Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 40
Vāsudevādi-pratimā-lakṣaṇa-vidhiḥ
Iconographic and Iconometric Procedure for Vāsudeva and the Vyūha Forms
त्रिगुणा परिधिश्चास्य पादौ तालप्रमाणकौ आयामादुत्थितौ पादौ चतुरङ्गुलमेव च
triguṇā paridhiścāsya pādau tālapramāṇakau āyāmādutthitau pādau caturaṅgulameva ca
เส้นรอบวงของส่วนนั้นพึงเป็นสามเท่า เท้าทั้งสองพึงมีขนาดตามมาตรา ‘ตาละ’ และเท้าที่พุ่งยื่นไปข้างหน้าจากแนวแกนตามยาวพึงยื่นออกไปเพียงสี่อังคุละเท่านั้น
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Specifying foot module (tāla-pramāṇa) and forward projection for stable, aesthetically correct stance in icons and architectural sculpture.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Pāda (foot) tāla-measure and forward projection (utthita) rule","lookup_keywords":["pāda","tāla-pramāṇa","utthita","catur-aṅgula","pariṇāha"],"quick_summary":"States proportional circumference (threefold, continuing the limb ratio) and fixes the feet to tāla-measure, with a forward projection of 4 aṅgulas for correct stance and balance."}
Concept: Tāla as a modular system: complex forms are built from repeatable units ensuring harmony and structural balance.
Application: In sculpture installation, the 4-aṅgula forward projection helps prevent visual ‘back-lean’ and supports balanced weight distribution in the icon’s pose.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra / Pratima-Lakshana (Iconography and Measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A standing icon with feet aligned to a central axis; the feet extend forward by 4 aṅgulas, with tāla grid lines under the figure showing modular planning.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, deity standing on a lotus pedestal with visible tāla grid beneath, artisan marking 4-aṅgula forward projection, rich traditional colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, deity feet on ornate pedestal, gold-work emphasizing foot placement; subtle diagram lines showing forward projection and tāla module.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clean technical illustration of foot placement: central axis, 4-aṅgula projection arrows, tāla grid, precise linework.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, sculptor and patron examining a statue’s stance; a measuring strip indicates 4-aṅgula forward extension, detailed floor tiles forming a grid."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Arabhi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: paridhiścāsya → paridhiḥ ca asya; tālapramāṇakau → tāla-pramāṇakau; āyāmādutthitau → āyāmāt utthitau; caturaṅgulameva → catur-aṅgulam eva
Related Themes: Agni Purana 44 (tāla-pramāṇa and limb modules; pāda-related measures)
FAQs
It gives iconometric rules for sculpting/constructing a divine image: the proportional circumference, the tāla-based module for feet, and a precise four-aṅgula forward projection.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves applied technical knowledge—here, Vāstu and iconography—showing it functions as a practical manual for temple arts and sacred design.
Correct proportions are treated as essential for a ritually valid image, supporting proper installation and worship, and thereby sustaining auspiciousness and religious merit tied to accurate sacred craftsmanship.