Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 13
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
खातस्य मेखलां रम्यां शेषार्धेन तु कारयेत् कण्ठं त्रिभागविस्तारं अङ्गुष्ठकसमायतं
khātasya mekhalāṃ ramyāṃ śeṣārdhena tu kārayet kaṇṭhaṃ tribhāgavistāraṃ aṅguṣṭhakasamāyataṃ
Оставшейся половиной предписанной меры следует изготовить красивый пояс-обруч (mekhalā) для гнезда/выемки (khāta). Шейку (kaṇṭha) делают шириной в три доли и высотой, равной ширине одного большого пальца (aṅguṣṭhaka).
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, the standard Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Iconometric/architectural detailing: specifying proportional measures for a cavity/socket (khāta), its girdle-band (mekhalā), and neck (kaṇṭha) so the component fits, looks balanced, and functions structurally.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Khāta–Mekhalā–Kaṇṭha Māna (socket, girdle-band, neck measures)","lookup_keywords":["khāta","mekhalā","kaṇṭha","aṅguṣṭhaka","aṅgula-māna"],"quick_summary":"Use the remaining half of the prescribed measure to form an attractive mekhalā around the khāta; make the kaṇṭha three-part in width and one thumb-breadth in height for proportional stability and finish."}
Concept: Śilpa requires measured proportion (māna) to yield beauty (ramyatā) and functional integrity.
Application: Apply standardized units (aṅguṣṭha/aṅgula and fractional parts) to ensure repeatable, harmonious fabrication.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya / Shilpa-shastra (Architectural & iconometric measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A craftsman measures a socket (khāta) and forms a decorative girdle-band (mekhalā) around it; the neck portion is shown with marked width divisions and thumb-breadth height.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, artisan with measuring cord and aṅgula marks, carved wooden/stone component showing khāta and mekhalā band, earthy reds and ochres, clear proportional lines, workshop setting with traditional tools.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central crafted component with mekhalā highlighted using gold leaf accents, artisan holding a measuring scale, ornate border motifs, rich maroons and greens, emphasis on auspicious craftsmanship.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, instructional diagram-like depiction of khāta and kaṇṭha with labeled aṅgula/aṅguṣṭha divisions, soft shading, clean lines, palm-leaf manuscript aesthetic.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, atelier scene with master craftsman and apprentice, precise measuring of a carved socket and neck, fine textiles, detailed tools, delicate linework and muted palette."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शेषार्धेन = शेष + अर्धेन (षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष); त्रिभागविस्तारम् = त्रि + भाग + विस्तारम्; अङ्गुष्ठकसमायतम् = अङ्गुष्ठक + समायतम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (Pratimā/Vāstu-Śilpa māna sections); Agni Purana (Homa-dravya/yantra/śilpa implement descriptions in adjacent verses)
FAQs
It gives shilpa/vaastu measurement rules: how to proportion a mekhalā (encircling band or rim) for a khāta (socket/recess) and how to size the kaṇṭha (neck portion) using part-units and the aṅguṣṭha (thumb-breadth) unit.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical craft science—precise proportional canons and measurement vocabulary used in architecture and fabrication—showing its coverage of applied technical disciplines (śilpa-śāstra/ vāstu-vidyā).
Correct proportion and workmanship are treated as integral to dharmic building and consecrated objects; accurate measures support ritual efficacy, aesthetic harmony, and the merit (puṇya) associated with properly executed sacred construction.