Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 49
The Description of the Sarvatobhadra Maṇḍala (सर्वतोभद्रमण्डलकथनम्)
एकस्यां दिशि सङ्ख्याः स्युः चतस्रः प्रिसङ्ख्यया
ekasyāṃ diśi saṅkhyāḥ syuḥ catasraḥ prisaṅkhyayā
एकस्यां दिशि प्रिसङ्ख्यया चतस्रः सङ्ख्याः परिगृह्यन्ताम्।
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Directional enumeration rule: treating each direction as having a fourfold numerical set for systematic counting in plan allocation or directional computations.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Catur-saṅkhyā per direction (dik) in systematic enumeration","lookup_keywords":["dik","saṅkhyā","catasraḥ","prisaṅkhyā (systematic count)","directional enumeration"],"quick_summary":"Defines a counting convention: in one direction, numbers are taken as four by orderly enumeration—useful for allocating pads/cells or mapping directional sets."}
Concept: Orderly enumeration (saṅkhyā) as a tool for structuring space and direction.
Application: Use fourfold directional counting when distributing elements per side of a mandala or when mapping directional correspondences.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha / Sankhya-nirdesha (Directional enumeration and numerical arrangement)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A simple diagram showing one direction (east) subdivided into four numbered units, illustrating systematic enumeration for planning.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural-style schematic with a compass-like square; one side divided into four segments, bold numerals in traditional script; minimal but decorative border motifs.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore-style ornamental panel with a compass square; the chosen direction highlighted in gold; four divisions marked with embossed detailing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore instructional diagram: clean compass rose and a single side segmented into four equal parts, labeled for prisaṅkhyā.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature of a scholar with an astrolabe-like directional chart; one direction annotated with four counts; fine calligraphy and margins."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: No major sandhi; prisaṅkhyayā treated as a single lexical item (rare/technical).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 29.50 (directional doors and corner cell counts)
FAQs
It gives a technical counting rule: for one direction (dik), the assigned numerical set is four, determined through a methodical enumeration (parisaṅkhyā).
Beyond mythology, it preserves compact technical sutra-like rules for organizing knowledge—here, numerical classification tied to directions, a feature common in Jyotisha, Vastu, and ritual mapping systems.
Correct numerical-directional mapping supports accuracy in sacred layouts and calculations; such precision is traditionally held to prevent ritual error (doṣa) and help align actions with auspicious order (ṛta).