In the sacred Garuda Mahapurana, the guidelines for constructing a house are laid out with reverence and precision. It is instructed that all the inner rooms of the dwelling should be furnished with water and banana-leaf shelters, creating an atmosphere of purity and freshness. Around the house, an outer wall must be built, measuring five hastas in length, providing protection and defining the sacred space. Before the construction commences, the sixty-four divisions of the site are to be worshipped, honoring the energies and deities that preside over each portion. At the corners and at the summit of the structure, the deities are invoked, their presence acknowledged and revered. Thus, the deities governing the sixty-four divisions are described in detail, ensuring that every aspect of the site is sanctified. Beyond these divisions, beginning with Īśāna, additional deities and causes are recognized. Among them are Agnijihva, Kālaka, Karāla, and Okapādaka. In the sky above resides Gandhamālī, and one must also worship the guardians of the field, acknowledging their role in protecting the land. When valuables are apportioned among the divisions, the remainder is bound according to the prescriptions of Yama, the lord of justice. What remains after the shares are taken is considered the residue, and this residue, once distributed, becomes inexhaustible. The remaining portion should be understood according to the opinion of the deity, for whatever is left becomes the life-force, while death arises from what is taken by living beings. It is said that he sleeps on his left side, and in this matter, no further deliberation is necessary. Similarly, for creatures such as the scorpion and others, the order of directions is east, south, and west. Matters of progeny, sending, inferiority, one’s own vehicle, and golden ornaments are considered in these arrangements. Within the fire, there may be killing or binding, an increase in lifespan, the gaining of sons, and satisfaction of children. Conversely, there may be fear of the king, the death of offspring, childlessness, and the absence of enmity. The doors are known as northern, and the eastern doors are now described. The eastern door is said to yield the fruit of slaying a king and causing anger. In the southwest is the western door, and in the northwest is the northern door. In the east, the aśvattha, plakṣa, and banyan trees are found, as well as the udumbara tree. When these trees are worshipped, they remove obstacles for both the palace and the house. Thus concludes the forty-sixth chapter, named “The Characteristics of Vastu Measurement,” in the conduct section of the Purva-khanda of the glorious Garuda Mahapurana. Now, the characteristics of palaces are described for Shaunaka. The palace should be quadrangular, with four doors corresponding to the number of the sun, symbolizing completeness and auspiciousness. The measurement of the thigh should equal that of the upper field, and half the thigh should be twice as much, ensuring balance in the proportions. The palace may be constructed in three parts, or alternatively in five parts. The summit should be divided into four parts, and the altar enclosure into three. Alternatively, the base may be leveled and divided into sixteen parts. The height of the walls should be one fourth of the total height, while the summit should be twice the measured height of the walls. In all four directions, the exits should be understood and planned by the wise, taking one part and arranging the exit accordingly. This general description outlines the characteristics of a palace. The perimeter should be twice as much all around, without fail. The summit is said to be twice the height of the leg. The exit has been described, and the rest should follow as previously stated. The tip should resemble the altar, and the door should occupy one eighth part. In the middle of the pedestal, as with the door, the remaining space should be hollow. The leg should be equal in breadth, and the summit should be twice as high. These are the measurements for the pavilion. Another form is now to be described, continuing the sacred tradition of Vastu and palace construction.