Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 61
Adhivāsana-vidhi
Procedure for Preliminary Consecration in Vāstu–Pratiṣṭhā / Īśāna-kalpa
स्वरूपं लक्षणन्तेषां प्रभा रत्नेषु निर्मला नयनोन्मीलनं वक्त्रे सान्निध्याय च लक्ष्म तत्
svarūpaṃ lakṣaṇanteṣāṃ prabhā ratneṣu nirmalā nayanonmīlanaṃ vaktre sānnidhyāya ca lakṣma tat
ลักษณะโดยแท้ของสิ่งเหล่านั้นคือ ในรัตนะมีรัศมีบริสุทธิ์ไม่ขุ่นมัว และรัศมีใดที่ด้วยการสถิตอยู่ทำให้ดวงตาเบิกบานและใบหน้าผ่องใส รัศมีนั้นเรียกว่า ‘ลักษฺมะ’
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Samanya","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Gem appraisal: identify a gem’s defining lakṣaṇa as nirmala-prabhā (unclouded radiance) and use its perceptible effect (brightening face, opening eyes) as a practical test of quality/auspiciousness.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Nirmala-prabhā as Ratna-lakṣaṇa (Defining Radiance)","lookup_keywords":["ratna-prabhā","nirmala","lakṣaṇa","nayanoन्मīlana","vaktra-prasāda"],"quick_summary":"A gem’s hallmark is pure radiance; ‘lakṣma’ is that presence which enlivens perception—figuratively ‘opening the eyes’ and brightening the face—indicating clarity and auspicious quality."}
Alamkara Type: Lakṣaṇā (suggestive definition)
Concept: Lakṣaṇa is validated by perceptible efficacy (how a quality manifests in experience), not merely by nominal classification.
Application: Adopt experiential tests (visual clarity, brilliance, pleasing effect) as acceptance criteria in gem selection for royal/ritual use.
Khanda Section: Ratna-pariksha / Lakshana-shastra (Gemology and auspicious marks)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A luminous gem emits clear radiance; observers’ eyes widen and faces brighten, illustrating the ‘lakṣma’ as perceptible presence of purity and brilliance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, large central gem with halo-like prabhā, two figures with widened eyes and softened facial glow, stylized light rays, warm earthy palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gem set in ornament with heavy gold embossing, radiant highlights, devotees/courtiers with brightened faces, ornate frame and jewel tones.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, refined close-up of gem brilliance with subtle gradients, calm observers, emphasis on clarity and polish, delicate linework.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, gem appraisal in court: gem held to light near a window, connoisseurs’ attentive faces, fine rendering of sparkle and translucence."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: लक्षणन्तेषाम् read as लक्षणम् + तेषाम् (anusvāra sandhi). नयनोन्मीलनम् = नयन + उन्मीलनम्; सान्निध्याय is dative singular of सान्निध्य.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 96 (ratna-lakṣaṇa definitions around prabhā and doṣa)
FAQs
It gives a practical diagnostic criterion for gems: genuine/ideal gems exhibit nirmalā prabhā (clear, stainless luster) and produce an immediate auspicious effect—visual awakening and a brightened countenance—when present nearby.
Beyond theology, it records a technical lakṣaṇa (classification rule) from traditional material knowledge—ratna-parīkṣā (gem evaluation)—showing the Purana’s coverage of applied sciences and auspicious diagnostics alongside ritual and dharma.
By identifying purity and auspicious ‘signs’ in gems, the verse frames material selection as dharmically consequential—choosing objects with śuddha-prabhā is implied to support auspiciousness, clarity, and favorable fortune in ritual or daily life.