On the Calculation of Auspicious Dimensions

May there be success. original: "Heravaram..." likely a corrupted invocation to Ganesha For the construction of a glorious house or vehicle, one must apply the following calculations.

The doors and the placement of women referring to the female quarters or the orientation of the 'Vastu-Purusha' should be beneficial, avoiding anger or distress. The eight directions are governed by the archetypes: the Crow, the Elephant, the Lion, the Cat, the Smoke, the Flag, the Bull, and the Donkey. These are the 'Eight Vargas' used in Vastu Shastra to determine the energy of a plot based on the remainder of a mathematical division.

The Flag Among these, the Flag, the Elephant, the Lion, and the Bull are considered auspicious by the wise. The Lion is powerful over the Elephant and the Bull; a house built in its lineage varga brings strength. In the southern and eastern directions, these entrances bring great wealth and happiness.

When the Guru Jupiter is presiding over the residence, the Flag orientation brings white-colored pure fame. However, if the proportions are diminished, Lakshmi the goddess of wealth departs, and the house may become haunted by spirits or demons.

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The Application of Animal Archetypes

The wise should avoid the following pairings in construction, as they represent natural enemies: the Cat and the Mouse, the Lion and the Elephant, the Dog and the Deer, the Snake and the Mongoose. This refers to the 'Varga-Vairya' or natural enmity between certain architectural dimensions that can cause strife for the inhabitants.

Day One must calculate the lunar constellations Nakshatras starting from Ashwini. Avoid the five-fold defects in the cycle. The fifth, seventh, and ninth lunar mansions are particularly troublesome, while others provide comfort and health.

Even a small virtue can outweigh a minor fault, but the wise must protect the structure from major defects. Just as a drop of water can eventually wear down a mountain peak, small errors in calculation can lead to ruin.

On Public Works and Merit

Thus ends the second chapter of the treatise.

The construction of step-wells Bapi: a well with steps, wells Kupa: a standard deep well, tanks Tadaga: a reservoir or pond, temples, and groves, as well as the performance of sacrifices and the giving of daughters in marriage—all these are acts of merit. O Kings, he who causes these to be made for the public good, especially in difficult forts where people find no rest, achieves eternal victory.

The Lion-like king who builds a fort on a mountain or a stronghold in the forest conquers his enemies. Whether it be a water-fort or a desert-fort, the protection of the people is the highest duty.