Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c14.25.4

c14.25.4

(42) “Taking the magul kapa thus duly felled, note that a cubit (riyana) is measured thus—a right cubit, a span and four fingers, thus the vaḍu-riyana (craftsman’s cubit) is measured by builders. (43—45) For five cubits in length, verily the breadth should be three; for six and a half cubits in length, take surely for the house three and a half in breadth. . . If eleven cubits be taken for the length of the house, let it be just seven and half in breadth. (46) If the length be overmuch, the housewife will die, if the breadth, death will result to the goodman, but if the house be duly meted, every blessing and joy will follow, therefore do not make the breadth or length overmuch or overlittle.” 47—50. Omens connected with the erection of the *magul kapa*. 51—55. Offering to nature spirit dwelling on the chosen site. (51) “When preparing the pit to set up the *magul kapa*, make offerings of sandal, rice, flowers and lamps, and virgin spikes of the king coconut; (52) prepare the *bali* thus and set it near the *magul kapa*, put offerings both of gold and silver in the pit; (53) if betimes you do not seek the *Vāsu Devi’s** foot great misfortunes will befall the house, every person in it will be destroyed. . . . (55) For the weal of men of this world, rishis of old gave forth the word, no jest their speech, therefore build houses in such wise as to avert misfortune.” 56—61. Of the Bhama Naga, etc.