The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c17.77

c17.77

In the foregoing methods of enlargement of the original size of an altar, it will be observed, all the constituent parts of it receive increments in equal proportions. But sometimes an altar, particularly the falcon-shaped one, is enlarged on an entirely different plan. According to it, certain parts of the altar, such as the complete puruṣas in the body, wings and tail of the falcon, are enlarged proportionately, while the rest, the two aratnis and the prādeśa by which the wings and tail were lengthened fundamentally, are left unaffected. This plan of enlargement of the falcon-shaped altar has been noticed by all the three principal Śulbakāras. It is particularly advocated by the tradition of one school as necessary for the altar of the Horse Sacrifice. Other schools, however, follow the general plan of proportionate increment of all parts in that case too.¹