Vastu Introduction

Basics of Vastu

Vastu is the science of architecture and buildings. The term Vastu or Vaastu is derived from the root ‘Vas’ which means to stay, to live. In Sanskrit “Vastu” means nature, a surrounding or environment.

Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian science containing principles and practices for constructing houses or buildings in such a way which ensures a harmonious balance between man and nature and various kinds of forces and energies. The forces and energies includes cosmic energy, gravitational forces, and electromagnetic waves. This harmonious balance brings all round happiness, health, wealth and prosperity. Vastu Shastra brings together art, science, astronomy and astrology. Vastu Shastra helps us to make our lives better and will prevent things and situations from going haywire.

Vastu Shastra effectively uses the network of cosmic energy for the advancement of humans. According to Vastu Shastra, when houses or buildings or any other structures are in harmony with the underlying cosmic principles, they become a part of the basic structure of the universe and pulsate in harmony with it. These positive vibrations are believed to have a positive effect on the inhabitants of the house or any other structures.

Vastu is the science of direction that combines all the five elements of nature and balances them with the man and the material. As per Vastu, the world consists of five basic elements, also known as the “Pancha Bhootas” - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space. Our planet “Earth” has life because of the existence of all these five elements. In any home, miseries and sufferings will automatically vanish, if these five elements are correctly positioned in the right directions. Vastu Shastra is the only science which explains the ways to maintain best equilibrium of these five elements in a house, building or a structure and make best use of them. This maximizes psychological and physical energies of inhabitants to the highest possible degree.

The Vastu principles for example explain the size & shape of the plot on which a house is to be build, on which side(s) of the plot the road(s) should be, how far away the plot should be from the public places, what type of plot/house(s) should be near the plot, various rooms in the constructed house or flat and the placement of these rooms, the door & window placement etc. Lot of these have been explained in the book in the subsequent chapters.

The Legend of Vastu Purusha

According to ancient Hindu mythology, many years ago Brahma, the creator of the Universe, experimented with the creation of a new creature. He created a large cosmic man, who grew rapidly as he began to consume everything in his path to satisfy his insatiable hunger. When he became so big that his shadow fell on the Earth creating a permanent eclipse, the gods Shiva and Vishnu requested Brahma to do something before everything was destroyed by this Creature.

Brahma realized his mistake and called the “Astha Dikpalakas,” the Gods of the eight fundamental directions. Together, they overpowered the monster and held it flat against the earth. Then Brahma jumped in the middle and held the monster down. Then the Monster cried “You have created me like this. So why am I being punished?” Brahma offered him a concession and made the Monster immortal with the blessing that he would be worshiped by any human that builds a structure on earth. He was named “Vastu Purusha.”

Vastu Purusha Mandala

“Vastu Purusha” Mandala is the abstract diagrammatic design of cosmos on which the whole concept of Vastu Shastra is based. It is believed that Vastu Purusha lies down in the cosmos which constitutes energies in a way that his head is resting in North-East direction which represents balanced thinking; lower body is facing South-West which represents strength and firmness; his navel is in the center of the earth signifying cosmic alertness and holiness; his hands face North-West and South-East which signifies energy.

North

South

This diagram known as Vastu Purusha Mandala, describes how the Vastu Purusha was pinned down by Brahma and the 44 gods- face down, with his head towards the North-East and feet towards South-West.

It is divided in to 9*9 = 81 parts (as shown in the diagram), each part names, the god holding Vastu Purusha down in respective part. There are 32 gods in outer part and 13 gods in inner part.

This means that there is presence of different Gods in Vastu Purusha Mandala and each of these Gods rule different parts of human life as per their qualities. Hence while constructing a house, the purpose must be in tune with the nature of the deity placed and ruling that part.

Vastu and Seven Chakras

Vastu Purusha Mandala also represents the delicate body with the seven psychic centres or chakras. If a person takes care of the corresponding chakra of Vastu Purusha Mandala then that will help in getting positive results while doing Vastu doshas or Vastu defects correction. The seven Chakras are:-

1. Muladhara “The Root Chakra”

Muladhara chakra is related to the South-West corner where the Vastu Purusha has his legs and this denotes the earth element. Just as the legs support the weight of the body, the base for the muladhara should be stable and strong. Accordingly, the South West portion of a building or a house should be strong enough to support heavy weights or load. As we know that the feet are warm, likewise the South West cell represents warmth and heat; even according to the atmospheric cycles, the South West region receives comparatively more heat.

2. Swadhisthana “The Sacral/Pelvic Chakra”

The lower stomach region near the kidneys is related to swadhisthana chakra. It is related to water element. On the Vastu Purusha Mandala; it is to the South and to the West. Therefore, the wet areas like bathroom etc. are recommended in the South or in the West portions of a house. It is for sewerage.

3. Manipura “The Solar Plexus Chakra”

This is at the navel; and relates to energy or fire. While in the womb of the mother, the fetus is fed with the essence of food and energy through the umbilical cord connected with its navel. The Vastu Purusha Mandala shows “Brahma” the divine god, at the navel of the Vastu Purusha. Further, the lotus is the base of Brahma. Thus, navel connects Brahma with Jiva or life. It is left open and unoccupied. Hence the central portion of a house or building is to be kept open. It is believed that Vastu Purusha breaths through this open area.

4. Anahata “The Heart Chakra”

The Anahata chakra is near the heart. It is related to vayu /air regulated by lungs. The lung region of the Vastu Purusha should be airy.

5. Vishuddha “The Throat Chakra”

This is near the throat from where the sounds come out and echo in space. This region represents - the word “OM” which is uttered through the throat. The echo of this sound vibrates in space in the brain or the head. The head of Vastu Purusha is in the North-East corner.

6. Ajna “The Brow Chakra”

This is also called third eye chakra. The Ajna Chakra is between the eyebrows. This direction is related to open spaces. Atmospherically, North East is cooler; and so should be one’s head. The puja/prayer room is recommended in the North-East portion of the house.

7. Sahasrara (The Crown Chakra)

This is situated at the top of the head and brain. The North-East direction is where the crown chakra of the Vastu Purusha along with the energy of the other elements resides. Thus, for best results the North-East direction is where it’s best to build a puja room. Sahasrara chakra represents the wisdom of an individual and the spiritual union with the divine, through complete awareness of the world and self. It does not have a specific color associated with it; it is light, which overwhelms all the other colors.

Five Elements

We all know that the whole universe is made up of five basic elements i.e. Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space. These five basic elements are related to our five senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight. The aim of Vastu Shastra is to teach the individuals how to live in a perfect harmony by balancing these five main elements. All these ‘five elements’ sustain life on the planet and are neutral, unbiased and impartial to us - yet we cannot control them. There is an invisible and constant interaction between these elements.

Internal relationship between the elements, senses and directions:-