स्थानं विमर्दितं कुर्यात्खनित्वा सेचयेज्जलैः
After digging, one should make the place smooth and sprinkle it with water.
अर्कांगुलमितं सूत्रं चतुरस्रं प्रकल्पयेत्
Using a thread measured by the sun's finger, prepare a square.
मापयेत्तेन मानेन त्रिवृत्तं कुंडमुज्ज्वलम्
With that measure, mark out a threefold circular altar, shining.
वृत्तानि कालिकादीनि बहिस्त्रीणि विवर्जयेत्
Exclude three outer circles, such as those of Kālika and others.
दशधा भेदयेत्क्षेत्रे उर्ध्वाधोर्ध्वांगुलद्वयम्
Divide the area tenfold, each division being two fingers in height.
पंचधा भेदिते क्षेत्रे कामं वा विभजेत्सुधीः 2.1.13.
If the area is divided fivefold, a wise person may further subdivide as desired.
योनिस्थानं प्रतिष्ठाप्य अश्वत्थस्य दलाकृतिः
Establish the place of origin, shaped like a leaf of the ashvattha tree.
चतुरस्रं समुद्धृत्य सूत्रं संकल्पयोगतः
Having drawn a square, let the thread be arranged according to the prescribed method.
शृंगाटकं युग्मपुटं षडस्रं कुंडत्रयं बुधाः
The wise should make a śṛṅgāṭaka, a double leaf, a hexagon, and three types of fire-pits.
चतुस्रं भवेत्कुंडं द्विजसंस्कारकर्मणि
For the rites of initiation for twice-born, the fire-pit should be square.
वसुंधरायोगभेदे प्रपंचे वर्तमादिशेत्
According to the distinctions of the earth and its connection, one should indicate the beginning in the world.
अंकुरार्पणयागे च वैष्णवे यागकर्मणि
In the rite of offering sprouts and in Vaishnava sacrificial acts,
मार्जारपौष्टिके वैरं रम्ये च शांतिके तथा
In the rites for nourishing cats, for enmity, in pleasing rituals, and for pacification,
पुरश्चरणकाम्येषु ज्वरादीनां विमोक्षणे
In rites for accomplishment, in the removal of fevers and similar afflictions,
देवतातीर्थयात्रादौ महायुद्धप्रवेशने
At the beginning of pilgrimages to holy places, and when entering into great battles,
मारणोच्चाटने चैव तथा रोगोपशांतये 2.1.13.
Also in rites for destruction and expulsion, as well as for the alleviation of diseases.
अष्टास्रमब्जकुंडं च सप्तास्रं निधिसाधने
An eight-petaled lotus-shaped fire-pit is used, and a seven-sided one for the attainment of treasures.
यावन्निम्नं भवेदेव विस्तारस्तावदेव तु
The breadth should be equal to the depth, just so far as it is not sunken.
अयुतादिषु होमेषु मेखलां योजयेत्सुधीः
In great fire offerings, the wise should apply a girdle.
कोणवेदरसैर्मानं यथायोग्यमनुक्रमात्
The measurements should be taken in order, using the corners and the lines as appropriate.
अरत्निमात्रे कुंडे तु त्रिश्चैकांगुलतः क्रमात्
In a fire-pit of one aratni in size, three and one finger-breadth should be measured in sequence.
सप्तमेखलकं युक्तं लक्षहोमे न शस्यते
A fire-pit with seven girdles is not recommended for a hundred-thousand oblation sacrifice.
एकांगुलादिमानेन नेमिं संवर्धयेत्सुधीः
With the measure beginning from one finger-breadth, the wise should increase the rim.
वसुहस्ते भानुपंक्तिर्युग्महीनेऽपि ताः क्रमात्
In the hand of Vasu, the row of the sun is arranged, even when the pair is absent, in order.
पार्श्वतो योजयेत्तत्र मेखलास्ता यथाक्रमम् ।। । सार्धांगुलादिमानेन नेमिं संवर्धयेत्सुधीः
There, the bands should be attached on the sides in proper order; the wise should increase the rim by the measure of one and a half fingers and so on.
एकमेखलयागेन योजयेच्छक्तिभावतः 2.1.13.
The joining should be done with each band according to its capacity.
कुंडस्य रूपं जानीयात्परमं प्रकृतेर्वपुः
One should know the form of the pit as the supreme embodiment of nature.
षटचतुर्धा गुणायामविस्तारोन्नतिशालिनी
It should be six or fourfold, possessing length, breadth, and height.
एकैकांगुलतो योनिं कुंडशून्येषु वर्धयेत्
In pits without a central cavity, the yoni should be enlarged by one finger for each.
स्थापयेत्कुंडकोणेषु योनिं तां द्विजसत्तमाः
O best of twice-born, the yoni should be placed at the corners of the pit.