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...should be constructed according to the layout of the sun's rays. || 36 ||
Thus ends the fourth chapter, titled "Characteristics of Walls, Gates, and Tanks," in the glorious Vastu Shastra The science of architecture and environmental harmony known as the Rajavallabha. || 4 ||
Now, I shall describe the construction of palaces and forests likely referring to royal gardens or groves according to the constellations. For a king, a house measuring one hundred hastas cubit; the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18 inches is considered best. || 1 ||
As the ancient sages have stated, a house for a king should be one hundred cubits long. For others, it may be reduced by three cubits or increased by ten, according to the owner's status. || 2 ||
For one who possesses a hundred thousand villages, the circular mandala sacred architectural grid is appropriate. || 3 ||
For those blessed with wealth, the house should be eighty cubits, or reduced by two cubits. This is considered excellent for them. || 5 ||
For a leader of five hundred, the house should be fifty cubits. For others, the measurement is eight-fold. || 6 ||
The measurement of seven "oceans" symbolic number 4 or 7 and eight "Vasus" symbolic number 8 is used for the inner rooms. || 7 ||
Even if reduced by fifty, the measurement remains auspicious if done correctly. || 8 ||
9 || A verse: For the skilled ministers and advisors, the length should be one hundred cubits, or reduced by one. For the commanders of the army, twenty cubits more than the standard is prescribed by the learned or the masters of the science illegible?.
Chapter 5
Even for the soldiers, the houses should be built according to the measurements of ten cubits as established by the sages. || 9 ||
The houses of the ministers should be built according to their authority; the length should be one-tenth greater than the width, or increased by a fifth part. || 10 ||
A house measuring four cubits is said to remove diseases and grant peace. Beyond that, measurements can increase by two cubits at a time, which is considered beneficial. || 11 ||
For a house of eight cubits, the second story should be ten cubits. Such palaces and mansions are described in this world by the sages as being like ornaments. || 10 || The numbering in the original manuscript repeats or fluctuates here.
According to the scriptures, the height should be five cubits, or up to twenty. The thickness of the wall should be one-sixteenth of the height, or a quarter of a cubit. For a beautiful appearance, it can be sixteen cubits or reduced by half, as composed by the sages for the attainment of welfare. || 1 ||
The length should be pleasing like the moon, bringing great fortune. The height of the plinth the base of the building should be determined by the width. For a house of ten cubits, the elevation of the pedestal should be proportional. The moldings of the pedestal should be in groups of three, four, or three. || 12 ||
Or, according to the school of Vasistha a legendary sage, the measurements are given in fingers those joined together by the width of a thumb for the middle and lower sections.