Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 5
Vāsudevādi-pratimā-lakṣaṇa-vidhiḥ
Iconographic and Iconometric Procedure for Vāsudeva and the Vyūha Forms
मुकुटं तालमात्रं स्यात्तालमात्रं तया मुखं तालेनैकेन कण्ठन्तु तालेन हृदयं तथा
mukuṭaṃ tālamātraṃ syāttālamātraṃ tayā mukhaṃ tālenaikena kaṇṭhantu tālena hṛdayaṃ tathā
มงกุฎ (มุกุฏะ) พึงมีขนาดหนึ่งตาละ; ใบหน้าก็ด้วยขนาดเดียวกันคือหนึ่งตาละ คอหนึ่งตาละ และบริเวณหัวใจ/ทรวงอกก็หนึ่งตาละเช่นกัน
Lord Agni (teaching sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Iconometric proportioning: using the tāla module to size crown, face, neck, and chest consistently when sculpting/commissioning a deity image.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Tāla-māna of mukuṭa–mukha–kaṇṭha–hṛdaya (iconometric modules)","lookup_keywords":["tāla","mukuṭa","mukha","kaṇṭha","hṛdaya","pratimā-māna"],"quick_summary":"Specifies a proportional scheme: crown, face, neck, and chest/heart-region each measure one tāla, guiding harmonious and ritually acceptable icon construction."}
Concept: Form embodies order; correct proportion is a ritual-ethical requirement (śilpa-dharma) for making a fit vessel of divinity.
Application: When sculpting or evaluating a murti, verify key vertical segments by the tāla module to ensure canonical harmony before consecration.
Khanda Section: Vastu-śāstra / Pratimā-lakṣaṇa (Iconography and sacred measurements)
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A deity statue outline with horizontal bands marking one-tāla segments: crown, face, neck, and chest; a sthapati measures with a tāla scale while an apprentice records proportions.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, frontal deity figure with stylized proportion bands, sthapati measuring mukuṭa and mukha, temple workshop setting, rich reds/ochres, ornamental borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, deity bust with elaborate crown in gold leaf, clear one-tāla divisions subtly indicated, artisan with measuring scale, luminous jewel tones.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional iconometry plate: deity figure with labeled tāla segments (mukuṭa/mukha/kaṇṭha/hṛdaya), fine linework, soft shading, minimal background.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, atelier scene with sculptor measuring a statue, proportion lines drawn on parchment and on the figure, refined detailing, patterned carpets and tools."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyāṇi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: syāttālamātraṃ → syāt tālamātram; tālenaikena → tālena ekena; kaṇṭhantu → kaṇṭham tu.
Related Themes: Agni Purāṇa: tāla/aṅgula measurement definitions and further pratimā-lakṣaṇa rules in this chapter and adjacent ones
FAQs
It teaches pratimā-māna (iconometric proportioning) using the tāla unit: crown, face, neck, and chest/heart-region are each prescribed as one tāla for a correctly proportioned sacred image.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves applied temple-arts knowledge—standardized sculptural measurements used by śilpins for making ritually valid deity icons, showing its coverage of Vāstu/Śilpa alongside spiritual topics.
Correct proportions are treated as essential for a pratimā to be ritually efficacious; following the canonical māna supports proper consecration and worship, thereby enhancing the merit (puṇya) of installation and devotion.