TEACH YOURSELF VAASTUSHASTRA
INDEX
INTRODUCTION
• ROOTS OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
IMPORTANCE OF VAASTU
ORIGIN OF VAASTU HISTORY OF VAASTU PRINCIPLES OF VAASTU
SCIENCE OF VAASTU
HOW VAASTU WORKS
- RESPONSE TO BUILT SPACE - FORM AND CENTRE
- NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND SYMBOLS - ORIENTATION
- COSMOLOGY
- SHAPES AND COLOUR
GRIHA PRAVESH
DETERMINATION OF DIRECTION
VAASTU FOR HOTELS VAASTU FOR HOUSE
- ROOMS AND THEIR POSITION
VAASTU FOR OFFICE VAASTU FOR FACTORIES
VAASTU FOR PLOTS
VAASTU FOR SHOPS & BUSINESS
VAASTU FOR COMMERCIAL COMPLEX
VAASTU FOR CINEMA & STUDIO CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION OF TEMPLES
VAASTU-DOSHA ANALYSIS
VAASTU-DOSH’AS AND YOGIC REMEDIES PYRAMIDS REMEDIES
FENG SHUI REMEDIES
VAASTU A SUMMARY
THE DISADVANTAGES OF IMPROPER VAASTU
VAASTU SHASTRA
INTRODUCTION
" VAASTU SHASTRA " is a voluminous and scattered ancient Indian literature dealing with knowledge of architecture, iconography and art relating to structures and buildings. It comprise of
independent works which are classified under the general heading of vaastu shastra. The word " VAASTU " has been derived from ' VASTOSHPATI ' used in ' Rig Veda ' and is meant to provide protection, happiness and prosperity in this life as well as after death. Rig Veda says :
VASTSHPART PRATI JATI HACHASMAN TVAVESHO ATBHIVO BHAVATAH | YAT TVAMEH PRATI NATRO JUSHSVSHAN NO BHAV DVIPAD SHA CHATUSHPADE ||
It is prayer to Vaastu purusha and means :
Oh God of structures and building, we are your devotees. Listen our prayer, make us free of disease, give wealth and prosperity, help the well being of all persons and animals living in the house.
Everything in this world is made of five fundamental elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Sky. Principles of Vaastu Shastra are mainly dependent on the arrangement of five essential
elements of the world i.e. Earth, Water, Fire, Air & sky in their proper order and proportions to have better living conditions in a building.
There is a correlation and a complex pattern relating to human behavior and built environment around him. Various unseen forces affect human body vertically, horizontally, diagonally and perpendicularly. For example :
• Sun Energy
• Lunar Energy from the moon • Magnetic Energy • Gravitational energy • Molecular Energy • Fire Energy • Wind Energy • Microwave Energy • Electrical Energy • Light Energy • Sound Energy Roots|Originators
The Ancient Science of Indian Architecture had become an unknown subject for the present day generation. Although, it had been described in great details by past masters; the present
generation does not have even the basic knowledge about its fundamentals.
Few thumb rules have been in propagation casually here and there in their distorted versions and are treated by common man as superstitions and are practiced by the so-called faith healers in
the name of vibrations out of the sixth sense and what more injustice can be there to such a great science?
ROOTS OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE :
Every living being in the Universe desires to get rid of the adversities and troubles and wants to avail the various comforts and happiness of life. During that course every creature, right from the smallest insect upto the human being wants to have a comfortable dwelling place where it can live happily.
Man, being the most advanced living being in nature, his dwelling place too should be the best among all. This need of a comfortable dwelling place, known as "house", along with other requirements of life was very well identified by our forefathers long back and India has the honor of being the first country in the world to boast of the origin of this "Science of House Building", known as Vaastu Shastra.
Shri Maithilisharan Gupta, a noted Hindi poet has written in Bharat - Bharati: "When the entire world was in its infancy! We, the Indians, were old enough in the knowledge of almost all the subjects of life. When others were wandering in the forest without even clothes, we were living in palatial houses seemingly touching the moon in the sky.
"Whatever knowledge is spread in the world, we are major contributors to it. If our ancestors had not laid down the tracks of growth with their knowledge, science would not have grown in the world. The mysteries about which the rest of the world was ignorant, we had unfolded them all in our country Hindustan.
Professor Max Mullar once quoted in his speech, "If somebody asks me that which is the country where the man has answered the most complicated problems in various fields of life and science with his mental abilities and growth, I will say that it is the country known as "INDIA".
Our Vedas are supposed to be the oldest available literature on the earth. Vedas contain the descriptions of GRIH, GEH, HARMYA, SHAALA, BHAWAN, AAGAR, and SADAN, all being synonyms of the word "House". It does mean that our ancestors used to live in well developed houses even in the Vedic period to which belong the roots of Vaastu Shastra.
ORIGINATORS, TEACHERS AND PREACHERS :
According to the ancient literature, there had been the following eighteen (18) originators, teachers and preachers of Vaastu Shastra :
1. Brahma 2. Narada 3. Brihaspati 4. Bhrigu 5. Vashishtha 6. Vishwakarma 7. Maya 8. Atri 10. Kumar 11. Nandish 12. Nagnajita 13. Vishalaksha 14. Purandara 15. Shaunakh 16. Vasudev 17. Anirudh
9. Garg 18. Sukra
Not only houses, but temples, palaces, forts, market places, army buildings, horse stables and buildings for keeping different domestic animals were all used to be constructed on the principles of Vaastu Shastra. 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, neighborhood, 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 materialized 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.
IMPORTANCE OF VAASTU
A proper house to live in is the prime necessity for every living being. Habitat is related to the very birth of the creature, whether it is a marine animal or birds or a land animal. Everybody, rich or poor me and even the gods if descend on the earth, require a house to live in. So Vishwakarma had first of all given the methods of construction and decoration of buildings. It is known as
Vaastu Shastra or the architecture. References to these methods and art are found in the sources
of ancient Indian culture such as the Veds, Purans , Ramayan, Mahabharat and other Sanskrit epics. In astrology also, the ancient scholars have given the auspicious times (muhurt) for procuring a plot of land or starting the construction work of a house or first entry in the newly built house etc. The intention of these methods of construction propounded by the ancient saints, seers and scholars, and transmitted through the generations, has been that human beings in this world may build a house which will bring health, happiness and all round prosperity for the inmates; A house which helps in achieving the best in the four groups (Chaturvarg:) Dharm, Arth,
Kaam and Moksha and attaining divinity. A place, natural or built by the living beings which
protects them from heat, cold, rains, storms and adverse conditions of natures is known by different name in different cases. e.g. a house, nest, den, burrow etc.
Man is the most superior among all the animals. It is expected of him that he builds a proper place or house for not only himself and his family, but also for other animals or things also with which he has some association, keeping in view their proper safety and maintenance. Also he should earn noblity by constructing dharamshala, temples, wells, ponds etc. for the benefit of one and all. At the time of wedding, it is a tradition in Indian culture, that the bride puts seven
conditions (Saptpadi) before the groom, one of them is that if he promises to build a
temple/garden/pond/well/Dharamashala etc. for public utility and benefit of the others, then only she will accept to be his wife. The groom has to promise and then it becomes the sacred duty of the man to build some house to keep his promise.
ORIGIN OF VAASTU
The origin of vaastu shastra may have taken place well over thousands of years ago. The learned men of those days may not have lived in houses themselves but they most definitely dedicated their lives to the development of the science "vaastushastra" or "vaastu", as it is popularly known today.
The principles of the science laid down during those days were based purely on the effect of sunrays during different times of the day. The observations and corrections made were noted and concluded only after in-depth screening of the situation.
Proofs of vaastushastra can be found during the time of Ramayan and Mahabharat. Even in the cities of Mohanjodaro and Harappa the application of vaastushastra can be seen.
Since the science goes far back to the times of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna there are many interesting mythological stories concerning the origin of Vaastupurush (the deity).
One such story :
Lord Shiva had killed a devil named Andhak after a long war which had continued for years. A spirit originated out of the perspiration of Lord Shiva and consumed all the blood from the body of the devil. His hunger was still not satisfied. He then undertook penance. Lord Shiva was
impressed and highly satisfied by his penance and offered him a boon. The spirit then went wild and started eating men and animals. This terrified even the Gods in heaven. 81 Gods including Lord Bramha laid the spirit face down and they then sat on different parts of its body. When the spirit asked for forgiveness Lord Brahma offered him a boon: "After building any structure, the people who offer you prayers and worship you as vaastudevta will be blessed with pleasures and prosperity. However only those people, who do not offer you prayers shall be at your mercy and you may trouble them in any way".
There is a possibility that these stories were added in the olden scripts only to scare people and make them conscious about the subject.
The science of vaastushastra is however no mythological story and has stood the test of time for thousands of years.
HISTORY OF VAASTU
The science of Vaastu is considered an integral part of the Indian architecture. According to modern historians Ferguson, Havell and Cunningham, this science developed during the period of 6000 BC and 3000 BC. Being a technical subject, it was confined only to the architects (Sthapathis) and handed over verbally or in the form of hand-written monographs. The principles of construction, architecture and sculpture, as enunciated in the treatises on temple architecture, have been incorporated in the science of Vaastu.
From ancient literature, we gather that Vaastu was treated as the science of construction of temples and royal palaces.
In the Matsya Purana, seventeen preceptors of Vaastu have been mentioned. They are Bhrugu, Atri, Vasista, Viswakarma, Maya, Narada, Nagnajit, Visalaksha, Purandara, Brahma,
Kumaraswamy, Nandisa, Sounaka, Bhargava, Vasudeva, Anirudha, Sukra and Bruhaspathi. The first official treatise on Vaastu, the Kasyapa Silpa, has been attributed to Sage Kasyapa. In the treatise Agama Shastra, which explains the science of temples, Vaastu is considered as the basis for any type of construction. Excavations at Harappa and Mohenjodaro also indicate the influence of Vaastu on the Indus Valley Civilization.
PRINCIPLES OF VAASTU
There are five fundamental principles on which the Vedic science of architecture stands upon: 1. The Doctrine of orientation:
In vaastu, east and north direction are given great importance. The suns rays, being a rich source of vitamin D are vital for the sustenance of life on earth; and the rays early in the morning from the east emitting more light and less heat are the best. Doors and windows in the east would allow the suns ultra violet rays to penetrate into the house, bestowing their benefits to the inmates of the house. In the afternoon on the other hand the sun would be coursing to the west emitting infra red rays which are detrimental to the health and hence less number of windows and thick walls in the rooms in west and Southwest.
Like the Sun, the earths magnetic fields also wield significant influence on the well being of the inmates of the house. For example Vaastu recommends the inmates of the house to sleep with their head towards the south. The human body acts as a magnet with the head as the north pole. If the head is directed towards the north, it will repel the earths north pole . As a consequence the blood circulation would be affected, causing tensions and disturbed sleep.
There is a technical procedure by which the cardinal points are ascertained for the orientation of the buildings. It should be done in the location where the naval point of vaastu Prussia lies that is the centre of the plot. Orientation played an important role in the daily life of ancient Indians for to them, Sun was the giver of all life.
2. Site Planning : Vaastu Purush Mandala
Vaastu means environment, Purush means energy, Mandala means the astrological chart which relates the layout to the orientation. The surface of earth in traditional Indian Cosmology is regarded as demarcated by sunrise and sunset, and also by North and South points, and is represented by a diagram or a mandala of a square.
The science of architecture is a part of science of luminaries. The Vaastu had come to the place of adjustment of solar and lunar cycles. The no. 32 of the divinities residing in the squares of the borders of the vaastumandala is also the sum of 28 and 4, the no. of regents of the four planets who rule the equinoctial and solstitial points referred to the cardinal points and of regents of 28 nakshatras(constellations). Each of the divisions in the mandala is called a pada and has a presiding deity associated with it. Pada Vinyasa is a very convenient method, like a modern graph divided into a uniform square for the purpose of designing according to proportionate
measurement.
The image of the Vaastu Purush on the Mandala is drawn in the likeness of man. Forty five Gods are constituents of the body of the Vastu purusha, the extent allotted to each of the deity differs but not their relative position in the plan. The lord of central square is always the Lord of Cosmos, the North is attributed to the Lord of wealth, South to the Lord of death, the east to the Lord of light, the west to the Lord of winds, suggesting that their be a courtyard in the centre of the building.
When these are scrupulously followed proper ventilation and good disposition to the Sun and privacy is insured. The house is compared to the human body and the central courtyard with Brahma, the eternal soul and their relationship is evoked when grahepravesha (house warming) ceremony is performed with traditional prayers and rituals.
3.The Proportionate Measurements: Mana
The adherence of mana is as old as Indian architecture and is imperative to all creative activity, of which angula (3/4th. of an inch) or hasta (18 inches) is the standard of measurements. The measurement is divided into 6 categories:
Measurement of height, breadth, width or circumference, along plumb lines, thickness, and interspace.
Proportional relationships of these categories are laid out for various functional usageÕs. 4.The Six Rules of Vedic Architecture:
There are six main component part of the building : Aadhistaana (Base), Stambha (Column), Prastara (Entablature), Karna (Wings), Shikhara (Roof), and Stuupi (dome).
5.Aesthetics of the building:
Chanda is the structural aspect of building, its rhythmical disposition is like that of poetry. The science of rhythm (Chanda =beauty) extends to the rhythmical disposition of the ground plan of the building and their vertical section (urdhva chanda) . Each brick and each building unit is filled with rhythm, it is a charged and compelling weight and shape in the hands of the builder . Rhythm evokes a reality and measure builds it up . Whatever is thus produced is called is Meya, which is measurable, capable of being known and a quantity.
What ever construction be done on the land, be it a residential house, or industrial organization, or a public institution, temple etc., in each case it is auspicious and beneficial to keep the following points in mind while purchasing a plot of land or constructing a building.
1. First of all the direction and shape of the plot has to be considered well. A construction on quadrangular, rectangular or square plot is beneficial and good from all aspects.
2. Big plot fetches prosperity, but it should not be having cleavage or cracks any where.
3. Triangular shaped plot should not be selected for constructing a building. It is Not auspicious. 4. A small narrow plot in between two big plots is also not good, because owner of the building on such plot always remains in troubles.
5. If the length of the plot in east-west direction is more than that in north-south direction, it is better.
6. If there is more open vacant space in south than in north, it will lead to destruction and downfall whether it is in the house or a industry, or in a temple or a hut.
7. It is auspicious if there is more open space in the east than in the west; and more open space in the north than in the south.
8. All the heavy and permanent items should be placed in the south-west corner of the building or plot.
9. While sleeping head should be kept in the east or south. Never sleep with feet towards south or east.
10. Water tanks on the roof in the south-west direction are auspicious. These should never be placed in north or north-east (eeshanya) corner.
11. Pooja room is always best in the north-east corner or near it.
12. Kitchen is always auspicious and best in the south-east (Agney) corner, or adjacent to it. 13. Open space should be kept all around the building.
14. Building should be constructed such that it is higher in the south-west and lower in the east. Walls should also be made in this manner.
15. Underground water tank (for storage of water) well, hand-pump, boring etc. should be built in north-east direction only. Height of these water bodies should never be above the plinth level of the main building.
16. As far as possible there should be only one main door of the house, which should be adorned with auspicious symbols.
17. All the doors and windows should be of the same height upper edges being in the same straight line.
18. There should not be a door above a door. This principle does not apply on multistorey buildings. Height of the door on upper floor should be kept less than that on the lower floor. 19. Family life will be more and more happy if more heavy items are placed in the rooms on the south-west and south-sides.
20. The more lighter (weightless) items are there in the north, north-east and north-west directions, the more happier will be the life of the family in the house.
21. It is better if there are no tall trees in the east. Trees in the west are good.
22. In the same line, the plot having road on the east-north directions is better to be selected. 23. 'Garbh' means the space or width in between two walls.
24. The essence of Vaastu Shastra is actually to make the house in total conformity with the utilization of five basic materials, viz, earth, water, air, fire, space for specific functions in the
directions of places determined for the same. For example, south-east corner is best for fire (kitchen etc.) North-West direction for air and the North-East direction for attaining the bliss for divine favour.
25. Specially, while constructing a house due care is to be taken regarding position of doors, windows, Chulha (fire, burner), well, bath room, bed room, toilet (latrine) and these should be constructed strictly in the places allotted as per Vaastu principles.
26. If there is a well or any other pit in the south-east, south-west or north-west direction, there will always be quarrels in the family and there will be no peace.
27. West portion of the land should be raised and there should be slope towards the east, which is auspicious.
28. Four sided (square) shaped plot of land is considered to be the best as per Vaastu Shastra. All the architects (Vaastu Shastris) have this opinion.
29. Almirahs, Sofa Set, Table and other heavy items which can be placed permanently at a place, are auspicious if placed in the South-West corner or near it in the west.
30. A temple can have doors on all the four sides.
31.Divide the length of the wall, on the side in which main door is to kept, in nine equal parts; then leaving 5 parts on the right and 3 parts on the left, door should be constructed in the remaining one part or in the 7th part.
32. If living in a newly built house is stared without worshipping Vaastu, several troubles and difficulties arise in the family. Therefore Vaastu Poojan is must.
33. For interior decoration of the house, pictures and scenes of war and battles, idols/statues of demons, pictures of pig (boar), leopard, tiger, jackal, serpent, eagle, owl, pigeon, hawk, crow, crane etc. are not auspicious. These should not be put on the walls in the house for
decoration.
34. Flow of water and its outlet in the directions other than east, north-west, north-east and north is inauspicious and causes troubles.
35. Toilet (Latrine) is auspicious if constructed in north-west corner. If necessary or in case of lack of space it may be constructed in any direction, but the seat in the toilet should be such that when using the toilet one should face towards south or north only.
36. Only new wood should be used throughout in the construction of a house, there remains no default relating to Vaastu. At the most two or three types of wood may be used.
37. If only one kind of wood is used throughout in the construction of a house, there remains no default relating to Vaastu. At the most two or three types of wood may be use.
38. It is not auspicious to construct any thing towards the south or west of the Vaastu zone. Construction should be done towards north and east of this zone.
39. If extension is to be made, it should be extended in all the sides. Extension only in one side is not auspicious.
40. Door of the stair-case should face either east or south. It will be auspicious if the stairs are constructed in the west or south on the right side.
41. If the earth (soil) on the land site is excavated and removed, and fresh pure earth from elsewhere is filled in it, there remains no defect of Shalya in the land.
42. Shadow of trees falling on the building in the duration 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is inauspicious and causes troubles.
43.T.V., Radio or any other such device for entertainment should be placed near the south west corner.
44. If more than one door are required, doors should be constructed in the positions as suggested in the Vaastu-Shastra, but no two doors be opposite each other.
45. Guest room or drawing room should be in the north or west direction.
46. Room for the watchman or guard should be built near the gate in the boundary wall on the left side. His quarter should be on the left side of the gate.
So do you want your house to be Vaastu-perfect. These basic Vaastu principles will help you design your house the Vaastu way:
The plot Shape of the plot plays a significant part in Vaastu. A quadrangular, rectangular or square plot is considered beneficial and good from all aspects. Triangular plot is inauspicious. Also, a big plot fetches prosperity, but it should not be having cleavage or cracks anywhere. A narrow plot in between two big plots is also not good
If the length of the plot in east-west direction is more than that in north-south direction, it is a good feature.
Space
If your house has more open vacant space in south than in north, it will lead to destruction and downfall, be it a house or an industry, or a temple or a hut. More open space in the east than in the west is auspicious; the principle holds true for more open space in the north than in the south too. Open space should be kept all around the building. The plot having road on the east-north directions is better.
Heavy stuff
Keep your heavy and permanent items in the south-west corner of the building or plot. For a happy family life place more heavy items in the rooms south-west and south-sides. On the other hand, the lighter (weightless) items should be in the north, north-east and north-west directions. TV, radio or any other entertainment device should be placed near the south-west corner.
Sleep-well
While sleeping head should be in the east or south. Never sleep with feet towards south or east. Water tanks
Water tanks should be on the roof in the south-west direction. Never place these in north or north-east corner. Underground water tank should be built in north-north-east direction only. Flow of water and its outlet in the directions other than east, north-west, north-east and north causes troubles.
Rooms
Pooja room is always best in the north-east corner or near it. Kitchen is always auspicious and best in the south-east corner. Guest room or drawing room should be in the north or west direction. Room for the watchman or guard should be near the gate in the boundary wall on the left side. Toilet should ideally be in north-west corner. In case you've a space-crunch, it may be constructed in any direction, but the seat in the toilet should be such that when using the toilet you face towards south or north only.
Doors
There should be only one main door of the house, which should be adorned with auspicious symbols. If more than one door are required, take care not to have two doors opposite each other. All the doors and windows should be of the same height, upper edges being in the same straight line. Avoid a door above a door. This principle does not apply on multi-storey buildings. The door on upper floor should be shorter than that on the lower floor. A temple can have doors on all the four sides. The wall, on the side in which main door is to kept, should be divided in nine equal parts (length-wise)-leave five parts on the right and three on the left, door should be constructed in the remaining one part or in the 7th part. Door of the staircase should face either east or south.
Vaastu and Family Life
A well or any other pit in the south-east, south-west or north-west direction, will lead to quarrels in the family.
Interiors
Pictures and scenes of war and battles, idols/statues of demons, pictures of pig (boar), leopard, tiger, jackal, serpent, eagle, owl, pigeon, hawk, crow, and crane are inauspicious.
SCIENCE OF VAASTU
Experience has confirmed that nature, building and man's placement in it, have great effect on living, working and happiness. All the inter-related principles of the science of building, such as orientation, proportion and decoration are shaped by the principles of cosmology and the laws governing it. The science of Vastu provides a set of conceptual tools that can be applied in practical ways.
Vastu means proper place to live in. It should be habitable. Life require basic elements i.e. air, fire (light), water, earth and space. The house in which he lives should provide the benefit of these elements. This means he is well connected to the environment and ecology.
We are enveloped by a series of environmental hazards in our day to day life which leads us to irresistible, endless physical and mental disorders.
Harmony with the environment, peace for the spirit and health for the human being are the criteria for healthy homes. These have deep roots in the human experience and in traditions of home building according to the cultures across the world.
It is rational : Vaastu is the study of impact of the Sun's rays on the earth. Vaastu reads the characteristics of a house and explains its effects on the residents in a scientific manner, we can surely count it among the other sciences.
It is permanent : The principles of vaastu is based on directions which are permanent. Likewise the effects of vaastu are also permanent.
It is beneficial : The basic purpose of vaastu is to make the lives of people happier and problem free.
It is universal : Since vaastu is based on the properties of the earth and the sun, it is surely universal. Nationality, religion, caste etc. have nothing to do with the science of vaastu, it is equal for one and all.
It is practicable : It is very simple to follow. Build your house according to the guidelines provided by vaastu and lead a healthy and happy life.
Since it possesses all the features mentioned above and is based on action, cause and effect it can most definitely be concluded that it is a science.
According to Vaastu, there are 5 basic elements in the whole world. They are the Earth, Water, Air, Fire(Heat & Light) and Sky(Cosmic). Vaastu is a science of balancing these elements in the proper proportions for prosperity and harmony.
In a broader sense vaastu is a science of directions and it accounts for 8 directions; North, South, East, West, North-East, North-West, South-East and South-West.
HOW VAASTU WORKS
RESPONSE TO BUILT SPACE
In Vaastu, three principles of design cover the entire field of design, be it a building, craft item or article of daily use.
Bhogadyam: The designed product must be useful, lend itself to easy application. For example, a
house must have ample space for storage of articles and facilities for cleaning. A vessel must be designed in such a way as to hold water and allow for pouring out without leaking or dripping.
Sukha Darsham: The designed product must be aesthetically pleasing. The proportions of the
spaces and material shape should affect the viewer in a positive manner. This principle covers the exterior as well as the interior of a building. Ornamentation and color is just one aspect of aesthetics. The proportions of windows and doors, the size of rooms, the rhythm of projections and depressions play a critical role in creating the aesthetics of form.
Ramya: The designed product must be capable of evoking a feeling of well-being and
contentment in its user. The measurements employed in the design, considered to be sacred measures, are juxtaposed in such a way as to create harmony in all those who occupy the space or use the object. We can say that a built form creates a sympathetic vibration in the occupant. To calculate the proportions in such a way as to enhance the positive response in the viewer or occupant is the strength of the traditional design.
The critical aspects of the design of a building should also include the aesthetics of both the exterior and interior space.
FORM AND CENTRE
In Vaastu there are multiple ways in which the designer and occupant can create a space for experience. Within the manifested form many focii must be established in a space meant for many people. But if the space has a specific activity, then gathering all energies in a single centre proves to be very powerful. The latter would be suitable for a place of learning, worship,
manufacture and research. But in a home, a hostel, or neighborhoods, several centres, or shifting centres is most inspiring and motivating. These gathering spaces should be filled with herbs, healing plants and sacred water.
Contemporary application: The classical mention of this concept has only a few variations: A square or circle for the cooking and eating zone.
A square or rectangle for the preparation and storage of food and clothes. A square or rectangle for sleeping, washing, bathing and resting.
A square, rectangle or octagon for studying, recording, mind expansion and analysis. A simple house can be made unique by adding ornamental elements using readily available material from one's own environment like white clay and glass pieces. This creates a personalized aesthetic experience. Even in an urban situation it is possible for the
users/occupants to add a distinctive touch to their buildings by getting involved in the actual design and execution of the building. This 'personal touch' gives a special aura to the building that can never be replaced by professional art work, however tasteful.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND SYMBOLS
The lotus is a significant symbol for explaining form and aesthetics in the Indian tradition. Take the example of a pond filled with water, after the rains, with perfect lotus blooms among the floating green leaves. The pond is like a jewel, shimmering and perfect. This same form becomes totally different when the water has dried and the lotus lies above the squelching mud. It is not possible to call one 'better' than the other; the entire process of unfolding from one form into another is perfectly balanced within and without.
The built form too can perhaps be like this - in relationship, in form, in the way the order is inwardly and outwardly expressed. In every stage of expression and evolution of a home there are multiple forms that can be achieved. Some of the associations and connections between nature and concepts for building are:
Lotus-water-pond-environment Bird-flight-skyline
In the contemporary social system, it is important to review the need for the symbolic connection between people, their natural environment and the vast repository of human collective wisdom. Therefore, symbols and meaning of built forms need to be explored by designers.
Some contemporary vaastu consultants advise the removal of full-grown trees and plants on the ground of negative effects. This caution is based on the following:
The roots and their disruptive effect on the foundation of the building structure. The danger of branches of large trees located near buildings falling on it in a storm. The impact of the fragrance of a plant or flower on the people inhabiting the space. The nature of animals and birds that naturally inhabit the flora, and their effect on human occupants. For instance, certain trees attract snakes, scorpions, monkeys, and other such creatures which may not be suitable for the ordinary household.
Shapes and forms of habitats in nature: The natural habitat of living creatures, such as nests, tortoise shells, snail shells and bee hives are closely connected to the shape and form of the creature that inhabits it. The habitat is also designed in co-ordination with the environment. ORIENTATION
Geographical directions play a very significant part in the design of individual buildings and group housing. Many mythological stories speak of the hero walking to the east to find a teacher, running to the south to confront death, setting off toward the west in search of adventure, or walking to the north to become a healer. The physical environment affects human inhabitants in a direct manner. Energies that exist in the environment, and within us create physical changes which operate subliminally. The influence of these subtle energy patterns is not felt immediately but has far-reaching effects on the physical and spiritual health.
Any given physical space can be perceived in its connection with primary energies. The eight directions, the heavens and the earth are considered significant influences on growth and prosperity.
Mandala or Mandalam: The mandala is a representation of the cosmos through geometric forms whereby the living space is laid out in a variety of patterns. The outer circle (or square) of the mandala holds the gatekeepers, the inner the formless energies. This movement inward is a re-entry and rediscovery of the true spirit, and the outward movement a constant quest into the interface and relationship with the world outside.
When a person has to take up a fixed location in a space, it is important that the relationship between the person and location should be established. There are times when the specific configuration would be at its peak, and times when it would be low. Therefore, when a person is placed in a particular location with a deep understanding of roles and identities and his/her relationship with the place, he/she is deeply energized. There are some locations which are innocuous, neutral, which would suit one and all and add or remove nothing.
The direction a building faces, the configuration of movement, and the location of facilities can create infinite patterns for people to inhabit.
SHAPES AND COLOUR
The shapes that are most experimented with are the square, triangle, polygon, rectangle, circle, ellipse, oval and the free form.
Traditionally, these forms have been analyzed according to their suitability for human use. Some lend themselves better to physical use than others, some create spiritual well-being, others add to the energy levels and so on.
There is no good or bad shape, only different levels of usefulness and comfort. For each of these shapes, ayadi or beneficial measure calculation can be made, and specific patterns of
interactions built up based on the pattern of the interior. The choice of shape would affect the management style, lifestyle and activity patterns.
Traditionally, there were only five colours (panchavarna), namely red, yellow, green, blue, white. Black was also used, but only to enhance the other colours. Shades of colours were not used
until recently. The traditional colours were made of natural materials and possessed certain properties that were intrinsic to the material. Therefore, when these colours are being made artificially today, the characteristics have to be re-examined.
GRIHA PRAVESH
Description and guidelines for all the processes right from the selection of site to construction of the building, and of orientation of various rooms in directions, height of the rooms, positions of the doors etc. is found in Vaastu Shastra. Actually the text that guides us to plan and construct a town, temple, residential house, cattle shed, or any other building equipped with all necessary amenities for the comfort and utility of mankind is given the name Vaastu Shastra which has been divinely described in Indian culture and scriptures.
Graha Pravesh (i.e. first entry into the newly built house) is also as important aspect of Vaastu-Shastra and it has to be dealt with here in this book. After the house is complete in all respects, living in that house is started at some auspicious moment determined on astrological
considerations. The first entry in the house at the auspicious moment is called Graha Pravesh ceremony. Three types of Graha Pravesh have been mentioned in the scriptures -
(1) Apoorva - First entry to live in house newly constructed on a newly selected land is called Apoorva (new) Graha Pravesh.
(2) Sapoorva - Entry into an already existing house to live in it after traveling abroad or migration elsewhere, is called Sapoorva graha pravesh.
(3) Dwandwah - Entry into a house to live in it after reconstruction/renovation of the house damaged by fire, flood waters, electricity, wind etc. is termed as Dwandwah (or old) Graha Pravesh.
Scriptures have described the procedures of Graha Pravesh at auspicious time (muhurat) and purity (defectless) of Panchang. For Apoorva Graha Pravesh perfect auspicious time should be adhered to and fro Graha Pravesh in a reconstructed house or after migration the purity of Panchang should be given consideration.
If the doors of a house are not fitted with shutters, or the roof is not covered, or the God, Vaastu have not been worshipped and offered sacrifices, and if the priests etc. have not been offered feast, first entry into such house (Graha Pravesh) should not be accomplished till the above things are completed, otherwise living in that house will be full of troubles and miseries.
Therefore living in a house should be started only after offering sacrifices and worshipping Vaastu as per procedure given in scriptures.
Entry into a house built of grass and leaves etc. may be performed on any auspicious day. In houses built with bricks, stone, mud, cement etc. the first entry is auspicious when the sun is Uttarayan.
As far as possible Graha Pravesh should be accomplished in the day only, it will be auspicious. Normally, it can be done at any auspicious moment in the day or night. Guru (Jupiter) or Shukra (Venus) being set (invisible) i.e. Tara does not matter in case of Graha Pravesh in a old
renovated house.
For the ceremony of giving food to a child for the first time (Anna Prashan), wearing new clothes, daily travels, first entry into an old renovated house and entry of a bride in the house, invisibility (setting) of Jupiter (Guru) and Venus (Shukra) i.e. Tara should not be considered, only the purity
and auspiciousness of the Panchang should be considered in such cases. Auspicious months for Graha Pravesh and the results of the same are as given below -
Month Results Magh Gain of wealth
Falgun Gain of children and wealth Baishakh Growth of wealth and prosperity Jeshtha Gain of son and cattle.
Besides these, the months of Kartik and Margshirsh give medium results. Graha Pravesh in the months of Ashadh, Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin Paush is inauspicious and causes loss, troubles and pains, and fear of enemies.
The tithies (dates) 4/9/14 and 30 (Amavas - no moon night) should be avoided and Graha Pravesh should not be done on Tuesdays.
DETERMINATION OF DIRECTION
It is very essential to determine the directions correctly. In absence of the correct demarcation of directions, positions of various rooms, and doors etc. will be faulty which will change the whole situation of the house. It may turn into situation against the principles of Vaastu Shastra rendering the house inauspicious. Necessity of correct marketing of directions is also expressed in our scriptures:
Prasade Sadane alinde dware kunde visheshtah;
Dik moodhe kulnashah syatasmatsa shodhay eddishah.
i.e.; It is necessary to determine the directions correctly while constructing a temple, palace, house, gates, porch, pond etc. in proper direction.
Therefore as per instructions of Vaastu Shastra, a building construction should be started only after marking of the directions, east-west etc.
In ancient scriptures, methods for determining the directions with the help of the shadow formed when a cone is placed in sun on the open plot, or by observing the pole-star or other
constellations in the night.
Now a days, directions can easily be marked by the architects with the help of the compass. Direction and position of a room or gate etc. can be correctly decided only when the construction work is started after marking the directions properly. It can be noted that several magnificent buildings built without proper consideration of direction are being rectified under the expert guidance of learned architects and scholars or Vaastu Shastra. Therefore it is better to start the work after determining the directions so that the building is constructed according verandahs (balconies) and also the rooms are constructed in proper place and in proper direction, there remains no defect in the building, and inmates are blessed with all the happiness and good fortune.
Just as it is necessary to think over the merits and demerits of the plot of land as mentioned in Vaastu Shastra, one has to be much more cautions in the construction of the building. A building constructed according to the basic principles given in Vaastu Shastra keeps the inmates happy and prosperous. In modern sense, to make the five basic materials, viz; earth, water, fire, air and space, favorable to the house is the very essence of Vaastu Shastra. Therefore while
constructing a house, rules or principles given in Vaastu Shastra regarding direction, shape, level should be taken into consideration. For example, south-east corner is the seat of the god of fire,
Agnidev. So kitchen and any room for works related to fire/heat should be made in this corner,
then only the house will be trouble free. Constructions against the laws of nature at one's own will may cause pollution, which gives rise to many other problems of health, fear etc. that will result in loss of wealth, property and life also.
Directions have very much significance in the construction of a building. The four directions have their own importance, where as the corners formed by the concurrence of two direction are much more important because effects of both the directions can be felt at the corners. The gods governing these directions are noted below:-
Directions Name of the God Effect East Indra Progress & growth South-East Agni Energy, vigour, strength
South Yama Death
South-West Nairut (Demon) Purity & Cleanliness
West Varun Water
North-West Vayu Air/Winds
North Kuber Wealth & Prosperity North-West Eeshwar Religion, Divinity Vertically
above Brahma Spiritual Knowledge Below Anant Resources, worldly pleasures.
These gods govern the directions and control the various areas as given above. For successful implementation of any plan, the concerned god is worshipped. Room or space in a particular direction should be used for a purpose suitable to the nature of the god and the material he controls in that area. That is how to avoid defects of Vaastu. The god controlling the area in the house is worshipped and offers made to please him, requesting for his blessings and peaceful happy life.
VAASTU FOR HOTELS
Hotels and Restaurants are built for the public as a business centre where people come and stay temporarily for some time and after having rest, meals, etc. proceed on for their destination. Thus the benefits of hotel and restaurant are two folds - to the customers restaurants for good and delicious food, and for decent comfortable stay as 'paying guest'. The better this arrangement, the more is the popularity and fame of the hotel or restaurant in the country and outside. It is possible only when the construction of hotels and restaurants is done according to the principles of Vaastu Shastra. Surely then these will be beneficial and profitable to the customers (Travelers) and the concerned people.
The following important facts must be kept in mind while establishing and running a hotel/restaurant business so as to make it progressive and profitable.
(1) The building should be constructed on a plot having rectangular, square, circular,
Bhadrasanakar, quadrangular, hexagonal, octagonal, singhmukhakar shape. This gives all round profits.
(2) If there are roads on all the four sides or on the north and east, it is auspicious and beneficial. (3) Slope of the land should be towards the north-east.
(4) Building should be constructed in such a way that the north and east portion remains mostly open.
(5) Furnace, burner (Chulha), electric transformer, gas room and kitchen should be kept in the south-east portion.
(6) Rooms for the stay of travelers (Customers) should be constructed in the south-west. (7) Dining hall and restaurant in the west in always auspicious.
(8) Swimming pool, underground water tank, wells, bore-well etc. should be constructed in the north-east where only these are auspicious; overhead water tank should always be in the south west.
(9) Large open ground, lawn, and space for organising conferences etc. in open should be maintained.
(10) Arrangements in the rooms for stay of travelers should be made in such a way that the beds are in south or west portion and the person may sleep with feet towards north or west only. (11) T.V. and Telephone be kept on right and left side of the bed.
(12) Attached toilet should be provided in the north-west or between the south and south-west corner. Bath room in the east or north or west only.
(13) Store for raw materials required for the hotel and cloak-room (for the bag and baggages of the customers) should be there in the north.
(14) Main door should be singhmukhi and it should be built in proper according to Vaastu-rules by dividing the length of the side in nine parts.
(15) Permanent store should be kept in south-west so that this corner is always heavy. Hotel complex
After the site is selected, taking into consideration, levels, roads and angles etc., one has to plan the open spaces for lawns and car parking. While cellar could be designed for car parking, for
kitchen stores and for servant stay etc., the ground floor could be used for reception, and restaurant. As the area required for kitchen has to be sufficiently big, with
light and ventilation, it is better that kitchen is planned on ground floor earmarking complete south-east portion for ovens, grinders and vegetable cutting etc.
On first floor they could plan conference halls, and more restaurant area if necessary and the upper floors could be used for rooms. Care has to be taken that the balconies are provided in east or north. The toilets should be avoided in
north-east side of the rooms. Store rooms with huge stocks should be in south or west, or south-west.
Air-conditioning Plant: A.C. equipment is to be kept in
south-east of the complex and there from it is to be operated. It should never be installed in north-east under any circumstances.
Electrical Generators and Transformers: These are to be installed in south-east direction. Wash Basins: It is not advisable to keep wash basins in the centre of halls even for convenience sake. Wash basins are to be arranged in north or east or north-east of halls.
Main Entrances of Restaurants: It is better to have main entrance in east or north or north-east directions. If it is to be kept in west direction, it should be towards north-west but not in south- west under any circumstances. If it is forced to keep main entrance in south, it advisable to keep it in south-east rather than south -west.
Mezzanine Floor: Mezzanine floor in any hall have to be provided along west or south walls.
Cash Counter and Reception: These may be provided in south-west with elevated platforms but if it is provided in
north-west or other places the floor level should not be higher than south-west.
Water Bodies: Swimming pools, water ponds, fountains, bore wells, and sumps etc.; have to be planned in north or east and north east.
VAASTU FOR HOUSE
All four side road are good, but other things should be as per Vaastu. 1. Prefer north or east facing houses.
2. More open land in north and east than south and west. 3. Boring or well or any pit should be in north-east.
4. Bhoomi Pujan to be preformed in North-East or centre or house.
5. South & West compound walls should be heavy and higher than north & East compound wall. 6. Start excavation from north-west.
7. Start foundation from south-west.
8. Kitchen should be in south-east and platform should be in east.
9. Sink should be on left side of the platform and gas (cooking range) should be on right side of the platform.
10. Dining room should be in the west.
11. Racks or almirahs should be in south & west direction in all the rooms. 12. Doors of each room should be facing east.
13. Never fix a mirror on south and west wall if possible.
14. Toilets & bathrooms should be in south-east or north-west portion. 15. Cattle shed if any should be in north-west, away from north wall. 16. Bedrooms should be in south and west.
17. Master bed room should be in south-west.
18. While sleeping head should be in south or west but never in north
19. Pooja room should be in north east. All photos or idols should be facing east or west only. 20. All rain water should flow from south to north and west to east only.
21. Drainage pipes should be in north or east portion of the plot or house.
22. Slope of the plot should be south-west should be highest and north-east should be lowest. 23. Toilet seat (W.C.) should be north-south only. It should not be east-west.
24. Septic tank should be in central-east towards south or central-north towards west.
25. No cellar to be made in residential construction and if it is necessary if should be in north-east corner.
26. Out houses should not touch the compound wall of north and east side.
27. Staircase should be in south, west or south-west but if it is wooden than it can be anywhere even in north or east.
28. Stairs should go from north to south or east to west. 29.Stairs should always be in clock wise direction.
30. Over-head water tank should be in South-West. And if it is in north-west, then any other higher structure to be made in south-west. It should not touch the slab it should be above and on four pillars.
31. Anything under ground should be in north or east. 32. Anything above ground level should be in south or west. 33. Porch should not touch the north or east compound wall.
34. Big trees should not be grown in north or east. They should be in south or west side of the house.
35. Face east of north while reading or transacting any business deal.
36. Face east while cooking, west will be allowed if there is no alternative, but never face south while cooking.
37. Total number of windows and doors should be in even number for each floor, but should not end in zero like 10,20,30.
38. Ventilation plays a very important role in Vaastu, good cross-ventilation therefore is necessary.
39. Keep all the four sides of construction open, even is smaller constructions at least two sides should be kept open, keeping just one side open is bad as per vaastu.
41. Never put the poster of crying girl, war scene, sexy scenes, angry man and pigeon, crow, owl or eagle, these are inauspicious.
42. Doors should open inside the room and not outside.
43. Doors of kitchen and bathroom should open outside was like those elsewhere.
44. Never keep standing pose of Ganesh, Laxmi and Saraswati whether it is a photo or idol. 45. In bed rooms, always use bed of 4 (four) legs only. Never use box type bed because it stops the air circulation under the bed which is also bad for health.
46. Never keep leg on leg while sleeping. 47. Never eat or drink in standing position.
ROOMS AND THEIR POSITION
Which room should be constructed in which direction, if this consideration is not kept in mind while planning a house, the whole building may go against the principles of and it will create lot of troubles causing harms and loss to the owner/inmates. People are generally ignoring this fact and are constructing house according to their choice. Architects now a days prepare house-plans without considering the principles and rules given by ancient Vaastu-Shastra. They keep in mind the latest designs, imitating the designs based on foreign culture but if the basic principles of Vaastu satisfying the five basic materials (Panch Mahabhutas) are ignored, the house becomes the root cause or troubles, losses and sorrows in the life of the inmates.
For example, it has become a fashion these days to construct kitchen near the main gate. Reason for doing so is given that for most of the time a housewife has to remain in the kitchen and it becomes easy to her to keep a watch on the main door, and that she can conveniently attend to any body calling at the door. How strange and any visitor or guest should be received and entertained by the head of the family and the guest room/drawing room should be near the main door. Visitors come from all the classes of society and have to be treated in different ways depending upon their status.
Indian Vaastu Shastra divides the house into 16 parts wherein rooms or various purpose should be constructed, keeping the directions in mind as follows: -
Sanasya pak Shayanastra bhujeshcha dhanya dhandar Daivat grihani ch poorvatah syuh;
Tanmadhytoath mathanayaja pureesha vidyabhyasakhya. Rodanaratoushadha sarvadham.
Direction Room to be constructed.
East Bathroom
South-east Kitchen
South Bed room
South-west Room for weapons
West Dining room
North-west Grain store
North Treasury
North-east Room of worship
Between East and South-east Room for churning curd Between South and South-east Room for storage for Ghee etc. Between South and South-west Latrine (W.C.)
Between South-West and West Study room
Between West and North-west Punishment room for expressing sympathy or sorrow.
Between North and North-West Bed Room for young couple Between North and North-east Medicine Room
Between East and North-East Common/Drawing Room Besides these, there are other opinions also
:
In South -West corner Clothes Room (Wardrobe) North-west corner Cattle shed
North-east Water bodies-tank, well etc.
North-west Toilet.
Snanagni Swapivastra Bhojan pashu dravyamarok stishim, Poorvado jalmishiturdishi param Vayorpan mootrakam.
As far as possible, various rooms should be oriented in the house as per directions given in Vaastu-Shastra. Some of the rooms, such as room for churning curd, store for ghee, room for expressing sorrow, etc. may not be necessary in modern times. These may be utilized for other purposes, In case of shortage of space position of the rooms may be adjusted as per
convenience and necessity. But there are some rooms which must be kept in the position suggested in Vaastu-shastra. If these are built in some other prohibited space, it will prove inauspicious and harmful for the inmates.
In modern times it is not feasible to build big houses having large number of rooms as mentioned in Vaastu Shastra. Houses are built on small plots which can not accommodate many rooms. Therefore it is advised to construct the house in accordance with the principles of Vaastu, in abridged form having rooms as per necessity and convenience.
1. Bath Room: - Proper place for bath-room has been suggested in the east direction. The mild rays of the morning sun are beneficial for health. These rays can be received by the body while bathing, there fore bath room in the east side is good. There is a tradition in our culture to offer prayer (arghya) to the rising sun, just after taking bath.
Slope of the floor of the bath room should be towards north or east. Water should drain out on the north or east side.
2. Kitchen: - South-east corner is the place of god of fire (Agni Dev), therefore, kitchen where fire has an important role must be built in this corner. Kitchen should never be built in the north-east, South-west or in the centre of north, south or west side.
Burner (gas burner, stove, Chulha etc.) should be kept in the south-east corner of the kitchen room, such that while cooking the person may face towards the east. Water arrangement should be made in the north-east corner. Shelves for keeping raw commodities, utensils etc. should be kept on the south or west side.
3. Bed Room: - Main bed-room for the head of the family should be in the south- south-west direction. Bed-room for unmarried children can be built on the east side and for unmarried youths or for guests, the bed room in north-west is good. For young couples the bed room should be in north. Bed room should never be made in the north-east corner. Bed room of the head of family should be larger than that for other members of the family.
Bed should not be placed in a corner or in the centre of the room. Also it should not be placed touching the walls. It should be placed in the east or south portion of the room in such a manner that head of the person while sleeping remains towards south and feet towards north, one should never sleep with head towards north.
4. Room for weapons: - In the South-West corner, a room for weapons has been mentioned in Vaastu Shastra. In past years such a room as necessary in the palaces or house of the rulers and land lords. In modern times, this room may be used as a store of heavy articles, tools and kits or keeping such articles which are of seldom use, or as a store of unserviceable waste articles. Also it may be used as bed room of elderly persons in the family.
5. Dining Room: - Best place for dining room is in the west. Now a days, dining room is adjusted with the kitchen or drawing room. In that case this room may be used for other purposes.
Dining table should be arranged in the South-west or north-west portion of the room. Water arrangement should be in the north-east corner and fridge etc. (electrical appliances, if any) should be kept in south-east corner. Persons should face towards east or north while taking meals
6. Grain Store or Cattle Shed: - On the north-west corner a store for grains should be built. In olden times it was a necessity. In modern times also, generally people purchase grains required for the whole year which has to be stored properly. Those who live in rural areas and are shed is also required for those families which keep cows, buffalo etc. North-west corner is suitable for the purpose. If not needed the room may be used as guest room or bed room.
7. Treasury: - In the north a room should be built for keeping valuables such as jewellery, ornaments, cash, costly utensils, etc. This is the place of Kuber the god of wealth and prosperity. Therefore this is the best place for treasury room. Cash box or safe (almirah) should be placed in this room along the south wall, such that it opens towards the north and the man while opening it faces towards south.
8. Pooja Room: - North-east corner is governed by Eeshwar; Pooja room should be built in this corner. This corner should not be used for bed room, kitchen or any other room, and no other articles should be placed in the pooja room. Cleanliness must be maintained around it. One should sit facing north or east while worshipping. Idols or pictures of the deities should be placed on a high platform built on four legs (sinhasan) or a cup-board in the wall in the north or east side. There should not be any toilet or kitchen above, below or adjacent to the pooja room.
9. Room for Churning Curd: - In olden days, when every family used to keep cattle cow, buffalo etc., it was necessary to have a place for storing milk, curd etc. and urban areas such room is not required in modern times, as such the place may be adjusted with other rooms. Place between east and south-east is suitable for such room.
10. Store for Ghee : - A room between the south and south-east can be built, if necessary, for storage of ghee, edible oil etc. If not needed, it may be adjusted with the kitchen or the bed room. 11. Toilet : - The place between south and south west is suggested for toilet. It can also be built in the north-west. In urban areas, there is a trend now a days to build toilets and baths attached to bed rooms. It is better to keep the bath and latrine separate. Attached bath-lat should be provided towards the north or west of the room.
Seat in the latrine should be fixed such that a person may sit facing north or south. Floor of the toilet room should have slope towards north-east corner of the room and the outlet for waste water should be towards north, east or north-east.
12. Study Room: - The best place for study room is between west and south-west. The person should sit facing north or east while studying. The study table should not be placed touching the walls; it is inauspicious. Book-shelf should be placed along the north-east corner only. A small idol or picture of the favourite god a goddess may be kept in the north-east portion at a height. 13. Room for expressing sorrow or punishment: - A room was felt necessary in the house where at the time of some casualty, people may sit together to express grief or sympathy, or to be used as a punishment room If space does not permit, such room is not very necessary now a days. However, the room may be provided between west and north-west . It may be used as a bed room or toilet as well.
14. Rati Kaksha or Bed-room for young couple: - In the space between north and north west a bed room can be provided which is specially suitable for the newly wedded young couples . Arrangements in this room should be same given for other bed rooms.
15. Medicine room: - Between north and north-east a room may be provided for keeping medicines and for keeping ill persons. Morning sun rays and fresh nourishing air form the north help in empowering the medicines and early recovery of the patients. The space can be adjusted with other room if the separate room for medicines is not required.
16. Common Room: - A common room should be provided in the space between east and north-east which can be used for entertaining the visitors and guests, or as a place where all the members of the family can sit together. It can also be used as a bed room for unmarried children. It can be use as a store room for common articles.
Light (Electricity)
While constructing a room it should be kept in mind that every room gets proper light. Electricity is the main source of energy these days. Main switch board and meter etc. should be fixed in the south-east portion of the building. In every room, switch board should be provided on the right hand side (While entering). It is not auspicious to provide switch board on the left or centre of the wall.
A building or temple where sun rays and fresh air do not reach is not auspicious and beneficial. As far as possible each room in the house should be so planned that it receives proper sun rays and maintains proper flow or air. In modern times, many huge buildings are built such that not only the sun is not visible from inside but it does not receive even traces of sun light. Flies, mosquitoes, germs may, of course, enter it without any check. Electric lighting has replaced sun
light and fans, coolers etc. are used to maintain flow of air artificially. The un-natural arrangement is harmful to health and produces adverse effects on the eyes, lungs and heart. Soon the inmates have to suffer from respiratory troubles and diseases or eyes. They have to consult the doctors again and again, and have to take medicines regularly and use spectacles.
Therefore it is necessary to keep the importance of proper circulation of air and light in mind for the healthy and long life of the inmates and the house itself. There are traditions in our country of worshipping the rising sun. Ancient scriptures have mentioned methods of curing several
diseases, like anaemia, impurity of blood, dyspepsia, etc. with the help of sun rays and passing the sun rays through water filled in glass bottles of different colours. Exposure of the body to mild sun rays also cures many diseases. Modern architects generally ignore this fact in an attempt to earn more money by utilizing maximum space. Sunlight and natural air are very much necessary for the durability of the house and health of the inmates. This should be kept in mind. Proper ventilation and exhaust fans must be provided in proper directions.
VAASTU FOR OFFICE
1. Boss should sit in south-west facing east or north 2. Computer room should be in south-east.
3. Pantry should be in south-east or north-west. 4. Marketing departments should be in north-west. 5. Cashier should be in north.
6. Purchase department and other should be in south or west. 7. Reception should be in north-east.
8. Telephone, side tables should be in south-west corner. 9. There should not be any obstacle in front of any door opening.
10. Keep your files in your office as given below and it will help you in your business as each and every file in your office plays an important role in the business.
i) Account file - in south-east corner shelf. ii) Personal file - in south-west shelf of your cabin.
iii) Purchase file - in south-west shelf made on south wall. iv) Sales file - in north-west shelf on wall.
v) Estate file - in south-west shelf made on southern wall.
vi) Shares file - in north-west shelf mad on north wall which you want to sell. And in south-west shelf made on south wall which you want to retain.
vii) Raw materials file - in south-west shelf.
viii) Finished goods file - in north-west corner shelf. ix) Income tax file - in south-west corner shelf.
