Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 49
The Description of the Sarvatobhadra Maṇḍala (सर्वतोभद्रमण्डलकथनम्)
एकस्यां दिशि सङ्ख्याः स्युः चतस्रः प्रिसङ्ख्यया
ekasyāṃ diśi saṅkhyāḥ syuḥ catasraḥ prisaṅkhyayā
于一方之中，其数当依次取为四，以系统之计数为准。
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Vastu","practical_application":"Directional enumeration rule: treating each direction as having a fourfold numerical set for systematic counting in plan allocation or directional computations.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Catur-saṅkhyā per direction (dik) in systematic enumeration","lookup_keywords":["dik","saṅkhyā","catasraḥ","prisaṅkhyā (systematic count)","directional enumeration"],"quick_summary":"Defines a counting convention: in one direction, numbers are taken as four by orderly enumeration—useful for allocating pads/cells or mapping directional sets."}
Concept: Orderly enumeration (saṅkhyā) as a tool for structuring space and direction.
Application: Use fourfold directional counting when distributing elements per side of a mandala or when mapping directional correspondences.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha / Sankhya-nirdesha (Directional enumeration and numerical arrangement)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A simple diagram showing one direction (east) subdivided into four numbered units, illustrating systematic enumeration for planning.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural-style schematic with a compass-like square; one side divided into four segments, bold numerals in traditional script; minimal but decorative border motifs.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore-style ornamental panel with a compass square; the chosen direction highlighted in gold; four divisions marked with embossed detailing.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore instructional diagram: clean compass rose and a single side segmented into four equal parts, labeled for prisaṅkhyā.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature of a scholar with an astrolabe-like directional chart; one direction annotated with four counts; fine calligraphy and margins."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: No major sandhi; prisaṅkhyayā treated as a single lexical item (rare/technical).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 29.50 (directional doors and corner cell counts)
FAQs
It gives a technical counting rule: for one direction (dik), the assigned numerical set is four, determined through a methodical enumeration (parisaṅkhyā).
Beyond mythology, it preserves compact technical sutra-like rules for organizing knowledge—here, numerical classification tied to directions, a feature common in Jyotisha, Vastu, and ritual mapping systems.
Correct numerical-directional mapping supports accuracy in sacred layouts and calculations; such precision is traditionally held to prevent ritual error (doṣa) and help align actions with auspicious order (ṛta).