Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 16
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
शुषिरं कण्ठदेशे स्याद्विशेद् यावत् कनीयसी शेषकुण्डन्तु कर्तव्यं यथारुचि विचित्रितं
śuṣiraṃ kaṇṭhadeśe syādviśed yāvat kanīyasī śeṣakuṇḍantu kartavyaṃ yathāruci vicitritaṃ
கண்டப் பகுதியில் சுஷிரம் (வெற்று/துளை) செய்ய வேண்டும்; அது சிறுவிரல் அளவு வரை துளையிடப்பட வேண்டும். பின்னர் மீதமுள்ள குண்டத்தை விருப்பப்படி பலவகை அலங்காரத்துடன் அமைக்க வேண்டும்.
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Technical instruction for boring a hollow at the neck region to a specified depth (little-finger measure) and then ornamenting the remaining socket (kuṇḍa) according to design choice.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Kaṇṭha-śuṣira and Kuṇḍa-nirmāṇa (neck hollow and socket formation)","lookup_keywords":["śuṣira","kaṇṭha-deśa","kanīyasī","kuṇḍa","vicitrīkaraṇa"],"quick_summary":"Bore a hollow at the neck region up to the little-finger measure; then shape the remaining kuṇḍa and ornament it variably to suit the intended aesthetic and function."}
Concept: Function-led construction (hollowing to measure) is complemented by controlled artistic freedom (yathāruci) in ornamentation.
Application: Maintain specified boring depth for fit/strength; vary surface ornament without compromising structural margins.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śilpa (Architecture & Iconography / Temple & Ornament Construction)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An artisan drills a hollow at the neck region to a little-finger depth; beside it, the remaining kuṇḍa is shown with alternative ornamental patterns.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, craftsman boring a cavity with traditional drill, kaṇṭha region highlighted, surrounding motifs showing ‘vicitra’ ornament options, bold lines and warm tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, the kuṇḍa ornamentation rendered with gold leaf patterns, artisan and tools depicted, rich saturated colors, temple-craft aura.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, step-by-step panel: (1) mark kanīyasī depth, (2) bore śuṣira, (3) decorate kuṇḍa; labeled measures, clean instructional clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, workshop interior with drill and chisels, close attention to the hollowing action, patterned ornament samples laid out like design swatches."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्याद्विशेत् = स्यात् + विशेत्; शेषकुण्डन्तु = शेषकुण्डम् + तु; यथारुचि = यथा + रुचि (अव्ययीभाव).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (continuing implement/pratimā construction steps); Agni Purana (sections on ornamentation and śilpa finishing in nearby adhyāyas)
FAQs
It gives a śilpa/vāstu specification: create a cavity at the neck-region and bore it to the depth/extent measured by the little finger, then complete the remaining kuṇḍa (socket/pit) with decorative finishing as desired.
Beyond mythology, the Agni Purana preserves practical craft-standards—fine measurements, construction steps, and aesthetic finishing—typical of its vāstu-śilpa and iconographic manuals.
In temple/icon construction, correct proportions and prescribed workmanship are treated as part of dharmic correctness; accurate execution supports ritual efficacy and the purity of the sacred installation.