Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 17
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
गर्भार्धेनाधमं लिङ्गं भूतांशैः स्यात् त्रिभिर्वरं तयोर्मध्ये च सूत्राणि सप्त सम्पातयेत् समं
garbhārdhenādhamaṃ liṅgaṃ bhūtāṃśaiḥ syāt tribhirvaraṃ tayormadhye ca sūtrāṇi sapta sampātayet samaṃ
ลึงค์ที่ทำตามขนาดครึ่งหนึ่งของครรภะ (garbha) จัดว่าเป็นอย่างต่ำ; ส่วนขนาดอันประเสริฐคือที่เพิ่มขึ้นด้วยภูต-อังศะสามส่วน. ระหว่างขนาดทั้งสองนั้น ให้ขึงเส้นสูตร (เส้นกำหนดแนว) เจ็ดเส้นอย่างเสมอกัน เพื่อแบ่งช่วงให้เท่าๆ กัน.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Fixing the correct liṅga height relative to garbha-measure, avoiding undersized icons, and using seven equal guideline threads to interpolate and mark precise working dimensions.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Liṅga-pramāṇa: garbhārdha-hīnatā, bhūtāṃśa-vṛddhi, sapta-sūtra-vibhāga","lookup_keywords":["garbha māna","bhūta aṃśa","sapta sūtra","liṅga pramāṇa","guideline threads"],"quick_summary":"Half-garbha measure is deemed inferior; the preferred liṅga measure is increased by three bhūta-aṃśas, and the interval between reference measures is divided with seven equal guideline threads for accurate layout."}
Concept: Sūtra (guideline) and pramāṇa mediate between ideal canon and practical execution; correctness is achieved through measured interpolation.
Application: Use reference measures and evenly spaced threads to transfer proportions onto stone/metal accurately, reducing error in carving/casting.
Khanda Section: Vastu-vidya / Shiva-linga-pratishtha (Iconometry and installation rules)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Inside a garbhagṛha under construction, a sthapati marks two reference heights on a wall or measuring board, then stretches seven evenly spaced threads between them to transfer the chosen liṅga height onto the workpiece.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sanctum interior with measuring threads (sapta-sūtra) stretched vertically, sthapati and assistants marking points, subdued lamp-lit ambiance, stylized temple space","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central liṅga outline with seven golden guideline threads, garbhagṛha doorway hinted behind, gold foil accents on measurement marks, ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, instructional scene: two reference marks labeled garbhārdha and garbha+3 bhūtāṃśa, seven equal divisions shown with threads, clean diagrammatic clarity with soft coloration","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, workshop within temple precinct, artisans stretching threads and using plumb line, detailed tools and textiles, precise depiction of measurement practice"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गर्भार्धेनाधमम्→गर्भार्धेन+अधमम्; त्रिभिर्वरम्→त्रिभिः+वरम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 54 (garbha, liṅga-pramāṇa, sūtra usage); Agni Purana pratimā-nirmāṇa and sūtra-dhāra instructions (nearby)
FAQs
It teaches iconometric grading of a Śiva-liṅga using the garbha-based standard, specifying inferior vs. excellent proportions and the practical method of dividing the measure with seven equal guideline threads (sūtras).
Beyond mythic narration, it preserves applied śilpa/vāstu engineering—quantified measurement units (aṃśa), proportional canons, and drafting practice (sūtra-lines)—showing the Purana as a manual for ritual architecture and icon design.
Correct proportion and layout are treated as essential for a valid, auspicious installation; following the pramāṇa canon supports ritual efficacy, sanctity of the shrine, and the intended merit of worship.