Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 22
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
चत्वारि लिङ्गरूपाणि विष्कम्भेण तु लक्षयेत् दीर्घमायान्वितं कृत्वा लिङ्गं कुर्यात् त्रिरूपकं
catvāri liṅgarūpāṇi viṣkambheṇa tu lakṣayet dīrghamāyānvitaṃ kṛtvā liṅgaṃ kuryāt trirūpakaṃ
พึงกำหนดรูปแบบของลึงค์สี่ประการด้วยวิษกัมภะ (เส้นผ่านศูนย์กลาง) ของมัน เมื่อทำให้ยาวและประกอบด้วยมาตราสัดส่วนที่เหมาะสมแล้ว พึงสร้างลึงค์ให้เป็น ‘ตรีรูปกะ’ คือมีสามตอน
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Classifying liṅga types by diameter and constructing a properly proportioned tri-sectional (three-formed) liṅga for installation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Liṅga Types by Diameter and the Tri-rūpaka (Three-section) Construction","lookup_keywords":["linga-rupa","vishkambha","trirupaka","linga-lakshana","proportion"],"quick_summary":"Determine four liṅga types through diameter (viṣkambha) and then fashion an elongated liṅga with correct proportional measures, structured into three distinct sections suitable for orthodox installation."}
Concept: Rūpa (form) is governed by pramāṇa; correct segmentation embodies ordered manifestation in ritual art.
Application: When commissioning or carving a liṅga, specify diameter-class first, then enforce tri-sectional proportions to ensure śāstric conformity.
Khanda Section: Vastu-Shastra & Linga-Pratishtha (Shaiva iconography and measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An artisan measures a cylindrical stone with calipers for diameter, then marks three horizontal bands to create a tri-sectional liṅga; four sample liṅgas of differing diameters are displayed as types.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, sthapati carving a liṅga, diameter measured with a cord, three bands painted on the stone, four type-examples shown on a side panel, temple workshop ambience with ritual lamps","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style with gold leaf, central tri-sectional liṅga on pedestal, gold-highlighted measurement marks, four smaller diameter-types around it like a mandala, rich colors and ornate framing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, technical plate: cross-section/side elevation of liṅga with labeled viṣkambha and three sections, plus a row of four diameter-based variants, clean and instructional","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, atelier scene with stone-carver and priest, calipers and measuring cord, four sample liṅgas arranged on a carpet, delicate shading and fine architectural background"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Sandhi: दीर्घमायान्वितम् = दीर्घमाया+अन्वितम् (आ+अ→आ); कुर्यात् retains final -t before following word.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 54 (liṅga-rūpa, māna, and pratiṣṭhā rules)
FAQs
It gives iconometric guidance for constructing a Shiva-liṅga: classify liṅga-types by diameter and make an elongated liṅga with correct proportional measures, formed in three distinct sections (tri-rūpa).
Beyond myth and devotion, it preserves practical Vastu/Śilpa-style specifications—measurement, typology, and form—showing the text’s coverage of temple arts and ritual engineering alongside theology.
Correctly proportioned and ritually appropriate construction of the liṅga is treated as essential for proper worship and consecration, supporting purity of rite and the intended religious merit (puṇya) from installation and devotion.