Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 47
The Description of the Sarvatobhadra Maṇḍala (सर्वतोभद्रमण्डलकथनम्)
द्विचतुःषड्द्वारसिद्ध्यै चतुर्दिक्षु विलोपयेत् पञ्च त्रीण्येककं वाह्ये शोभोपद्वारसिद्धये
dvicatuḥṣaḍdvārasiddhyai caturdikṣu vilopayet pañca trīṇyekakaṃ vāhye śobhopadvārasiddhaye
द्विचतुःषड्द्वारसिद्ध्यर्थं चतुर्दिक्षु विलोपयेत्। शोभोपद्वारसिद्ध्यर्थं बाह्ये पञ्च त्रीण्येककं च विलोपयेत्।
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Configuring doorway counts (2/4/6) by prescribed omissions in cardinal directions; setting auxiliary/beautifying sub-gates by omitting specific outer units (5/3/1) to maintain proportional aesthetics.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Dvāra-saṅkhyā-siddhi by directional and outer-unit omissions","lookup_keywords":["dvāra","dvicatuḥṣaṭ (2-4-6)","vilope","upadvāra","śobhā"],"quick_summary":"Gives a rule-set for achieving plans with 2/4/6 main doorways through directional omissions, and for placing beautifying auxiliary doors by omitting 5/3/1 units on the outer edge."}
Concept: Number and direction as determinants of auspicious architectural function; beauty (śobhā) is engineered through rule-governed subtraction.
Application: When drafting a plan, decide doorway count first, then apply the omission rules to keep the perimeter rhythm consistent and avoid irregular spacing.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra (Architecture & Mandala/Plan Prescriptions)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A perimeter grid where different doorway schemes (2, 4, 6) are shown by removing/blanking specific segments on each cardinal side; smaller auxiliary doors appear after omitting 5/3/1 outer units.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural depiction of a sthapati marking omissions on a mandala with charcoal; four directions emphasized with dikpāla symbols; main doors bold, auxiliary doors smaller and decorative.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore-style framed diagram with gold highlighting on main door thresholds; outer-edge units labeled 5/3/1 omissions; ornamental borders echo gateway śobhā.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore instructional plate: three side-by-side plan variants labeled 2-door, 4-door, 6-door; clear omitted blocks; auxiliary doors indicated with fine ornament lines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Courtly scene: architect shows three alternative doorway layouts to a ruler; delicate grid, erased/blanked segments; attendants hold measuring cords and inkpots."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śobhopadvārasiddhaye = śobhā + upa + dvāra + siddhaye (ā+u→o). dvicatuḥṣaḍdvāra- is a multi-member tatpuruṣa.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 29.46 (vīthī and dvāra-śobhā context); Agni Purana 29.48 (dvāra ornament members/upaśobhikā); Agni Purana 29.50 (mandala cell arrangement)
FAQs
It gives a Vāstu-technical rule for planning entrances: to achieve correct layouts with 2/4/6 main doors and to place aesthetically pleasing subsidiary doors, specific counts of exterior “units/parts” are to be left out (omitted) in directional/exterior segments.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purāṇa preserves applied sciences like Vāstu—codifying measurable, design-oriented prescriptions (door counts, directional placement, and modular omissions) used in house/temple planning.
In Vāstu thought, correct directional and proportional placement of entrances is tied to harmony, auspiciousness, and the unobstructed flow of beneficial influences—supporting prosperity and reducing inauspicious results in a consecrated or domestic space.