Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 6
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
मूलन्तु त्र्यङ्गुलं योन्या अग्रं तस्याः षडङ्गुलं लक्षणञ्चैकहस्तस्य द्विगुणं द्विकरादिषु
mūlantu tryaṅgulaṃ yonyā agraṃ tasyāḥ ṣaḍaṅgulaṃ lakṣaṇañcaikahastasya dviguṇaṃ dvikarādiṣu
A base (mūla) no yoni (encaixe do pedestal) é de três aṅgulas; a sua parte frontal é de seis aṅgulas. A especificação prescrita para uma imagem de uma mão deve ser duplicada para as de duas mãos e para outras formas (de múltiplos braços).
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Scaling pedestal-socket (yoni) measurements and applying proportional doubling rules when moving from one-handed to multi-armed icon forms, ensuring consistent iconometry.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Yoni-mūla/agra-māna and kara-bheda scaling rule","lookup_keywords":["yoni","mūla","agra","eka-hasta","dvihasta","māna-dviguṇa"],"quick_summary":"Defines base and front measures within the yoni socket and gives a general scaling rule: specifications for one-handed images are doubled for two-handed and other multi-armed forms."}
Concept: Generalization rule (dviguṇa) as a craft-logic: complexity (more arms) requires proportional expansion while preserving harmony.
Application: When designing multi-armed icons, scale key socket/pedestal specs systematically rather than improvising.
Khanda Section: Vastu / Shilpa-shastra (Iconometry and measurement canons)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A drafting board shows a yoni socket with base (3 aṅgulas) and front (6 aṅgulas) labeled; beside it, two icon silhouettes (one-handed and two-handed) with arrows indicating ‘double the measure’ for multi-armed forms.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: artisan-sage demonstrating two icon diagrams, one simple and one multi-armed, with a yoni socket plan; bold outlines, traditional palette, didactic gesture.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central diagram of yoni socket with gold-highlighted measurement marks; flanking small deity-forms (eka-hasta, dvi-hasta) rendered iconically with ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional plate-like painting with clear labels ‘3’ and ‘6’ aṅgulas and a doubling table for kara-count; refined linework and soft shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: workshop scene with master measuring a pedestal socket; assistants hold sketches of one-armed and two-armed figures; meticulous tools and calligraphy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मूलन्तु = मूलम् + तु; लक्षणञ्च = लक्षणम् + च; चैकहस्तस्य = च + एकहस्तस्य.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (iconometric scaling and pedestal measures)
FAQs
It gives iconometric rules for the pedestal/socket (yoni) dimensions in aṅgulas and a scaling principle: measurements stated for a one-handed image are doubled for two-handed and other multi-armed images.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical Śilpa/Vāstu standards—precise proportional canons used by sculptors and temple-builders—showing the text’s coverage of technical arts alongside ritual and doctrine.
Correct proportion and canonical measurement are treated as essential for a valid consecrated form (pratimā); accuracy supports proper installation and worship, helping ensure the intended religious efficacy of the image and its rites.