Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 24
Vāsudevādi-pratimā-lakṣaṇa-vidhiḥ
Iconographic and Iconometric Procedure for Vāsudeva and the Vyūha Forms
मूर्तीनां केशवादीनां द्वात्रिंशद्वेष्टनं भवेत् पञ्चनेत्रा त्वधोग्रीवा विस्ताराद्वेष्टनं पुनः
mūrtīnāṃ keśavādīnāṃ dvātriṃśadveṣṭanaṃ bhavet pañcanetrā tvadhogrīvā vistārādveṣṭanaṃ punaḥ
สำหรับรูปเคารพของเกศวะและปางอื่น ๆ ให้มีเวษฏนะสามสิบสอง (มาตรวัดการพันรอบ) แต่สำหรับรูปห้าเนตรที่มีคออยู่ต่ำ (อธโครีวา) เวษฏนะย่อมกำหนดใหม่ตามวิสตาระ คือความกว้าง
Lord Agni (teaching the iconographic/ritual manual portions to the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Differentiates iconometric wrap-measures for Vaiṣṇava forms (Keśava etc.) versus special multi-eyed forms; used to scale the whole icon consistently from a standard circumference rule.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Veṣṭana-māna for Keśavaādi mūrtis and pañca-netra form","lookup_keywords":["Keśava","veṣṭana","pañca-netra","adho-grīvā","vistāra"],"quick_summary":"Keśava and related forms take a 32-veṣṭana standard; a five-eyed, low-necked (adho-grīvā) form uses a wrap-measure recalculated from breadth (vistāra) to preserve proportions."}
Concept: Sāmānya-vidhi with viśeṣa-vidhi (general rule with exception) in śāstric construction.
Application: When icon type deviates (extra eyes/neck placement), recompute governing measures from breadth to avoid distortion.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi (Murti-lakshana / Iconography and measurement rules for deities)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Two icon templates side-by-side: Keśava with standard wrap-measure marks (32), and a five-eyed, low-necked form with breadth-based recalculation lines.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: split-panel showing Keśava icon on left with measurement bands, and pañca-netra form on right with five eyes and lowered neck, artisan annotating breadth lines, temple workshop setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Keśava richly ornamented with gold foil, measurement cord indicating 32 veṣṭana; adjacent smaller vignette of five-eyed form with dramatic eyes, gold highlights, ornate border.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: didactic chart comparing standard vs exception rule, labeled veṣṭana and vistāra, fine line drawings of both heads/upper torsos.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: master draftsman presenting two scrolls—Keśava plan and pañca-netra plan—patron observing, detailed instruments and calligraphy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional-devotional","suggested_raga":"Madhyamavati","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: keśavādīnāṃ = केशव + आदीनाम्; dvātriṃśadveṣṭanaṃ = द्वा + त्रिंशत् + वेष्टनम्; tvadhogrīvā = tu + अधोग्रीवा.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 44 (sections enumerating deity forms and their pramāṇa)
FAQs
It gives a precise iconographic measurement rule: Keśava-class images are to be made with a standard of 32 veṣṭana (girth-wrap units), while a pañcanetra form with a lowered-neck proportion is measured by breadth (vistāra) as the determining basis.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical temple-arts knowledge—standardized sculptural canons (pramāṇa) and specialized exceptions—showing how Purāṇas function as handbooks for ritual, architecture, and image-making.
Correct proportions are treated as essential for a valid consecrated image (pratiṣṭhā): accurate measurement supports proper worship, preserves ritual efficacy, and is believed to align the form with the deity’s sanctioned manifestation.