The Shulbasutras of Baudhayana, Apastamba, Katyayana and Manava: With Text, English Translation and Commentary c5.s2.2

c5.s2.2

The mention of the *gārhapatya* fire occurs at several places in the *Ṛg-veda*.a In another place, there is a reference to three places (*trisadhasthe*) of the *agni*, implying the *gārhapatya*, the *āhavanīya* and the *dakṣiṇāgni*.b A reference to the form of *śyena* is found in the *Ṛg-veda* where *agni* is frequently called a bird (*vayas*).c The *Ṛg-veda* also contains references to altars and their constructions of which a few examples are as follows: ‘Let the priests decorate the altar (*vedi*), let them kindle the fire to the east',d ‘May the measure-lengths (*yūpa*) of the sacrificial posts be to our felicity; may the sacred grass (*oṣadhi*) be (stream) for our happiness; may the altar (*vedi*) be (raised for) our happiness’.e