Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 15
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
शिखरार्थं हि सूत्राणि चत्वारि विनिपातयेत् शुकनाशोर्ध्वतः सूत्रं तिर्यग्भूतं निपातयेत्
śikharārthaṃ hi sūtrāṇi catvāri vinipātayet śukanāśordhvataḥ sūtraṃ tiryagbhūtaṃ nipātayet
เพื่อกำหนดศิขระ พึงหย่อนเส้นวัด (สูตร) สี่เส้นลงมา; และเหนือศุกนาสา พึงหย่อนเส้นหนึ่งให้เป็นแนวนอน (ตริยัก) ลงมา।
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Setting out a śikhara accurately using plumb-lines/cords: establishing verticals and a horizontal reference above the śukanāsa to control profile and alignment.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Śikhara-sūtra-vinyāsa (Plumb-line setting for the temple spire)","lookup_keywords":["śikhara","sūtra","plumb-line","śukanāsa","tiryak-sūtra"],"quick_summary":"Prescribes dropping four cords for laying out the śikhara and adding a horizontal cord above the śukanāsa, ensuring true verticality and correct projection geometry."}
Temple Type: Nagara
Concept: Pramāṇa (right measure) as the basis of auspicious form; alignment as dharma of construction.
Application: Use multiple reference lines (vertical and horizontal) to prevent cumulative error in tall superstructures.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya (Temple Architecture and Measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Temple spire under construction with four plumb-lines hanging from the top and a horizontal cord stretched above the śukanāsa to check level and projection.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized temple elevation, artisans holding cords, four plumb-lines descending, one horizontal cord above the śukanāsa, bold outlines and warm tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gleaming temple façade with gold accents, cords rendered as fine lines, sthapati demonstrating the horizontal cord above śukanāsa, ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clean instructional depiction—spire profile, four vertical plumb-lines, one horizontal reference line, annotations-like clarity, delicate shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: construction scene with scaffolding, master builder with measuring cords, four plumb-lines and a taut horizontal cord above the projecting gable, intricate detail."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शिखरार्थं = शिखर + अर्थम्; शुकनाशोर्ध्वतः = शुकनासात् + ऊर्ध्वतः; तिर्यग्भूतं = तिर्यक् + भूतम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (śikhara and śukanāsa construction sequence)
FAQs
It teaches Vāstu-vidyā drafting practice: using four dropped cords (plumb reference lines) to set out the śikhara, and establishing a transverse (horizontal) reference cord above the śukanāsa for accurate alignment.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical architectural technique—measurement, layout, and structural referencing—showing the Agni Purana as a compendium that includes temple engineering (prāsāda-vāstu) alongside ritual and dharma.
Correct temple proportions and alignment are treated as part of proper sacred construction; executing the layout precisely supports ritual efficacy and is traditionally understood to accrue merit by ensuring the deity’s abode is built according to śāstra.