Shantikamalakara 2.3.1

2.3.1

Now, the propitiatory rite of the Graha-sacrifice:
Here, because it is the model for all propitiatory rites, the Graha-sacrifice is spoken of. In the Skanda Purāṇa and Yājñavalkya: “One desiring prosperity, one desiring peace, or even one performing malevolent sorcery...” And that is fourfold: the simple rite, the Ayutahoma, the Lakṣahoma, and the Koṭihoma. The first is taught by Yājñavalkya and others; the [latter] three are taught in the Matsya Purāṇa:
“The Graha-sacrifice is declared to be threefold, taught by Purāṇa and Śruti: the first is the Ayutahoma; after that, the Lakṣahoma; / and the third is the Koṭihoma, which grants the fruits of all desires.”
That is twofold: occasional and optional. Its location is in the same work:
“To the north-east of the planet, the wise man should have a pavilion constructed, or upon the grounds of a temple of Rudra, square and sloping to the north. / In accordance with the rules, one should make it ten cubits or eight cubits [in size]; four entrances are to be made to it by the discerning.”
In the Mantramuktāvalī:
“Square, with four entrances, eight cubits or ten, / or twenty-four cubits, are respectively inferior, middling, and superior; / or it may be twelve cubits, increasing by two cubits / up to twenty-eight, as stated by some wise men.”
It is the same in the Agni Purāṇa as well. This pavilion, however, is for optional, occasional, and other rites, based on the Śāradātilaka: “Excluding the regular and occasional rites, for everything else there is a pavilion.” The manner of the fire pit and the pavilion should be known from the Pramodadīpikā composed by my father and from the Dānakamalākara composed by me. In the Skanda Purāṇa:
“In the sacrifice to the nine planets, the fire pit is even, measuring one cubit. Square, one cubit deep, with a vulva-shaped spout and stepped rims. / The stepped rim has a width of four finger-breadths and is raised by the same amount. A fire pit deficient or excessive in measurement is traditionally held to cause many dangers.”
The vulva-shaped spout is described in the Matsya Purāṇa:
“The vulva-shaped spout should measure one span, and be six or seven finger-breadths wide; raised like a tortoise-shell in the middle, and one finger-breadth high at the sides; / everywhere above the stepped rim, resembling a leaf of the holy fig tree.” In the absence of a fire pit, a sacrificial mound [is used]...