Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 6
Chapter 94 — शिलाविन्यासविधानम्
The Procedure for Laying the Foundation Stones
शम्बरैर् मूर्तिनाथानां यथा स्युर्भित्तिमध्यतः तासु धर्मादिकानष्टौ कोणात् कोणं विभागशः
śambarair mūrtināthānāṃ yathā syurbhittimadhyataḥ tāsu dharmādikānaṣṭau koṇāt koṇaṃ vibhāgaśaḥ
ด้วยศัมพะระ (เชือกวัด) พึงกำหนดตำแหน่งเทพประธานแห่งมูรติให้ตก ณ กึ่งกลางช่องผนัง และภายในช่องแบ่งนั้น พึงจัดหลักทั้งแปดเริ่มด้วยธรรมะ แบ่งเป็นระเบียบจากมุมหนึ่งสู่อีกมุมหนึ่ง
Lord Agni (in instruction to sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purāṇa’s standard dialogic frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Wall-space planning: use measuring cords to center presiding deities within wall panels and assign the eight principles (Dharma etc.) across corner-to-corner divisions.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Wall-Panel Layout by Śambara Cords: Centering Deities and Assigning Dharma-ādi Eight","lookup_keywords":["śambara","bhitti","mūrti-nātha","Dharma-ādi","vibhāga"],"quick_summary":"Measure wall divisions with cords so each presiding deity aligns to the center of its wall-space; then distribute the eight principles beginning with Dharma across the subdivided corners in a fixed order."}
Concept: Sacred order is expressed through proportion and centeredness; ethical/cosmic principles (Dharma etc.) are mapped onto built form.
Application: Use cord-measurement to avoid misalignment; keep icon centers on panel centers; maintain prescribed eightfold distribution for coherent iconographic narrative.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra (Iconography & Temple/Wall Layout)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Architects and priests stretching measuring cords across a temple wall, marking the center of each wall panel; a schematic showing eight labeled segments from corner to corner with ‘Dharma’ and the next seven principles placed in order.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, artisans with cords and chalk marking wall centers, faint grid lines, small deity medallions centered in panels, eight principle labels in corner-to-corner band, earthy palette and temple interior feel.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, decorative wall panels with centered deity icons, gold borders emphasizing symmetry, eight principle medallions (Dharma etc.) arranged diagonally corner-to-corner, ornate architectural framing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore, technical illustration vibe: wall elevation with measured divisions, cords shown, center points highlighted, eightfold diagonal segmentation labeled, clean lines and soft colors.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, workshop scene with master-measurer holding cord, assistants marking wall, architectural elevation in background with centered niches, diagonal band of eight labeled principles, fine detail and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्युर्भित्तिमध्यतः = स्युः भित्ति-मध्यतः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 94 (vāstu measurements; mandala divisions; deity placements on architectural members)
FAQs
It teaches Vāstu-style measurement and placement: using measuring cords to center icon-panels on wall sections and then mapping an eightfold scheme (starting with Dharma) across the corners in a systematic grid.
Beyond theology, it preserves applied architectural procedure—how to measure, center, and subdivide wall-spaces for icon programs—showing the Agni Purāṇa’s practical coverage of Vāstu and temple/iconographic planning.
Correct spatial placement of deities and principled (Dharma-led) ordering is treated as ritual correctness in sacred construction, supporting auspiciousness, harmony, and the merit (puṇya) of properly established worship spaces.