Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 6
Chapter 45 — Piṇḍikā-Lakṣaṇa
Characteristics and Measurements of the Pedestal/Plinth
दत्वा चैकं पदं वाह्ये प्रमाणं कारयेद् बुधः त्रिभागेण च भागस्याग्रे स्यात्तोयविनिर्गमः
datvā caikaṃ padaṃ vāhye pramāṇaṃ kārayed budhaḥ tribhāgeṇa ca bhāgasyāgre syāttoyavinirgamaḥ
เว้นด้านนอกไว้หนึ่ง ‘ปทะ’ (หน่วยวัด) แล้วบัณฑิตพึงกำหนดมาตราวัด และที่ด้านหน้าของส่วนนั้น พึงทำทางระบายน้ำให้เป็นไปตามหนึ่งในสามของส่วนแบ่ง
Lord Agni (in discourse tradition of Agni Purana)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Site planning for drainage: keep an outer allowance of one pada, set measurements accordingly, and place the water outlet at one-third of the front division to manage runoff and protect foundations.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Toya-vinirgamana (drain outlet) placement by pada and tri-bhāga division","lookup_keywords":["toya-vinirgamah","pada","tri-bhāga","pramāṇa","jalā-nirgama"],"quick_summary":"Reserve one pada on the outside for measurement/setback, then place the water outlet at the front at one-third of the divided portion—ensuring controlled drainage."}
Concept: Right placement (sthāna-niyama) and proportion (bhāga) prevent harm—here, water damage—through foresight in design.
Application: Design setbacks and drainage outlets by fixed divisions to reduce seepage, erosion, and dampness in buildings.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra (Measurement and water-outlet layout)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A plan-view of a structure shows an outer setback of one pada; at the front, a drainage spout/channel is placed at one-third of the segment, guiding water outward.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style; architectural plan motif with one-pada outer margin, front-facing water outlet at one-third position, artisans marking with cord and stylus, earthy palette and strong contours.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style; decorative yet clear depiction of a building base with a highlighted drainage outlet, gold accents on measurement lines, auspicious framing, rich colors.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style; instructional diagram-like scene with craftsmen measuring one pada outside, dividing the front into three, placing the toya outlet at one-third; fine lines and gentle shading.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature; detailed courtyard/building frontage with a small water spout positioned by measured thirds, surveyor with measuring rod, elegant architectural rendering and precise geometry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhoopali","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: caikaṃ = ca + ekam; kārayed = kārayet (before voiced consonant in recitation often written kārayed); bhāgasyāgre = bhāgasya + agre; syāttoyavinirgamaḥ = syāt + toya-vinir-gamaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 45.5 (mekhalā and trench proportions)
FAQs
It gives a Vāstu-śāstra construction rule: keep an exterior margin of one pada for proper layout, and position the water outlet (drain) at the one-third division toward the front of the designated section.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical civil-engineering and architectural standards—measurement (pramāṇa), modular planning (pada), and functional infrastructure (drainage)—showing its coverage of applied sciences within a Purāṇic framework.
In Vāstu thought, correct measurements and proper drainage prevent impurity and disorder (aśauca/doṣa) in a dwelling or sacred space, supporting cleanliness and auspiciousness, which are treated as conducive to dharma and well-being.