Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 31
नगरादिवास्तुकथनं
Discourse on Vāstu for Cities and Related Settlements
त्रिगुणं हस्तसंयुक्तं कृत्वाष्टांशैहृतं तथा तच्छेषोयं स्थितस्तेन वायसान्तं ध्वजादिकं
triguṇaṃ hastasaṃyuktaṃ kṛtvāṣṭāṃśaihṛtaṃ tathā taccheṣoyaṃ sthitastena vāyasāntaṃ dhvajādikaṃ
ให้นำจำนวนที่กำหนดมาคูณสาม แล้วบวกค่าที่เรียกว่า ‘หัสดะ (hasta)’ จากนั้นหารด้วยแปด เศษที่เหลือเป็นเกณฑ์กำหนดหมวดหมู่ ตั้งแต่ ‘วายสะ (Vāyasa)’ ไปจนถึง ‘ธวัชะ (Dhvaja)’ และอื่น ๆ
Lord Agni (instructing Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Chandas","practical_application":"Prosodic/astrological-style computation: apply a fixed arithmetic rule (triple, add hasta-value, divide by 8) to classify a metrical/omenic category indicated by the remainder (starting from Vāyasa, then Dhvaja, etc.).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Aṣṭāṃśa-śeṣa (mod-8) classification beginning with Vāyasa","lookup_keywords":["triguṇa","hasta-saṃyukta","aṣṭāṃśa-hṛta","śeṣa","vāyasa-dhvaja"],"quick_summary":"Compute (3×N + hasta) ÷ 8; the remainder maps to named classes (Vāyasa, Dhvaja, etc.), used to label the given number/measure in the Jyotiṣa–Chandas scheme."}
Concept: Knowledge can be operationalized through deterministic numerical rules (śeṣa-based mapping).
Application: Use modular arithmetic to standardize classification in metrical/omenic determinations.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha & Chandas (Prosody/Metre Computation)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A learned calculator-sage demonstrates a rule on a palm-leaf: tripling a number, adding a hasta-value, dividing by eight, and pointing to a list of named classes starting with Vāyasa and Dhvaja.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, scholar in traditional attire with palm-leaf manuscript, stylus, and counting beads; an eight-petaled diagram showing remainders 0–7 labeled Vāyasa, Dhvaja etc.; earthy reds and greens, temple-wall aesthetic.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, seated ṛṣi with palm-leaf and stylus, ornate border with gold leaf; an inset panel of an eight-part wheel with Sanskrit labels Vāyasa, Dhvaja; rich maroons and gold highlights.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clean instructional composition: table of steps (3×N + hasta) ÷ 8, remainder-to-name mapping; fine linework, soft colors, minimal background, didactic clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly mathematician with abacus-like counters and manuscript; an assistant holds a chart of eight remainders with bird/flag motifs for Vāyasa and Dhvaja; detailed textiles and margins."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तच्छेषोयं = तत् + शेषः + अयम्; स्थितस्तेन = स्थितः + तेन; कृत्वाष्टांशैहृतं = कृत्वा + अष्टांशैः + हृतम्; ध्वजादिकं = ध्वज + आदिकम्; वायसान्तं = वायस + अन्तम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 105 (Jyotiṣa/Chandas computational section)
FAQs
A computational rule used in chandas (Sanskrit prosody): triple a number, add the ‘hasta’ value, divide by eight, and use the remainder to assign a named class such as Vāyasa, Dhvaja, etc.
It shows the Agni Purana teaching not only theology and ritual but also technical śāstra—here, rule-based numerical procedures for prosody/metre analysis, akin to a handbook for scholars and practitioners.
While primarily technical, correct chandas supports accurate recitation and preservation of sacred and literary texts; precision in metre is traditionally linked with the efficacy (śakti) and purity of mantra and śāstra transmission.