Vastu Shastra is a system of Indian architecture and design aimed at promoting harmony between people and their surrounding environment. In Sanskrit “vastu” means a dwelling or building, and the term “Vastu” is derived from that word. Shastra translates to a system or doctrine. Vastu Shastra is believed to have originated from ancient Vedic texts and it encompasses a set of principles and guidelines for the construction and layout of buildings. The primary goal of Vastu Shastra is to align the structure with the natural forces and energies, promoting a balanced and positive environment. Key principles of Vastu Shastra include: Orientation: The placement of a building in cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) is crucial. Element and energy associations are specific to each direction.
- Five Elements (Panchabhutas): Vastu takes into account the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space – and their harmonious integration in the design of a space.
- Energy Flow: Vastu emphasizes the importance of unobstructed energy flow (Prana) throughout the building. Blocked or stagnant energy is believed to have negative effects on occupants.
- Room Placement: Specific rooms and functions are recommended for different zones of the building based on their orientation and the activities associated with those zones.
- Entrance Placement: The location and design of the entrance are critical for positive energy flow. The main entrance, doors, and windows are carefully considered in Vastu.
- Symbolism and Iconography: Vastu incorporates the use of symbols, shapes, and images with positive energies to enhance the overall harmony of a space.
- Materials and Colors: The choice of building materials and colors is guided by their elemental properties and their impact on the energy balance of the space.
Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural and planning philosophy that originated over 5,000 years ago. “Shastra” refers to a scientific or philosophical treatise or doctrine. Vastu Shastra is essentially a set of guidelines and principles that govern the design, layout, and orientation of buildings, aiming to create harmony between the natural and built environments.
The history of Vastu Shastra can be traced back to ancient Indian texts, particularly the Vedas, which are the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism. Vastu principles are also found in texts like the Matsya Purana, Shilpa Shastra, and Vishwakarma Vastu Shastra. The earliest known treatise dedicated solely to Vastu is the “Manasara,” believed to have been written between the 5th and 7th centuries AD.
Over time, various other texts were composed, elaborating on the principles of Vastu Shastra and providing guidelines for the construction of homes, temples, palaces, and cities. These texts include the Mayamata, Samarangana Sutradhara, and Silparatna.
The principles of Vastu Shastra are deeply rooted in the belief that the physical and metaphysical energies of the cosmos can influence the well-being of individuals and communities. The primary goal of Vastu is to create a balanced and harmonious living or working environment that aligns with the natural forces.
The history of Vastu Shastra can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas, particularly the Atharvaveda. Here’s a brief overview of the history of Vastu Shastra:
- Vedic Period (1500 BCE – 500 BCE): The roots of Vastu Shastra can be found in the Vedas, with specific references in the Atharvaveda. The Atharvaveda contains hymns and verses that discuss the principles of architecture, design, and construction concerning human well-being.
- Shilpa Shastras (500 BCE – 200 CE): During this period, Vastu Shastra evolved as part of the broader genre of architectural and artistic treatises known as the Shilpa Shastras. These texts provided guidelines for various aspects of art, including sculpture, painting, and architecture. The most notable among them is the Vishwakarma Prakash, a significant work on architecture.
- Classical Period (200 CE – 1200 CE): Vastu Shastra continued to develop, and its principles were integrated into various architectural styles. Temples and palaces were constructed following Vastu guidelines, and the knowledge was passed down through generations orally and through written texts.
- Medieval Period (1200 CE – 1700 CE): Vastu Shastra gained prominence during the medieval period, particularly during the construction of temples and forts. The Chola and Vijayanagara empires in South India, as well as the Mughal rulers in North India, incorporated Vastu principles in their architectural endeavors.
- Colonial Period (1700 CE – 1947 CE): The British colonial period saw a decline in the practice and promotion of Vastu Shastra. Western architectural styles gained prominence, and Vastu principles were often overlooked. However, some traditional architects and practitioners continued to adhere to Vastu guidelines.
- Post-Independence Period (1947 CE onwards): After India gained independence, there was a renewed interest in traditional Indian sciences and philosophies, including Vastu Shastra. Various scholars and practitioners worked to revive and promote Vastu principles in modern architecture and urban planning.
- Directions and Orientation: Proper alignment of buildings with the cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) is considered crucial for positive energy flow.
- Five Elements (Panchabhutas): Vastu takes into account the balance of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space – in the design and construction of buildings.
- Vastu Purusha Mandala: This is a symbolic representation of the cosmic being, and its alignment is believed to influence the energy flow within a structure.
- Zoning and Design: Vastu provides guidelines on the placement of rooms, entrances, and various architectural features to ensure a balanced and harmonious living or working space.
- Sacred Geometry: Vastu incorporates principles of sacred geometry in the design and layout of structures.
- While Vastu Shastra has ancient roots and continues to be influential in India, it has also gained attention and followers worldwide. Many people consult Vastu experts when planning construction or renovations to ensure adherence to these ancient principles for a harmonious and prosperous living or working environment.
Vastu Shastra guides us to maintain this equilibrium of these elements and their influence on each other, thereby affecting our life, actions, luck, behavior, and all other basics of life. The elements each possess their characteristics and vibrations, so they need to be placed according to the nature and vibration of each. Harmony must be maintained between the nine directions and the elements stated above. In ancient Indian architecture and building science, Vastu Shastra, a Vastu consultant provides advice on the design and arrangement of spaces according to Vastu Shastra. wind replaces water, or any other combination will cause disharmony and conflict if fire is substituted for water.
The Vedic system of Vastu Shastra utilizes numerous natural energies in an atmosphere such as:
- Solar Energy from Sun.
- Lunar Energy from the Moon
- Earth Energy
- Sky Energy
- Electric Energy
- Magnetic Energy
- Thermal Energy
- Wind Energy
- Light Energy
- Cosmic Energy
Right concord of such energies can give us peace, joy, prosperity, and satisfaction to a great extent in life. Buildings, rooms, houses, temples, shops, industries, cities, and towns should be planned according to Vastu. Vastu is not a religion; it is a science of setting things correctly and balancing the five elements that is Earth, fire, water, space, and air to have the maximum benefit out of life.Doshas in Vastu are violations of Vastu principles at your home or workplace. In such cases, some fixation techniques are needed. A Vastu Dosh can be corrected by making little changes in the interiors of the house like changing the placements, using regulators, or some charged objects. The bliss and peace can be brought back if the remedies for Vastu Dosh are taken as prescribed and properly applied.
Consider consulting a Vastukar if you have the necessary qualifications and skills but you don’t seem to be finding deserving opportunities. A Vastu consultation is also required in case of any mutual disputes.
- Vastu for Offices: This type of Vastu focuses on creating a positive and productive work environment. It considers factors such as the layout of office spaces, placement of workstations, direction of entrances, and arrangement of furniture to enhance productivity, prosperity, and harmony in the workplace.
- Vastu for Commercial Spaces: In addition to residential buildings, vaastu principles are applied to commercial structures as well. Optimal design and layout create a positive customer experience, promote business growth, and attract customers.
- Vastu for Landscaping: Landscaping with Vastu principles enhances the energy flow of the surrounding area and enhances its aesthetic appeal. By creating a serene and balanced outdoor space, it aims to improve our quality of life.
- Vastu for Educational Institutions: Educational institutions, schools, and colleges that implement this type of Vastu are designed to create conducive learning environments. To enhance the learning experience, classroom orientation, library placement, and study area arrangements are considered.