The Science of the Shulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry c6.14

c6.14

¹ In case of the *Chandaściti*, the *agnicit* ("the Fire-altar-builder") draws on the ground the Agni of the prescribed shape, ordinarily of the primitive shape of the falcon. He then goes through the whole prescribed process of construction imagining all the while as if he is placing every brick in its proper place with the appropriate *mantras*. The *mantras* are, indeed, muttered but the bricks are not actually laid. Hence the name *Chandaściti*, that is, the *citi* or altar made up of *chandas* or Vedic *mantras* instead of bricks or loose mud pieces.