Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 5
Chapter 45 — Piṇḍikā-Lakṣaṇa
Characteristics and Measurements of the Pedestal/Plinth
मेखला भागमात्रा स्यात् खातं तस्यार्धमानतः भागं भागं परित्यज्य पार्श्वयोरुभयोः समं
mekhalā bhāgamātrā syāt khātaṃ tasyārdhamānataḥ bhāgaṃ bhāgaṃ parityajya pārśvayorubhayoḥ samaṃ
เมขลา (แถบคาด) พึงมีขนาดหนึ่ง ‘ส่วน’; ส่วนคาตะ (ร่อง/คู) ให้ทำเพียงครึ่งของขนาดนั้น เว้นส่วนเล็กน้อยไว้ทั้งสองข้าง แล้วรักษาให้เสมอกันทั้งสองด้าน
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, the standard Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Construction measurement rule: set mekhalā (girdle-band/plinth-band or binding band) to one unit, dig khāta (trench) to half-unit, and maintain equal side offsets for symmetry and stability.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Mekhalā-pramāṇa and khāta-māna (band and trench proportions)","lookup_keywords":["mekhalā","khāta","pramāṇa","bhāga-mātra","samatā"],"quick_summary":"Make the mekhalā one unit; make the trench half that. Leave equal portions on both sides so the work remains centered and balanced."}
Concept: Pramāṇa and samatā (proportion and symmetry) are the basis of sound construction.
Application: Apply fixed ratios (1 : 1/2) and equal side allowances to avoid structural skew and uneven load distribution.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra / Śilpa-vidyā (Measurements and construction procedure)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Builders measure a mekhalā band and dig a trench at half-measure, leaving equal margins on both sides; tools like measuring cord and plumb line are visible.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style; artisans measuring a band course (mekhalā) on a foundation, trench (khāta) being dug to half depth/width, equal side offsets marked, bold outlines and earthy tones.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style with gold; stylized construction scene with a highlighted mekhalā band, trench shown below, gold accents on measurement marks, auspicious border motifs.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style; clear instructional layout showing ratio 1 unit mekhalā to 1/2 unit trench, equal side margins indicated with fine lines, craftsmen demonstrating with measuring rope.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature; detailed construction site with masons measuring and digging, annotated-looking marks on ground, balanced symmetry emphasized, refined depiction of tools and attire."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tasyārdhamānataḥ = tasya + ardhamānataḥ; pārśvayorubhayoḥ = pārśvayoḥ + ubhayoḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 45.6 (outer allowance and water outlet placement)
FAQs
It gives a proportional rule for architectural layout: the mekhalā (encircling measuring band/strip) is set to one unit, while the khāta (excavated trench) is made half that measure, ensuring symmetrical margins on both sides.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purāṇa preserves practical śāstric material—here, Vāstu/Śilpa measurement ratios and symmetry principles used in construction and site preparation.
In Vāstu contexts, correct proportion and symmetry are treated as dharmic correctness in building sacred or auspicious spaces; precision is linked to purity of the rite and the intended beneficial results of the structure.