Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 15
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
त्रिकं द्व्यङ्गुलकं तत् स्यान्मध्यन्तस्य सुशोभनम् आयामस्तत्समस्तस्य मध्यनिम्नः सुशोभनः
trikaṃ dvyaṅgulakaṃ tat syānmadhyantasya suśobhanam āyāmastatsamastasya madhyanimnaḥ suśobhanaḥ
此“三分之量”（tri-ka）当为二指节（aṅgula），能令中段与末段皆显端好。整体长度须合乎比例，而中央微微下凹，尤为悦目。
Lord Agni (instructional narration to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Shilpa","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Guidance on a specific proportional module (triad-measure) and aesthetic finishing: ensuring pleasing middle/end proportions and introducing a controlled central depression for visual refinement and fit.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Trika-māna and Madhya-nimnatā (triad measure and central depression)","lookup_keywords":["trika","dvy-aṅgula","madhya","anta","nimna"],"quick_summary":"Adopt a trika module of two aṅgulas for the middle and end portions; keep total length proportionate and add a gentle central depression to enhance appearance and seating."}
Concept: Saundarya arises from proportion plus subtle modulation (like controlled concavity), not from size alone.
Application: In carving/turning, maintain module-based measures and introduce slight concavity at the center to improve visual rhythm and functional seating.
Khanda Section: Vastu-shastra / Shilpa-shastra (Iconography and proportional canons)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A component is shown in profile with middle and end segments marked; a gentle central depression is illustrated, with a two-aṅgula trika module indicated by a measuring scale.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, profile diagram integrated into a workshop scene, artisan smoothing a shallow central concavity, strong contour lines, warm earthy palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, stylized profile of the crafted piece with gold accents along the curvature, artisan tools (chisel, file) depicted, ornate borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, didactic illustration with labeled madhya/anta and nimna, precise linework, soft colors, manuscript-like clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, close-up of artisan finishing a concave center with fine tools, detailed textures of stone/wood, subtle shading and perspective."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: द्व्यङ्गुलकम् = द्वि + अङ्गुलकम्; स्यात् मध्यन्तस्य = स्यात् + मध्यन्तस्य; आयामस् तत्समस्तस्य = आयामः + तत्समस्तस्य.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (māna modules and finishing rules in adjacent verses)
FAQs
It gives a shilpa/vaastu proportional rule: a specific threefold unit is set to two aṅgulas, and it prescribes pleasing form-features like correct overall length and a slight central concavity.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana preserves practical design canons—standardized measurements and aesthetic rules used in sculpture/temple arts—showing its coverage of technical sciences (śilpa-vidyā) alongside ritual and myth.
Correct proportions in sacred images/structures are traditionally held to support auspiciousness and proper worship, helping ensure that devotional installations are ritually fit and spiritually efficacious.