Any spot where the ground is smooth and without holes, where the earth is sweet, fragrant and of bright appearance and where there grow superior crops, trees and creepers is calculated to afford comfort to the weary traveller, and if a house is permanently built in such a spot how happy should the dwellers feel?
If the house of the minister be near, there would be loss of wealth. If the house of a cheat be near, sons will die; if a temple be near, there will be various fears, and if four roads meet in the neighbourhood, the house will bear an evil reputation.
If a Baudha temple should be near, there would be fear from evil spirits; if ant-hills with numerous holes be near, there will be danger; if any low ground or ditch be near, there will be suffering from thirst; and if a tortoise dwell near there will be loss of wealth.
If the northern, eastern, southern or western side be low, the Brāhmaṇas, the Kṣatriyas, the Vaiśyas or the Śūdras will suffer respectively. The Brāhmaṇas may live in all places; but the other castes shall live in their appropriate places.
In the centre of the house-site, dig a pit which is a cubit deep, (broad and long) and fill it with the earth taken from it; if the earth is found too little, there will be misery; if it be found just enough, the site is one of middle importance, and if it be found too much, there will be increase of wealth.