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X KÂNDA, 2 ADHYAYA, 3 BRAHMANA, 15.
311
10. He then measures (a cord) twenty-four steps long, and lays it sevenfold : of this he covers three parts in front (with bricks), and leaves four (parts) free? This, then, is the measuring out of the Vedi.
11. Now as to the (other) forms of the fire-altar.' Twenty-eight man's lengths long (from west to east) and twenty-eight man's lengths across is the body (of the altar), fourteen man's lengths the right, and fourteen the left wing, and fourteen the tail. Fourteen cubits (aratni) he covers (with bricks) on the right, and fourteen on the left wing, and fourteen spans (vitasti) on the tail. Such is the measure of (an altar of) ninety-eight man's lengths with the additional space (for wings and tail).
12. He now measures a cord of three man's lengths, and lays it sevenfold : of this he covers (the space of) four parts (with bricks) on the body (of the altar); and three parts on the wings and tail.
13. He then measures one three cubits long, and lays it sevenfold: of this he covers (the space of) · three parts on the right, and three on the left wing, and leaves four (parts) free.
14. He then measures one a span long, and lays it sevenfold : of this he covers (the space of) three parts on the tail, and leaves four (parts) free. In this way does this one hundred and one-fold (Agni) correspond to this Vedi.
15. As to this they say, 'When thirteen man's lengths are over, how is it that these do not deviate
This gives 104 (out of 72) feet for each part, or 304 feet for the front, or eastern, side of the altar. The measurements here given are intended as a refinement on the usual square shape of the fire-altar.
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