Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 11
Vāsudevādi-pratimā-lakṣaṇa-vidhiḥ
Iconographic and Iconometric Procedure for Vāsudeva and the Vyūha Forms
कक्षात्रिकान्तरेणैव घट् सूत्राणि प्रदापयेत् मध्यसूत्रं तु सन्त्यज्य सूत्राण्येव निवेदयेत्
kakṣātrikāntareṇaiva ghaṭ sūtrāṇi pradāpayet madhyasūtraṃ tu santyajya sūtrāṇyeva nivedayet
ทุกระยะสามศอก (สามช่วงแขน) พึงจัดวางด้ายของหม้อไว้ แต่ให้เว้นด้ายกลาง แล้วถวายเฉพาะด้ายที่เหลือเท่านั้น
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Puja-vidhi","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Kalasha/mandala setup in worship: spacing and offering/placement of ritual threads (sūtra) around/for the ghaṭa, with an instruction to omit the central thread in the offering step.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Ghaṭa-sūtra-vinyāsa (spacing and offering of pot-threads)","lookup_keywords":["ghaṭa-sūtra","kakṣātrika-antara","pūjā-vidhi","kalasha-bandhana","sūtra-nivedana"],"quick_summary":"Place/dispense the ritual threads for the pot at three-cubit intervals; during the nivedana/offer step, omit the central thread and present only the remaining threads."}
Concept: Ritual efficacy depends on correct vinyāsa (placement) and niyama (rule-based omission/inclusion).
Application: In pūjā, follow measurement rules and specified exceptions (e.g., leaving madhya-sūtra) to maintain śāstric correctness.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Ritual procedure and upachara details)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual setting with a kalasha (pot) on a decorated altar; attendants measure three-cubit intervals and place multiple sacred threads, deliberately setting aside the central thread while offering the others.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat yet ornate composition: priest beside a kalasha on a lotus pedestal, measuring with a cord, multiple white/yellow sacred threads arranged around, lamp flames, muted earth reds and greens, traditional ornament borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: central kalasha with coconut and mango leaves, priest offering threads on a plate, gold-leaf highlights on altar ornaments, rich maroons and greens, symmetrical ritual layout, emphasis on sacred implements.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: clean linework showing measurement cord and three-cubit spacing marks, detailed ritual implements (kalasha, darbha, pātra), soft pastel palette, instructional clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: courtly pavilion adapted as ritual space, fine textiles, a priest measuring and arranging threads around a pot, delicate detailing of cords and spacing, naturalistic shading, marginal floral motifs."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कक्षात्रिकान्तरेणैव = कक्षात्रिक-अन्तरेण + एव; सूत्राण्येव = सूत्राणि + एव.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 44 (pūjā-vinyāsa and pratima-lakṣaṇa sequence)
FAQs
It gives a precise procedural rule for handling/placing and offering ritual threads (sūtra) associated with the kalaśa (ritual pot): arrange them at measured intervals and omit the central (middle) thread when making the offering.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical liturgical minutiae—measurements, material handling, and offering protocol—functioning like a compact ritual handbook alongside its many other domains (dharma, polity, medicine, arts).
Following exact ritual procedure is treated as a form of śuddhi (ritual correctness/purity) that supports the intended efficacy (phala) of worship; the instruction emphasizes disciplined offering rather than improvisation.