The Hindu Temple v1.c5.s5.13

v1.c5.s5.13

Among metres,⁷⁶ the Anuṣṭubh with its 4 × 8 syllables is the symbol of the celestial sphere. The ‘Aitareya Brāhmaṇa’ (I. 1. 5. 8) pictures the hierarchy of the universe evoked by the metre Anuṣṭubh,—64 syllables being in two Anuṣṭubhs : Each of the three worlds (earth, air, sky) contains 21 or 3 × 7 places, one rising above the other. "By 21 steps he (the sacrificer) ascends to each of these severally, by taking the 64th step he stands firm in the celestial world". Numerically, it lies within the precincts of the square of 64 parts into which it appears precipitated.⁷⁷