Vastu Shastra is the scientific study of directions that creates equilibrium by balancing the different elements of nature and using them for the benefit of humans. There is a great importance of Vastu Shastra in our life, as it paves way for happiness and prosperity to knock our doors. Vastu is very rational in the sense that it is based on scientific study and not on assumptions. Also there is surety about its permanency, as it takes into consideration the directions, which are static. Read further to know why Vastu should be followed…

Talking about Vastu, the best part is that, its guidelines are very simple and easy to follow. It can be applied to virtually all sets of constructions, then be it a house, a particular room, temple, commercial complex, industry etc. Vastu extracts the positive energies of the five natural forces of nature, like solar energy of sun, lunar energy of moon, wind energy, magnetic effects of earth etc and balances them to bring harmony in the life of mankind. Consult a good Vastu expert and follow the advice sincerely and then open your arms to receive good luck, health and wealth.

Vastu as Science

Vastu is the scientific study of directions, which aims at utilizing the natural energies that are available free of cost, for the benefit of humans, by creating an equilibrium between man and material. Vastu science extracts the positive energy from the natural elements of the universe, namely, earth, water, air, sun and sky. Read further to know about Vastu as science…

Vastu is an old practice that was evolved by learned men of the past, for the welfare of mankind. It is a vast field of study that lays down certain principles, paving way for good health, wealth and prosperity to enter our gateway. The five elements of nature, on which the science of Vastu is based, are:

Sun: sun is one of the most important elements of nature, on which our very survival is dependent. It is a source of heat and light and therefore has a lot of significance in the Vastu study.
Air: air, being the source of oxygen, acts as the life savor for living beings. The comfort level of living beings is dependant upon different things like airflow, air temperature, its pressure, humidity level etc; therefore air is one of the most powerful sources of our survival.
Earth: in India, earth is given the status of mother. It is the source of existence of landform, landscape, flora and fauna. The gravitational force and magnetic effects of Earth have an effect on living beings.
Water: it is an essential element for the existence of all life forms.

Sky: it consists of not just our solar system but also the galaxy.

Origin of Vastu

These days, the concept of consulting Vastu expert for creating peaceful settings at home and workplace, has gained popularity. This architectural scientific study of directions, more popularly known as Vastu is not new. In fact it has its origin in the Stapatya Veda, a part of the Atharva Veda. Thus, the origin of Vastu study can be said to have taken place thousands of years ago. It is interesting to explore facts about Vaasthu origin. Read further to know about Vaastu shastra history…

The early principles of Vastu were framed on the basis of observation of the sunrays at different durations during the day. Vastu study has incorporated the principles of sculptures, construction and architecture, as were described in the epics. One can find its mention in different epics like Mataysya Purana, Skanda Purana, Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, and Vishnu Purana. References can also be found in the Mahabharata; of different houses built for the kings, which were constructed following Vaastu guidelines. Even Buddhist literature makes numerous mentions of different buildings based on Vaasthu. It has become a tradition of passing the knowledge of Vastu shashtra from one generation to another.

Vastu for Plot Selection

In the contemporary times, the trend is of consulting a Vastu expert, while selecting a plot, irrespective of the fact that you want to use the plot for residential or commercial construction. Vastu for plot selection goes a long way in keeping away the negative energies, leading to problems of health and finance. Vaasthu advice for plot selection is based on the study of multiple factors like direction of the site, type of soil on the site and many more.

Here are some Vaastu tips for selecting a plot:

Choose a plot that doesn't have an irregular shape. Square or rectangle shape plot is considered good.
Avoid buying a plot having cracks.
A plot that has more length in the east west direction is good for purchasing purpose.
Vastu does not advice the buying of such a plot that has more of open space in southern portion as compared to the northern side, as it is likely to cause some sort of destruction.
It is advisable to buy a plot that has the main entrance in the mid-west or in the northern portion of the plot.
It is not recommended to buy a plot facing the west direction.

Vastu for Home

The term Vastu, meaning a dwelling place, was initially used to refer to the homes of gods and human beings. But now the scope of this study has expanded to the extent of including almost all types of constructions, then be it a plot, commercial complex, industry, shop/showroom or spiritual place like temple. These days, it has become a trend of consulting a Vastu expert for residential Vastu.
Here are some Vastu tips for house:

The best direction for master bedroom construction is southwest, while for other rooms; central, southern and central west directions are appropriate.
If you wish to construct a bedroom in the northwest direction, then prefer using it as a guest room or as a room for daughters.
Southeast direction is not right for bedroom purpose.
For children's room, the perfect direction is west or north. Place their study tables in the northern or eastern corner of the room and make sure that while your kids are studying, they should be facing east direction.
Avoid sleeping with your head facing north side of your room.
Green color is recommended to be used for wall painting in the study room, as it enhances intelligence.
For prayer room, yellow or sandal wall color is just perfect.
For placing TV or computer in the living room, southeast corner is just right.

Vastu for Drawing Room

Here are some Vaastu tips for drawing room:

The north direction is ideal for the construction of drawing room.
As per Vastu for drawing room, it is advisable to keep square or rectangle shape furniture.
Southern and western corners of the room are perfect for placing the furniture.
As per the Vaasthu advice for drawing rooms, there should more of open space in the northern and eastern corners.
The perfect place for placing sofa lies in northwest.
TV can be kept in the southeast direction and showcase cum almarih in the southwest corner.
Seating arrangement for the guests should be done in such a manner that the guests face southern or western direction.
Center table can be in the shape of square, rectangle or even round.
Avoid placing L shape sofa in your drawing room.

Vastu for Dining Room

Vastu for dining room makes sure that the food you are eating will have positive effects on you and your family. There are plenty of things that are required to be considered, while giving the right Vaasthu remedies for dining room like the proper location of dining room, proper placement of dining table, position of electronic gadgets, the direction you are facing while eating food etc.

Here are some Vastu tips for dining room:

The ideal location for the construction of dining room is the West portion of the house.
Construction should be done in such a manner that the dining room and kitchen both are on the same floor, lying adjacent to each other.
Square or rectangle shape dining table is just perfect for the room.
Dining table should not be sticking to the wall.
The most suitable wall colors for the room are the shades of pink and orange.
If you want to place a fridge in the dining room, then southeast direction would be just apt.

If you want to make provision for the fitting of washbasin in your dining room, then the right place would be either eastern or northern corner.

Vastu for Children Room

Here are some Vastu tips for children's room:

The apt direction for constructing children's room is west. North or East directions can also be used for constructing kids’ room.
Vastu for children room suggests that a married couple should not use East direction bedroom. There is no problem if an unmarried child uses that room.
Bed can be placed in the southwest corner.
As a part of Vastu guidelines for children room, it is recommended to avoid placing the mirror just on the opposite side of the bed.
Don't place the furniture sticking to the wall, as it obstructs the flow of positive energy.
The study desk should be placed in such a manner that the child faces eastern, northern or northeastern corner while studying. East is the most appropriate direction, as it paves way for enhanced concentration.
Avoid placing the electronic gadgets like TV and Computer in the kids' bedroom. But still if you wish to install one, then for computer, the right place is Southeast corner and for TV, Northwest corner would be fine.

Vastu for Bedroom

Vastu for bedroom takes into consideration different determinants to ensure harmony in the house. A couple of things that become important to be considered, while constructing and designing bedrooms are: proper location, proper placement of bed, color scheme of the room, the direction and placement of doors, windows, furniture, electronic gadgets so that things are properly arranged.

Here are some Vastu tips for bedroom:

For ensuring peace in the house, the main bedroom should be constructed in the South direction.
While sleeping, make sure that everyone sleeps with his or her head pointing towards the South corner. North direction should be completely avoided, as it acts as a source of nightmares and disturbed sleep.
Avoid placing the divine idols in the bedroom.
As a part of Vastu guidelines for bedroom, if you want to have a bookshelf in your bedroom, then west or southwest corner is apt for this purpose.
For constructing the master bedroom, southwest direction is just perfect. Other bedrooms can be constructed on the eastern or northern side of the master bedroom.
Square and rectangle shape bedrooms are just perfect for ensuring peace and prosperity.

Vastu for Bathroom

Here are some Vastu tips for bathroom:For bathroom construction, the most appropriate location lies in the eastern portion of the house.

There must be a provision for proper lighting and cross ventilation.
As a part of Vastu remedies for bathroom, it is suggested that the geyser should be placed in the Southeast corner.
Drainage system should be in the northeast direction. Therefore, it is advised that the taps and showers should be fixed on the northern side.
As per Vastu for bathroom, the door should not be in the southwest direction of the bathroom.
For keeping the washing machine, the suitable directions are southeast and northwest.

Vastu for Kitchen

Vastu for kitchen takes into consideration various things, which when properly placed, pave way for safety in the kitchen. Some of the essential determinants considered are: proper location of the kitchen, direction and placement of doors and windows, placement of cooking gas, gas cylinder, sink, refrigerator and other electronic gadgets etc so that the things are properly arranged.

Here are some Vastu tips for kitchen:

The ideal place for the location of kitchen is the southeast corner. An alternative choice can be the northwest corner of the house.
As per the Vastu remedies for kitchen, certain directions, which are a total no for the construction of the kitchen, are: Northeast, mid-north, mid-west, southwest mid-south or the center.
Make sure that the cooking platform does not touch eastern or northern side wall.
The best direction for cooking is facing east, as this direction is considered to be auspicious.
No shelf should be placed above the cooking platform.
Refrigerator can be placed on the northwest corner in the kitchen.

While constructing the kitchen, make adequate provision for cross ventilation

SELECTION OF SITE

Several things need careful consideration while going in for construction of a building. The most important of all these is selecting the right plot or site. Sand and its surroundings bring peace and harmony or pains and sorrows in life. Thus it is always advisable to consult an expert on Vastu Shastra before buying a plot or purchasing a house, flat or other buildings instead of calling him in at a later stage to design the building, do supervision and other work. By the time the damage would have already been done.

FROM WHOM NOT TO BUY A PLOT

According to Vastu Shastra, a plot or site of land should not be purchased

1)         From those who became insolvent

2)         From person suffering from leprosy

3)         From lunatics

4)         From people who have left the country, etc.

Similarly, land donated to temple, alloted to watchman of village or colony, land in possession of charitable trusts, land without any title deed should not be purchased. Land containing boulders, ant hills, worm hills, bones and skeleton etc, should not be acquired.

DIRECTION OF THE PLOT

· Plot facing East is good for scholars, philosophers, priests, professors, teachers

* Plot facing North is good for those in power, administration and those who work for government.

* Plot facing South is good for business class and for those who work in business organization.

* Plot facing West is for those who provide supporting services to the society.

ENVIRONMENT OR SURROUNDINGS OF THE PLOT

This is most important. If the surroundings are not good, we suffer in many ways.

Plots which are fertile with plants and greeneries are very good.

* A river or big canal nearby and if it is in North side and water flows from West to East, it is good.
   Similarly if it is on East side of the plot with water flowing from South to North, that is also good.
   But plots with rivers or canal flowing on West or South side of the plot should be avoided.

* Hills, hillocks, mounds of Earth, big boulders etc on the Southern, South West and Western sides of
   the plot is good : in other sides, it will mar the progress.

* There should be no graveyard, cemetry or tomb adjacent to the plot or in front or back.

* Location of temples near the plot also affect the immates. Temple on the right side of a plot cause
   material loss, on the left, grief and sorrow, in front, obstruction to progress and in the 100 feet
   apart, those disastrous result are avoided.

* Similarly plot very near to Cinema-theatres, schools and colleages are to be avoided.

OBSTRUCTION IN FRONT OF MAIN GATE OF PLOT

If there are obstructions of the undernoted types before main gate of the plot, following problems will arise as per BRAHUSANHITHA.

1. Big Tree-obstruction to the progress of children,

2. Gutter or Ditch-grief,

3. Open well- mental problem,

4. Corner of another building-mental unrest,

5. Water drain-draining of income by unwanted expenses,

6. Straight street-affecting longivity of inmates,

7. Dilapitated house or walls-affecting prosperity,

8. Staircase railings-sadness,

9. Pillars; Electric and telephone post-affecting females.

According to VASTURAJ VALLABH and BRAHUSANHITA these are called VEDH DOSHA. But in between the plot and obstacles if there is a public road, these deficiencies are nullified.

Similarly, if the distance between the obstacles and the house is two times the height of the house, these deficiencies will have no effect. For example, if the height of the house is 11 feet and if the obstructions are more than 22 feet away, Vedh Dosha vanishes.

SORROUNDINGS OF NEIGHBOURS

The surroundings of our neighbouring houses on all sides also affect us.

· Rain water falling from the roofs of neighbours should not flow into our plot particularly from North or East direaction.

· The affluent of neighbour should not flow into our plot.

· In the North East side of the plot high-rise or tall buildings should not be there because such high rise buildings give rise to mental unrest. But if they are in South, South West or Western sides that will be auspicious to the buyer of the new plot or house.

SOME OTHER RELATED TOPICS

Q. What are the factors to be kept in view while preparing the building Map of Exteriors ?

A. Proportion of width and length of the building :

The ratio between length and breadth of the building should normally be 1:1 or 1:1.5 or maximum
1:2. It should not exceed 1:2 in all circumstances. The building dimension should preferably be longer in North-South, shorter in East-West.

GROUND LEVEL :

Ground level should be higher in West, SouthWest and South as compaired to East, North and NorthEast. It is better to keep NorthEast the lowest.

FLOOR LEVEL :

Floor level should be higher in South, SouthWest, SouthEast and Western portion and lower in North, NorthEast and East. The water should flow towards East or North and not in other directions. Central zone should be even.

ROOFING:

It is better to keep roofing sloping towards East and North.

SLOPY ROOFS / SLANTING ROOFS :

Now a days it has become a fashion to keep roofs deeply slopy :

(1.) Keeping the roofs slopy symmetrically in all sides : or
(2.) If the slope is on East or North sides only, keeping the East or North or both sides down. The idea
is to keep South and West heights in level. Slanting towards South or West only should be avoided as that will lead to serious health problems.

BUILDING HEIGHT :

There are two options :
(1.) Height can be equal every where in the building.
(2.) Keeping South, SouthWest and West higher as compared to other parts of the building.
Conversely North, NorthEast and East should be lower in heights.

TERRACE / PORTICO / PORCH / BALCONIES :

All these should be located only in North, East and NorthEast sides of the building to bring health, wealth and happiness. Balconies should face North and East.

MEZZANINE FLOOR : ( a projected floor in between ground and first floor as seen in Cinema
theatres)
This should be placed in West or South side of the building.

CELLARS / BASEMENT :

Normally building cellars and basement rooms etc. below the road level of a house should be avoided. Due to paucity of space now a days building cellars or basement is being widely adopted. Care should be taken to keep the height of the cellar or basement projecting up above the road level to some extent. Cellars or basement covering the entire plot is all right. If it is to be constructed only in a portion of basement it should be located only in North, NorthEast and East sides preferably with entrance from NorthEast. If constructed on SouthWest that should be used for heavy storage. NorthWest and SouthWest portion should be used for servants, car parking etc.

If cellars or basement are built in South, SouthWest and West and used for living that will create mental tension and loss of wealth for inmates.

STAIR CASE:

Placing stair case in North or West zone turning right in the middle and emerging in the first floor facing East or South or SouthWest zone is also auspicious. While climbing one should face West or South up to middle point and after that one can face any direction; emerging at the end at NorthEast portion is considered auspicious.

It will be auspicious to keep doors both at beginning and at the end of the stair case. It is also essential to ensure that the stair case does not touch Eastern or Northern wall.
The steps should be in odd numbers like 11, 17, 23 etc. In other words, if the number is divided by 3, the remainder.

SERVANT QUARTERS :

The best place to construct servant quarter is South-East or North-West corners. Care should be taken to ensure (i) not to block the corners at SouthEast or NorthWest. (ii) the quarters should not touch the walls on East or North.

GARAGE FOR CARS:

The best place for garage is South-East or North-West and the garage walls should not touch the walls on East or North.

CHOWKI OR SECURITY CABIN OR GUARD'S ROOM :

A regular concrete shelter or alternatively a wooden chowki is made in South-West or other place near main gate. The shelter should be facing East or North. It is important to ensure that the watchman can easily see every movement from a distance itself.

OVER HEAD TANKS:

North-West or South-West zones are the right places for overhead tank. Since it is of having weight at a height, South-West is the best. Precaution should be taken to ensure that the overhead tank does not touch the main building.

UNDER GROUND RESERVIOR OR WATER TANK :

The right place for underground reservior or water tank is the NorthEast, the place of Eshwar, the God Supreme. The next choice is East Zone on the Northern side.

SWIMMING POOL :

The best place to locate a swimming pool is the NorthEast side. It is better to build the swimming pool in a corner ( and not exactly at junction of North and East points ) where privacy is ensured.

WATER CLOSETS OR LAVATORY :

For this Southern or Western side should be used. South-West or North-West corners and central place of the house or building should never be used for this purpose. If possible Eastern and Northern side should also be avoided. The person sitting in water closets should face North or South or South-West and never the East Direction.

TREES :

Vastu concepts regarding the plants and their plantation must be kept in mind so as to make your home not just superficially beautiful, but also Vastu oriented. As a general rule, gardens in homes or factories should always be in the North or West and of the compound. The South-East and South-West are not to be selected for any kind of garden or plantation. Fruit bearing trees or trees with good foliage are always preferred to thorny trees. Care should be taken not to grow trees which have huge penetrating roots as it can prove harmful for the house.

OUTER GATES :

Generally gates in North, North-East and East directions are auspicious and good. Roadfacing South is not generally preferred. In South road plots, SouthWest gate should be avoided. South-East gate is a better choice. In a plot facing West (road on Western side) SouthWest main entrance gate should be avoided; NorthWest gate is a better option. East or North direction is the best for placing main gate.

HEIGHT :

Height of the building should be uniform to get the most advantageous results. There must be uniformity among projections or elevations. The higher or lower level of the building in any of the eight directionshas the following effects as given in Shastras :

DIRECTION	LOWER	HIGHER
1. North	Brings good, comfort and prosperity	Harmful in every sense
2. NorthEast	All prosperity benefits	Poverty and sufferings
3. SouthEast	If lower than Nairitya, it is auspicious, but if lower than Vayaya or Eeshan, fear of fire and enemy and breeds ill.	If higher than Nairitya, it is inauspicious, if higher than Eeshan or Vayaya, it brings wealth.
4. East	Name and fame, long life	Loss of children
5. South	Diseases, loss of wealth and brings economic difficulties	Economic and health benefits

CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

Doors of each room should be facing East.
Bedrooms should be in South and West.
Placement of mirrors on South and West wall are inauspicious.
While sleeping head should be in South or West but never in North.
Pooja room should be in North East. All idols and photographs should be facing East or West.
Toilet seat should be in North-South only. It should not be in East-West.
Out houses should not touch the compound wall of North and East side.
Stairs should always be in clock-wise direction.
Anything underground should be in North or East.
Anything above ground should be in South or West.
Porch should not touch the North or East compound wall.
Big trees should not be grown in North or East. They should be in South or West side of the house.
Face East or North while reading or transacting any business deal.
Face East while cooking, West is allowed if there is no alternative, but never face South while cooking.
Total number of doors and windows should be in even number for each floor, but should not end in zero like 10, 20, 30. The width of the door should be half the height of the door. The door should not be too high, too low, too wide or too narrow. The doors should be rectangular and square doors should always be avoided.
Ventilation should be looked after and good cross ventilation should be present.
Never put the poster of crying girl, war scene, sexy scenes, angry man, owl, eagle etc : they are inauspicious.
Doors should open inside the room and not outside.
In bed rooms, always use bed of four legs only. Never use box type bed because it stops the air circulation under the bed which is bad for health.
Never eat or drink in standing position.
No room should be built under the stairs.
The cupboard in the wall should be in the Southern or Western part direction of the house.
In thse kitchen, grinder, fridge, shelf and other heavy items should be towards South and West wall.

There should be no water body in front of any entrance door of the house.

GETTING RID OF SHALYA DOSH (Soil Deficiency)

If the soil is found defective as above it must be purified or cleansed before starting any construction in the plot. Shastras have laid many ways for getting rid of SHALYA DOSH.

SLOPES OF PLOTS

Slope, size, shape, direction, proportion, location of openings, sorroundings, etc. of a plot have significant influence both positive and negative, on the inmates of building constructed on it. According to Vastu Shastra the shape of the ground surface also influences the fortune of the occupants. As a rule the plot should be elevated in South and West directions, sloping (declining) towards East and North so that water flows from West to East and from South to North. This type of plot brings joy and happiness, good children and all the success in life to the occupants of the building erected on it. According to Shastras a plot is divided into two parts like this : - - -

The Moon's place that is South Western portion of the plot should be elevated and the Sun's place, that is North and Eastern portion should be at lower level. Such a plot will bring joy and happiness, good children and success in life to that family. On the other hand, if Sun's place is elevated and Moon's place is depressed, the owner and family of that house will become poorer day by day, suffer from diseases and get entangled in quarrels and litigations and lose everything gradually. Following diagram shows the effects of slope, that is low level or depression at each corner.

The slope towards mid point, that is all sides elevated but mid point depressed means continuously fighting with diseases and losing every thing. If only Southern direction remains high leveled, it will bring bad effects. Sometimes even death will result.

There are several permutations and combinations of steep and low levels in different directions with varying effects. A Vastu consultant will be of real help in selecting the right plot for size.

Another important point to be kept in view is that the plot should not be too high or too low in level to the abutting roads.

Conclusion

Thus we see that constructing the residential buildings not only as per the engineering ethics but s per the Vastu Shastras as well, we can fell to be ‘in our own home’. At the same time it helps to maintain a good distance from the evil dares and evil attacks that we often fear to encounter with. So, constructing buildings by rules of Vastu Shastra keeps us far away from bad practices but sometimes can create problems when the orientation of the plot is not fit for all the required criterias.

References

www.wikipedia .com/vastu+sashtra
www.iloveindia.com/vastu+sashtra

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Feb 23, 2012

VASTU SASTRA IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS