Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 55
Adhivāsana-vidhi
Procedure for Preliminary Consecration in Vāstu–Pratiṣṭhā / Īśāna-kalpa
एवमष्टांशवृद्ध्या तु लिङ्गे सार्धकरादिके भवेदष्टयवा पृथ्वी गम्भीरात्र च हास्तिके
evamaṣṭāṃśavṛddhyā tu liṅge sārdhakarādike bhavedaṣṭayavā pṛthvī gambhīrātra ca hāstike
ดังนี้ เมื่อเพิ่มสัดส่วนขึ้นหนึ่งในแปด สำหรับลึงค์ขนาดหนึ่งครึ่งหัตถ์และขนาดใกล้เคียง ฐานดิน/ปีฐะพึงมีขนาดแปดยวะ; และสำหรับชนิดหนึ่งหัตถ์ (หาสติกะ) ความลึก (คัมภีรา) ก็พึงกำหนดให้สอดคล้องกัน
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Determining proportional increases (aṣṭāṃśa-vृद्धि) for Śiva-liṅga installation: sizing the pīṭha/pṛthvī (base) thickness/extent and the required depth (gambhīrā) according to liṅga height classes (e.g., sārdha-hasta/karā).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Aṣṭāṃśa-vṛddhi for Liṅga Base (Pṛthvī) and Depth (Gambhīrā)","lookup_keywords":["aṣṭāṃśa-vṛddhi","liṅga-pramāṇa","pṛthvī (pīṭha)","gambhīrā","yava-māna"],"quick_summary":"When the liṅga’s standard measure is increased by one-eighth, the base (pṛthvī/pīṭha) is set to an 8-yava measure for certain size-classes, and the installation depth (gambhīrā) is adjusted correspondingly for the one-hasta class."}
Concept: Sacred form is stabilized through correct proportion (pramāṇa) and foundation depth; ritual efficacy is linked to measured order.
Application: Use standardized units (hasta, yava) and fractional scaling (1/8) to avoid structural/ritual faults in liṅga installation.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-śāstra (Liṅga-pramāṇa and temple/installation measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sthapati measures a Śiva-liṅga and its pīṭha with a measuring rod, marking an 8-yava base thickness and indicating the required foundation depth inside a garbhagṛha pit.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style: interior garbhagṛha scene with a black stone Śiva-liṅga on a yoni-pīṭha, sthapati-priest holding a measuring rod and palm-leaf plan, clear measurement marks, earthy reds and ochres, stylized lamps.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting: Śiva-liṅga on ornate pīṭha with gold-leaf borders, priest and sthapati presenting measuring cord, emphasized sacred geometry motifs, rich jewel tones, temple sanctum backdrop.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting: instructional composition showing liṅga height classes labeled (hasta/karā), a scale with yava subdivisions, cross-section of foundation depth (gambhīrā), fine linework and muted palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: workshop-like temple setting with artisans measuring a polished stone liṅga, annotated margins suggesting 1/8 increase and 8-yava base, delicate architectural details and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गम्भीरात्र → गम्भीरा + अत्र; भवेदष्टयवा → भवेत् + अष्टयवा (त् + अ → द्)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 96 (Vāstu-śāstra: liṅga-pramāṇa context)
FAQs
It gives an iconometric rule: for certain standard liṅga sizes (e.g., 1.5-hasta types), dimensions are adjusted by an eighth, and specific small-unit measures (yava) are prescribed for the base/foundation and depth used in installation.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical Vāstu-śāstra—precise construction and installation measurements—showing the Purāṇa functioning as a technical manual for temple building and icon installation.
Correct proportion and foundation-depth are treated as essential for a valid, stable consecration; following such measures is understood to support ritual correctness (śuddhi) and the intended religious merit of liṅga स्थापना (installation).