What is Vaastu ?

Vaastushastra, an ancient Indian craft, is one of the oldest concepts regulating town planning and architecture for the construction of dwellings that are in harmony with the environment, nature, cosmic energy and the universe.

The tenets of Vaastushastra had been used by the ancient cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa of the Indus Valley civilization. Principles regarding the direction and location of various buildings were governed by the knowledge of stars and astronomy. The origin of this science can be traced back to the Vedic scriptures and ancient texts. Rig-Veda, Samaveda and the Theravada contain Vaastushastra related topics. Vaastushastra can be viewed as one of the roads to happiness. Vaastushastra provides sufficient representation to all aspects governing life so as to create perfect harmony in the human dimension. Vaastushastra can be defined as a harmonious, balanced and positive interaction of all affairs governing life. The basic elements of this science include artistic view point and aesthetic outlook and can be explained in terms of constructive or destructive blend of numerous oscillatory fields.

Instead of aiming at the material and bodily comforts of the human and the effectiveness of his home, Vaastushastra focuses on the health, happiness and welfare of the inhabitant by giving him peace and tranquility. By manipulating the lacework of cosmic energy using a set of well-defined rules, Vaastushastra can ensure that all houses and other structures are in tune with the environment.

According to Vaastu, an ideal dwelling can only be built when the physical world and the abstract world match suitably. The term “Physical world” refers to building material, Construction equipment, Budget and time concerns, Labor issues etc.

However there are other issues whose stance can be detrimental to the cause of well-being. Some matters cannot be explained in definitions but can be experienced and are hence perceived to be mysterious. The effect of the five great elements (air, water, fire, earth, sky), eight directions, religion, traditions, influence of planets and various fields and waves fall into this category and compose the Abstract world.


Vaastushastra focuses heavily on the concept of directions. The northeast direction is termed as the direction of “heaven” due to the low concentration of stress. The southwest direction is the direction of “hell”. Deficiencies in Vaastu can be dealt with by the usage of symbols, colors, light and sound as per the concepts of this science.

Symbols like Swastik and Omkar generate cultural affinity and instill positive thoughts for all round development. Hence, by aiding in the development of a healthy mind, these symbols help establish the dictum that Vaastu represents the devotion and love between a man and his home. Similarly, conches generate vibrational energy levels that fine-tune the functional efficiency of the mind and body as a result of a variant of “auto-suggestion”.

Interestingly, mathematical principles credited to Archimedes and Pythagoras had already been mentioned in ancient scriptures created much before the advent of the Greek mathematicians. The phenomena documented in Vaastushastra echo in many of the modern concepts from advanced sciences like radiation, particle physics, electromagnetism etc.

Hence, Vaastushastra can create dwellings in sync with the environment by using various notions like elements and directions. Nowadays, Vaastu is being fully studied in association with other sciences like Tantra, Mantra, Astrology, Jyotisha and Yoga.

There is a major difference between the terms Vastu and Vaastu. While Vastu denotes places of dwelling in general, Vaastu represents the physical expression of the dwelling. Vaastu can be segregated into four distinct sections...

Vaastushastra conventions include everything from the macro level to the micro level – site planning, selection and orientation, arrangement of rooms, building proportions and character of the building.

Vaastu aims to advantageously balance man and material with the power of direction and the combination of the five natural elements. Using the gains awarded by the five elements called “Pancha Maha Bhootas” and developing friendly settings in a most scientific manner, this ancient tradition can provide better health, happiness and prosperity in an enlightened surrounding.

Out of the nine planets in our solar system, our planet has life because of the presence of all five basic elements. The world is made up of the “Panchabhootas” which are Bhumi (Earth), Jal (Water), Vaayu (Air), Agni (Fire) and Aakash (Space).

EARTH (Bhumi) : Earth, the third planet in order from the sun, can be viewed as a huge magnet with a North and a South pole as the centers of attraction. Its powerful fields of magnetism and gravity have massive effects on everything on the Earth.

WATER (Jal) : Represented by the rain, river, and sea, water is everywhere. It is found present as all the three states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) and forms a part of every living being. Our blood itself can be considered to be nothing but water mixed with hemoglobin and oxygen!

AIR (Vaayu) : Being the element that supports life, air is a powerful element. Physical attributes related to this element like humidity, airflow, temperature, pressure and composition directly affect a human’s comfort quotient.

FIRE (Agni) : Agni, the source of light ensures the survival and continuity of all life. It is because of this element that there exists energy, passion, vigor, enthusiasm as well as seasons and the day-and-night cycle.

SPACE (Aakash) : Aakash is the element that provides shelter to all the other elements.
A masked but powerful relation exists between all five elements. According to Vaastushastra, the best way to improve a man’s state is to design his abode and related structures in perfect accord with these natural forces after understanding their effects.

Vaastu Purusha Mandala, an indispensable part of Vaastu Shastra, constitutes the mathematical and diagrammatic foundation for developing designs and plans. The term Purusha denotes energy, power, soul or the cosmic man. Mandala is the generic word for any plan or chart and depicts the universe metaphysically or symbolically – a microcosm of the entire cosmos.

As the square is the most fundamental of all Hindu forms, ancient Hindu astronomical philosophies depict the earth by a square. Based on the horizon’s relationship with sunrise and sunset as well as the North and the South directions, the earth is denoted as four cornered. This figure is called as the Chaturbhuji (four cornered) and is depicted in the symbolic form of the Prithvi Mandala. Interestingly, the charts of horoscopes also represent the positions of the celestial bodies like the sun, moon, planets and zodiacal constellations based on a person’s time of birth and place in a square plan.

The type of mandala used in Vaastu Shastra is called as the Vaastu Purusha Mandala. It serves as the metaphysical plan of a building that includes details about the course of the celestial bodies and supernatural forces.

Legend has it that once a formless being had succeeded in blocking the heaven from the earth. As a result of this, Brahma and many other Gods had to trap him to the ground. The Vaastu Purusha Mandala depicts this incident graphically and has segment assigned hierarchically to each God based on their contribution while performing the entrapment. Altogether, 45 Gods are depicted with Brahma at the central position – The Brahmasthana. All other Gods are placed in a concentric pattern around the center.


The Gods of each direction (ashtadikpalaka):

1. Brahma – Center – Founder of the Universe (Desire) 2. Kubera – North – Lord of Wealth (Finance) 3. Vaayu – Northwest – Lord of Wind (Advertisement) 4. Varuna – West- Lord of water (Physical) 5. Pitru / Nairatya – Southwest- Ruled by ancestors (History) 6. Yama – South- Lord of Death (Damaging) 7. Agni – Southeast- Lord of Fire (Energy Generating) 8. Aditya – East- Sun God (Seeing the world) 9. Eeshanya – Northeast- Lord of all quarters or Eeshwara or Lord Siva (Religions, Luck and Faith)

Aspects of Environment and Energy

According to Vaastushastra, the best shape for site is a square (rectangles would do too). It also has information regarding soil examination. A certain test involved digging of a hole and refilling with the dug soil. Depending on the volume occupied by the dug-up soil in the pit its characteristics are determined. Vaastu also prescribes sites depending upon the caste of the resident.

Vaastushastra also mentions ideal characteristics for sits and buildings based on energy flow and cosmological considerations like the sun’s path, the earth’s rotation, magnetic field etc. The East is a valuable direction because the morning sun is described as an extremely beneficial factor. As the body is considered to be a magnet, the head is considered as the North pole and the feel the South pole. Bedrooms are appropriately designed to prevent the development of any sort of repulsive forces due to erroneous alignment of the body with the magnetic axis.

Because energy is said to be emanating from the northeast, site-building traits focus on this. Sites are desirable when sloping down towards North or East from South and West. Open spaces should be more on the North and East and should be devoid of obstacles. Height of buildings should be higher in the South and East. Sites should ideally have a longer East-West axis. Also, the diagonal joining the Southwest with the Northeast

Avoiding Roof Slopes Towards South, South - West And South - East

If roofs slope towards the south, southwest and southeast the building becomes overly heated and the environment is affected due to exposed of increased area to radiation. Roofs sloping in this direction should be avoided. East - The Important Direction Sunlight is needed for the sustenance of life. Hence, the presence of wider openings towards the east increases the Pranik urja circulating in the house. However, this gets blocked due to presence of toilets and staircases on the east. By placing ventilators in the east, the house is exposed to more sunlight for a longer time.

Avoiding Large Openings To The South

In the subcontinent, the wind direction can be said to aligned to the west, northeast and southwest directions. Unlike modern architecture which believes in improving ventilation, Vaastushastra concepts describe the wind to be a carrier of dust and source of air-borne diseases through dust and pollutants. Thus, thicker walls in the south and outlets in the north are recommended.

Symmetry and Discipline In Forms

Vaastushastra believes in reducing area of exposure to the sun and grid-planning. In this subcontinent, houses should have shorter north and walls. The length of the east and west walls should be more. Hence the length of the north-south axis should be greater than the east-west axis.

Use Of Local Materials In Construction

Vaastushastra recommends the usage of locally available material as it can bestow bliss through organic harmony.

The origin of a particular class of society is the factor governing the selection of a soil for that class. Vaastushastra describes the soil or earth in terms of taste, smell, color, texture, slope and look.

Intellectual Classes

A square site in the north is advised. Soil should be whitish, reflecting the Jal tatwa. Slope should be towards the north. Audumber trees should be placed. As per astrological theories, the north zone is affected by Jupiter and Moon. These heavenly bodies are known to govern education, culture and religion.

Defence Personnel

Rectangular plots towards east are advised. The soil should be reddish in color, having bitter taste. The presence of pipal tree (Vaayu Tatwa) on the plot with slopes towards the east is considered advantageous.
This shape represents strength and the color red reflects the Agni Tatwa. Having an eastward slope results in strong link between the features of Mars, the warrior.
As per the principles of astrology, the sun and mars govern the eastern areas.

Traders And Businessmen

Rectangle-shaped plot, longer than wide is advised. Placed in the southern area having yellow soil. Slope must be in the east direction. Increased length permits better stream flow. The soil stands for the Prithvi Tatwa that reflects stability while the characteristic slope strengthens Aditya Pravah. Such features are extremely important for the strengthening of business.

Working Classes

Rectangle-shaped site with length much higher than width is necessary. Bitter, black soil and eastward slope is advised. The soil is extremely rich in minerals can be deployed for usage in plantations. Increased length helps in constructing many rooms for different purposes so that work efficiency is improved and different jobs do not obstruct each other. Eastward slope directs Aditya Pravah into the house. As per astrological norms, Saturn rules over the west. As the planet represents this class, the west zone is perfect for the working class.

A person’s house reflects his state of mind and his personality. Our sense of style decides its design and look. The house, in return, affects our moods, ideas, behavior and life. Thus, man and his dwelling are deeply related.

If the house is built based on the guidelines set by Vaastushastra, it reverberates with positive energy and ensures that the one’s living in the house lead a healthy and prosperous life. When houses are built by completely disregarding Vaastu principles, occupants are said to experience health problems, financial problems and misery. They do not have the basic sense of security and lack the feeling of affection.

In order to build a house the following procedure should be adopted

The Dimensions of the House

Most people think that Vaastushastra concerns only directions. Vaastushastra also involves the use of proper dimensions and measurements for constructions. In order to yield balanced energy, Vaastu describes in detail the sizes of rooms, staircases, floor, doors etc.
Modern architecture disregards the usefulness of thresholds and double-doors. Vaastu believes that thresholds are effective in preventing the entry of negativity by designating an entry point whereas double-doors can establish emotional stability.

Create Space

Creating more space by removing unnecessary things lets energy circulate freely in the house. This is important for having a healthy life. Presence of unnecessary clutter will affect the members of the younger members of the family enormously.

If someone sleeps on a bed with a lot of clutter underneath it, he will suffer from insomnia. With lesser space to move around in the house, the people will be unable to face the competition in society. Cluttering the kitchen may jeopardize the health of the housewife.

Do not dump unnecessary articles in the attic. It has to be disposed of and not stored. Giving them away to the needy is the best way to get rid of such articles.

While developing a plot for commercial usage or expanding your work area, one must always follow the essentials of Vaastu so as to eliminate negative forces. Only then can one fine-tune their level of productivity.

The Outside

Always make the entrance to your workplace good-looking and pleasing by using soft music, fragrances and proper lighting. Do not keep unwanted articles as it does not send the right message across to the customers. Placing a well-maintained aquarium of a fountain adds to the beauty.

It is more profitable to a wide main door that is firm and strong as it promotes the idea of good-business. A door that is stuck, creaking or broken is detrimental to your business. It is advisable to have a wind-chime and an idol of Lord Ganesha near the entrance. This helps reduce pressure and unwanted tension and helps combat undesirable situations.

The Inside

It’s better to use proper lighting, beautiful flowers and gentle colors. The interior must most definitely be beautified in a subtle manner. The lobby must be filled with your products, brochures, articles, photographs of your firm. Lighting should make these articles look more prominent. The idea is to encourage the customer to find out more about them.
The reception should be ideally placed in the Northeastern corner along with an image of a God and flowers. Never have Rest-rooms in this region because it always damages business. The working area for the staff must be located in the North and East areas. The centre of the office must be kept clean and be beautified.|

Place the office of the CEO or the GM in Southwest or Southern regions. It is best if he sits in Southwest corner facing east. A heavy safe, embedded in the wall, can be located here which safeguards important papers and files. Documents meant for others can be kept in the Northwest area of this room.

Instruments meant to generate heat like electric meters; switches, servers, generators etc should be located in the southeast direction (Seat of Agni). No-one (including devices and equipments) should be seated under a beam. Guidelines regarding the positioning of toilets, warehouse, waiting area, staircases, elevators etc are also present.
The exact advantages of Vaastushastra can be achieved only when the size of the office is adjusted in order to get the correct Yoni (Energy flow direction) of the plot. This is one of the most important calculations and ignoring this is going to result in complete failure of the project.

Vaastu for land: The surroundings

The plot must be away from a graveyard, burial grounds or any areas of death rituals. The plot must also not be near a garbage dumps, hospitals or religious buildings like temples, churches etc. If your plot is small and has two large plots around it, it seems to be constricted and will bring hardship.

Vaastu for land: Directions of the plot

According to Vaastushastra, plots be in the directions of East-West or North-South with a net twist of 12 degrees at most. Plots along the diagonals should be rejected as the increase confusion.

Vedh: Spearing roads

Roads serve as very strong energy channels. Plots placed near a dead-end are hit by energy that can cause detrimental effects to the positive energy flow. These roads are termed ‘Vedh”.

Dead End streets

Placing a plot at dead-ends results in gross accumulation of negative energy. It is said to be the cause of chronic illness and ultimately death.

Plot Shape

While buying any property, it is of utmost importance to pay attention to the Vaastu of the plot for the builder as well as the buyer. The builder will obviously have to sell the property for the first time and hence, the Vaastu needs to be well developed. The buyer on the other hand has to spend his life in the property and may even have to sell the property later on. Thus, to ensure a peaceful passage Vaastu must be considered.

The concepts of Vaastu are concrete but are very difficult to execute when it comes to application in urban areas. For example, we buy a house that has ample open space towards the east. Someone might come and buy a plot towards the east and completely block all the incoming sunlight. As the neighboring plot is owned by someone else, would it affect the Vaastu of our plot?

Hence, application of Vaastu in urban areas may tend to become a rather complicated process. Big changes to the plot cannot be done usually. At times, building make fatal errors while planning the layout and very little can be done to rectify these potentially threatening mistakes.

When it comes to apartments, one must focus beyond one unit. It is better to consider that the common areas of the residential complex are jointly owned by the residents. As the walls between apartments are shared we may say that all the residents of the building are a part of the same, huge family.

It must be understood that the entire area of the complex is important and that Vaastushastra should be applied more carefully to the whole plot. The complex site should be rectangular. The Northeastern region should be better developed than any other region. Water supplies should be allocated towards the Northeaster area. Swimming pools and other open water bodies should be located away from the southeast. There must be a slope upwards from the northeast to the southwest. The gate should be located in the north, northeast or east areas. Open spaces in the north and northeast should be larger than the ones in the south and southeast.

In case there are many buildings, the central portion of the plot should be devoid of construction. Gardens and playgrounds are usually located here.

While buying an apartment, always prefer a building placed in the northeast portion. The layout of the building itself should also be rectangular. Entry-point to the building must never be towards the south or west. Never buy an apartment that lies in the middle of the building.

The placement of individual rooms in a house is extremely important and has a telling effect on our daily life. If the rules of Vaastushastra are ignored, complications arise in our personal as well as professional lives.
Even though the tenets of Vaastushastra have proven their credentials time and time again, modern-day architects tend to overlook them for the sake of simplicity.

Bath Room

The rays of the sun have affective healing powers and can refresh a person in no-time. Hence bathrooms should be located in the east. The floor should have a mild slope towards the north to ensure that water drains in that direction.

Kitchen

As a rule, the kitchen must be placed in the southeast, which is the Seat of Agni. Kitchens should not face the northeast, southwest, north, south or west side. The cook should ideally face the east while the stove is located in the southeast side of the kitchen itself. Water reserves should be located in the northeast corner while shelves meant for storage must be placed in the south or west side.

Bed Room

The master bedroom (largest) for the family-head must be in the northwest, south or southwest direction. Rooms for children and the unmarried must be located in the east. Never locate bedrooms in the northeast.
Beds should not be in the center of any corner or hugging the walls of a room. Ideally, beds must be placed in the east or the south. While sleeping the head should point towards the south and the feet towards the north.

Dining Room

Dining areas should be present towards the west. The table itself can be arranged in the southwest or the northwest side and should not be of any irregular shape. Circular tables should be avoided. Refrigerators must face northeast while all other electrical appliances must be kept in the southeast direction. Always face the east or north while dining.

SAFE

Valuables must be stored in a safe that is located in the north as it is the seat of Kuber, the god of wealth. Place the safe next to south wall such that it opens towards the north.

Puja Room

The northeast corner must be kept reserved only for the Puja room. Always maintain cleanliness and bright lighting. While praying, always sit facing the north or the east. Never have any theme that is generally considered to be inauspicious.

Toilet

Always locate toilets between the south and southwest. While in the latrine, the person should sit facing the north or the south. The water-outlet must be towards the north, east or northeast and the floor have an appropriate slope.

Study Room

Study rooms should be located in the west and southwest. While studying always face the north or the east. The table itself should be of regular shape and size and must not hug the walls. Bookshelf must be positioned in the northeast.

Medicines

Store medicines in the north or the northeast direction of a room.

Boundary Walls

Walls on the north and east should be thinner while the walls on the south and the west must be greater in thickness. Building of the wall should start from the southwest and must proceed towards the east or the north.

Basement (Cellars)

Build basements in the north or the east areas. The south level must more definitely be higher. Never build basements in the center or in the south or west. Maintain good ventilation and natural lighting in the north. Staircases for entry and exit should be placed in the north or the east.

Light (Electricity)
The southeast side must contain the main switchboard and electric meter. Never provide switchboards on the left or center of the wall. Bad lighting attracts insects. Natural lighting is extremely useful in the treatment of many diseases.