Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 2
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
मध्ये तस्य चतुर्भिस्तु कुर्यादायसमन्वितं समप्रासादमानत इति ङ, चिह्नितपुस्तकपाठः द्वदशैव तु भागानि भित्त्यर्थं परिकल्पयेत्
madhye tasya caturbhistu kuryādāyasamanvitaṃ samaprāsādamānata iti ṅa, cihnitapustakapāṭhaḥ dvadaśaiva tu bhāgāni bhittyarthaṃ parikalpayet
Sa gitna nito, dapat gawin ang isang ubod na binubuo ng apat na bahagi at pinatatag ng bakal, na pinananatiling magkakatulad ang sukat ng prāsāda; at para sa mga pader, dapat itakda nang wasto ang labindalawang bahagi ng paghahati.
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s instructional mode)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Specifying central reinforcement and modular wall-layout divisions to ensure structural stability and uniform shrine proportions.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Madhya-āyasa-bandha and Bhitti-vibhāga (Central iron reinforcement and wall divisions)","lookup_keywords":["madhya","āyasa","bandha","bhitti","māna"],"quick_summary":"Directs placing an iron-reinforced element at the center with uniform shrine measurements, and setting out twelve parts/divisions for wall construction."}
Concept: Uniform measure (sama-māna) and a stabilized center are prerequisites for a well-formed sacred structure.
Application: In execution drawings, define the central reinforced element and adopt a consistent module; allocate the prescribed wall divisions before masonry begins.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra / Prāsāda-Lakṣaṇa (Temple & Architectural Science)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Architects place an iron-reinforced central element on the marked grid; masons measure out twelve equal wall divisions around the core with cords and rulers.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, central brahmasthāna highlighted, iron band/core depicted, craftsmen measuring twelve segments for walls, warm tones and temple-workshop setting","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, shrine plan with gold-highlighted center reinforcement, artisans holding iron piece and measuring tools, decorative frame emphasizing auspicious center","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical clarity: central core labeled, twelve-part wall segmentation shown with neat lines, craftsmen demonstrating measurement, subdued elegant palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, workshop scene with ironworkers and masons, central reinforcement being set, wall divisions marked on ground plan, intricate tool depiction"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चतुर्भिस्तु = चतुर्भिः + तु; कुर्यादायसमन्वितम् = कुर्यात् + आयस-समन्वितम्; समप्रासादमानत(ः) = सम-प्रासाद-मानतः; द्वदशैव = द्वदश + एव; भित्त्यर्थम् = भित्ति + अर्थम्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (continuing prāsāda measurements and components)
FAQs
It gives a Vāstu-śāstra rule: the central portion should be made with fourfold support and iron reinforcement, and the wall-layout should be planned using twelve measured divisions.
It shows the Agni Purāṇa functioning as a practical manual, preserving architectural engineering norms—proportioning, structural reinforcement, and modular wall-planning—alongside spiritual and ritual topics.
In Purāṇic Vāstu, correct proportion and stable construction are treated as dharmic acts: they support a properly ordered sacred space, believed to sustain auspiciousness and reduce defects (doṣa) in consecrated structures.