Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 4
Chapter 364 — ब्रह्मवर्गः
Brahmavarga: Lexical Classification of Brahminical/Ritual Terms
चषालो यूपकटकः समे स्थण्डिलचत्वरे आमिक्षा सा शृतोष्णे या क्षीरे स्याद्दधियोगतः
caṣālo yūpakaṭakaḥ same sthaṇḍilacatvare āmikṣā sā śṛtoṣṇe yā kṣīre syāddadhiyogataḥ
“caṣāla”一词指祭柱（yūpa）上的环饰（kaṭaka）。合式的方形祭坛区（catuḥsra）应设于平整之地，在预备好的坛场（sthaṇḍila）之上。“āmikṣā”是指牛乳加热/煮沸后尚温之时，因加入凝乳（dadhi）而生成的乳制供品。
Lord Agni (in discourse to the sage Vasiṣṭha, as typical for the Agni Purana’s instructional chapters)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Use correct śrauta terminology for implements, altar-space specification, and dairy preparations used as offerings—preventing errors in procurement and preparation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Caṣāla, Sthaṇḍila-Catuḥsra, and Āmikṣā (Ritual Terms)","lookup_keywords":["caṣāla","yūpa-kaṭaka","sthaṇḍila","catuḥsra","āmikṣā"],"quick_summary":"Defines key ritual terms: caṣāla as the yūpa’s ring, the altar quadrangle on level prepared ground, and āmikṣā as the warm milk preparation formed by adding curds."}
Dosha: Tridosha
Concept: Correct naming and specification of objects and preparations is part of ritual truthfulness (yathā-śabda–yathā-artha) and prevents karma-doṣa.
Application: Standardize procurement lists and kitchen/altar instructions using these definitions so assistants prepare the right item in the right state (e.g., ‘still warm’ āmikṣā).
Khanda Section: Yajna-Dravya-Paribhasha (Ritual terminology and sacrificial implements)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Close view of a yūpa with its caṣāla ring, a level quadrangular altar-space marked on the ground, and a vessel of warm milk being mixed with curds to form āmikṣā.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, ritual ground with clearly drawn quadrangle, yūpa post with ring detail, priest stirring warm milk and adding curds, earthy reds and yellows, stylized flames and vessels","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate yūpa with gold-highlighted ring, geometric altar markings, shining brass vessel with milk-curd mixture, gold leaf on borders and implements","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, technical illustration of yūpa parts and altar quadrangle, neat linework, labeled feel, soft palette, emphasis on clarity of objects","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed still-life of ritual implements: yūpa with ring, measured quadrangle on ground, attendants preparing dairy mixture in a pot, fine textures and patterned floor"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्याद्दधियोगतः → स्यात् + दधियोगतः (त् + द → द्द).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 364.5
FAQs
It defines key yajña-terms: caṣāla as the yūpa’s ring/fixture, and āmikṣā as a warm boiled-milk preparation produced by adding curds—useful for correctly identifying implements and offerings in Vedic-style rites.
By giving precise glossary-like definitions of ritual hardware (yūpa components), altar-space terminology (sthaṇḍila/catvara), and a specific offering/food (āmikṣā), it functions as a technical reference manual embedded within a Purana.
Correct identification and preparation of sacrificial implements and offerings supports ritual accuracy (yathāvidhi), which is traditionally held to preserve the rite’s purity and intended merit (puṇya) by avoiding procedural faults.