The Shulbasutras of Baudhayana, Apastamba, Katyayana and Manava: With Text, English Translation and Commentary c8.t5.18

c8.t5.18

In the construction of fire-altars from 8½ to 101½ sq. *puruṣas*, how the units in sq. *puruṣas* are proportionately increased has been discussed. After all these are not normal constructions and are done in the construction for second and third time. In the second and third construction the fire-altar is constructed with more bricks and increased height. As regards its height and the number of bricks to be used in its construction, the *Taittirīya Saṃhitā* writes: “He should pile (the fire) of a thousand (bricks) when first piling (it); this world is commensurate with a thousand; verily he conquers this world. He should pile (it) of two thousands, when piling a second time, the atmosphere is commensurate with two thousands; verily he conquers the atmosphere. He should pile (it) of three thousands, verily he conquers yonder world. Knee-deep should he pile (it) when piling for the first time, verily with the *gāyatrī* he mounts this world; naval-deep should he pile it when piling for the second time, verily with the *triṣṭubh*, he mounts the atmosphere; neck-deep should he pile (it) when piling for the third time, verily with the *jagatī*, he mounts the yonder world''.a (Keith's translation):