Matsya Purana 256.7

256.7

ratnopari śilāṃ kṛtvā sarvabījasamanvitām.
caturbhibrāhmaṇaiḥ stambhaṃ kārayitvā supūjitam .. 256.6

Some space should be left all round a building The front of a building should not be covered with trees, rather the back of the house should be so covered in the trees If the house be built on the southern side of the ground, then ruin ensues, for the south is the place where the head of the Vâstu deva remains so it is best to construct houses on the left side for thus all the desires of persons are fulfilled After choosing a good and lovely site one should lay its foundation in an auspicious hour ascertained by an astrologer after putting some jewels underneath it Over the jewel is to be placed a stone and on the stone all sorts of seeds are to be kept, then a pillar is to be erected and worshipped by the Brâhmaṇas Then that pillar is to be bathed with all medicinal plants by the Brahmans wearing white clothes and versed in the Vedas Then that pillar is to be fixed by the artisans after putting round it clothes and ornaments, when the vedas are chanted and the auspicious musical instruments are sounded next the Brâhmaṇas are to be fed Lastly Homa ceremony is to be performed with ghee and honey with the mantra "vastospate Pratijânîhi etc " after the Brâhmaṇas are feasted with Pâyasânna The fixing of the pillars the laying out of threads placing a pillar at the entrance gate and doing the ceremonies and worships above mentioned at the time of entering the house are to be performed—3 10