Let us contemplate the sacred teachings as revealed in the Garuda Purana regarding the characteristics and auspicious measurements of palaces and dwellings. First, it is said that the remaining portion of a measurement or ritual should be understood in accordance with the will or opinion of the presiding deity. Whatever is left behind in this process becomes the very essence of life, while that which is taken away by living beings is associated with death. When considering the proper manner of rest, it is stated without need for further debate that one should sleep on the left side. Similarly, for creatures such as the scorpion and others, the prescribed order to be followed is that of the east, the south, and the west. Within these directions are found various results: progeny, the act of sending forth, inferiority, one’s own vehicle, and the acquisition of golden ornaments. When offerings are made into fire, the outcomes can include the slaying or binding of enemies, the increase of one’s lifespan, the birth of sons, and the satisfaction of children. Yet, there may also be fear of the king, the death of offspring, childlessness, and the avoidance of enmity. The doors of a dwelling are classified as northern, and now the scripture turns to speak of the eastern doors. The eastern door, it is said, brings the fruit of slaying a king and inciting anger. In the southwest, the door is known as western; in the northwest, it is called the northern door. Among trees, the aśvattha, plakṣa, and banyan are found in the east, as is the udumbara. When these trees are worshipped, they remove obstacles for both palace and home, ensuring prosperity and peace. Thus concludes the forty-sixth chapter of the Purva-khanda in the Garuda Mahapurana, which discusses the characteristics of Vastu measurement. Now, O Shaunaka, listen as the characteristics of palaces are described. A palace should be quadrangular in form, with four doors corresponding to the four divisions of the sun. The proportion of the structure is to be carefully observed: the thigh should equal the upper field, and half the thigh should be twice as much. The palace may be constructed in three parts, or again in five parts, according to tradition. 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 measured as one fourth of the total height. The summit’s height should be twice that of the walls. In all four directions, the wise should understand how to arrange the exits. By taking one part, the exit is to be planned accordingly. This general description covers the essential characteristics of a palace. The perimeter of the structure should be twice as much all around, without fail. The summit, again, should be twice the height of the leg. The exit has been described; the remaining measurements are as previously stated. The tip of the palace should be fashioned like the altar, and the door should occupy one eighth part. In the middle of the pedestal, as with the door, the remainder 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 will now be described. With these measurements, the outer portion is determined, and the inner chamber should be made twice as large, measured by the rim. The scripture then explains the measurement and origin of palaces according to their proportions. There are five types of palaces, including Triviṣṭapa, each of different origins. One is circular, another is elongated, and the fifth is octagonal in shape. From all the fundamental elements, there arise forty forms. Among the quadrangular forms are the Bhadraka, Sarvata, Bhadra, Rucaka, and Nandana, which are known as Vairāja. Likewise, there are the vimāna, the Brahma-temple, and the mansion. Other forms include the bracelet, the drum, the lotus, and another called the great lotus. Thus, the sacred scripture lovingly enumerates the auspicious qualities, proportions, and forms of palaces, so that the wise may construct dwellings in harmony with the divine order, ensuring prosperity, peace, and happiness for all who reside within.