Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 32
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
तेषां कोणार्धकोणस्थैश्चिन्त्यात् कोणानि सूत्रकैः विस्तारं मध्यमः कृत्वा स्थाप्यं वा मध्यतस्त्रयं
teṣāṃ koṇārdhakoṇasthaiścintyāt koṇāni sūtrakaiḥ vistāraṃ madhyamaḥ kṛtvā sthāpyaṃ vā madhyatastrayaṃ
สำหรับส่วนแบ่ง/รูปทรงเหล่านั้น พึงกำหนดมุมด้วยเชือกวัด (สูตรกะ) ที่วาง ณ จุดมุมและกึ่งมุม เมื่อถือค่ากลางเป็นความกว้างแล้ว พึงตั้งสาม (เส้น/จุดสำคัญ) จากศูนย์กลาง
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purāṇa narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Geometric layout of temple diagrams/plots using cords to fix corner and half-corner points, establishing central axes/triads for accurate construction lines.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Cord-Geometry for Corners and Central Triad स्थापना","lookup_keywords":["sūtraka cord","koṇa","ardha-koṇa","madhya vistāra","madhyataḥ traya"],"quick_summary":"Instructs using measuring cords to determine corner and half-corner points; taking the middle measure as breadth, one establishes three principal lines/points from the center for correct layout."}
Concept: Order from the center (madhya) and correctness through instruments (sūtra) — disciplined method yields stable sacred space.
Application: Use cord-based surveying to ensure right angles/diagonals and to place central axes before foundation work begins.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra (Temple/Diagram Geometry and Construction Layout)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Builders on a cleared plot stretching cords diagonally to mark corners and half-corners; a central point is pegged, from which three principal lines are drawn; a plan grid is faintly visible on the ground.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, artisans with white cords forming diagonals on an ochre ground, pegs at corners and half-corners, central bindu marked, three radiating lines, stylized tools and flat perspective.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-highlighted cords and pegs, central bindu with lotus motif, craftsmen in traditional attire laying out the plan, ornate border framing a geometric ground diagram.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, highly legible instructional scene: top-down plan with cords, corner/half-corner points labeled, center with three lines drawn, soft colors and precise outlines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed construction yard: surveyors with cords and stakes, a master pointing to the center, assistants drawing three lines from the bindu, architectural backdrop with meticulous detail."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Saveri","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: koṇārdhakoṇasthaiś → koṇa-ardha-koṇa-sthaiḥ; madhyatastrayaṃ → madhyataḥ trayam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana vāstu-maṇḍala/layout instructions near 54.32; Agni Purana measurement-tool references (sūtra, daṇḍa, aṅgula) in adjacent verses
FAQs
It teaches a Vāstu-śāstra technique: using measuring cords to fix corners and half-corners, then setting key central lines/points to lay out a plan or maṇḍala accurately.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purāṇa preserves practical sciences—here, architectural geometry and site-planning methods (cord-based surveying) used for temples, altars, and structured spaces.
Correct geometric alignment of sacred space is treated as a prerequisite for an efficacious temple/ritual setting; precision in layout supports purity (śuddhi) and the intended religious merit of construction and worship.