Shloka 32
राजपूजाविधानम् / Royal Reception Protocols during Āśvamedha Preparations
चतुश्नित्यश्न॒ तस्यासीदष्टादशकरात्मक: । स रुकक््मपक्षो निचितस्त्रिकोणो गरुडाकृति:
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
catuḥ sthityāśna tasya āsīd aṣṭādaśa-karātmakaḥ |
sa rukma-pakṣo nicitas trikoṇo garuḍākṛtiḥ ||
毗湿摩波耶那说道：“在那祭场之中，为铺设火坛（agni-cayana）预备了四处固定之地；每处长宽皆为十八肘。每一座祭坛都精心砌成三角形，饰以金翼，并塑作迦楼罗（Garuḍa）之形。”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed through meticulous ritual order: sacred acts require precision, restraint, and reverence. The carefully measured, Garuḍa-shaped altar symbolizes disciplined kingship and the elevation of intention through correct performance.
Vaiśampāyana describes the physical preparation for the sacrifice: four designated sites for constructing the fire-altar are laid out, each eighteen cubits in measure, and the altars are built as triangular, golden-winged structures shaped like Garuḍa.