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
Таковы общие, повсеместно применимые признаки храма (prāsāda). Теперь выслушай иной вид храма, определяемый мерой: либо по пропорциям образа (pratimā), либо по предписанному модулю.
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.