Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 5
Chapter 24 — कुण्डनिर्माणादिविधिः
Procedure for Constructing the Fire-pit and Related Rites
अश्वत्थपत्रसदृशी किञ्चित् कुण्डे निवेशिता तुर्याङ्गुलायता नालं पञ्चदशाङ्गुलायतं
aśvatthapatrasadṛśī kiñcit kuṇḍe niveśitā turyāṅgulāyatā nālaṃ pañcadaśāṅgulāyataṃ
将其略嵌入盆（kuṇḍa）中，应作如阿湿瓦塔（aśvattha，圣榕/菩提）之叶形；其管（nāla）长四指量，而（整体构件）长十五指量。
Lord Agni (in dialogue context of Agni Purana instruction to the sages, commonly Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Standardizing the dimensions and shape of a medicinal/processing implement (or component) described via aśvattha-leaf analogy, including tube length and overall length, for consistent preparation/administration.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Aśvattha-patra-sadṛśa yantra/ādhāra: kuṇḍa-niveśa & nāla-māna","lookup_keywords":["aśvattha-patra","kuṇḍa","nāla","aṅgula-māna","bhaishajya-kalpa"],"quick_summary":"Specifies a leaf-like form set into a basin and gives exact aṅgula measures for the tube and total length, enabling reproducible construction of a preparation/dispensing component."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Concept: Dravya/yantra-sādhana depends on precise māna; analogy (upamā) bridges observation and standardization.
Application: Use recognizable natural forms (leaf-shape) plus fixed measures to reduce ambiguity in medical apparatus design.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Dravya-guna & Bhaishajya-kalpa / medicinal preparation measurements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A small basin (kuṇḍa) with an inserted leaf-shaped component resembling an aśvattha leaf; a tube (nāla) extends 4 aṅgulas; the whole assembly measures 15 aṅgulas, shown with a measuring scale.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Ayurvedic workshop scene with a vaidya and assistant, a kuṇḍa on the floor, leaf-shaped insert and short tube; warm earthy palette, bold contours, minimal shading.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: devotional-craft hybrid—vaidya crafting the leaf-shaped piece, gold accents on the vessel rim and measuring rod; rich reds/greens, ornamental border.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clean didactic depiction of the apparatus with labeled aṅgula measures (4 and 15), delicate linework, soft colors, emphasis on clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: apothecary scene with detailed vessels and instruments; the leaf-shaped insert drawn precisely; fine calligraphy notes for dimensions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अश्वत्थपत्रसदृशी = अश्वत्थ + पत्र + सदृशी; तुर्याङ्गुलायता = तुर्याङ्गुल + आयता; पञ्चदशाङ्गुलायतं = पञ्चदशाङ्गुल + आयतम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 24 (māna sections; kuṇḍa/nāla related measures nearby)
FAQs
It gives precise dimensional standards (aṅgula-based) and shape guidance (aśvattha-leaf form) for a tube-like component (nāla) to be set into a kuṇḍa, indicating a technical specification used in a preparation or procedure.
Beyond mythology, it preserves practical, workshop-like specifications—shape, placement, and standardized measurements—showing the text’s coverage of applied sciences such as Ayurvedic preparation methods and technical apparatus description.
By prescribing exact, tradition-backed standards, the verse reflects the dharmic ideal of correctness (yathāvidhi): proper method and accurate measure are treated as integral to purity, efficacy, and merit in sacred or therapeutic acts.