Vastu (वास्तु शास्त्र)

VASTU SHASTRA, वास्तु शास्त्र

Vaastu is the science of direction which balances all five elements of nature with the man and the material. Vaastu Shastra is a scientific approach to take the benefits inherent to the five elements of nature “Panch bhoot” for enhanced health, wealth and happiness.

Vastu knowledge has been passed from ancient Gurus & Rishis who have known the power of all the five elements of this their special characteristics to enhance lives and well-being since several ages. Various factors considered while formulating the principles of this ancient science were: Earth’s magnetic field, gravitational field, the position of galaxy, winds, rainfall, light and heat of the Sun, it’s Ultraviolet and Infra-Red rays, among others.

Man conceives and perceives architecture in relation to his experience with the surrounding world elements “Panch Bhoot, पंच भूत” namely Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space. Out of the nine planets, only our planet has life due to the presence of all of these five elements. Earth and Water are localized and have limited availability. They act as a basis for selecting the location and the physical form of architecture and human habitat. Sun, Air and Space are universally available and thus can be moulded to suit human needs by way of design. To know their meaning, their role in design and architecture, one has to know each one in detail.

Earth

Earth is the first and foremost element of Vastu. Earth or Prithvi influence human lives via gravitational and magnetic forces. Selection of a proper Site is the most important thing in Vastu. It requires to assess each and every detail of the site which includes plot’s soil inspection, site dimensions, direction and neighboring area.

Water (जल)

Water (जल) is considered the second most important element. Water has a significant role as over 60 percent of our body and 70 percent of earth’s surface is covered with water. As per Vastu water sources should be kept in the north-east direction. Water exerts positivity, hence aquarium, swimming pool, water tank, wells and boring should be in North-East direction only.

Fire (अग्नि)

After Earth and Water, Fire or Agni is the next important element. Fire is associated with the Sun which symbolises vitality and strength. Sun is the most important source of energy and source of natural light. As per Vastu, proper direction for the placement of fire sources is south-east to get its positive energy. Fire sources like kitchen fire and electrical gadgets should be placed in the south-east direction.

Air (वायु)

Air is an important element of nature, without which life will come to an end. Air is also related to our senses of touch and sound and has a proper direction in Vastu, which is north-west direction. Vastu provides proper guidelines for the placements of doors, windows, balconies, ventilation, height of your home structure and placements of trees and plants. According to Vastu the air should enter the house from the north-west direction.

Space (अंतरिक्ष)

Space is limitless. Space is filled with galaxies, stars, constellations, the Sun, the moon, and all the nine planets. Space influences human lives and Vastu provides proper guidelines for Space and according to it, the house construction should be in such a way that light enters the central area of the house. This Space should be kept vacant / open space in a house.

VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA (वास्तु पुरुष मंडल )

Vastu purusha mandala are model to depict cosmos. It is subdivided into squares in series 1,4,9,16, up to 1024 with models of 64 & 81 square most commonly used especially in temple architecture with square representing energy field (represented as deities), their significance & position / direction.

THE LEGEND OF VASTU PURUSHA:

According to Hindu mythology, Brahma, the creator of the Universe created a large cosmic man, who grew rapidly as he began to devour everything in his path to satisfy his insatiable hunger. Eventually he became so big that his shadow created a permanent eclipse on the Earth, the gods Shiva and Vishnu requested Brahma to do something before this creature destroyed everything.

Brahma upon realising his mistake called the Aṣṭa-Dikpāla, guardians of eight directions. Together, they overpowered the monster and held it flat against the earth. Brahma then jumped in the middle and held the monster down. Monster cried to Brahma that ‘You created me like this, so why am I being punished?’ Brahma made the Monster immortal and that he would be worshiped by any mortal that builds a structure on earth as Vastu Purusha.

Vastu Shastra provides the directive principles regarding construction of buildings so as not to displease the Vastu Purusha. These principles are explained with the help of a diagram called the Vastu Purusha Mandala.

The diagram shown above, known as Vastu Purusha Mandala, is a metaphysical square plan that illustrates the position in which Vastu Purusha was pinned down by Brahma, with his head towards the North-East and his feet towards the South-West.
The diagram is divided into 9 X 9 = 81 parts. The positions of the 45 devatās (32 in the external enclosures and 13 in the internal enclosures) who are holding down the Vastu Purusha is shown. These symbolic devatā rule various aspects of life based on their inherent qualities.

The function of the room placed in the corresponding area of the house is according to the nature of the deity ruling that particular area.

House designed as per the Vastu Purusha Mandala, creates a perfectly balanced environment which ensures enhanced health, wealth and happiness.

POSITIONING OF ROOMS ACCORDING TO VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA:

Humans depending on the time of the day perform different activities. Vastu pundits divided the 24 hours into eight parts, representing the eight cardinal directions. Rooms of a house were designed as per these Eight cardinal directions, such that at any given time of the day depending on the activity, the inmates were able to get the maximum benefits of the elements of nature as explained here under:

North-East:

The period may lie between 3 am and 6 am, starting about 96 minutes before sunrise is called Brahma Muhurta. During this time, the Sun is in the North-Eastern part of the house. This time is ideal for Puja, meditation, yoga or study as it is quiet and peaceful. Hence the North-East corner is the best suited for the Puja, meditation or study room.

The owner of this direction is the supreme deity of Hindus Lord SHIVA with representative planet Brahaspati. This direction gives overall prosperity, health, wealth, knowledge & spiritual growth. Northeast is a very pious direction esp. for scholars & students. It is a very sensitive direction. Very powerful axis as magnetic energy starts from the Northeast to Southwest. Creating a toilet in this area is blunder, it can spoil the family health or can ruin the business place. Also, Bedrooms, stores, kitchen & heavy structures should be avoided.

East:

From 6 am to 9 am, the Sun is in the eastern part of the house. The direction is owned by Lord INDRA. The direction should be open, light and clean. Making heavy walls, not providing the ventilation, doors & windows makes life stagnant. Avoid staircase, toilet or store

South-East:

The time between 9 am to 12 in the noon, when the Sun is in the South-East part of the house. A well-wisher who is very sensitive, angry in nature, the same is the nature of Southeast direction. Southeast is owned by Lord AGNIDEV, the Hindu deity representing fire. The representative planet for this direction is Shukra. The sun, which is a life giver to this universe, is at its harsh mood emitting infrared rays when it comes in this direction. This is the hottest place/phase of the Lord Sun. This heat is compared to the fire. Southeast is always allocated for fire related works. Therefore, the kitchen can be located here.

Fire is very potent & has lots of anti-elements like water & air. So, one should be careful while placing the other elements with fire.

South:

After lunch it is time for rest, so the time between noon and 3 pm is called Vishranti, the resting period. The Sun is now in the South, and hence the best position for a bedroom. There should not be big openings in the south.

Though the South is considered as a bad direction but it is not like that. South is the bank for all the good energies of North direction. The owner of this direction is YAM, Hindu deity for death. Big openings from the south give problems comparable to death. Closed and heavy walls in the south direction keep the Yam away from the inmates of the house. South’s owner is also in charge of justice, legal affairs. So, defects in the south can create injustice and legal issues in life.

The corresponding planet for the south is MANGAL. South also affects the growth in financial prospects, business and career. Closed places in the south are prosperous and stores wealth in the form of energy.

South-West:

As per Vastu, this direction is owned by NIRITI with corresponding planet Rahu. It shows magnetic energies flowing from the Northeast & its right usage gives a strong & healthy life. Southwest can give you confidence, wealth, name and fame in life, but if not according to Vaastu, it can bring many problems. Bad Southwest can make finances in the reverse flow, bring behavioral issues as depression, anxiety, suicidal feelings etc. It can make people feel low, loss of working energy & conception problems in the family. Highest Southwest brings happiness and self-esteem.

West:

The period between 6 pm and 9 pm is the time for eating, sitting or reading. The Sun is in the West and this is the good location for a dining room or sitting room.

As per Vastu, the West direction is known for stability in life. The owner for this direction is Lord VARUN, the deity for rain, fame and fate with corresponding planet Saturn. Big opening from this direction is not advisable as the axis of energy rises from east and sets in the west. West is occupied by the lower abdomen, genitals & reproduction organs of the Vaastu purush. The openings & entries from this direction are not good as it spoils the prospects of income

North-West:

The time between 9 pm and midnight, when the Sun is in the North-West part of the house is the time to sleep. Also, a good location for another bedroom.

As per Vastu, the owner of this direction is VAYUDEV, Hindu deity for Vayu (wind element) with the moon as its planet. Being powered by wind, the Northwest is unstable. This direction creates opportunities in life & can take one’s career to big heights. Wrong usage however gives instability, restlessness, confusion & lots of diseases.

North:

The time between midnight and 3 am, when the Sun is in the Northern section, is the time of darkness and secrecy.

As per Vastu, a very good direction with the owner of this direction as KUBER, Hindu deity for wealth & prosperity and corresponding planet Budha. The Vaastu Purush’s chest & breast area occupies this direction. Hence It should always be more open, beautiful, light & less burdened. Another view-point states that the North Pole provides tremendous positive energy to the whole structure which is very important for each & every individual/inmates of the building structure. Big openings in this direction helps in receiving the energies of the North Pole. This direction is called wealth and career direction. The North is the best place to store valuables and keep them protected.

BENEFITS OF VASTU

Vaastu Shastra is important to Success in matters of Health, Wealth and Knowledge. Vaastu Compliant places provide its occupant happiness in surroundings by getting maximum benefits from the Panchbhoot i.e. gravitational force, solar energy, lunar energy, spiritual energy and cosmic forces. If 100% Vaastu compliance is not possible, one should always try and modify the interior arrangements. The nature’s positive energy helps the occupants to establish themselves and minimizes the negativity surrounded upon the habitants and/or even on the visitors.

The following is the partial list of some of the benefits of Vastu compliance:

Residence

Enhances health and vitality
Promotes wealth & prosperity
Stress-free and supporting surrounding
Refreshing, good night’s sleep
Improves relationships and public dealings.
Provides inspiration and maximizes effectiveness
Harmonious and tranquil atmosphere

Promotes good fortune and wellbeing.

Commercial

Improves employee’s efficiency.
Growth in business and increased profits
Enhance creativity, intelligence and better decision making
Stress free and supporting working environment.

Factory / Industry

Vastu plays a significant role in overall satisfaction of all stake-holders in terms of health, wealth & prosperity.

Helps in early detection of problems by thorough analysis and taking corrective measures.

Contributes in success of business, increase in production, higher profitability and success among neighboring factories.

Vastu provides detailed guidelines on placement of heavy machinery to storage place for finished goods to have faster dispatches of same.

VAASTU TIPS & REMEDIES

It is best to consult a Vaastu Expert, but some useful tips with practical examples of Vastu principles are given below. Use these Tips to improve your Destiny, Health, Wealth, Happiness and Prosperity.

Keep electrical / heat generating appliances in the SE corner.
Kitchen, toilets and prayer room (puja-room) should not be next to one another.
Avoid the kitchen directly in front of the main door.
Water source as sinks, wash-basins and taps should preferably be along the NE wall.
The safe door should open towards the north or the east.
Toilet seat should preferably be along the North-South axis. The septic tank can be in the NW or the SW corner of the House.
Add little sea salt while cleaning the floor with any disinfectant.
Avoid garbage dump, street-light pole, or boulders in front of the main gate or door.
Main door should not be directly opposite the main door of another house.
Front / main door should be constructed in such a manner as to avoid the fall of a shadow on it. Construct your house in such way it admits bright light on the main doorway
Number of doors and windows should be more on the ground floor and less on the upper floors.
Image of Gajalaxmi at the main door is considered pious
North-east corner should always be kept clean.
Students should study facing the north or east.
Grow a Tulsa or basil plant in front of the house. Do not plant cactus in the house.
Avoid sitting / sleeping under a beam.
Avoid displaying paintings depicting war, crime, violence, unrest, agony or distress.
Rain water or drainage should flow towards the North East.
Use new construction material for houses or commercial buildings.
Elderly people are always more comfortable in the South-West corner.
The height of the building & wall thickness should be reduced from the SW to the NE.
Bhumi-puja should be performed before starting the construction of a new house and Griha-pravesh before occupying it.
Avoid the toilet or prayer room (puja room) under the staircase.
Avoid well, basement in the middle of a house or plot.

The doorbell should have a pleasant and soothing tone.
Exposed marble floor or broken tile can be the cause of a broken relationship. Cover it with carpet till it is replaced.
Avoid trees or pole facing your main door. In case it cannot be avoided, place a convex mirror on the outer wall facing that obstruction.
Fix a name, number plate on the main entrance. Giving name to the residence and lighting the nameplate gives a positive effect.
Avoid sitting with your back facing the main door.
To increase savings / money in the house, put a 3-leg frog facing its back to the main door.
Toilet / fireplace in the North-East corner can ruin you financially along with mental tension. Toilet in the West or South-West direction is best and can be made in North, North-West, West or North-West direction also.
Keep your mirrors clean, replace any cracked or broken glass, keep the paint work fresh, and replace any blown bulbs, non-working, un-repaired device or damaged watch, telephone, radio, mixer, spoiled ball pens, etc. in the house.
An ornamental fountain or aquarium in the North East direction can bring good luck as moving water attracts positive energy and money.
For commercial places / offices, the prayer place / temple should not be placed behind the owner’s seat. The central portion of an office or factory space should be empty.
For commercial places / offices, owners should avoid sitting with their back facing the main door as It results in lack of strength and sense of fear and insecurity. Unwanted guests / visitors should be given such a seat.
Avoid having three or more doorways in a straight line. Obstruction in front of the gate can reduce prosperity.
Avoid doors in the South / Southwest direction.
Drawing, study & puja room can be in North / East direction.
North, North-East, East, Brahma sthan (central place) should be kept light, clean and open, however South, South-West, West should be kept heavy.
Even numbers of Balcony, Verandahs and Windows should be there and should be located in the North / Northeast / East direction.
Pillars should be in even numbers and should not be placed on the Brahma sthan (central place).
Main gate should be bigger than the other internal doors and can be in any direction, but South West.
Lobby, drawing or dining room can be constructed in Brahmasthan (central place) or left open.
Avoid rubber plants, bonsai, cactus or milk producing plants in the house.
Keep a picture of High-Altitude Mountains without water in the South-West to enhance stability.

For offices, commercial space, industry & factory

In commercial space / offices, stick three coins tied with a red ribbon on a sales file or invoice book or order book to enhance Sales.
Have a Conference room or a boardroom in the East or West direction
If Pooja / prayer room is not in the North-east, then one can alternatively place it in the North-East corner of the Kitchen for putting an idol of deity.
Seating arrangement for managers, executives, and directors must be located in south, west, and southwestern direction of the office premises.
Avoid medicines in the kitchen and shift it to the living or prayer room.
Avoid placing a mirror in front of the bed / sleeping place or cover it while sleeping.
Wooden beds without a box (for storage) are the best for sleeping & avoid metal beds (wrought Iron) etc.
Crystal Globe and Education Tower in the Northeast corner of the study table or room improves study & concentration.
Overhead Water Tank should be in the South, Southwest or North-West direction.
Best place for Septic Tank is in the West, South-West, North-West.
Basement should be made either under the whole building or partially in North, Northeast, East direction.
Bore-well or fixing tank in the direction of the south should be avoided. For borings in the south west direction, place a picture of Panchmukhi Hanuman facing the borings.
Place the accounts department in the southeast direction.
Office reception should be in the north, east direction.
Employees should sit facing the north or east direction.
Central portion of the office must be set empty.
Place a rectangular desk for the MD.
Best direction for the storeroom is the northwest and southeast.
Marketing department should be in the northwest direction.
Place a Water fountain in the location northeast of the office premises.
Set kitchen in the south-east corner. Alternatively locate it in the north-west corner. Avoid Kitchen in north-east, mid-west, mid-north, mid-south, south-west.
Master bedroom should be in the south-west with the head positioned towards the south or east.
Construct plots where land is fertile with plants and greeneries.
Ensure that no cremation place, cemetery, or graveyard is nearby.
It is really advisable to allow 5 doors of a maximum opening
Setting television in the bedroom area is not recommended
Keep the plants and water sport far from your bedroom
Never split bed sheet and bed mattresses
Set your house furniture in the form of circle, square, or as octagon
Keep the corners bright
It is good to fix an image of bright sun in the southern wall of the living area
Avoid dining hall in front of the entrance door of the house
Place a happy family photograph or picture inside your living room on the south wall.

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