[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932) › c18.50 # The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c18.50 The Science of the Śulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c18.50 - **Language:** English ### [c18.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.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 - [Previous: c18.49](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c18.49) - [Next: c18.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c18.51) - [Up: c18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c18) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c18.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.datta-1932.c18.50) · Pramāṇa