Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 8
Chapter 41 — शिलाविन्यासविधानं
The Procedure for Laying the Stones / Foundation Setting
सुविस्तारं विभागेन नैपुण्यनेति ख, चिह्नितपुस्तकपाठः शिला स्यान्न शिलामये इति ग, चिह्नितपुस्तकपाठः भवतत्समन्दीरितीति ख, ग, ङ, चिह्नितपुस्तकद्वयपाठः वरुणस्येति मन्त्रेण हंसः शुचिषदित्यपि श्रीसूक्तेन तथा शिलाः संस्थाप्य संघटाः
suvistāraṃ vibhāgena naipuṇyaneti kha, cihnitapustakapāṭhaḥ śilā syānna śilāmaye iti ga, cihnitapustakapāṭhaḥ bhavatatsamandīritīti kha, ga, ṅa, cihnitapustakadvayapāṭhaḥ varuṇasyeti mantreṇa haṃsaḥ śuciṣadityapi śrīsūktena tathā śilāḥ saṃsthāpya saṃghaṭāḥ
Sa masusing paghahati at bihasang pamamaraan (ayon sa ilang minarkahang manuskrito), ang mga bato ay dapat itindig at saka pagdugtungin nang matibay, gamit ang mantrang nagsisimula sa “varuṇasya…”, gayundin ang “haṃsaḥ…”, “śuciṣad…”, at ang Śrī-sūkta.
Lord Agni (narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s instructional dialogue style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Temple/installation practice: systematic placement and joining of stones (śilā-saṃsthāpana and saṃghaṭa) using specified mantras (Varuṇa-related, Haṃsa, Śuciṣad) and Śrī-sūkta for stability and auspiciousness.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Śilā-saṃsthāpana and saṃghaṭa with Varuṇa-mantra, Haṃsa/Śuciṣad, and Śrī-sūkta","lookup_keywords":["śilā-saṃsthāpana","saṃghaṭa","Varuṇa-mantra","Śrī-sūkta","Vāstu-vidhi"],"quick_summary":"For construction-consecration, stones are installed in a carefully divided plan and firmly joined, while reciting stabilizing and auspicious Vedic mantras including Śrī-sūkta."}
Concept: Sacralization of matter: built form (śilā) becomes fit for divine presence through correct procedure (vidhi) and mantra.
Application: Integrate structural craftsmanship (division, alignment, joining) with consecratory recitations to treat construction as a sacred act.
Khanda Section: Puja-vidhi / Vastu (Temple and Icon Installation Rituals)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Temple construction consecration: masons and priest installing large dressed stones in a measured layout; priest recites mantras and Śrī-sūkta while stones are aligned and joined.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized temple foundation with large laterite/stone blocks, priest chanting beside a kalaśa, masons placing stones with levers, sacred geometric plan faintly drawn, warm earthy palette and bold outlines.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: auspicious construction scene with gold-highlighted Śrī symbols, priest reciting Śrī-sūkta, stones depicted as polished blocks, ornate border, emphasis on maṅgala and prosperity.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: technical-instructional depiction of stone placement and joining, measured divisions marked on ground, priest with manuscript, clear tools and alignment lines, soft colors and precise detailing.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed building site with artisans, cranes/levers, priest chanting; architectural draft-like ground plan; rich textiles and fine shading; subtle cartouche naming Śrī-sūkta."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shree","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Text contains critical apparatus markers (ख/ग/ङ etc.) and variant readings; analysis focuses on the main readable Sanskrit sequence. भवतत्समन्दीरितीति = भवतत्समन्दीरिति + इति; तथैव not present here; वरुणस्येति = वरुणस्य + इति.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Vāstu/śilpa-related chapters on prāsāda-lakṣaṇa, maṇḍapa-vidhi, and pratiṣṭhā
FAQs
It prescribes a śilā-saṃsthāpana/saṃghaṭana procedure: installing stone elements and joining them using specified consecratory mantras, including a Varuṇa-invocation and the Śrī-sūkta for auspiciousness.
It shows the text functioning as a practical manual for sacred architecture and ritual construction—combining engineering actions (placing and joining stones) with mantra-technology and liturgical sources (Śrī-sūkta).
Mantra-guided installation sacralizes the structure, aiming to ensure purity, stability, and prosperity (Śrī), while aligning the work with cosmic order through deities like Varuṇa.