Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 4
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
योनिर्दशाङ्गुला रम्या षट्चतुर्द्व्यङ्गुलाग्रगा क्रमान्निम्ना तु कर्तव्या पश्चिमाशाव्यवस्थिता
yonirdaśāṅgulā ramyā ṣaṭcaturdvyaṅgulāgragā kramānnimnā tu kartavyā paścimāśāvyavasthitā
யோனி வடிவ வாய்க்கால் இனிமையாகப் பத்து அங்குல அளவில் செய்யப்பட வேண்டும். அதன் முன்பகுதி முறையே ஆறு, நான்கு, இரண்டு அங்குல அகலமாக இருந்து, மெதுவான இறங்குமுகச் சரிவுடன் மேற்கு நோக்கி அமைக்கப்பட வேண்டும்।
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Designing a yoni-shaped channel/spout with specified aṅgula dimensions, graded mouth widths, slope, and westward placement—useful for pedestal drainage and ritual water-flow management.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Yoni-nāḍī/Pranāla: māna, agravistāra-krama, nimnatā, paścimāśā","lookup_keywords":["yoni","pranāla","daśāṅgula","nimna-krama","paścimāśā"],"quick_summary":"Gives the standard size and graded mouth widths for a yoni-channel and instructs a gentle downward slope with westward orientation for proper outflow and ritual correctness."}
Concept: Ritual engineering: auspiciousness and purity depend on correct form, slope, and direction of functional elements.
Application: Ensure the channel’s taper and slope prevent stagnation and maintain sanctity around the pedestal/altar.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra / Prasada-Vinyasa (Architectural layout and measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A cutaway diagram of a yoni-shaped channel with a 10-aṅgula length, a mouth tapering in three steps (6, 4, 2), and a gentle downward slope pointing west.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized temple interior with a pedestal and visible yoni-channel flowing westward; bold outlines, flat colors, annotated aṅgula steps as decorative script elements.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: ornate pedestal with yoni-channel, gold highlights on the channel rim; a small inset diagram showing 6-4-2 aṅgula gradation; rich jewel tones.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: technical illustration-like painting of the channel profile and plan, clear west-direction arrow, neat aṅgula labels, soft pastel palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: architect presenting a measured drawing of the yoni-channel to a patron; fine detailing of tools and calligraphy; the westward slope shown in a side profile panel."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: योनिर्दशाङ्गुला = योनिḥ + दशाङ्गुला; पश्चिमाशाव्यवस्थिता = पश्चिमा + आशा + व्यवस्थिताः (यहाँ स्त्री. एक. ‘व्यवस्थिता’).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (yoni/pranāla and pedestal measurements)
FAQs
It gives a precise Vastu/ritual-engineering specification for constructing a yoni-shaped channel/spout: total measure (10 aṅgulas), a graded mouth dimension (6–4–2 aṅgulas), a sequential downward slope, and a prescribed western placement.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical standards of sacred construction—units, proportional design, and directional placement—showing it functions as a compendium that includes Vastu-shastra and applied ritual architecture.
In temple/ritual contexts, correct proportion and orientation are treated as conditions for purity and efficacy: the properly sloped, correctly placed channel ensures orderly flow/cleanliness and supports the intended sanctity and merit of the installation.