Agni Purana — Mantra-shastra, Shloka 10
वागीश्वरीपूजा
The Worship of Vāgīśvarī
पद्मक्षेत्रे तु सूत्राणि दिग्विदिक्षु विनिक्षिपेत् वृत्तानि पञ्चकल्पानि पद्मक्षेत्रसमानि तु
padmakṣetre tu sūtrāṇi digvidikṣu vinikṣipet vṛttāni pañcakalpāni padmakṣetrasamāni tu
پدمکشیتر کے نقش میں سمتوں اور بین السمتوں میں سُوتر (راہ نما لکیریں/ڈوریاں) بچھائی جائیں۔ نیز پدمکشیتر کے برابر پیمانے کے پانچ دائرہ نما خاکے بھی بنائے جائیں۔
Lord Agni (narrating Agni Purana’s procedural instructions to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vastu","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Laying out a padma-maṇḍala using cords aligned to cardinal and intercardinal directions, then constructing five proportionate circles for altar/temple planning and ritual geometry.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Padmakṣetra-sūtra-nyāsa and Pañca-vṛtta construction","lookup_keywords":["padmakṣetra","sūtra-nyāsa","dig-vidik","pañca-vṛtta","maṇḍala-vidhi"],"quick_summary":"In a lotus-field plan, place guiding cords along the eight directions, then draw five circles scaled to the padmakṣetra; this establishes a precise geometric base for ritual/architectural layouts."}
Concept: Cosmic order is mirrored through directional geometry; correct alignment and proportion are themselves a ritual act.
Application: Use cords and directional axes before drawing circles/lotus fields; verify proportional equivalence to avoid ritual/structural defects.
Khanda Section: Vāstu-Śāstra / Maṇḍala-Vidhi (Temple & altar layout, ritual geometry)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sthapati draws a padmakṣetra on the ground: cords stretched to cardinal and intercardinal points, then five concentric/proportionate circles being marked with chalk and compass-like tools.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized ground-plan with visible cords radiating in eight directions, five circles overlaid on a lotus-field, artisan figures in profile, earthy reds/ochres, temple courtyard setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, symmetrical geometric diagram emphasized, gold highlights on the central bindu and circle rims, rich decorative border, priest and architect holding cords.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, technical clarity: neat grid, eight-direction cord lines, five circles precisely spaced, annotations around the diagram, soft pastel washes.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, architectural planning scene with draughtsman and assistants, detailed instruments, cords pegged at points, five circles drawn on a prepared plaster floor, refined perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दिग्विदिक्षु → दिक् + विदिक्षु (द्वन्द्व-समास; क्+व् sandhi).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 319.7-319.8 (padma/yantra forms); Agni Purana vāstu chapters on dik-nirṇaya, sūtra-pāta, and maṇḍala construction
FAQs
It teaches maṇḍala-layout technique: placing measuring cords along cardinal/intercardinal axes and constructing five prescribed circles proportionate to the padmakṣetra diagram.
It shows the text functioning as a practical manual—preserving Vāstu/ritual-geometry procedures alongside theology, expanding the Purana into applied temple and altar design knowledge.
Correct geometric alignment of the ritual/temple diagram is treated as essential for purity and efficacy of worship, ensuring rites are performed in harmony with sacred directions and prescribed forms.