The Shulbasutras of Baudhayana, Apastamba, Katyayana and Manava: With Text, English Translation and Commentary c7: Part II: English Translation

The Śulbasūtras of Baudhāyana, Āpastamba, Kātyāyana and Mānava: With Text, English Translation and Commentary c7

Language: English

Part II: English Translation

c7.2

The various constructions of sacrificial fires are now given.

c7.3

We shall explain the methods of measuring areas of their (different) figures (drawn) on the ground.

Now, the measure of an *aṅgula* is 14 *aṇus* (grain of *Panicum milliaceum*); according to others, (it is) 34 *tilas* (*sesamum indicum*) placed broad side on. One small *pada* is 10 *aṅgulas*; one *prādeśa* 12 *aṅgulas*; one *pṛthā* and one *uttarayuga* 13 *aṅgulas* each; one (big) *pada* 15 *aṅgulas*. One *īṣā* measures 188 *aṅgulas*; one *akṣa* 104 *aṅgulas*; one *yuga* 86 *aṅgulas*; one *jānu* 32 *aṅgulas*; one *śamyā* and one *bāhu* 36 *aṅgulas* each. One *prakrama* equals 2 *padas* (30 *aṅgulas*); one *aratni* 2 *prādeśas* (24 *aṅgulas*). But there are also instances of *pada*, *yuga*, *prakrama*, *aratni* and *śamyā* having different measures when these (words) are used as units of measurement. 5 *aratnis* (120 *aṅgulas*) make one *puruṣa*; one *vyāma* also has the same measure (5 *aratnis*); and 4 *aratnis* (96 *aṅgulas*) make one *vyāyāma*.

c7.5

Having desired (to construct) a square, one is to take a cord of length equal to the (side of the) given square, make ties at both ends and mark it at its middle. The (east-west) line (equal to the cord) is drawn and a pole is fixed at its middle. The two ties (of the cord) are fixed in it (pole) and a circle is drawn with the mark (in the middle of the cord). Two poles are fixed at both ends of the diameter (east-west line). With one tie fastened to the eastern (pole), a circle is drawn with the other. A similar (circle) about the western (pole). The second diameter is obtained from the points of intersection of these two (circles); two poles are fixed at two ends of the diameter (thus obtained). With two ties fastened to the eastern (pole) a circle is drawn with the mark. The same (is to be done) with respect to the southern, the western and the northern (pole). The end points of intersection of these (four circles) produce the (required) square.

c7.6

Now another (method). Ties are made at both ends of a cord twice the measure and a mark is given at the middle. This (halving of the cord) is for the east-west line (that is, the side of the required square). In the other half (cord) at a point shorter by one-fourth, a mark is given; this is the *nyañcana* (mark). (Then) a mark is given at the middle (of the same half cord) for purposes of (fixing) the corners (of the square). With the two ties fastened to the two ends of the east-west line (*pṛṣṭhyā*), the cord is to be stretched towards the south by the *nyañcana* (mark); the middle mark (of the half cord) determines the western and the eastern corners (of the square).

c7.7

When (the construction of) a rectangle is desired, two poles are fixed on the ground at a distance equal to the desired length. (This makes the east-west line). Two poles one on each side of each of the (two above mentioned) poles are fixed at equal distances (along the east-west line). A cord equal in length to the breadth (of the rectangle) is taken, its two ends are tied and a mark is given at the middle. With the two ties fastened to the two end poles (on either side of the pole) in the east, the cord is stretched to the south by the mark; at the mark (where it touches the ground) a sign is given. Both the ties are now fastened to the middle (pole at the east end of the *prācī*), the cord is stretched towards the south by the mark over the sign (previously obtained) and a pole is fixed at the mark. This is the south-east corner. In this way are explained the north-east and the two western corners (of the rectangle).

c7.8

When the eastern side is desired to be of shorter measure, a mark is given at half (the *tiryaṅmānī*).

c7.9

Now another (method). Ties are made at both ends of a cord of length equal to the measure increased by its half (so that the whole length of the cord is divided into three parts of half the measure each). In the third (extended) part on the western side a mark is given at a point shorter by one-sixth (of the third part) ; this is the *nyañcana*. Another mark is made at the desired point for fixing the corners. With the two ties fastened to the two ends of the east-west line (*pṛṣṭhyā*), the cord is stretched towards the south by the *nyañcana*, and the western and eastern corners (of the square) are fixed by the desired mark.

c7.10

The diagonal of a square produces double the area (of the square).

c7.11

The breadth (of a rectangle) being the side of a given square (*pramāṇa*) and the length the side of a square twice as large (*dvikaraṇī*), the diagonal equals the side of a square thrice as large (*tṛkaraṇī*).

c7.12

Thereby is explained the side of a square one-third the area of given square (*tṛtīyakaraṇī*). It is the side of a square one-ninth the area of the square (explained in the preceding rule, that is, of the square on the *tṛkaraṇī*).

c7.13

The areas (of the squares) produced separately by the length and the breadth of a rectangle together equal the area (of the square) produced by the diagonal.

c7.14

This is observed in rectangles having sides 3 and 4, 12 and 5, 15 and 8, 7 and 24, 12 and 35, 15 and 36.

c7.15

c7.16

If it is desired to combine two squares of different measures, a (rectangular) part is cut off from the larger (square) with the side of the smaller; the diagonal of the cut-off (rectangular) part is the side of the combined square. (Alternatively: If it is desired to combine two squares of different measures, a rectangle is formed with the side of the smaller (square)

c7.17

(as breadth) and that of the larger (as length); the diagonal of the rectangle (thus formed) is the side of the combined square).

c7.18

If it is desired to remove a square from another, a (rectangular) part is cut off from the larger (square) with the side of the smaller one to be removed; the (longer) side of the cut-off (rectangular) part is placed across so as to touch the opposite side; by this contact (the side) is cut off. With the cut-off (part) the difference (of the two squares) is obtained.

c7.19

A square intended to be transformed into a rectangle is cut off by its diagonal. One portion is divided into two (equal) parts which are placed on the two sides (of the other portion) so as to fit (them exactly).

c7.20

Or else, if a square is to be transformed (into a rectangle), (a segment) of it is to be cut off by the side (of the rectangle); what is left out (of the square) is added to the other side. (Like *Āśl.* 3.1, the rule is defective and does not lead to proper geometrical operation).

c7.21

If it is desired to transform a rectangle into a square, its breadth is taken as the side of a square (and this square on the breadth is cut off from the rectangle). The remainder (of the rectangle) is divided into two equal parts and placed on two sides (one part on each). The empty space (in the corner) is filled up with a (square) piece. The removal of it (of the square piece from the square thus formed to get the required square) has been stated.

c7.22

If it is desired to reduce one side of a square (that is, to make an isosceles trapezium) the reduced side is to be taken as the breadth (of a rectangular portion to be cut off from the square); the remaining part (of the square) is divided by the diagonal and (one half), after being inverted, is placed on the other side.

c7.23

If it is desired to transform a square into (an isosceles) triangle, the square whose area is to be so transformed is doubled and a pole fixed at the middle of its east side; two cords with their ties fastened to it (the pole) are stretched to south-western and north-western corners (of the square); portions lying outside the cords are cut off.

c7.24

If it is desired to transform a square into a double (isosceles) triangle (that is, rhombus), a rectangle twice as large as the square to be so transformed is made; a pole is fixed at the middle of its east side; two cords with their ties fastened to it (the pole) are stretched to the middle points of the southern and northern side (of the rectangle); portions lying outside the cords are cut off; thereby the (isosceles) triangle on the other side is explained.

c7.25

If it is desired to transform a square into a circle, (a cord of length) half the diagonal (of the square) is stretched from the centre to the east (a part of it lying outside the eastern side of the square); with one-third (of the part lying outside) added to the remainder (of the half diagonal), the (required) circle is drawn.

c7.26

**2.10** To transform a circle into a square, the diameter is divided into eight parts; one (such) part after being divided into twentynine parts is reduced by twentyeight of them and further by the sixth (of the part left) less the eighth (of the sixth part).

c7.27

**2.11** Alternatively, divide (the diameter) into fifteen parts and reduce it by two of them; this gives the approximate side of the square (desired).

c7.28

**2.12** The measure is to be increased by its third and this (third) again by its own fourth less the thirtyfourth part (of that fourth); this is (the value of) the diagonal of a square (whose side is the measure).

c7.29

c7.30

**3.1** Now, the placement of the *āhavanīya* from the *gārhapatya* in the arrangement for the laying of sacrificial fires (will be discussed). According to tradition, the Brāhmaṇa has to place this fire ( *āhavanīya* ) ( at a distance of ) 8 *prakramas*, the prince 11 *prakramas* and the merchant 12 *prakramas* (from the *gārhapatya* towards east).

c7.31

**3.2** Three squares of side one-third the distance (between the *āhavanīya* and the *gārhapatya*) are made so as to be in contact with each other (along the east-west line); the *gārhapatya* (fire) lies at the north-west and the *dakṣiṇāgni* (*anvāhāryapacana*) at the south-east corner of the western square; the north-east corner of the eastern square marks the place of the *āhavanīya*.

c7.32

**3.3** Alternatively, the distance between the *gārhapatya* and the *āhavanīya* is divided into five or six (equal) parts, a sixth or a seventh part is added, the whole (of the cord measuring the original distance plus the added part) is divided into three (equal) parts, and a mark is given at the end of the second part from the eastern extremity. (With two ties) fastened to (poles at) the two ends of (the distance between) the *gārhapatya* and the *āhavanīya*, the cord is stretched to the south by the mark and a pole fixed at (the spot reached by) the mark. This is the place of the *dakṣiṇāgni*.

c7.33

**3.4** Or else, the measure (between the *āhavanīya* and the *gārhapatya*) is increased by its fifth, the whole of it is divided into five parts, and a mark is given at the end of the second part from the western extremity. With two ties fastened to (poles at) the two ends of the east-west line (representing the distance between the two fires), the cord is stretched to the south by the mark and a pole fixed at (the spot reached by) the mark. This is the place of the *dakṣiṇāgni*.

c7.34

**3.5** The *utkara* is explained by doing the opposite (that is, by reversing the cord and stretching it to the north).

c7.35

**3.6** To the west of the *āhavanīya*, as per tradition, is the altar for the new and full moon sacrifice (*dārśapaurṇamāsa*), measuring 96 *aṅgulas* (*yajamānamātrī*) (in the east-west direction).

c7.36

**3.7** This (measure) less its third (64 *aṅgulas*) forms the western side (of the altar) and half the measure (48 *aṅgulas*) the eastern side; after making in this way a rectangle shorter on one side, poles are fixed at the (four) corners.

c7.37

**3.8** A tie is given at each end of a cord twice as long as the side (of the above altar) and a mark at the middle. With two ties fastened to (poles at the two ends of) the southern side, the cord is stretched to the south by the mark and a pole fixed at (the spot reached by) the mark. Fixing the two ties at this (pole), the southern side is circumscribed (with an arc of a circle from end to end) by the mark. Thereby the northern side is explained. The eastern side is circumscribed in the same way by a cord double its length, and likewise the western side.

c7.38

**3.9** The tradition has it that the altar for animal sacrifice (*paśubandha*) has 10 *padas* on its western side, 12 *padas* as its east-west line (*prācī*) and 8 *padas* on its eastern side; how it is to be measured out has been explained. According to some, the altar is measured with the measures of a chariot (that is, with *akṣa* (104 *aṅgulas*) for the western side, *īṣā* (188 *aṅgulas*) for the *prācī*, and *yuga* (86 *aṅgulas*) for the eastern side). According to others, the sides are 10 *padas* each.

c7.39

**3.10** According to tradition, the *uttara vedi* is four-cornered and measured (on each side) by a *śamyā* (36 *aṅgulas*); in the absence of any particular direction, it is a square.

c7.40

**3.11** According to tradition, the *paitṛkī vedi* (used for performing *pitṛ*-rites) is formed with the third part. The third part of the *mahāvedi* is turned into a square; the side which produces one-third of this square makes that (of the *paitṛkī vedi*). Therefore, it is one-ninth of the area (of the *mahāvedi*). According to others, its side measures 96 *aṅgulas* (*yajamānamātrī*) and it is four-cornered, the corners being pointed to the four cardinal directions.

c7.41

**3.12** For performing the *sautrāmaṇī* sacrifice, the altar is advised to have an area one-third of the *mahāvedi*. If a third part of the *mahāvedi* is turned into a square its side will be 18 *padas*. It can also have, if one so desires, a shape in which one side is shorter and the other larger.

c7.42

c7.43

**4.1** The sacrificial chamber (*prāgvaṁśa*) is 16 *prakramas* long by 12 *prakramas* broad, or else 12 *prakramas* long by 10 *prakramas* broad.

c7.44

**4.2** (A length of) 12 *prakramas* is left in the middle between the sacrificial fires.

c7.45

**4.3** According to tradition, the *mahāvedi* measures 30 *padas* or *prakramas* on its western side, 36 (*padas* or *prakramas*) along the east-west line and 24 (*padas* or *prakramas*) on its eastern side; how it is to be measured out has been explained. The *mahāvedi* is 6 *prakramas* from the *āhavanīya* (fire towards east).

c7.46

4.4 The *sadas* (shed) lies 1 *prakrama* from there (east of the western edge of the *mahāvedi*) and is 10 *prakramas* wide (in the east-west direction) and 27 *aratnis*, according to another opinion, 18 *aratnis* long in the south-north direction.

c7.47

4.5 The *havirdhāna* (shed for the *soma*-vehicles) lies 4 *prakramas* (to the east) from there; it is a square of 10 or 12 *prakramas*; how it (such a square) is to be measured out has been explained.

c7.48

4.6 The *uttara vedi* is measured out at a distance of half a *prakrama* to the west of the pole of the *yūpāvaṭa* (sacrificial post fixed in pit). According to *soma*-sacrifice, the *uttara vedi* measures 10 *padas*; how it is to be measured has been explained.

c7.49

4.7 The *cātvāla* (pit in the ground) measures 36 *aṅgulas*, or it may have any undefined measure.

c7.50

4.8 The *uparavas* (holes over which the *soma* is ground) are each 1 *prādeśa* long, the distance between two of them being 1 *prādeśa*. A square of side equalling 1 *aratni* is made, poles are fixed at the (four) corners, and a circle of radius equal to half *prādeśa* is drawn (with each pole at the corner as centre).

c7.51

4.9 Situated at a distance of 2 *prakramas* from the eastern half of the *sadas* (shed), the *dhiṣṇya* (fires) are each 2 *prādeśas* in diameter and separated from each other by the same distance (of 2 *prādeśas*).

c7.52

4.10 The side of the (covered) place for (kindling) the *āgnīdhra* (sacrificial fire) is 5 *aratnis*.

c7.53

4.11 Thereby the *mārjālīya* (covered place for cleansing sacrificial vessels) is explained; its door is made on the northern side.

c7.54

4.12 The pits for sacrificial posts are (placed) at intervals of 1 *akṣa* (104 *aṅgulas*) and there are eleven of them as per tradition. The twentyfourth part of the sum of 10 *akṣas*, 11 *padas* and 8 *aṅgulas* is the *prakrama*. With this the altar is to be measured.

c7.55

4.13 For the *aśvamedha* (horse sacrifice), the twentyfourth part of the sum of 20 *akṣas*, 21 *padas* and 8 *aṅgulas* is the *prakrama*. With this the altar is to be measured.

c7.56

4.14 For the making of 11 pits along the eastern side, a strip of breadth half a *pada* is cut off from the eastern half of the *mahāvedi* and placed east of it in the east-west direction. In this (operation) 8 *aṅgulas* are not taken into account, and there is no mutual connection.

c7.57

4.15 The pits for the sacrificial posts are 1 *pada* (each) in diameter; the circumference of the base of the pits is 3 *padas*.

c7.58

c7.59

5.1 The area of the fire-altar made for the first time is 7½ square *puruṣa*; that for the second time 8½ (square *puruṣa*); that for the third time 9½ (square *puruṣa*). Thus by successively adding one-fold (1 square *puruṣa*), (one can go) upto 101-fold. Thus it begins with the 7-fold fire-altar (7½ square *puruṣa*) and ends with the 101-fold.

c7.60

Thereafter, to continue further, the 101-fold (fire-altar) is to be repeated (that is, after reaching 101-fold, no further increase is to be made). Otherwise, the sacrificial rite is to be performed without a fire-altar.

c7.61

The *aśvamedha* (sacrifice) is an exception. If the *aśvamedha* (requiring a fire-altar of 21½ square *puruṣa*) is performed without (the required *agni*) being reached, one fold is added to get the next higher fold (that is, 22½ *sq. puruṣa agni*); no other procedure is allowed.

c7.62

If (the required fire-altar is) surpassed, the fire-altar following the one surpassed is to be constructed.

c7.63

But how is one fold to be added ?

c7.64

The excess (to be added) to the original form (of the fire-altar) should be divided into 15 parts and two parts be added to each fold (of 1 *sq. puruṣa*; after 14 parts are in this way added to 7 folds of 7 *sq. puruṣa*, the remaining part is added to ½ *sq. puruṣa*). The (new) fire-altar is to be laid with such (increased) 7½ folds.

c7.65

The height (of the fire-altar), according to some teaching, should be increased by the twenty-fourth part of the fifth of a *jānu* (32 *aṅgulas*).

c7.66

Some construct the fire-altar from one fold (1½ *sq. puruṣa*) upwards (upto 6½ *sq. puruṣa*) without wings and tail.

c7.67

This is not justified because it contradicts earlier and later precepts.

c7.68

In this connection some *Brāhmaṇas* maintain that among the fire-altars the making of the falcon-shaped one is the first sacrificial ceremony.

c7.69

Other *Brāhmaṇas* maintain that after having constructed a larger fire-altar a smaller one should not be laid.

c7.70

Our *Brāhmaṇa* teaches as follows: he is winged for the unwinged cannot fly; the two wings are longer (than 1 *puruṣa* in each case) by 1 *aratni*, and this makes the birds strong in their wings; the two wings and the tail measure 1 *vyāma* (each).

c7.71

A falcon without wings and tail does not exist; so the fire-altar which is not seven-fold has neither wings nor tail; moreover, the construction of one-fold fire-altar after the seven-fold has been laid is inadmissible; for all this the seven-fold is the fire-altar to be made for the first time.

c7.72

The clefts are to be avoided; the meetings of edges (between bricks) in the upper and lower layer constitute these clefts, as per teachings. Such clefts, however, do not exist either in the peripheries or the two sides of a corner of the fire-altar.

c7.73

5.15 One thousand bricks are to be used when (the fire-altar is) constructed for the first time.

c7.74

5.16 This number is to be completed in the fifth layer.

c7.75

5.17 Where two hundred bricks are desired (for each layer), *pañcacūḍā* and *nākasat* (bricks) are to be counted together as one (that is, one of each type together to be considered as one brick).

c7.76

c7.77

6.1 The fire-altar indeed possesses the characteristics of an animal. The southern bones of an animal are on its southern (right) side; likewise its northern bones lie on its northern (left) side and *vice versa*. That (part) which is below (on the western side) is the same as what is above (on the eastern side). In the same manner bricks of different forms are to be placed (in the fire-altar).

c7.78

6.2 (Bricks marked with) lines turned to the right are placed on the southern side, those with lines turned to the left on the northern side, those with straight lines on the east and the west side, and those with three lines in the middle (of the fire-altar). The placing (of the bricks) in the middle (along the east-west line of the fire-altar) is to be understood in the same way as the backbone of the animal which does not lie more on one side than the other (but passes strictly along the middle of its body).

c7.79

6.3 On this the *Brāhmaṇa* has it that Prajāpati indeed is Atharvan and Agni is Dadhyaṅ, son of Atharvan, and the bricks are his bones.

c7.80

6.4 (In a fire-altar) where exterior limbs (such as head, wings, tail, feet etc.) are to be fitted (to the body, that is, the *ātman* of the altar), the middle of the side of the limb (concerned) is to be joined to the middle of that side of the body with which it (the limb) is to be in contact.

c7.81

6.5 According to tradition, it (the fire-altar) is to be laid (with its head) towards the east.

c7.82

6.6 The number of bricks is not to be completed with those which are not made of clay or which are not bricks.

c7.83

6.7 As per teachings of this *Brāhmaṇa*, one fire-altar is laid with bricks, another with animals.

c7.84

6.8 For the fire-altar has the characteristics of an animal: the *yoni* of an animal is of different forms; before laying the bricks, the sacrificial formulas from the *Yajus* text are recited.

c7.85

6.9 Things occupying space are to be placed in holes (in the ground).

c7.86

6.10 By (diagrams in the form of) circle, bull, woman, signs made on the bricks are to be understood.

c7.87

**6.11** If the number of sacrificial formulas (recited) falls short of the number of bricks, the difference is to be made good by (the sacrificial formulas called) *lokampṛṇas* because their number is unspecified.

c7.88

**6.12** Types of bricks previously used are to be placed here.

c7.89

**6.13** (There are) five *lokampṛṇas* (in every fire-altar).

c7.90

**6.14** If the number of sacrificial formulas exceeds (the number of bricks), anointed pebbles are to be placed in the interstices (between the bricks).

c7.91

**6.15** By the statements ‘he places (the bricks) to the east’, ‘he places (the bricks) to the west’ are meant the placement of types of bricks in a straight line (towards the specified direction).

c7.92

**6.16** By the statements ‘he places (the bricks) to the east’, ‘he places (the bricks) to the west’ are meant the directions faced by the constructor (of the fire-altar).

c7.93

**6.17** (Bricks) in the east are to be placed oppositely towards west and those in the west oppositely towards east; such is the rule of restriction.

c7.94

**6.18** This sort (of arrangement) is suitable for a square (fire-altar with four corners).

c7.95

c7.96

**7.1** One should not use (for the laying of the fire-altar) a broken brick, a brick which is cleft, a blackened brick (due to over or under heating), a damaged brick and a brick with scratching marks. In the layer where a brick full of natural holes (*svayamātṛṇṇā*) is used it is not to be covered (by a brick).

c7.97

**7.2** The height of the brick is to be made a fifth of the *jānu* (that is, 6⅖ *aṅgula*); that of the *nākasat* and the *pañcacoḍā* half of that measure (that is, 3⅕ *aṅgula*).

c7.98

**7.3** What is lost by drying and burning is to be made good by loose earth because of the flexibility of its quantity.

c7.99

**7.4** According to tradition, the *gārhapatya* fire has the measure of 1 *vyāyāma*.

c7.100

**7.5** It (*gārhapatya* fire) is a square by one tradition and a circle by another.

c7.101

**7.6** The (*gārhapatya* fire in the form of) square is to be divided into 7 parts (lengthwise) and then into 3 parts transversely. In the second layer, bricks are to be placed towards north (that is, the division in the first layer as aforesaid is to be reversed).

c7.102

**7.7** To place square bricks (instead of rectangular ones as indicated above), (square) bricks of sides one-sixth, one-fourth and one-third of 1 *vyāyāma* are made. Of them, 9 bricks of the first type and 12 of the second are placed in the first layer; 5 of the third type and 16 of the first are placed in the second layer.

c7.103

7.8 Within the (*gārhapatya* fire in the form of) circle a square of the maximum size possible is drawn and divided into 9 parts (squares). The segments of the circle (between the circumference and the square) are divided into 3 parts each. The second layer is placed in such a way that the corners (of the square within the circle) lie at the centres of the segments (of the first layer).

c7.104

7.9 The *dhiṣṇya* fires are one-layered in the form of a square or a circle.

c7.105

7.10 Of these (*dhiṣṇya* fires), the *āgnīdhrīya* is divided into 9 parts, and in one part a stone is to be placed (instead of a brick.)

c7.106

7.11 The *dhiṣṇya* fire of the *hotṛ* priest is divided into 9 parts and the 3 parts on the eastern side are divided into 2 parts each.

c7.107

7.12 The others (*dhiṣṇya* fires) are each divided into 9 parts and then two parts, one in the centre and the other in the east, are combined.

c7.108

7.13 Now the *mārjālīya* fire is divided into 3 parts and then the eastern and the western parts (taken together) are divided into 5 parts.

c7.109

7.14 The bricks are to be made by mixing with ashes from the caldron.

c7.110

7.15 This applies to those whose consecration lasts a year and not to those undergoing it for a smaller number of nights.

c7.111

7.16 Thus (the laying of) the fire-altar is completed with the sacrificial formulas, (recited by the priest).

c7.112

7.17 After (a fire-altar made of) three thousand (bricks), a fire-altar to be piled with metres (of the sacred hymns) is to be laid. This is because of a difference in the wish. This (fire-altar) is falcon-shaped, as it is natural (for all such fire-altars).

c7.113

c7.114

8.1 Now he who desires heaven is to construct a fire-altar in the form of a falcon.

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8.2 It is of two different forms; one has its body in the form of a square and the other in the form of a falcon.

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8.3 This is the tradition of both the *Brāhmaṇas*.

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8.4 Five (bricks) are placed in the southern corner and five in the northern. '(Let there be) the strength of the goat',—with these (words) he places (the bricks) in the southern corner; '(Let there be) the strength of the bull',—with these he places in the northern corner; '(Let there be) the strength of the tiger',—with these he places in the southern wing; '(Let there be) the strength of the lion',—with these he places in the northern wing; and '(Let there be) the strength of the man',—with these he places in the middle. (This is one *Brāhmaṇa*).

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8.5 The other *Brāhmaṇa* is: The fire-altar is that which is constructed in the likeness of the birds, that is, after the shadow cast by them while flying.

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**8.6** 'To distinguish between the divine and the human (purposes), the fire-altar is to be constructed with square bricks',—thus teaches the *Maitrāyaṇī Brāhmaṇa*.

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**8.7** For (constructing) this (fire-altar), (square) bricks (of sides) the fourth, the fifth, the sixth and the tenth part (of a *puruṣa*, that is 30, 24, 20 and 12 *aṅgulas* respectively) are made.

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**8.8** Now the (area of the) fire-altar is measured out.

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**8.9** Two holes are made on a bamboo rod at a distance equal to the height of a man with uplifted arms; a third hole is made at the middle. What (measurement) is done elsewhere with the cord is done here with the bamboo rod.

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**8.10** The body (of the fire-altar) is a square of 4 *puruṣa*; its (southern) wing is a square of 1 *puruṣa* made longer on the southern side by 1 *aratni* and its northern wing is explained in the same way; its tail is a square of 1 *puruṣa* lengthened on the western side by 1 *prādeśa*. Thus, with the addition of (two) *aratnis* and (one) *prādeśa*, the seven-fold (fire-altar of 7½ sq. *puruṣa*) is accomplished.

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**8.11** In the placement (of bricks) at a distance of one-third *puruṣa* (40 *aṅgulas*) to the north from the end of the (southern) wing, 4 bricks of side equal to one-fifth (of a *puruṣa*) and 2 quarter bricks (one-fourth of the area of a *pañcamī* brick, that is, 12 sq. *aṅgula*) (are placed). Thereafter 8 bricks of side equal to one-fourth (of a *puruṣa*) (are placed). The remaining space of the (southern) wing is covered with bricks of side equal to one-sixth (of a *puruṣa*). Thereby the northern wing is explained.

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**8.12** Bricks of side equal to one-fourth (of a *puruṣa*) are to be placed on the eastern and the western side of the tail, and quarter bricks on its southern and northern side. The remaining space of the fire-altar is to be covered with bricks of side equal to one-fifth (of a *puruṣa*).

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**8.13** This is one layer of 200 bricks.

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**8.14** In the other layer, at a distance of half a *vyāyāma* (48 *aṅgulas*) to the north from the (southern) end of the wing, 3 rows of 3 bricks each of side equal to one-sixth (of a *puruṣa*) alternating with 2 rows of 2 bricks each of side equal to 2 *padas* (30 *aṅgulas*) are placed. The same (is done) for the northern (wing).

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**8.15** In the south-western corner (of the body), 9 bricks of side equal to one-sixth (of a *puruṣa*) are arranged in the form of a square; the same (is done) for the north-western corner.

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**8.16** 9 bricks of side equal to one-sixth (of a *puruṣa*) alternating with 2 bricks of side equal to 2 *padas* are to be placed from the south-eastern corner (of the body) to the north-eastern.

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**8.17** The rest of the fire-altar is to be covered with bricks of side equal to one-fifth (of a *puruṣa*).

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**8.18** This is (another) layer of 200 bricks. (With these two types) alternating with each other, as many layers as desired are to be constructed.

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**9.1** Now another type (of square *śyenacit*).

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**9.2** (For this are required bricks of side equal to) one-fifth (*pañcamī*) of a *puruṣa*; (those) with one side longer by half (*adhyardhā*) of one-fifth (of a *puruṣa*); (these equal to) a half of its size (*ardhyā* of the *pañcamī*); and (those equal to) a quarter of its size (*pādyā* of the *pañcamī*).

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**9.3** In the placement (of bricks), half bricks (half of *pañcamī*) turned towards north are placed on the eastern and the western side of the (southern) wing; the same (is done) for the northern (wing).

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**9.4** 4 bricks longer by half and turned towards north (are placed) on each of the southern and northern side of the tail; 4 half bricks turned towards north (are placed) on the western side of the tail; and 2 quarter bricks on either side of them (that is, in two corners of the tail's west end). 1 half brick turned towards east (is to be placed) at each of the two places where the tail is joined with the hind part (of the body) (that is, at two corners of the eastern side of the tail).

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**9.5** The rest of the fire-altar is to be covered with *pañcamī* (bricks).

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**9.6** This is one layer of 200 bricks.

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**9.7** In the other layer, 4 quarter bricks (are placed) on each in the 4 corners of the body; 2 half bricks on two sides of them (in each corner); 5 half bricks on the eastern front (of the body).

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**9.8** At the end of each wing, 3 bricks longer by half (are placed) oriented towards north and 1 half brick (is placed) in each of the interstices between them (*adhyardhā* bricks).

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**9.9** The rest of the fire-altar is to be covered with *pañcamī* (bricks).

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**9.10** This is (another) layer of 200 bricks. (With these two layers) alternating with each other, as many layers as desired are to be constructed.

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**10.1** Now (is described the construction of a fire-altar in the form of a falcon) with curved wings and extended tail.

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**10.2** Bricks for this (fire-altar) are made with side equal to one-fourth (*caturthī*) of a *puruṣa*; (then those equal to) a half of its size (*ardhyā* of *caturthī*) and a quarter of its size (*pādyā* of *caturthī*). The cutting (of the *caturthī* brick to obtain its half and quarter) is always to be done diagonally in the absence of any advice to the contrary.

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**10.3** (Then one should make) quarter bricks (with the same area as that of a *caturthī-pādyā*) bounded by four sides (measuring) ½ *pada*, 1 *pada*, 1½ *pada* and √2 *pada*. Two of them touching each other along their long sides (1½ *pada*) are made into (another) half brick (called *haṁsamukhī*, swan beaked, with the same area as that of a *caturthī-ardhyā*).

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**10.4** The fire-altar is now measured out. The body is 2 *puruṣas* (240 *aṅgulas*) in length by 10 *padas* (150 *aṅgulas*) in breadth. From its south-eastern corner towards north a mark is given at a distance of 1½ *prakrama* (45 *aṅgulas*); the same (is done) towards west. By stretching a cord over these (two marks), the (south-eastern) corner is to be cut off. Thereby is explained the cutting off of other (three) corners. This makes the body (*ātman*).

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**10.5** The head is of 5½ *padas* (82½ *aṅgulas*) in length by ½ *puruṣa* (60 *aṅgulas*) in breadth. The two eastern corners of it are cut off with 1 *prakrama* (30 *aṅgulas*).

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**10.6** The tail measures 6 *padas* (90 *aṅgulas*) in the east-west and 2 *puruṣas* (240 *aṅgulas*) in the south-north direction. The two eastern corners of it are cut off with 3 *prakramas* (90 *aṅgulas*) each.

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**10.7** The (southern) wing is of 12 *padas* (180 *aṅgulas*) in length (along north-south) and 10 *padas* (150 *aṅgulas*) in breadth (along east-west). A pole is fixed at a distance of 6 *padas* (90 *aṅgulas*) to the east from the middle (of its western side) and at each of the two south-western corners (of the rectangular wing). With a cord (stretching between these three poles, a triangular area) is to be enclosed. The (triangular) area enclosed by the cord is to be cut off and placed on the eastern side (of the wing) (with its vertex) pointing towards east. This is the bending (of the wing). Thereby the bending of the northern wing is explained.

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**10.8** At the end of each wing, 5 squares of side equal to 1 *prakrama* (30 *aṅgulas*) are laid (in a row) so as to be in contact with each other; all of them are intersected diagonally in the downward direction (by joining the north-east corner to the south-east); and a half portion is removed (from each square).

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**10.9** Thus, with the addition of (two) *aratnis* and (one) *prādeśa*, the seven-fold (fire-altar of 7½ sq. *puruṣa*) is accomplished.

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**10.10** In the placement (of bricks), 1 *caturthī* is to be placed in the head at its junction (with the body) and 1 *haṁsamukhī* (swan-beaked) to the east of it. 2 quarter bricks are placed on two sides (of the *haṁsamukhī*), 3 four-sided quarter bricks below them on each side (of the head), and quarter bricks in the remaining space (of the head).

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**10.11** Alternatively, 1 *haṁsamukhī* brick is to be placed at the (eastern) extremity of the head and 1 *caturthī* below it, to be flanked by 1 quarter brick on either side. 3 four-sided quarter bricks are placed to the west (of these two quarter bricks) and on each side (of the head) and quarter bricks in the remaining space (of the head).

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**10.12** 5 quarter bricks mutually joined with one another are to be placed to the west of the head (on the eastern end of the body) and the same to the east of the tail (on the western end of the body). Half bricks as well as quarter bricks are to be placed in the truncated parts.

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**10.13** The rest of the fire-altar is to be covered with *caturthī* bricks. The number (of 200 bricks) is to be completed with quarter bricks and half bricks.

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**10.14** This is one layer of 200 bricks.

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**10.15** In the other layer, 4 *haṁsamukhī* bricks are to be joined with 4 quarter bricks so as to form a rectangle; this is placed breadth-wise in the space of the *svayamātṛṇṇa*.

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**10.16** At the junction of the tail (with the body), 2 *haṁsamukhī* bricks, (with their vertices) turned towards west and their ½ *pāda* sides lying within the body, are to be placed and below them and on both sides 3 quarter bricks (with their vertices) turned towards east.

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**10.17** At the western end of the tail 15 quarter bricks mutually joined with one another are to be placed.

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**10.18** In the plumages of the wing 2 quarter bricks alternating with 1 half brick are to be placed (from the west) to the east.

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**10.19** In the truncated areas at the joints (between the body and the wing, the bendings of the wing etc.), half bricks and quarter bricks are to be placed.

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**10.20** The rest of the fire-altar is to be covered with *caturthī* bricks. The number (of 200 bricks) is to be completed with quarter bricks and half bricks.

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**11.1** Now another type (of falcon-shaped fire-altar with curved wings and extended tail).

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**11.2** (In this case) the seven-fold (fire-altar) with (two) *aratnis* and (one) *prādeśa* is accomplished with 187½ (square bricks) of side equal to one-fifth of a *puruṣa* (*pañcamī*).

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**11.3** The body can accommodate 52 of such (*pañcamī* bricks), the head 3½, the tail 15, southern wing 58½ and the northern wing the same (number of bricks as the southern).

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**11.4** The corners (of the rectangular body) are cut off with ½ *vyāyāma* (48 *aṅgulas*); the tail is inclined; the bending of the two wings is done with 3 *aratnis* (72 *aṅgulas*) each; the six plumages (at each end of the wings) are to be made with the half of bricks longer on one side by half (that is, half of *adhyardhā*- *pañcamī*); the form of the head remains unchanged (that is, the same as that of the falcon-shaped fire-altar described before).

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**11.5** The different types of bricks (required for this fire-altar) are as follows.

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**11.6** Bricks of side equal to one-fifth of a *puruṣa* (*pañcamī*, 24 *aṅg.* × 24 *aṅg.*); bricks of which one side is longer by half (*adhyardhā*) (36 *aṅg.* × 24 *aṅg.*); bricks of which one side is longer by a quarter (*sapādā*, 30 *aṅg.* × 24 *aṅg.*); bricks which are quarter in size of those with side equal to one-fifth (of a *puruṣa*) (*pañcamī-pādyā*); bricks which are half in size (of the above, e.g., *pañcamī-ardhyā*); likewise, of bricks with side longer by half (that is, half and two types of quarter bricks made out of *adhyardhās*); triangular bricks made by joining two eighth parts, one from each of them (the eighth part of a *pañcamī* to be joined with the eighth part of an *adhyardhā*, called *ubhayī*); and bricks of which one eighth the size of those with side equal to one-fifth (of a *puruṣa*). These are the ten (different types).

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**11.7** The *pañcamī* bricks and their halves are to be placed in the body and the same in the tail.

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**11.8** The *adhyardhā* bricks and their halves (are to be placed) in the two wings.

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**11.9** In the head (are to be placed) such bricks as are possible (as can be accommodated).

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**11.10** In the other layer, 1 *ubhayī* brick (formed by combining the eighth part of a *pañcamī* with the eighth part of an *adhyardhā*) is to be placed at the eastern end of the (line of) junction of each wing (with the body); 1 *ubhayī* brick each at the western end (of the same line of junction); and 2 *ubhayī* bricks are to be placed on each side of the head.

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**11.11** At the western end of the tail, *adhyardhā* bricks (with the longer side) turned towards east, and at the two sides (western corners), bricks of size one-fourth and one-eighth (of a *pañcamī*) (are to be placed).

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**11.12** *Adhyardhā* bricks and parts thereof (are to be placed) in the two wings.

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**11.13** The remaining space (of the fire-altar) is to be filled with bricks such that these fit, the required number (of 200 bricks in the layer) is attained and the properties (of the fire-altar) are satisfied.

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**12.1** The body and the tail of the kite-shaped fire-altar (*kaṅkacit*) are explained in the same manner (as those of the *śyenacit* just described).

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**12.2** 5 (*pañcamī*) bricks are to be accommodated in the head whose shape has been explained.

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**12.3** 57 (*pañcamī*) bricks are to be accommodated in the southern wing and the the same in the northern.

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12.4 The bending of the two wings is done with 1 *vyāyāma* plus 1 *prādeśa* (that is, with 108 *aṅgulas*). 6 plumages (at each end of the two wings) are to be formed with 6 *pañcamī* half bricks. (An area equivalent to) 1½ *pañcamī* is left.

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12.5 With this (area left out), two feet each measuring 1 *aratni* (24 *aṅgulas*) long by 1 *prādeśa* (12 *aṅgulas*) broad are made on the western end of the tail at a distance of 1 *aratni* from each other; at each side of the western end (of each foot) 2 bricks of size one-eighth (of the *pañcamī*) (are placed).

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12.6 Thus, with the addition of (two) *aratnis* and (one) *prādeśa*, the seven-fold (fire-altar of 7½ sq. *puruṣa*) is accomplished.

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12.7 The different types of bricks (required for this fire-altar) are as follows: bricks of side equal to one-fifth (of a *puruṣa*) and parts thereof (half, quarter and one-eighth of *pañcamī* bricks); quarter bricks (having the area of a quarter *pañcamī*) bounded by four sides (measuring) ½ *prādeśa* (6 *aṅgulas*), 1½ *prādeśa* (18 *aṅgulas*), 1 *prādeśa* (12 *aṅgulas*) and √2 *prādeśa* (12√2 *aṅgulas*); *adhyardhā* bricks (having the area of 1½ *pañcamī*) bounded by four sides (measuring) ½ *vyāyāma* (48 *aṅgulas*), 1 *aratni* (24 *aṅgulas*), 1 *aratni* (24 *aṅgulas*) and √2 *aratni* (24√2 *aṅgulas*). These make six (types).

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12.8 Of them, four-sided quarter bricks together with the one-eighths are placed in two feet, and the remaining space is to be filled with bricks such that these fit, the required number (of 200 bricks in the layer) is attained and the properties (of the fire-altar) are satisfied.

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13.1 The body, the head and the tail of the fire-altar in the form of an *alaja* bird are explained in the same manner (as those of the *kaṅkacit*) with the two feet withdrawn.

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13.2 63 (*pañcamī*) bricks are to be accommodated in the southern wing and the same in the northern.

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13.3 The bending of the two wings is done with 1 *puruṣa* (120 *aṅgulas*).

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13.4 From (a pole fixed at a distance of) 1 *aratni* (24 *aṅgulas*) towards east from the western bend, a cord is stretched along the (line of) intersection of the westernmost plumage, and (the part lying west of the cord) cut off.

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13.5 In this way (an area equivalent to) 5½ *pañcamī* (bricks) stands removed.

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13.6 1 quarter brick is placed at each western bend (to fill up the triangular void caused by the aforesaid removal). Out of the brick types the four-sided quarter bricks and the one-eighths are to be taken away, and the remaining space (of the fire-altar) is to be filled with (remaining types of) bricks such that these fit, the required number (of 200 bricks in the layer) is attained and the properties (of the fire-altar) are satisfied.

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**14.1** A fire-altar in the form of an isosceles triangle (*prauga*) is to be constructed as follows.

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**14.2** An isosceles triangle equal in area to the (seven-fold) fire-altar with (two) *aratnis* and (one) *prādeśa* (that is, 7½ sq. *puruṣa*) is laid. Bricks (called *bṛhatī*) of length equal to one-twelfth of its western side and breadth equal to half (of the length) are to be made; then bricks which are half and quarter (of the *bṛhatīs*).

Linked texts (5)

Baudhāyanaśulbasūtra — Baudhāyana, Sanskrit
Āśvalāyanaśrautasūtra — Āśvalāyana, Sanskrit
Āpastambaśulbasūtra — Āpastamba, Sanskrit
Veda — Sanskrit
Brāhmaṇa — Sanskrit