Let us enter the sacred teachings of Agni, who reveals the secrets of auspicious materials and the arrangement of the Vāstu-puruṣa, guiding the wise through the creation of harmonious spaces and the worship of the divine. First, Agni describes the vajra, the true thunderbolt gem. Such a vajra is remarkable: it passes through water without losing its integrity, is unbreakable and flawless, six-angled like the sacred geometry, and shimmers with rainbow hues. It is light and radiant, shining like the sun, and brings auspiciousness wherever it is found. Its surface resembles the bright half of the moon, smooth, lustrous, and pure, adorned with fine dots of emerald that glisten like gold dust. Agni then speaks of other precious stones. The padmarāga gems, born of crystal, are vivid in color and extremely pure. Jātavaṅga gems arise from the Kuruvinda stone, each possessing unique qualities. Pearls, too, have many origins and virtues: those produced from fragrant sources are tinged with red; those from shells are the finest among pure pearls; and those from conch are superior, O sage. Pearls arising from elephant tusks, pots, boars, and fish are all excellent. Those from bamboo and snakes are considered the best, but the pearl from a serpent is supreme above all. Turning to the marks of the Vāstu-puruṣa, Agni explains their significance for Brāhmaṇas and others. The Vāstu-puruṣa appears in four colors—white, red, yellow, and black—each in a specific order. The land chosen for building should be abundant in fragrant ghee, blood, food, and liquor, and possess sweet, astringent, and sour tastes, making it suitable for habitation. The site must be covered with kuśa grass, reeds, sky, or dūrvā grass, and after worshipping the Brāhmaṇas, the previously excavated ground should be prepared. Sixty-four squares are drawn, and Brahmā is placed at the center in a fourfold division. In the east, the lord of the house and Aryaman are assigned. To the south, Vivasvat; to the west, Mitra; to the north, Mahīdhara and Āpavat; and at the corners, Vahviga. Sāvitra and Savitṛ reside in the southwest, Jayendra and Rudra with Vyādhi in the northwest, and at the eastern entrance, Koṇaga and Vahi. Mahendra, Ravi, Satya, and Bhṛśa are in the east and south; in the west, Gṛhakṣata, Aryaman, Dhṛti, Gandharvas, and Varuṇa. Puṣpadanta, Asuras, Varuṇa, and Yakṣa are also there. In the northeast, Bhallāṭa, Soma, Aditi, and Dhanada are present. Nāga and Karagraha are in the northeast, remembered in each direction, and the two deities placed there are called lords of the house. Parjanya is the first deity, followed by Karagraha, along with Mahendra, Ravi, Satya, Bhṛśa, and Gagan. Roga is principal in the northwest; in the south, Puṣpa and Vittada. Gṛhakṣata, Yasa, Bhṛśa, Gandharva, Nāga, and Paitṛka are also present. In the northeast dwell Dauvārika, Sugrīva, Puṣpadanta the asura, water, yakṣmā (disease), and dryness; in the north, Nāgarājaka. Foremost among the deities are Bhallāṭa, Śaśin, Aditi, and Kuvera; Nāga and Hutāśa are excellent, while Śakra and Sūrya are in the east. In the south are Gṛhakṣata and Puṣpa; in the northeast, Sugrīva is supreme. Puṣpadanta stands at the northern gate, and Bhallāṭa is Puṣpadantaka. After worshipping the arrangement of stones and bricks with mantras, one should perform rites for the gods: in Nanda, Nandaya, and Vāsiṣṭha, with the Vasus and their offspring. In victory, with the Phārgava lineage, one brings forth the increase of progeny; in fullness, with the Āṅgirasa lineage, the complete desire is fulfilled. In auspiciousness, with the Kāśyapa lineage, a favorable mind is granted, endowed with all seeds and surrounded by gems and medicinal herbs. In the beautiful Nandana, in Nanda, in Vāsiṣṭha, may delight flourish, O goddess, daughter of Prajāpati, in the four-sided, earth-filled place. O fortunate, virtuous, and auspicious one, may Kāśyapi delight in the house, honored by supreme teachers and adorned with fragrances and garlands. O goddess, bring prosperity to the house; may Kāśyapi delight in the unobstructed, unbroken, full house of the son of the sage Āṅgirasa. On the brick, the desired object is offered, and the foundation is established in the domain of the lord of the land, the lord of the city, the lord of the house, and the possessions. May increase come to humans, wealth, elephants, horses, and cattle. Upon entering the house, one should perform the laying of stones. To the north stands the auspicious Plakṣa tree; speech emanates from the east; Udumbara is to the south, and in the west, the excellent Aśvattha tree. On the left side, a garden or auspicious dwelling should be made in the house. In the evening and morning, for the attainment of dharma, especially in the cold season and at the end of the day, during rainy nights when the ground is dry, one should water the planted trees, mixing virāṅga and ghee and using cold water. When fruit is lacking, one should use kulattha, māṣa, mudga, sesame, and barley, always pouring ghee and cold milk for fruit and flowers. Watering with fish water promotes tree growth, as does sheep dung powder, barley powder, and sesame seeds. Cow meat and water should be kept for seven nights; sprinkling all trees brings growth of fruit and flowers. Cold fish water is recommended for watering mango trees; for Aśoka trees, striking the roots of the Kāminī plant is praised. Dates, coconuts, and similar items, together with salt, increase nourishment. All cravings are auspiciously satisfied by vidanga, fish, and meat. Agni then reveals the worship with flowers. By offering flowers, Viṣṇu grants success in all undertakings. Mālatī, mallikā, yūthī, pāṭalā, and karavīra flowers are used. Pāvanī, atimukta, karṇikāra, kuraṇṭaka, kubjaka, tagara, nīpa, vāṇa, and varvapa-mallikā are also suitable. Aśoka, tilaka, and kunda flowers, along with tamāla leaves, bilva leaves, śamī leaves, and bhṛṅgarāja leaves, are appropriate for worship. Tulasi, kāla-tulasi leaves, vāsaka, ketakī leaves and flowers, lotus, red lotus, and similar flowers are used as well. Nārkka, unmattaka, kaṅgāñcī, and girimallikā are suitable for worship; however, kauṭaja and śālmalī flowers, and those with thorns, are not appropriate. Thus, through these divine instructions, Agni imparts the wisdom of auspicious materials, sacred arrangements, and proper worship, ensuring prosperity, harmony, and success for all who follow his guidance.