The Science of House Building

If the foundation nail is placed in the northern corner of the world,
Enemies will multiply and fire hazards will surely follow. (82)
If one places the timber in the exact center of the house,
Wealth will vanish from the hands and the protector of the house will perish.
Slowly observe the center of the great dwelling;
It is a debt that cannot be repaid if the alignment is joined there. (83)
The base shall be at the bottom and the tip shall be at the top;
Understand all the steps of the foundation according to this rule.
If the completion is reached, the source remains within,
As declared by the sages who beheld the fragrant feet of the Divine. (84)

Grammar for Setting Pillars and Hand-Railing

If the forest timber is cut during the Moon's phase Monday, the hand-rail set on a strong Wednesday,
The roofing completed by destiny on a Friday, and the house-warming done on a Thursday,
Even if enemies come with conspiracies or fire surrounds the dwelling,
The inhabitants will live with the love of the golden Indra King of the Gods.

(Meaning): If you plant the pillar on a Monday, set the hand-rail on a Wednesday, roof the house on a Friday, and enter to reside on a Thursday, you will obtain the eight forms of wealth like Lord Indra and live for a long time with undiminishing fame. (85)

Rules for Placing the Doorframe

Divide the measured cubits of the chosen house site
Into nine equal parts; leave three parts to the left,
And leave the remaining parts to the right; in the portion that stands between,
Place the entrance with love, as the ancients have prescribed. (86)
Measure the cubits of the flawless house;
For human beings, the entrance should be to the left of the center.
O one with tresses sweet as honey! For the Gods, the center
Is the proper place for the entrance, as known by the wise. (87)

Rules for the Door-Pivot and Double-Holes for Bolts

Another Verse

For the tongue-groove the joint, the three-part middle is the center;
For the pillar and the door-frame, this is the same.
For the top and the bottom, the middle is the body;
Align the palm-leaf measurements and the marking-thread accordingly.

Distinguishing Male and Female in Timber—Another Verse

If the base and the tip are of equal thickness, they call it a "Neuter" tree.
If the base is thick, it is "Female"; if the tip is thick, it is "Male."
Use these for beautiful pillars, curves, and half-beams;
For rafters and cross-beams, any of these may be used as appropriate. (88)