Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 7
Chapter 42 — प्रासादलक्षणकथनं
Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa-kathana: Characteristics of the Temple/Prāsāda
प्रासादगर्भमानं वा कुर्वीत मुखमण्डपं एकाशीतिपदैर् व्यास्तुं पश्चात् मण्डपमारभेत्
prāsādagarbhamānaṃ vā kurvīta mukhamaṇḍapaṃ ekāśītipadair vyāstuṃ paścāt maṇḍapamārabhet
پراساد کے گربھ گِرہ کے پیمانے کے مطابق مُکھ منڈپ بنایا جائے؛ پھر اکیاسی-پد (81) کے گرِڈ سے نقشہ قائم کر کے، اس کے بعد منڈپ کی تعمیر شروع کی جائے۔
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, standard Agni Purāṇa dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Sizing the mukha-maṇḍapa in relation to garbhagṛha dimensions and using the 81-pada vāstu-maṇḍala grid to begin systematic maṇḍapa construction.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Mukha-maṇḍapa by Garbha-māna; 81-pada Vāstu-maṇḍala for Maṇḍapa commencement","lookup_keywords":["mukha-maṇḍapa","garbha-māna","ekāśīti-pada","vāstu-maṇḍala","layout grid"],"quick_summary":"Match the front hall’s measure to the sanctum’s prescribed dimension, then lay out the plan on an 81-square vāstu grid and proceed with maṇḍapa construction in that ordered scheme."}
Concept: Bandha (structured ordering) through maṇḍala—space becomes ritually intelligible when gridded and proportioned from the sanctum.
Application: Use the 81-pada grid to standardize bay spacing, wall thickness zones, and placements of functional/ritual subspaces around the sanctum axis.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra (Temple Architecture and Maṇḍapa/Prāsāda Measurements)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A 9x9 vāstu grid drawn on the ground with pegs; the garbhagṛha square highlighted; the mukha-maṇḍapa dimension derived from it; builders preparing to start the main maṇḍapa.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, sacred 9x9 grid with stylized squares, garbha highlighted, mukha-maṇḍapa outlined, sthapati performing a brief rite before commencing construction, rich flat colors","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, gold-embossed 81-square grid motif, temple plan with sanctum and front hall, ornate framing, auspicious symbols (śrīvatsa, lotus)","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, technical plate: crisp 9x9 grid, labeled garbha and mukha-maṇḍapa, step-by-step commencement scene, subdued palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architect and assistants drawing a 9x9 grid on plastered ground, measuring rods, patron observing, fine detail and patterned textiles"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पदैर् व्यास्तुं = पदैः + व्यास्तुम्; मण्डपमारभेत् = मण्डपम् + आरभेत्
Related Themes: Agni Purana 42 (vāstu-maṇḍala, prāsāda/maṇḍapa layout sequence)
FAQs
It teaches a vāstu-śāstra rule: size the entrance hall (mukha-maṇḍapa) with reference to the garbha (sanctum) measure, and lay out the building plan using the 81-pada vāstu grid before beginning the maṇḍapa.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purāṇa preserves applied technical knowledge—here, temple planning and proportional design (māna) using the standardized vāstu-pada grid—showing its coverage of architecture alongside ritual and doctrine.
Correct proportional planning of the garbha and maṇḍapas is treated as ensuring ritual fitness (yogyatā) of the sacred space; building according to vāstu order supports auspiciousness and the proper efficacy of worship performed in the temple.