Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 9
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
सर्वसाधारणं चैतत् प्रासादस्य च लक्षणं मानेन प्रतिमाया वा प्रासादमपरं शृणु
sarvasādhāraṇaṃ caitat prāsādasya ca lakṣaṇaṃ mānena pratimāyā vā prāsādamaparaṃ śṛṇu
Estas são as características comuns, de aplicação geral, de um templo (prāsāda). Agora ouve outro tipo de templo, determinado pelas medidas: seja segundo as proporções do ícone (pratimā), seja segundo um módulo prescrito.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana narration style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Establishes a general baseline for prāsāda (temple) design and introduces modular measurement systems tied either to the icon (pratimā) or to a standard māna, guiding architects in choosing the correct proportional canon before construction.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Sāmānya-prāsāda-lakṣaṇa and Māna-based Typology","lookup_keywords":["prāsāda-lakṣaṇa","sārvāsādhāraṇa","māna","pratimā-pramāṇa","vāstu-vidhi"],"quick_summary":"First states the generally applicable temple characteristics, then signals a second class of temples determined by a measurement module—either derived from the icon’s proportions or from an independent canonical unit."}
Concept: Knowledge is organized into general rules (sāmānya-lakṣaṇa) and specialized variants determined by pramāṇa (measure).
Application: Before design, select the governing measurement basis (icon-based or module-based) to keep all parts proportionally consistent.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra (Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa / Temple Architecture)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sthapati (architect) presenting two measuring systems: one referencing the icon’s proportions and another referencing a modular measuring rod, with a temple plan sketched beside a standing pratimā.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat yet rich colors, sthapati holding tāla-measure and palm-leaf manuscript, pratimā silhouette and prāsāda outline behind, sacred workshop ambiance, traditional ornamented borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central sthapati and pratimā, gold-leaf highlights on measuring tools and temple outline, stylized sanctum and śikhara motif, jewel-like palette, embossed detailing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, fine linework of measurement grid, sthapati demonstrating māna with a scale, pratimā-proportion diagram and temple elevation sketch, soft shading and delicate ornamentation.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architectural draughting scene with precise instruments, a pratimā used as reference, attendants holding scrolls, detailed temple elevation in the background, naturalistic faces and textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चैतत् = च + एतत्; प्रासादमपरम् = प्रासादम् + अपरम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa sequence: pratimā-pramāṇa, garbha, bhitti, śikhara, maṇḍapa)
FAQs
It introduces prāsāda-lakṣaṇa as a standardized Vāstu-śāstra topic and signals a shift from general temple features to measurement-based design, including iconometry (pratimā-māna) as a governing module.
By treating temple design as a technical discipline—using proportional canons (māna) and icon-based modules (pratimā)—it shows the Agni Purana compiling applied sciences (Vāstu/Śilpa) alongside theology and ritual.
Correct proportional design of the temple in relation to sacred measures and the deity’s icon is presented as essential for a ritually valid shrine, supporting proper worship and the intended auspicious results (śubha-phala) of consecration and daily pūjā.