Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 16
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
शिखरस्यार्धभागस्थं सिंहं तत्र तु कारयेत् शुकनासां स्थिरीकृत्य मध्यसन्धौ निधापयेत्
śikharasyārdhabhāgasthaṃ siṃhaṃ tatra tu kārayet śukanāsāṃ sthirīkṛtya madhyasandhau nidhāpayet
Deve-se mandar fazer ali um leão (motivo siṃha), colocado na metade do śikhara. Tendo fixado firmemente a śukanāsā, deve-se assentá-la na junta central (madhya-sandhi).
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, as per the common Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Placement of a siṃha motif on the śikhara and correct fixing/setting of the śukanāsa into the central joint to ensure structural stability and canonical ornamentation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Śikhara-siṃha-sthāpana and śukanāsa madhya-sandhi fixation","lookup_keywords":["siṃha-motif","śikhara-ardha","śukanāsa","madhya-sandhi","sthāpanā"],"quick_summary":"Directs that a lion ornament be installed at the mid-region of the spire and that the śukanāsa be firmly fixed and seated into the central joint, combining iconographic decor with structural joining practice."}
Temple Type: Nagara
Concept: Alaṅkāra (ornament) must be subordinated to sthiratā (stability) and centered joining—beauty aligned with structural dharma.
Application: Place heavy ornaments at canonically safe zones and ensure keyed joints (sandhi) are properly seated to avoid cracking and visual imbalance.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya / Shilpa-shastra (Temple Architecture and Iconographic Placement)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple spire with a lion ornament being installed at mid-height while artisans secure the projecting śukanāsa into the central joint with wedges and mortar.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: iconic temple elevation, prominent lion motif at mid-spire, artisans fixing the śukanāsa at the center joint, strong outlines, traditional palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: richly ornamented śikhara with gold-highlighted siṃha, craftsmen placing the motif, śukanāsa shown firmly seated, decorative borders and luminous finish.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: technical yet elegant depiction—spire cross-section, mid-point marked, siṃha placement indicated, central joint detail of śukanāsa, fine linework.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed construction vignette with scaffolds, lion ornament hoisted to mid-spire, master mason supervising the central joint seating of śukanāsa, intricate textures."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kedar","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शिखरस्यार्धभागस्थं = शिखरस्य + अर्धभागस्थम्; अर्धभागस्थं = अर्ध + भाग + स्थम्; स्थिरीकृत्य = स्थिरी + कृत्य (क्त्वा); मध्यसन्धौ = मध्य + सन्धौ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (śikhara/śukanāsa detailing and ornament sequence)
FAQs
It gives a Vastu/Shilpa technical rule: place a lion motif at the mid-portion of the śikhara and securely set the śukanāsā into the central joint for correct structural and iconographic arrangement.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical building science—precise placement of architectural members (śikhara, śukanāsā, sandhi) and auspicious motifs (siṃha)—showing its coverage of applied arts alongside ritual and doctrine.
Correct placement and firm installation are treated as dhārmic craftsmanship: aligning the temple’s form with prescribed auspicious symbols (like the lion) supports sanctity, stability, and the merit associated with properly constructed sacred space.