Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 8
Chapter 53 — Liṅga-lakṣaṇa
Characteristics and Proportions of the Śiva-liṅga and Piṇḍikā
दैर्घ्यस्य तु चतुर्थेन विष्कम्भं देवपूजिते सर्वेषामेव लिङ्गानां लक्षणं शृणु साम्प्रतं
dairghyasya tu caturthena viṣkambhaṃ devapūjite sarveṣāmeva liṅgānāṃ lakṣaṇaṃ śṛṇu sāmprataṃ
โอ้ผู้เป็นที่สักการะของเหล่าเทพ! ให้เส้นผ่านศูนย์กลาง (ความหนา) เป็นหนึ่งในสี่ของความยาวทั้งหมด บัดนี้จงฟังลักษณะจำแนกของลึงค์ทั้งปวง
Lord Agni (traditionally instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Standard iconometric ratio: set liṅga diameter as one-fourth of total length; introduces a systematic taxonomy of liṅga characteristics.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Liṅga-pramāṇa: diameter equals one-fourth of length","lookup_keywords":["dairghya","viṣkambha","caturtha","liṅga-pramāṇa","lakṣaṇa"],"quick_summary":"For canonical liṅga construction, keep the thickness/diameter at one-fourth of the total length; this ratio anchors subsequent classification of liṅga types."}
Concept: Canonical ratios (pramāṇa) are the grammar of sacred form; they enable consistent reproduction and recognition of the emblem.
Application: Use 1:4 diameter-to-length ratio as a quick check for liṅga correctness before consecration.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Linga-lakshana (Iconography and measurements of Shiva-linga)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A liṅga diagram with length marked and diameter shown as one-fourth; a teacher points while students record the lakṣaṇa rules.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, guru explaining liṅga measurements with cord and stylus, diagram-like markings on stone, temple-school ambience","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, liṅga with gold-highlighted measurement lines, teacher-ācārya seated with palm-leaf manuscript, devotional-instruction blend","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clean technical illustration: vertical liṅga with 1/4 diameter annotation, proportional grid, instructional clarity","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, scholarly workshop with measuring staff and manuscript, liṅga shown with proportional markings, fine detail and perspective"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: sarveṣāmeva → sarveṣām eva
Related Themes: Agni Purana 53.5-53.7 (forming and proportioning); Agni Purana 53.9 (axis and zonal marking)
FAQs
It gives an iconometric rule (pramāṇa): the liṅga’s diameter (viṣkambha) should be one-fourth of its length, and introduces the forthcoming classification/marks (lakṣaṇa) of liṅgas.
By preserving precise temple-architecture and iconography standards—numerical proportions and defining features—alongside other disciplines, the Agni Purana functions as a practical manual for ritual and sacred construction.
Correct proportion and recognized marks are treated as safeguards for valid worship and installation; following pramāṇa supports ritual efficacy and is said to align the devotee’s act with dharma, yielding auspicious merit.