The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c18.50

c18.50

"Some say, '*eka-vidha Agni* should be constructed first; then by an increment of one (square puruṣa) successively up to a construction of unlimited size.' One should not do so. The *Prajāpati* (*i.e.*, *Agni*) was created first as *sapta-vidha* indeed. Proceeding to reconstruct himself, he stopped at the *ekaśata-vidha* ('a construction comprising 101½ square puruṣas'). He who constructs (a Fire-altar) smaller than the *sapta-vidha*, cuts asunder this *Prajāpati*: he voluntarily becomes a sinner as one would be by destroying or injuring his better. Again one who constructs (a Fire-altar) exceeding the *ekaśata-vidha*, he proceeds beyond all these (visible Universe), for the *Prajāpati* is this Universe. Hence one should first construct the *sapta-vidha* and then by the increment of one (square puruṣa) in succession up to the *ekaśata-vidha*. But one should not construct in excess of the *ekaśata-vidha*. Thus he