Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 6
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
विस्तारान्मण्डपस्याग्रे गर्भसूत्रद्वयेन तु दैर्घ्यात्पादाधिकं कुर्यान्मध्यस्तम्भैर् विभूषितं
vistārānmaṇḍapasyāgre garbhasūtradvayena tu dairghyātpādādhikaṃ kuryānmadhyastambhair vibhūṣitaṃ
మండపం ముందుభాగంలో, రెండు గర్భసూత్రాల ప్రకారం, పొడవును వెడల్పుకంటే ఒక పాదం ఎక్కువగా చేయాలి; మధ్యస్తంభాలతో అలంకరించాలి।
Lord Agni (in dialogue tradition, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Planning a fore-structure/extension before the maṇḍapa using central alignment cords (garbha-sūtras), setting length-to-breadth proportion, and specifying central pillars for support and ornament.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Maṇḍapa-front extension by Garbha-sūtra alignment; length = breadth + 1 pāda","lookup_keywords":["maṇḍapa","garbha-sūtra","vistāra","dairghya","madhya-stambha"],"quick_summary":"Use two central alignment cords to set out the front portion; make the length exceed the breadth by one pāda and embellish/support it with central pillars."}
Concept: Ṛju-mārga (straight axis) and māna as sacred order; beauty arises from correct proportion and centered support.
Application: Maintain a clear central axis from garbhagṛha through maṇḍapa; use the +1 pāda rule to avoid squat proportions and to accommodate pillar bays.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya (Mandapa & Temple Architecture)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Ground plan of a maṇḍapa with two central cords stretched, showing breadth and length with length one pāda longer; central pillars placed along the axis, craftsmen measuring and setting bases.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sthapati and workers stretching two sacred cords along the temple axis, marking a maṇḍapa extension, central pillars rising, decorative floral borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-highlighted pillars and cord lines, maṇḍapa under construction with central stambhas, ornate temple ambience, rich reds and greens","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional architectural scene: plan grid, two alignment cords, labeled pāda increment, pillar bases placed symmetrically, precise linework","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, artisans with measuring cords and plumb lines, central pillars being erected, detailed architectural setting with careful perspective"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"focused","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विस्तारान्मण्डपस्याग्रे = विस्तारात् + मण्डपस्य + अग्रे; कुर्यान्मध्यस्तम्भैर् = कुर्यात् + मध्यस्तम्भैः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (maṇḍapa/stambha māna and layout rules)
FAQs
It gives a Vastu-vidya rule for proportioning the fore-part of a maṇḍapa: set out the plan with twin central alignment cords (garbha-sūtras), keep the length one pāda greater than the width, and provide central pillars.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical building science—precise surveying methods (sūtra alignment), dimensional ratios, and structural prescriptions (pillars)—showing its coverage of applied arts like Vastu alongside ritual instruction.
Correct proportioning and alignment of the ritual pavilion is treated as ensuring order (ṛta) in sacred space, supporting faultless worship and thereby aiding purity and merit through properly constructed venues for rites.