅਤੇ ਪਦਮਖੇਤਰ ਦੇ ਸਮਾਨ ਮਾਪ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਪੰਜ ਗੋਲਾਕਾਰ ਰਚਨਾਵਾਂ ਵੀ ਬਣਾਈਆਂ ਜਾਣ।
Lord Agni (narrating Agni Purana’s procedural instructions to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Laying out a padma-maṇḍala using cords aligned to cardinal and intercardinal directions, then constructing five proportionate circles for altar/temple planning and ritual geometry.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Padmakṣetra-sūtra-nyāsa and Pañca-vṛtta construction","lookup_keywords":["padmakṣetra","sūtra-nyāsa","dig-vidik","pañca-vṛtta","maṇḍala-vidhi"],"quick_summary":"In a lotus-field plan, place guiding cords along the eight directions, then draw five circles scaled to the padmakṣetra; this establishes a precise geometric base for ritual/architectural layouts."}
Concept: Cosmic order is mirrored through directional geometry; correct alignment and proportion are themselves a ritual act.
Application: Use cords and directional axes before drawing circles/lotus fields; verify proportional equivalence to avoid ritual/structural defects.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra / Maṇḍala-Vidhi (Temple & altar layout, ritual geometry)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sthapati draws a padmakṣetra on the ground: cords stretched to cardinal and intercardinal points, then five concentric/proportionate circles being marked with chalk and compass-like tools.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized ground-plan with visible cords radiating in eight directions, five circles overlaid on a lotus-field, artisan figures in profile, earthy reds/ochres, temple courtyard setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, symmetrical geometric diagram emphasized, gold highlights on the central bindu and circle rims, rich decorative border, priest and architect holding cords.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, technical clarity: neat grid, eight-direction cord lines, five circles precisely spaced, annotations around the diagram, soft pastel washes.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architectural planning scene with draughtsman and assistants, detailed instruments, cords pegged at points, five circles drawn on a prepared plaster floor, refined perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दिग्विदिक्षु → दिक् + विदिक्षु (द्वन्द्व-समास; क्+व् sandhi).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 319.7-319.8 (padma/yantra forms); Agni Purana vāstu chapters on dik-nirṇaya, sūtra-pāta, and maṇḍala construction
FAQs
It teaches maṇḍala-layout technique: placing measuring cords along cardinal/intercardinal axes and constructing five prescribed circles proportionate to the padmakṣetra diagram.
It shows the text functioning as a practical manual—preserving Vāstu/ritual-geometry procedures alongside theology, expanding the Purana into applied temple and altar design knowledge.
Correct geometric alignment of the ritual/temple diagram is treated as essential for purity and efficacy of worship, ensuring rites are performed in harmony with sacred directions and prescribed forms.