Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 39
नगरादिवास्तुकथनं
Discourse on Vāstu for Cities and Related Settlements
मानश् च द्वारतः पूर्व ऊतरस्यान्दिशि क्रमात्
mānaś ca dvārataḥ pūrva ūtarasyāndiśi kramāt
ให้กำหนดมาตราวัด (มานะ) โดยเริ่มจากประตู ตั้งแต่ด้านทิศตะวันออกก่อน แล้วจึงเรียงลำดับไปสู่ทิศเหนือ।
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Setting out measurements from the doorway as the datum point, sequencing the layout from east toward north for consistent planning and marking.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Doorway-based measurement sequence (māna-krama)","lookup_keywords":["mana","dvara","purva","uttara","krama","vastu-measurement"],"quick_summary":"Defines the procedural rule: take the doorway as the reference point and lay out measurements starting from the east, proceeding in order toward the north."}
Concept: Right order (krama) and correct reference points (pramāṇa) are essential to successful construction outcomes.
Application: Use a consistent surveying workflow to avoid cumulative layout errors and contradictory door/axis placements.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra (Dvara/Vithi-Nirnaya and directional measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An architect with measuring cord (rajju) and staff marking a plan: starting at the doorway on the east, then stepping measurements toward the north with arrows indicating sequence.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: traditional sthapati holding a measuring rope, a house plan with compass directions, bold arrow from east doorway curving toward north, decorative borders with vāstu symbols.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gold-highlighted measuring tools (rod, rope) and a doorway as the central datum; compass rose with east and north emphasized; ornate frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: technical plate—clean plan view, doorway marked, numbered measurement steps from east to north, clear arrows and labels (पूर्व, उत्तर, क्रमात्).","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: workshop scene with draftsman and assistants, a parchment plan with directional arrows, measuring rope stretched from the door; meticulous architectural detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"fast","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मानश् = मानः (विसर्गः शकारादेशः परे च); ऊतरस्यान्दिशि (पाठभेद/लिप्यन्तरदोष): उत्तरस्याम् + दिशि; pūrva (IAST) intended as pūrve (locative) in context.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 105 (dvara-vicāra; measurement and placement rules); Agni Purana 106 (larger-scale planning likely continues measurement conventions)
FAQs
It gives a Vastu rule for laying out measurements from the doorway, starting on the east and then proceeding in order toward the north—guiding how entrance-related dimensions are to be marked.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical building-science (Vastu) instructions—directional sequencing and measurement protocols used in domestic and temple architecture.
In Vastu-based ritual culture, correct directional measurement at the entrance is treated as harmonizing the dwelling/temple with cosmic order (dik-krama), supporting auspiciousness and reducing inauspicious fault (doṣa).