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What is Vastu?
The Place where a person lives and performs work
called Vastu. According to Indian ancient
classical texts Vastu means appropriate land for
house. All types of houses, buildings, cities,
forts, bungalow industries where ever a person
lives or works called Vastu .Vastu in Sanskrit
means nature , a surrounding or environment. The
word "Vaasthu" came from Vasthu,
denoting anything existing such as house, shelter
building etc. Shastra in sanskrit means systems.
Vastu shastra is an ancient art and science
containing principles and practices of
constructing buildings which ensures a harmonious
balance between man and nature and thereby bring
all round happiness, health, wealth and
prosperity.
Vastu sasthra, which means the science of the
built area, is an ancient Indian architectural
science. This science perfectly in tune with the
natural law, lays down rules to create ideal
conditions for living by connecting individual
life with cosmic life. Vaastu represents a most
developed worldview in which in which humans,
plants and animals live in kinship.
Vastu- an ancient architectural tradition of India
based on Vedas.
Has developed its building technology on the
fundamental premise that the earth or soil is a
living organism out of which other living
creatures and organic form emerge.
Vastu by tradition is the life force contained
within the earth.
Vastu also means living space or dwelling space,
which is on ‘vaastu’.
Vastu is the individual site or land identified
for a village or neighborhood.
Vastu is also the building enclosure.
Man does not inhabit this earth alone; He inhabits
‘akasham’ or space. He is linked with his
Shakti or energy to other energy form. He is part
of a movement, a cycle of life and dealth, which
is known as ‘Kaala’ (time). Space, Time and
Energy are traditionally primed as existing in
their free, unlimited state. Vaastu experts have
not only devised an order pertaining to the
creation of manifested space, but have also
ascertained a link between time cycle and the life
of a person.
Vaastu is not about magical cures but about the
physical, psychological and spiritual order of the
built environment and its consonance with the
energies of the cosmic universe.
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| Five
Elements (Panchbhuutas) |
Sky
: Aakaash - It is the unending (Anantha)
regions remote from the Earth, in which not only
our Solar System but the entire Galaxy (Brahmaan)
exists. It's effective forces are light, heat,
gravitational force and waves, magnetic field and
others. Its main chactreistic is Shabda (Sound).
Air : Vaayu - Atmosphere of the Earth which
is about 400 kms, in depth and consists of 21%
Oxygen (Praan Vaayu), Nitrogen 78%, Carbon-di-Oxide,
Helium, other kinds of gases, dust particles,
humidity and vapor in certain proportion. Life of
Human beings, plants and animals and even fire
depends on this. Its main characteristics are
Shabda and Sparsha (Sound).
Fire : Agni - Represents light and heat of
fire (burning), lightning, volcanic or plutonic
heat, the heat of fever or inflammation, energy,
days and nights, seasons and such other aspects of
Solar system, and also enthusiasm, ardor, passion,
spirited vigor. It's main characteristics are
Shabda, Sparsha and Roopa (form).
Water : Jala - This is represented by rain,
river, sea and is in the form of liquid, solid
ice), and gas steam, cloud). It is a combination
of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of two to one,
perfectly neutral in reaction. In every plant and
life on Earth water exists in certain proportion
and its main characteristics are Shabda, Sparsha,
Roopa and Rasa (taste)
Earth : Bhuumi - Earth the third planet in
order form the Sun, is a big magnet with north an
south poles as centers of attractions. Its
magnetic field and gravitational force has telling
effects on everything on Earth whether living or
non-living. It is tilted by about 23½° at the
meridian of its either side for six months called
Uttaraayana and Dakshinaayana and rotates on its
own axis from West to East resulting in day and
night. Its one orbit around sun takes 365 ¼ days
(1- year) Three fourths of Earth's surface is
water and one fourth is land. Its main
characteristics are Shabda, Sparsha, Roopa, Rasa,
and Guna (quality). |
Aim of Vaastu Shastra
The co-ordination of 5 elements of the
nature Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space with the Human
activities and how to manage and use to natural forces
solar power, magnetic power and gravitational power with
human life is the main destination of Vasthu Shastra (
knowledge). By the use of five elements of nature and
natural forces native gets physical power, mental
strength and be refresh due to that native gets
satisfaction and he goes on the rout of property and
development in his life.
Dharma (Religion) Arth (Money) Kama (Desire) Moksha (get
rid of birth recycling) are the main destination by
Indian Vedic Concept. At the running time we have
developed and prosper science, knowledge's, technique in
every fields surrounding everywhere. Nevertheless native
face lot of problems and not satisfied than previous
time.
Tensions and unsatfaction is a part of life and the main
reason behind of it is our artificial life style to days
life style, native are ignoring nature and rush away
from The nature and forget this important thing. Nature
is a center of unlimited and immortal power of universe
and the friend of human life. According to vedic rishis
(primitive). Nature has unlimited power and it is
omnipresent and omnipotent that's why nature is a main
creature as well as destroyer. Nature is developer and
abstractor.
This knowledge tells us how to use the natural powers,
magnetic, gravitational and solar power. In construction
of a building with vastu rules and principles with
logic. In the same manner Vasthu Shastra (Knowledge)
tells us how to use five elements of nature and natural
forces in human life and gets maximum benefit by the
knowing of this knowledge we go the route of success and
satisfaction with convenience and safety by nature and
environments and that is the main destination of Vastu
Shastra.
There are five
fundamental principles on which the Vedic science of
architecture stands upon:
1. The Doctrine of
orientation:
In vastu, east and
north direction are given great importance. The suns
rays, being a rich source of vitamin D are vital for the
sustenance of life on earth; and the rays early in the
morning from the east emitting more light and less heat
are the best. Doors and windows in the east would allow
the suns ultra violet rays to penetrate into the house,
bestowing their benefits to the inmates of the house. In
the afternoon on the other hand the sun would be
coursing to the west emitting infra red rays which are
detrimental to the health and hence less number of
windows and thick walls in the rooms in west and
Southwest.
Like the Sun, the
earths magnetic fields also wield significant influence
on the well being of the inmates of the house. For
example Vaastu recommends the inmates of the house to
sleep with their head towards the south. The human body
acts as a magnet with the head as the north pole. If the
head is directed towards the north, it will repel the
earths north pole . As a consequence the blood
circulation would be affected, causing tensions and
disturbed sleep.
There is a technical
procedure by which the cardinal points are ascertained
for the orientation of the buildings. It should be done
in the location where the naval point of vaastu Prussia
lies that is the centre of the plot. Orientation played
an important role in the daily life of ancient Indians
for to them, Sun was the giver of all life.
2. Site Planning :
Vaastu Purush Mandala
Vaastu means
environment, Purush means energy, Mandala means the
astrological chart which relates the layout to the
orientation. The surface of earth in traditional Indian
Cosmology is regarded as demarcated by sunrise and
sunset, and also by North and South points, and is
represented by a diagram or a mandala of a square.
The science of
architecture is a part of science of luminaries. The
Vaastu had come to the place of adjustment of solar and
lunar cycles. The no. 32 of the divinities residing in
the squares of the borders of the vaastumandala is also
the sum of 28 and 4, the no. of regents of the four
planets who rule the equinoctial and solstitial points
referred to the cardinal points and of regents of 28
nakshatras(constellations). Each of the divisions in the
mandala is called a pada and has a presiding deity
associated with it. Pada Vinyasa is a very convenient
method, like a modern graph divided into a uniform
square for the purpose of designing according to
proportionate measurement.
The image of the
Vaastu Purush on the Mandala is drawn in the likeness of
man. Forty five Gods are constituents of the body of the
Vastu purusha, the extent allotted to each of the deity
differs but not their relative position in the plan. The
lord of central square is always the Lord of Cosmos, the
North is attributed to the Lord of wealth, South to the
Lord of death, the east to the Lord of light, the west
to the Lord of winds, suggesting that their be a
courtyard in the centre of the building.
When these are
scrupulously followed proper ventilation and good
disposition to the Sun and privacy is insured. The house
is compared to the human body and the central courtyard
with Brahma, the eternal soul and their relationship is
evoked when grahepravesha (house warming) ceremony is
performed with traditional prayers and rituals.
3.The Proportionate
Measurements: Mana
The adherence of mana
is as old as Indian architecture and is imperative to
all creative activity, of which angula (3/4th. of an
inch) or hasta (18 inches) is the standard of
measurements. The measurement is divided into 6
categories:
Measurement of height,
breadth, width or circumference, along plumb lines,
thickness, and interspace.
Proportional relationships of these categories are laid
out for various functional usage.
4.The Six Rules of
Vedic Architecture:
There are six main
component part of the building : Aadhistaana (Base),
Stambha (Column), Prastara (Entablature), Karna (Wings),
Shikhara (Roof), and Stuupi (dome).
5.Aesthetics of the
building:
Chanda is the
structural aspect of building, its rhythmical
disposition is like that of poetry. The science of
rhythm (Chanda =beauty) extends to the rhythmical
disposition of the ground plan of the building and their
vertical section (urdhva chanda) . Each brick and each
building unit is filled with rhythm, it is a charged and
compelling weight and shape in the hands of the builder
. Rhythm evokes a reality and measure builds it up .
Whatever is thus produced is called is Meya, which is
measurable, capable of being known and a quantity.
What ever construction
be done on the land, be it a residential house, or
industrial organisation, or a public institution, temple
etc., in each case it is auspicious and beneficial to
keep the following points in mind while purchasing a
plot of land or constructing a building.
1. First of all the
direction and shape of the plot has to be considered
well. A construction on quadrangular, rectangular or
square plot is beneficial and good from all aspects.
2. Big plot fetches
prosperity, but it should not be having cleavage or
cracks any where.
3. Triangular shaped
plot should not be selected for constructing a building.
It is inauspicious.
4. A small narrow plot
in between two big plots is also not good, because owner
of the building on such plot always remains in troubles.
5. If the length of
the plot in east-west direction is more than that in
north-south direction, it is better.
6. If there is more
open vacant space in south than in north, it will lead
to destruction and downfall whether it is in the house
or a industry, or in a temple or a hut.
7. It is auspicious if
there is more open space in the east than in the west;
and more open space in the north than in the south.
8. All the heavy and
permanent items should be placed in the south-west
corner of the building or plot.
9. While sleeping head
should be kept in the east or south. Never sleep with
feet towards south or east.
10. Water tanks on the
roof in the south-west direction are auspicious. These
should never be placed in north or north-east (eeshanya)
corner.
11. Pooja room is
always best in the north-east corner or near it.
12. Kitchen is always
auspicious and best in the south-east (Agney) corner, or
adjacent to it.
13. Open space should
be kept all around the building.
14. Building should be
constructed such that it is higher in the south-west and
lower in the north-east. Walls should also be made in
this manner.
15. Underground water
tank (for storage of water) well, hand-pump, boring etc.
should be built in north-east direction only. Height of
these water bodies should never be above the plinth
level of the main building.
16. As far as possible
there should be only one main door of the house, which
should be adorned with auspicious symbols.
17. All the doors and
windows should be of the same height upper edges being
in the same straight line.
18. There should not
be a door above a door. This principle does not apply on
multistorey buildings. Height of the door on upper floor
should be kept less than that on the lower floor.
19. Family life will
be more and more happy if more heavy items are placed in
the rooms on the south-west and south-sides.
20. The more lighter
(weightless) items are there in the north, north-east
and north-west directions, the more happier will
be the life of the family in the house.
21. It is better if
there are no tall trees in the east. Trees in the west
are good.
22. In the same line,
the plot having road on the east-north directions is
better to be selected.
23. 'Garbh' means the
space or width in between two walls.
24. The essence of
Vastu Shastra is actually to make the house in total
conformity with the utilisation of five basic materials,
viz, earth, water, air, fire, space for specific
functions in the directions of places determined for the
same. For example, south-east corner is best for fire
(kitchen etc.) North-West direction for air and the
North-East direction for attaining the bliss for divine
favour.
25. Specially, while
constructing a house due care is to be taken regarding
position of doors, windows, Chulha (fire, burner), well,
bath room, bed room, toilet (latrine) and these should
be constructed strictly in the places allotted as per
Vastu principles.
26. If there is a well
or any other pit in the south-east, south-west or
north-west direction, there will always be quarrels in
the family and there will be no peace.
27. West portion of
the land should be raised and there should be slope
towards the east, which is auspicious.
28. Four sided
(square) shaped plot of land is considered to be the
best as per Vastu Shastra. All the architects (Vastu
Shastris) have this opinion.
29. Almirahs, Sofa
Set, Table and other heavy items which can be placed
permanently at a place, are auspicious if placed in the
South-West corner or near it in the west.
30. A temple can have
doors on all the four sides.
31.Divide the length
of the wall, on the side in which main door is to kept,
in nine equal parts; then leaving 5 parts on the right
and 3 parts on the left, door should be constructed in
the remaining one part or in the 7th part.
32. If living in a
newly built house is stared without worshipping Vaastu,
several troubles and difficulties arise in the family.
Therefore Vaastu Poojan is must.
33. For interior
decoration of the house, pictures and scenes of war and
battles, idols/statues of demons, pictures of pig
(boar), leopard, tiger, jackal, serpent, eagle, owl,
pigeon, hawk, crow, crane etc. are not auspicious. These
should not be put on the walls in the house for
decoration.
34. Flow of water and
its outlet in the directions other than east,
north-west, north-east and north is inauspicious and
causes troubles.
35. Toilet (Latrine)
is auspicious if constructed in north-west corner. If
necessary or in case of lack of space it may be
constructed in any direction, but the seat in the toilet
should be such that when using the toilet one should
face towards south or north only.
36. Only new wood
should be used throughout in the construction of a
house, there remains no default relating to Vaastu. At
the most two or three types of wood may be used.
37. If only one kind
of wood is used throughout in the construction of a
house, there remains no default relating to Vaastu. At
the most two or three types of wood may be use.
38. It is not
auspicious to construct any thing towards the south or
west of the Vaastu zone. Construction should be done
towards north and east of this zone.
39. If extension is to
be made, it should be extended in all the sides.
Extension only in one side is not auspicious.
40. Door of the
stair-case should face either east or south. It will be
auspicious if the stairs are constructed in the west or
south on the right side.
41. If the earth
(soil) on the land site is excavated and removed, and
fresh pure earth from elsewhere is filled in it, there
remains no defect of Shalya in the land.
42. Shadow of trees
falling on the building in the duration 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
is inauspicious and causes troubles.
43.T.V., Radio or any
other such device for entertainment should be placed
near the south west corner.
44. If more than one
door are required, doors should be constructed in the
positions as suggested in the Vaastu-Shastra, but no two
doors be opposite each other.
45. Guest room or
drawing room should be in the north or west direction.
46. Room for the
watchman or guard should be built near the gate in the
boundary wall on the left side. His quarter should be on
the left side of the gate.
So
do you want your house to be Vaastu-perfect. These basic
Vaastu principles will help you design your house the
Vaastu way:
The
plot Shape of the plot plays a significant part in
Vaastu. A quadrangular, rectangular or square plot is
considered beneficial and good from all aspects.
Triangular plot is inauspicious.
Also,
a big plot fetches prosperity, but it should not be
having cleavage or cracks anywhere. A narrow plot in
between two big plots is also not good
If the
length of the plot in east-west direction is more than
that in north-south direction, it is a good feature.
Space
If your house has more open vacant space in south than
in north, it will lead to destruction and downfall, be
it a house or an industry, or a temple or a hut. More
open space in the east than in the west is auspicious;
the principle holds true for more open space in the
north than in the south too. Open space should be kept
all around the building. The plot having road on the
east-north directions is better.
Heavy
stuff
Keep your heavy and permanent items in the south-west
corner of the building or plot. For a happy family life
place more heavy items in the rooms south-west and
south-sides. On the other hand, the lighter (weightless)
items should be in the north, north-east and north-west
directions. TV, radio or any other entertainment device
should be placed near the south-west corner.
Sleep-well
While sleeping head should be in the east or south.
Never sleep with feet towards south or east.
Water
tanks
Water tanks should be on the roof in the south-west
direction. Never place these in north or north-east
corner. Underground water tank should be built in
north-east direction only. Flow of water and its outlet
in the directions other than east, north-west,
north-east and north causes troubles.
Rooms
Pooja room is always best in the north-east corner or
near it. Kitchen is always auspicious and best in the
south-east corner. Guest room or drawing room should be
in the north or west direction. Room for the watchman or
guard should be near the gate in the boundary wall on
the left side. Toilet should ideally be in north-west
corner. In case you've a space-crunch, it may be
constructed in any direction, but the seat in the toilet
should be such that when using the toilet you face
towards south or north only.
Doors
There should be only one main door of the house, which
should be adorned with auspicious symbols. If more than
one door are required, take care not to have two doors
opposite each other. All the doors and windows should be
of the same height, upper edges being in the same
straight line. Avoid a door above a door. This principle
does not apply on multi-storey buildings. The door on
upper floor should be shorter than that on the lower
floor. A temple can have doors on all the four sides.
The wall, on the side in which main door is to kept,
should be divided in nine equal parts
(length-wise)-leave five parts on the right and three on
the left, door should be constructed in the remaining
one part or in the 7th part. Door of the staircase
should face either east or south.
Vaastu
and Family Life
A well or any other pit in the south-east, south-west or
north-west direction, will lead to quarrels in the
family.
Interiors
Pictures and scenes of war and battles, idols/statues of
demons, pictures of pig (boar), leopard, tiger, jackal,
serpent, eagle, owl, pigeon, hawk, crow, and crane are
inauspicious.
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