The Science of House Building

If the water swirls to the right toward the rising sun, we shall prosper;
If it circles the earth to the left, ancient diseases will surely follow.
(Meaning) Dig a square pit in the center of the house site, one cubit A 'muzham' or cubit is the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18 inches. wide and one cubit deep. Fill that pit with water and flowers. If the flowers and water swirl clockwise (to the right), it is auspicious. If they swirl counter-clockwise (to the left), it signifies sorrow. — Verse 66

Testing the pit by filling it at twilight

If you fill it with water and leave it, then at the rising of the sun,
If the water remains at a level of five parts, it is excellent;
If the water has dried up and the earth is cracked,
The learned say it foretells imprisonment and disease.

(Meaning) Fill the aforementioned pit with water at dusk. Come and observe it at sunrise: if the water remains at a level of three handfuls, there will be great enjoyment and prosperity. If the water has completely dried up, evil will occur. If the water has dried and the earth is cracked, it signifies suffering including imprisonment and illness. — Verse 67

Filling the pit with the excavated earth

If the earth taken from the measured pit is replaced and it overflows,
Abundant wealth will follow; if it is level, there is no great gain;
If it sinks like a hollow in a pond, wealth will diminish;
O lady with jewelry! This is what the great sages have declared.

(Meaning) Pour the earth that was previously dug out back into the pit. If the soil is in excess (overflows), there will be profit. If it is exactly level, income and expenses will be equal. If the soil is insufficient to fill the hole, wealth will decrease and expenses will mount. — Verse 68

The Foundation and the Installation of the Consecrated Conch

(Commentary) Divide the Chara Vastu Purusha The 'Moving Vastu Purusha' is the personification of the site's energy, believed to shift positions throughout the year. into parts. From the head, move five parts away; of the remaining three parts, set aside two parts. In the third part, it is best to begin the foundation or perform the Sanku Sthapana The ritual installation of a consecrated conch or a central pillar/peg to mark the beginning of construction.. The aforementioned Chara Vastu always lies still in this manner.

The Method of Foundation and Conch Installation

In a house site, the Vastu lies with his head in the Northeast (Ishana) corner and his feet in the Southwest (Niruti) corner, facing downward. From the head, move 6 parts away; of the remaining 5 parts, divide into three; set aside two and in the other part, it is auspicious to lay the foundation and perform the Sanku Sthapana.

Characteristics of the Master Architect

Adorned with golden ornaments, with a steady hand,
With the heart of Shiva in his mind, and free from doubt...
The text cuts off here, describing the spiritual and physical requirements of a 'Shilpacharya' or Master Architect.