Let us journey through the sacred teachings as revealed in the Garuḍa Purāṇa, where the forms of Hari, the Supreme Lord, are described with reverence and clarity. The divine form of Hari is adorned with auspicious symbols: the discus, lotus, mace, and conch, each shining with celestial radiance. Among the sacred Śālagrāma stones, one bears two discus marks at its entrance, signifying a special manifestation of the Lord. Sometimes, these two discus marks are joined together, their hue tinged with red, and the eastern side of the stone is full and complete. There are forms that are long, with a head-like opening, while Aniruddha, another divine aspect, is round in shape. In the middle of some stones, a line appears like a trench, and a navel-like discus rises prominently. Alternatively, the presence of five dots marks a form suitable for worship by celibates. The Kurma incarnation is blue in color, marked by three thick lines and a dot. Shridhara is recognized by five lines, while Dvanamali is distinguished by a trench. Anantaka is unique, displaying various colors and forms, adorned with serpents. Brahma’s form, very red in color, is found with a narrow entrance, offering protection. Krishna, also known as Vishnu, appears with a wide opening and a thick discus, resembling the bilva fruit in shape. Vaikuntha, the celestial abode, is gem-like, dark in color, with a single discus and lotus. The form of Rāma is marked by a discus on the right line and is dark in color, sharing the traits of Trivikrama. Some forms have a single entrance, four wheels, and are adorned with garlands of forest flowers. One is shaped like a cluster of kadamba flowers, bringing the blessings of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa. Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa may appear with two or three figures, as does Trivikrama. Pradyumna is seen with six limbs, and Saṃkarṣaṇa manifests in various ways. The Daśāvatāra, or ten incarnations, is marked by ten limbs, and Aniruddha offers his protection. Those who recite this hymn, composed of the many forms of Viṣṇu, are promised entry into heaven. Maheśvara is depicted as bent forward, with ten arms and bearing the bull-banner. Mahālakṣmī and the Mothers hold lotuses in their hands, accompanied by Divākara, the Sun. When these sacred forms are worshipped and installed in temples or consecrated buildings, their blessings flow abundantly. Thus concludes the forty-fifth chapter, “The Characteristics of the Śālagrāma Forms,” in the Ācāra section of the First Part of the glorious Garuḍa Mahāpurāṇa. Now, the scripture turns to the science of Vāstu, which removes obstacles at the beginning of building a house. The head of the house is placed in the northeast, the feet in the southwest, and the hands in the southeast and northwest. This arrangement applies to temples, gardens, forts, shrines, and monasteries. In these sacred spaces, various deities are honored: Īśa, Parjanya, Jayanta, and Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt. Pūṣā and Vitatha are present, along with Graha and Kṣetrapāla. The gatekeeper, Sugrīva, Puṣpadanta, the lord of the Gaṇas, the Asura, Śeṣa, Pāpa, Daur, Roga, Ḍahimukha, and Khya are all recognized. Bhallāṭa, Soma, the two Serpents, Aditi, and Diti also dwell within these spaces. One should worship those deities established at the four corners, beginning with Īśāna. In the center, at the ninth position, is Brahmā, surrounded by eight others: Aryaman, Savitṛ, Vivasvat (the lord of the wise), and Apavatsa, among others. These surround Brahmā, forming a sacred circle. Starting from the southeast corner, a lineage that is difficult to bear is noted, with the presiding lady named Kālikā. The Gandharvas, celestial musicians, come from Indra. The place for worshipping the gods should be made in front, and a great kitchen should be located in the southeast. A perfumed flower room, furnished with cloth, is best in the northeast. A water room, equipped with windows, belongs in the northwest. Finally, a guest house, pleasant and furnished with beds, seats, and footstools, completes the ideal arrangement. Thus, the scripture gently guides the devotee in honoring the divine forms and in establishing harmonious spaces, ensuring blessings and prosperity in all endeavors.