Vaastu Shastra
The Science of building a House

Every creature in this world tries to arrange for a place in which to live comfortably, enjoying all the luxuries and happiness of this world getting maximum benefits of heavenly boons.
Every one is aspirant of having sound health, beautiful wife, healthy children, wealth, means of earning through business, profession or state service, high reputation in society and over all mental and spiritual peace. The sea animals and amphibians prepare a dwelling place on the sea shore, the birds build nests in the trees, the insects make a hive, and human beings are ambitious of making a house on the earth where all the liabilities towards this world and towards heaven can be fulfilled without any disturbance and trouble.
Therefore, aware of the need of a house and in order to avoid troubles, man wants to construct a house on such a ground where he can feel all sorts or happiness and can lead a peaceful life free of troubles and enemies, thereby deriving spiritual peace.
With this aim in his mind he sets out in search of the learned wise persons who can guide him in selection of a site (plot) of his choice, and also in construction of the house. He wants to know the proper auspicious time, and principles (laws) of construction of the house.
Also he has in mind the colony or city, neighbourhood, sources of water, natural environment, means of transport, etc. while selecting a plot for building a house, at the same time he thinks of his own interests and profits. The external features of the plot can be known with the help of persons living around or nearby the flat. But the quality and nature of the land can be judged only by Shastra. Therefore the selection of a site and the plan of the building is materialised only after consultation and seeking advice of expert astrologer and Vaastu Specialist.
There are saying like
Nadi Shotriyo Raja Devagyo Na Chikitasak Tatra Vaso Na Kartavaya
A place where there is no river (Source of water - pond or well etc.), scholar, astrologer, ruler and medical expert, should not be selected for living thereon, it should be rejected.
Dushta
Bharya Shath Mitra Bhratiyaschottar Dayak;
Sasarpe Ch Grahey Vaso Mirturev Na Sanshaya.
If there is house in which lives an unfaithful wife, a foolish friend , an outspoken servant and a snake, the owner of such a house may die any moment.
If such things are associated with the house constructed by some one, the life of the inmates becomes troublesome and unhappy, and there is always a fear of death.
Therefore everyone is curious to know as to what is Vaastu Shastra, and what principles and methods regarding construction of buildings have been given by the ancient saints and seers on the basis of their experience and commands in the divine scriptures. With the help of Vaastu Shastra and Shilpshastra, knowledge about the better and auspicious way of construction of a house, the positions and direction of gates, doors and rooms etc. in it, is gained so that a house may be built which will provide all round prosperity and happiness to the inmates. Thus Vaastu Shastra provides some principles and rules on the guidelines of which suitable and comfortable buildings for residence, temples, etc. are built and towns, colonies are planned.
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What is Vastu Shastra ? |
| Vastu Shastra is
an ancient science which helps one to get the natural benefits freely
offered by the five basic elements of the universe in which we all live.
These basic elements are Akash (SKY), Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni
(FIRE), and Vayu (WIND). Vastu Shastra can be applied by keeping in
harmony with these basic five elements of nature.
One sometimes feels that inspite of having all the required resources for achieving success in the work field one is not getting the desired and deserved result and it should not be a surprise to oneself that it could be due to the fact that either ones office or factory is not planned according to the science of Vastu Shastra. Similarly one might feel that the wheel of family life is not moving smoothly and there is lack of peace, harmony, affection and well being in one’s family. One should get the architecture of his house examined and if need be modified as per Vastu Shastra. One is bound to expect good results and well being gradually and steadily. We sincerely hope that Vastu Shastra one day will end all miseries and sorrows and bring joy and happiness in everybody’s life. |
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Valuable Vastu Tips. |
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Why to follow Vastu Shastra ? |
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QUESTIONS ON VAASTU SHASTRA |
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Q. We have bought a house recently, but we could not really keep vaastu shastra in mind as the house is in Bbay. We have to name our house but we would like to keep a suitable name which we could not think of .
A. The name of your house is a very personal matter and should be kept keeping in view the aspirations of the family, your personal life style and beliefs. Make a short list of names that fulfill the above criteria and then select one consciously. May the new house bring you harmony and abundance.
Q. Entrance to my home is from east, kitchen is on south, bedroom on south west, living room on south east, dining room on north west. Please advise on the application of vaastu to my kitchen.
A. The
basic things you have to keep in mind should be as follows:
Q. Could
you suggest me vaastu tips for the interior planning of my house?
A. For safe and
sound interior planning of your house make sure that there is plenty of light,
air with proper ventilation and minimum furniture.
Q. What is
Vaastu Shastra?
A. VAASTU SHASTRA is the traditional Indian system of architecture and design of vedic origin. Vaastu means the dwelling of humans and Gods. Many Vaastu rules are derived from 'Vaastu Purusha Mandala' which is depicted as a man lying with his head pointing north east, in a grid of usually 64 squares. The different directions and sectors are assigned to different Gods and Guardians. It aims at providing guidelines for proper construction. Vaastu orientates, places and dictates the proportions of every detail in building lines, skylines, elongations, levels, slopes, water (underground and overhead), kitchen, bedrooms, toilets, staircase, heights of ceilings and roofs, entrances, loci of doors and windows, compound walls and so on. Vaastu is effected with positive power of three elements: the earth, the water, the fire (the sun).
Q. Does
Vaastu Shastra promise prosperity?
A. No, not really. Vaastu Shastra cannot be directly linked with prosperity. It only suggests ways in which we can live in tune with the laws of nature, so that we can be healthy and peaceful and work efficiently. The ancient texts of Vaastu Shastra have probably claimed to bring prosperity, as an indirect consequence or being able to perform well at home and work.
Q. What is
the role of religion in Vaastu Shastra?
A. Vaastu Shastra is a science - it has nothing to do with religion. It is true that over the years Vaastu Shastra has imbibed religious overtones, but that does not seem to have been the original idea. The religious implications were probably inculcated by the proponents of the science, when they realised that the society of that time, being a God fearing one, would not accept norms that strayed away from the notions of God.
Q. Which
deity is worshiped in Vaastu Shastra?
A. Religious icons have no place in science. The ancient text of Vaastu Shastra did mention various Gods from Hindu mythology fixing their locations on the site and prescribing the offerings to be made to them, but that also seems to have been a ploy created by ancient scientists to convince the people to accept the Vaastu norms.
Q. What is
the significance of the Vaastu Purusha?
A. The 'Vaastu Purusha' is said to be the spirit of the site. It's in the form of a human male and lies on the site with his head towards the east, his posture fitting exactly in a square. It was easier to get the anthropometrically and aesthetically correct dimensions of rooms, doors windows and even the structural members like plinth and pillars. Even the interior planning was governed by the posture of the 'Vaastu Purusha' and the norms which specified where and how the structure must be built, so that it does not injure him.
Q. Vaastu
Shastra is so superstitious, how can it be called a science?
A. Vaastu Shastra is a science. In the age when it was formulated, the society was largely illiterate, the illiteracy generating a fear of the unknown. Science was beyond the realm of their understanding while religion was omnipresent. It was therefore simpler for the ancient Vaastu experts to spread the concepts of the Vaastu Shastra through the intricate network of religion and superstition. Unfortunately as time passed, only the superstitious filtered down the generations, while the actual theory eluded the world.
Q. Is
Vaastu shastra relevant in the modern world?
A. All the ancient doctrines of Vaastu Shastra may not be applicable in the present scenario. Some of the tenets particularly show a strong social bias, which was relevant to the social structure which existed at that time. Such tenets have certainly lost their significance. However the fundamentals of the theory can be adapted to the modern world. Unfortunately, again, most of the modern Vaastu exponents are also exploiting the layman ignorance and gullibility.
Q. How does
Vaastu Shastra work in apartment blocks?
A. It is a fact that the original Vaastu tenets prescribed the type of site and then specified the layout materials and construction techniques. In an urban milieu, one can hardly indulge in choosing dwelling sites. Thus the macrolevel implications can be successfully adapted to contemporary needs.
Q. How can
Vaastu Shastra ba applied to the commercial and industrial premises?
A. The original texts of Vaastu Shastra were confined to the architecture of temples, places and homes of the commoners. However, those very norms can be easily applied to other structures such as offices and industries. So if, facing a particular direction brings in negative solar energy, the large machinery may be kept there to block it.
Q. What if
it is not possible to implement all the changes recommended by a Vaastu
consultant?
A. It
must first be noted that Vaastu Shastra is not a religion. However God fearing
you may be, you should not feel threatened by Vaastu Shastra, because it is a
science. Science does not condemn God, or disprove its identity but it does not
accept it. Vaastu Shastra is the science of structure, formulated to help us
live in tune with nature. It does not give solutions to your domestic or
financial problems.
A Vaastu consultant assesses your home or work place, and suggests changes that
will improve it's Vaastu compliance. If the assessment has been done in a
systematic manner, it is obvious that implementing the more negative elemants
should yield substantially positive effects. Very often, merely changing the
orientation of the interior fixture helps in achieving a Vaastu-positive
environment.
Q. What is
the ideal plot/house?
A. The ideal plot is the one whose length and breadth are same and ideally facing each side of plot to exact north direction, south direction, east direction and west direction, and the house constructed in this plot shall also be ideal. If utility rooms are constructed as per the norms of Vaastu Shastra the foundation should be 9 feet but due to the construction of sky rise multi-story buildings coming up, the depth of foundation shall depend on the load bearing capacity of soil, the number of storey that are going to be constructed and the materials used.
Q. Why
directions are important in Vaastu Shastra?
A.The Sun, as our ancestors revealed, is the only source of light and heat for human and other living beings. It directs and sustains life on earth. Therefore, the Sun, the rising Sun is like God, and its direction of rising is considered pious and is taken as a point of reference. If we face the rising sun, the facing direction is called East, behind us shall be West, our left hand denotes North direction and right hand denotes South direction. Therefore, the effect of the direction effects the building/house constructed therein.
Q. What is
the best direction of the house?
A. An auspicious direction for the house/building to face is the east or north direction. This is subject to other factors laid down as per Vaastu Shastra.
Q. What
should be the proportion of length and breadth of house?
A. Ideally, the proportion of length and breadth should be 1:1.
Q. Does the
size of rooms effects the fortune of the persons residing?
A. Yes, the length, breadth or both effect the fortune of inmates.
Q. What are
the main factors to be considered regarding the door of the house?
A. As per Vaastu Shastra, the number of doors and windows of a house should be even in number.
Q. Can
facing of the main door be decided?
A. Yes, the zodiac sign of the owner of the house, on whose name the deed of house is made can be taken as reference and according to zodiac sign of the owner, the main door can be fixed. But since the houses are used generation after generation and in every generation the owner of house is changed the main door if fitted as per the location of plot and road abutting.
Q. How and
why do inhabitants residing in FSI based constructed buildings face problems?
A. Residential Flats are being constructed like pigeon boxes. No open space is left in front of the main entrance door. If one door of a flat opens fully(outside which again is against vaastu rules)another adjacent flat-owner will not be able to open his Main Entrance door fully. Then we observe that door is spliced into two parts 1/3 & 2/3 is recommended. The real problems starts here. Nowhere in the ancient literature, is the splitting of the main entrance door in portion 1/3 & 2/3. Kitchen is health and kitchens in such flats are not designed as per the tenets and rules of Vaastu Shastra. Many a time, we observe that toilets in such flats are located in north-east. A family, having a toilet in the north-east region of their place of residence, will not be able to prosper in life.
Q. What are the planets associated with the directions in Vaastu Shastra ?
| East | Ravi | Sun |
| South East | Shukra | Venus |
| South | Angaraka | Mars |
| South West | Rahu | Dragon's Head |
| West | Shani | Saturn |
| North West | Chandra | Moon |
| North | Budha | Mercury |
| North East | Guru Ketu | Jupiter Dragon's Tail |
Q.
According to the Vaastu Shastra scriptures,what do all the various directions
represent?
A. According to the Vaastu Shastra scriptures, the variuos directions denote the following aspects:
Q. Does the
magnetic field of the earth have to do anything with Vaastu Shastra?.
A. Yes. Most Certainly. The magnetic field of the earth plays and important role while formulating Vaastu Shastra which can significantly influence human life. According to Vaastu Shastra, one should never keep his/her head towards the north while lying as it obstructs the circulatory system causing irregular sleep, tension, paranoia and other mental problems.The magnetic fields of the same poles repel each other while the opposite attracts each other, therefore a person should keep his/her head towards the south or east.
Q. What
role does soil play in the selection of a plot?
A. According to Vaastu Shastra, a plot with soil that has a large salt content is considered to be inauspicious. The ground water table should be minimum 10-12’ below the existing ground level and maximum 30’. It should not have any sanitary back-filled or reclaimed soil of rubbish, bones, hair and other filthy material. The soil should be fertile and free from any discrepit or dead material.
Q. Does
Vaastu Shastra apply to boundry walls as well?
A. Vaastu Shastra holds the conviction that the boundary walls are an effective way of containing the energy level and the magnetic field of the plot. The wall should be thick and high in the western and the southern directions. In the north and the east a smaller, thinner wall is desired.
Q. What are
the things that are to be kept in mind while selecting a plot?
A. The major factors to be kept in mind while selecting a plot are:
Q. Are
there any conventions prescribed by Vaastu Shastra that pertain to doors?
A. Anything that is an essential part of a home, is inscribed in the Vaastu Shastra. Doors, in every sense, convey a lot of pertinent attributes about a house. Here are a few that Vaastu defines:
Q.The
staircase in my house is damaged. What does Vaastu Shastra say to that?
A. If
the steps leading to the entrance are damaged or broken, then the master of the
house will face problems with his career and his expenses will soar. The
staircase should ascend clockwise. The total no. of steps should be such that on
division by 3, a remainder of 2 should be obtained for eg. 7, 11, 17 etc.
Q. Does
Vaastu contain anything that relates to the colour of paint on the interior
walls?
A. It certainly does, the interior is one of the biggest parts of the house. Here is what Vaastu Shastra says about interiors:
CRYPTIC
ASPECTS OF ARCHITECTURE
SCRIPTURAL ORIGIN OF VAASTU SHASTRA
ORIGIN OF VAASTU PURUSH
VAASTU
Shastra believes in the existence of VAASTU Purush who is the main deity of a
building. In this regard Rigved says:
"TAVA TVAM VAASTUNYU IMASI GA MADHYE
YATR GAVAU BHURI SHRINGA AVASAH ||"
that is VAASTU has a relation with Griha devata (deity of the home)
According to Shatpath Brahmin (an ancient scripture), VAASTU is the ruling deity
of animal stock and the people living in a home.
Concept of VAASTU Purush in VAASTU Shastra is an ancient one. As per the
scriptures, once a fierce battle took place in ancient times between a demon
Andhakasur and Lord Shiv. During the battle, a few drops of Lord Shankar’s
sweat fell on the ground and gave birth to a formidable monster. The monster at
once began to kill the gods. Acting unitedly then, all the gods captured the
monster and burried him with his face facing down. The gods also granted a boon
to pacify him: "You shall be worshipped in all auspicious tasks."
Since the gods made an abode on the monster, he came to be known as VAASTU
Purush. And since all the gods have an abode on him, he is worshipped by prudent
people.
Vishwakarma is regarded as the father of VAASTU Shastra. In his treatise
Vishwakarma Prakash, he writes about the origin of VAASTU Purush:
TAMEV VAASTU PURUSHAM BRAHMA SAMA SRIJATPRABHUH |
KRISHNPAKSHE TRITIYATA MASI BHADRPADE TATHA ||
In Tretayug on the third day of the dark phase of the lunar month Bhadrpad,
Brahma created a formidable man. Even the gods were frightened by his
appearance. Then by Brahma's consent, all the gods pushed him down, with his
face downward and themselves sat on him.
The formidable man then appealed to Brahma: "O Lord, you have created this
cosmos. This body is also yours. Why then these gods are torturing me without
reason? Tell me how should I behave with the gods."
Pleased Brahma said: "Since this moment your worship shall be indispensable
in every auspicious construction work because of your presence beneath the gods.
Those who won’t worship you for any reason shall have to suffer penury and
untimely death. They shall have to face your wrath and hence obstacles in
everything they do."
ATRIYAM MRITYUMAPNOTIVIGHN VAKTASAYAPADE-PADE |
VAASTU PUJAM AVARNAH TAVAHARU BHAVISHYATI ||
Therefore in the beginning of a building's construction, installation of doors
and on the occasion of making first entry into newly built home, worship of
VAASTU is more than must. Apart from these occasions, on every auspicious task
offerings ought to be made into fire according to one’s strength.
ORIENTATION OF
VAASTU PURUSH IN A PLOT OF LAND
VAASTU Purush is lain with his face downward. His head points to north-east,
while feet point together to south-west. His right hand and the joint of right
leg point toward south-east, while left hand and joint of left leg point to
north west.
KNOWLEDGE OF
DIRECTION AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
In VAASTU Shastra, eight directions - North, East, West, South, North-east,
South-east, South-west and North-west are considered as important. If you are
planning to build your bungalow or any other building on the basis of VAASTU
Shastra, first of all you should have knowledge of your plot’s direction. Then
you should decide in which direction you ought to keep your main gate. You may
if necessary, take the help of a compass to know the directions.
As the numerals have their apparent influence of human life, similarly influence
of the directions is also apparent. Richness or penury of a person can be known
from the location of his house. In which direction is his house located? Which
direction does the entrance of his house face? How is the interior decoration?
These and other related things reveal the economic condition of a person.
Similarly changes that must be made in order to bring prosperity and to prevent
imminent danger or crisis can also be known with the help of VAASTU Shastra.
As everybody knows there are four major directions - east, west, north and
south. Besides these, four sub-directions are also considered. These are Agney
(South-east), Nairitya (South-west), Vayavya (North-west) and Ishaan
(north-east). Each of these directions and sub-directions has its own merits and
demerits and yields results accordingly. Every direction has a deity or lord
that rules it.
EAST:
Indra is the ruling
deity of the east. He was born out of Brahma's mouth and is capable of
destroying enemies. He can appear in any form as per his wishes. He is also the
lord of rains and has the wind as his assistant. Increment in wealth, cereals
and animal stock can be effected through worshipping Indra. Indra is also the
king of the heaven. Elephant Airavat is Indra’s vehicle and Vajra (lightning)
in his weapon.
The east is also the abode of gods like Surya, Agni, Indra, Jayant, Ish,
Parjanya, Satya, Bhup and Akash.
The east is also known as a direction of lineage. During the construction of the
house, some portion must be left open in the east. It leads to long life for the
owner.
WEST:
The west is the opposite of the east. No work can progress in the west. Varun
(Neptune) is the lord of this direction, which is under the influence of sage
Agastya. Sea is the abode of Varun (Neptune). He therefore, has most influence
on the water bodies. A proper utilization of westerly portion of plot leads to
reputation, fame, prosperity and success for the owner.
NORTH:
Kuber is the lord of this direction. Literally, Kuber means the one who controls
the imminent events and causes increments. He has inassessible wealth and
property. Kuber is the king of Yakshas and Kinnars and is a friend of Rudra (Shiv).
Kailash is the abode of Kuber who has three legs, eight hands and a yellow dot
in place of eyes.
Mercury is the planet that rules the north. It is more influencial in the dark
phase of every lunar month. North is a also an abode of the gods like Kuber,
Diti, Aditi, Shail, Naga and Bhallat etc.
North is also a place of mother. Leaving some portion open in north leads to
prosperity of maternal side as well as provides wealth, comforts, peace etc. for
the owner.
SOUTH:
Yama is the lord of this direction. He is the son of Surya and is hostile
towards Vishnu. Nakshatra Bharani is the most important for him. During the last
eight days of the lunar months of Ashwin and Kartika this nakshatra is more
influencial. South direction weakens human life, hence all the auspicious tasks
are forbidden in the south. South is also an abode of the gods like Yama,
Gandharvas, Mriga, Pusha, Vitath and Kshat. In all the south direction yields
nothing but mourning, depression and pain.
AGNEYA
(SOUTH-EAST):
Direction that lies midway between the east and the south is known as Agneya
(south-east). Agni (fire) is the lord of this direction. He is the preserver and
defender of every being. Agni also carries the message of people who worship and
offer oblations with devotion to God.
Worshippers of Agni are economically strong and long living. Agni himself takes
care of the people who make offerings into him. Agni also provides them with
comfort, peace, prosperity and progeny.
While constructing a house, the first pillar must be erected in the south-east
direction. Alternatively, kitchen of the house should occupy a place in this
direction. This is the foremost and an important rule of VAASTU Shastra. First
day of every month also represents the element fire.
A warm Agneya direction makes a man healthy, whereas a faulty use makes the
owner short tempered.
NAIRITYA
(SOUTH-WEST):
It lies midway between the south and the west directions. Nairitya is the ruling
lady of this direction. Literally, Nairitya means repeated happening - whether
be it the birth of a baby or any other event. It also means that anything not
done at proper time can’t have a repetition. If the house is built in this
direction, the home suffers continuous decay.
South-west portion of the house should never be left open, nor should a pit be
dug is this direction. This direction is an abode of demons and ghosts. To
prevent the accumulation of inauspicious and pain causing things, digging of pit
in south-west is prohibited. If for some reason, digging is necessary it should
be covered as early as possible or a sapling be planted in its place.
VAYAVYA
(NORTH-WEST):
It lies mid way between the west and the north. Vayu (wind) is the lord of this
direction. Five kinds of Vayu - Prana, Upana, Samana, Vyana and Udana are
necessary for human life. Hanumana and Bheema are the representations of Vayu.
Those who worship Vayu in the form of Hanumana, get their desired results at
once.
North-west angle is the progenitor of friendship or enemity. Hence, a faulty use
of this portion of plot may result in majority of the enemies. If you use this
angle of your plot wisely and flawlessly, you will have many friends who will
undoubtedly benefit you.
ISHANYA
(NORTH-EAST):
The angle that lies midway between north and the east is known as Ishanya
(north-east) direction. Shiv is the lord of this angle. Pashupat is the weapon
of Shiv. Nakshatra Ardra is the symbol of Lord Shiv. Semul (silk-cotton) tree is
considered auspicious in this direction.
Worshipping of ruling God of this direction yields many virtues in the life of
the worshipper. Portion of the house in this direction must be kept holy for it
yields many kinds of divine powers to the owner. Proper utilization of this
portion of house provides wealth, reputation, property and every kind of
excellence for the owner. A faulty utilization of this angle, however, may block
successful continuation of progeny.