All the planets, when situated in the place of gain, bestow abundant profit upon the one who builds. But in all ritual undertakings, care must be taken: if the ritual lacks the proper purpose, the fault lies with the one who performs it; if the correct mantras are not used, blame falls upon the officiating priest. When a work is begun, if virtues are greater and faults are minor, the results will be favorable. In the construction of shrines, villages, houses, and similar works, there are important principles to observe. Offerings to Brahmins should be made in proper sequence: honey, flowers, sour substances, meat, and fragrant items. These should be followed by gifts of sweet, pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes, each in their proper order. Should any of these be placed in the wrong direction, continual and absolute loss will result. Balance in all things is vital: excess brings extreme increase, deficiency brings loss, but equality yields harmony. When water is seen in the morning, it signifies increase; if mud is seen, it indicates loss; and if loss itself is observed, there will be decrease. To determine the proper directions, one should draw a circle at the center of the plot. The field should be made quadrangular, with the six divisions purified. Even when measurements are taken in the four directions, beginning with the east, the results must be considered in the order of circumambulation. Each direction bears its own qualities and consequences: in the direction of Indra, excessive theft, anger, and fear are found; the southern direction brings endless fear of disease and loss of vitality; in the west, one encounters great fortune, extreme misfortune, suffering, and sorrow; and in the direction of the cold cow, there is increase of wealth, but also fear of the month and illness. The door of the house should be placed in the west or south. At the center, in the ninth position, lies the Brahma-sthāna, which is highly revered. If a house is begun in the portion belonging to spirits, it brings suffering, sorrow, and fear. The lines marking the head of the plot arise from the main directions, the intermediate directions, and the center. One must recognize the vital joints of the plot at various places. The months of Phālguna, Vaiśākha, Māgha, Śrāvaṇa, Kārtika, and those ruled by Soma are considered auspicious for beginning such works. The divisions, beginning with 'a' and so forth, are to be reckoned in the directions starting from the east, in order. This is the origin of the groups of directions; the fifth from one’s own group is considered the enemy. If there is an exchange between these groups, it causes destruction; the middle brings debt, while wealth brings auspiciousness. One should be wary of the seventh; the remainder brings wealth to the practitioner. Therefore, the portions of wealth and non-wealth should be counted in order according to the signs. Odd numbers bring auspiciousness and gain, while even numbers bring loss of wealth. In the seventh sign, there is always self-destruction for the owner. The sixth and eighth bring death, while the others are auspicious for wife and home. The remaining planetary portions grant the fulfillment of all desires and purposes. From the east, the head is on the left side of the plot, moving counterclockwise. If the master of the plot faces a certain direction, he should build the house facing that direction. If the owner is strong, there is no fault in building the house facing his own direction. In the center of the house, at the distance of a hand, a pit should be made for the deposit. In that pit, a stake should be placed in the belly, for the increase of sons and grandsons. The abdomen of Brahmins and others, adorned with gold, cloth, and similar ornaments, is to be honored. This is to be produced from red sandalwood, palāśa wood, red stone, and other large red materials. The stake should be octagonal in shape; the third is to be shaped like Manu, soft and without blemish. In this way, by following these sacred principles in their proper order, one ensures the prosperity, harmony, and auspiciousness of the dwelling and all who reside within.