Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 19
वागीश्वरीपूजा
The Worship of Vāgīśvarī
पञ्चभागान्विता सा तु समन्ताद्दशभागिका दिग्विदिक्ष्वष्ट पद्मानि द्वारपद्मं सवीथिकम्
pañcabhāgānvitā sā tu samantāddaśabhāgikā digvidikṣvaṣṭa padmāni dvārapadmaṃ savīthikam
அந்த அமைப்பு ஐந்து பகுதிகளுடன் கூடியது; மேலும் எல்லாப் பக்கங்களிலும் பத்து பகுதிகளாக ஒழுங்குபடுத்தப்படுகிறது. திசை மற்றும் இடைத்திசைகளில் எட்டு தாமரைப் பலகைகள் உள்ளன; வாசலிலும் வீதிகாவுடன் ஒரு தாமரை உள்ளது.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Cosmology","practical_application":"Laying out a mandala with specified divisions (five-fold and ten-fold), placing eight directional lotus-panels and a gateway lotus with its processional walkway for circulation and ritual movement.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Five and Ten Divisions with Eight Directional Lotuses and Gateway Lotus (with Vīthikā)","lookup_keywords":["panchabhaga","dashabhaga","dig-vidik","ashta-padma","dvara-padma"],"quick_summary":"Organize the plan into five internal divisions and ten peripheral divisions; install eight lotus-panels in the cardinal/intercardinal directions and a gateway lotus connected to a walkway for processional access."}
Concept: Space is sacralized by directional completeness (dig-vidik) and graded division, enabling both function (movement) and symbolism (lotus-panels).
Application: Use directional zoning and processional paths to align movement, sightlines, and ritual sequence with the mandala’s geometry.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra (Mandala, Temple/City Layout and Architectural Measurement)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A symmetrical mandala plan divided into five inner parts and ten outer parts, showing eight lotus panels around the compass and a distinct lotus at the gateway connected to a walkway.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, circular/rectangular mandala with eight lotus medallions at directions, gateway lotus at one side with a painted vīthikā path, bold outlines and earthy palette, sacred diagram feel","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, mandala rendered as ornate architectural diagram with gold lotus medallions at eight directions, gateway lotus emphasized with gold, vīthikā as embellished corridor border","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clean technical mandala drawing: five and ten divisions marked, eight directional lotuses labeled, gateway lotus with walkway clearly shown, instructional clarity","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, top-down plan on parchment with fine geometry, eight lotus cartouches around, gateway lotus and walkway, marginal floral motifs echoing the padma theme"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पञ्चभागान्विता = पञ्च-भाग-अन्विता; समन्ताद्दशभागिका = समन्तात् दश-भागिका; दिग्विदिक्ष्वष्ट = दिक्-विदिक्षु अष्ट; द्वारपद्मं = द्वार-पद्मम्; सवीथिकम् = स-वीथिकम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 319.18 (abja center and vīthikā definition); Agni Purana 319.20 (door/steps and mouldings)
FAQs
It specifies a vāstu-maṇḍala planning rule: the plan is divided into defined parts (five and ten around the perimeter) and marked with lotus-compartments in the eight directions, including a distinct gateway-lotus with a vīthikā (walkway) for movement and ritual approach.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied sciences like Vāstu-śāstra—here giving concrete geometric and directional prescriptions for designing sacred/ritual space, showing its multi-disciplinary, manual-like character.
Correct directional and geometric arrangement of the ritual/temple space is taught as a means to align the site with cosmic order (dik-vyavasthā), supporting auspiciousness, purity of approach, and the efficacy of worship performed within the properly laid-out enclosure.