Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 4
Liṅga-māna-ādi-kathana
Measurements and Related Particulars of the Liṅga
राजतं कीर्तितं ताम्रं पैत्तलं भुक्तिमुक्तिदं रङ्गजं रसलिङ्गञ्च भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदं वरं
rājataṃ kīrtitaṃ tāmraṃ paittalaṃ bhuktimuktidaṃ raṅgajaṃ rasaliṅgañca bhuktimuktipradaṃ varaṃ
ได้กล่าวถึงเงินแล้ว; ทองแดงและทองเหลืองกล่าวกันว่าให้ทั้งความสุขทางโลกและโมกษะ. เช่นเดียวกัน ดีบุกและรสะ-ลิงคะก็จัดว่ายอดเยี่ยม ให้ทั้งความสุขและความหลุดพ้น.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Tantra","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Ritual and alchemical valuation of metals/alloys (silver, copper, brass, tin) and the rasa-liṅga for worship, dāna, and consecrated installations promising bhukti/mukti.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Dhātu-guṇa: Bhukti–mukti-phala of metals and rasa-liṅga","lookup_keywords":["rajata","tamra","paittala","ranga","rasa linga"],"quick_summary":"The verse assigns soteriological and worldly benefits to specific metals and the rasa-liṅga, reflecting rasa-śāstra–tantric sacralization of metallurgy."}
Concept: Integration of material culture (metals) with spiritual aims—bhukti (prosperity/enjoyment) aligned with mukti (liberation) through consecrated substances.
Application: When choosing materials for liṅga/arcā or ritual implements, prefer metals traditionally held to support both prosperity and spiritual uplift; treat metallurgy as part of sādhana discipline.
Khanda Section: Ratna-Dhatu-Pariksha / Alchemical-Metallurgical Lore (Rasa-shastra themes)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual display of metals—silver, copper, brass, tin—beside a dark, lustrous rasa-liṅga on a worship tray, with a priest indicating their promised fruits of bhukti and mukti.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, temple priest before a small shrine, metal ingots and vessels labeled rajata/tāmra/paittala/raṅga, a central blackish rasa-liṅga with white sacred markings, oil lamps and lotus motifs.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, rasa-liṅga as central icon with gold-leaf halo, surrounding metallic offerings rendered with embossed gold, inscriptions of bhukti–mukti, rich ornamentation.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, didactic panel showing each metal object and its name, priest performing āratī to rasa-liṅga, clean lines and soft colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, alchemist-priest in a workshop-temple hybrid, trays of metals and a small liṅga, fine tools, manuscript notes, delicate architectural background"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: rasaliṅgañca = rasa-liṅgam ca; bhuktimuktidaṃ = bhukti-mukti-dam; bhuktimuktipradaṃ = bhukti-mukti-pradam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Rasa-śāstra/dhātu-vāda passages around this chapter; Agni Purana: Liṅga-pratiṣṭhā and pūjā-vidhi sections
FAQs
It classifies specific metals/alloys (silver, copper, brass, tin) and the rasa-liṅga as auspicious substances whose use—especially in ritual objects and empowered installations—is credited with producing both material prosperity (bhukti) and spiritual liberation (mukti).
Alongside theology, the text catalogs practical knowledge about substances (metals, alloys, alchemical/ritual emblems) and assigns them functional-spiritual outcomes, reflecting the Purana’s wide scope spanning ritual technology, metallurgy, and rasa-oriented traditions.
By praising these materials as bhukti–mukti-prada, the verse frames correct selection and sanctified use of substances (especially in worship/installation) as meritorious acts that can yield both worldly welfare and ultimate spiritual release.