Vast Shastra, an ancient Indian science of architecture and design, has long been revered for its profound insights into creating harmonious living spaces. Understanding Vast Shastra is essential for anyone interested in harnessing the benefits of this timeless knowledge to enhance their environment and well-being.
Table of Contents
History
The knowledge of vastu was recorded in many ancient texts. Like Jyotish and Ayurveda, it has been part of Indian culture for millennia. Maya was a great scientist, architect, and town planner in ancient India. She presented its basic principles in the Mayamatam, the ancient treatise on vastu. It was rediscovered in 1934. Later, this system was codified in the vastu Veda and Sthapatya Veda. The vastu Veda deals with vastu in buildings. The Sthapatya Veda adds music and poetry to this.
The basic principles of Vastu fit into a theory of good and bad energy. An open space, well, or water body enhances a space’s positive or negative power. Similarly, a closed space or heavy weight lowers a space’s energy. This is true whether the energy is positive or negative. The texts do not clearly say this. But it is true.
Thus, the Northeast’s positive energy is enhanced by keeping it lighter. It has more open space and slopes downward toward the East and North. In that direction, wells, ponds, and lakes will also bring promising results. vastu recommends more height and weight in the Southwest. This reduces the negative energy there.
More neutral ground is established as we move to the Southeast and the Northwest. The energies from the Southwest and Northeast meet at the Northwest and Southeast corners. They create neutrality. A space with pure energy that has no charge is established in the center. It represents the ether principle. Texts call it Brahmasthana or the site of Brahman, unmanifested universal consciousness.
Fundamental Concepts
The Five Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas)
- Earth (Prithvi)
Properties: Stability, support, and nourishment.
Representation: Soil, rocks, and mountains.
Influence: Earth provides a stable foundation for buildings. It influences the physical structure and stability of a property.
Direction: South-West.
Application: Place heavy items in the South-West. This will enhance stability and grounding.
2. Water (Jal)
Properties: Fluidity, adaptability, and cleansing.
Representation: Rivers, lakes, oceans, and rain.
Influence: Water is essential for life and supports growth and nourishment. It also helps purify and detoxify the environment.
Direction: North-East.
Water features, like fountains, aquariums, and ponds, are best placed in the North-East. They help to promote prosperity and positive energy flow.
3. Fire (Agni)
Properties: Heat, energy, and transformation.
Representation: Sun, fire, and light.
Influence: Fire provides warmth, light, and energy. It is essential for cooking and maintaining life.
Direction: South-East.
Application: The kitchen and fire tasks should be in the South-East. This lets them harness the good energies of fire and promote health and vitality.
4. Air (Vayu)
Properties: Movement, communication, and life force.
Representation: Wind, breeze, and atmosphere.
Influence: Air is vital for breathing and life. It supports mental clarity, communication, and movement.
Direction: Northwest.
Application: Ventilation systems, windows, and air-related features should be in the Northwest to ensure proper airflow and mental well-being.
5. Space (Akash)
Properties: Expansion, openness, and connection.
Representation: Sky, ether, and cosmic space.
Influence: Space is the ultimate container that holds all other elements. It represents openness, freedom, and the infinite potential of the universe.
Direction: Center (Brahmasthan).
The middle of a building should be kept open and free of clutter. This will improve the flow of positive energy and maintain a harmonious balance.
The Eight Directions
- East (Purva)
Deity: Indra, the King of Gods.
Element: Air.
Influence: Represents new beginnings, health, and prosperity.
The main entrance, living room, and study are ideal in the East. They help harness positive energy and promote growth.
2. West (Paschim)
Deity: Varuna, the God of Water.
Element: Water.
Influence: Associated with stability, strength, and fame.
Application: The West suits dining rooms, children’s bedrooms, and storage rooms. It ensures stability and reputation.
3. North (Uttara)
Deity: Kubera, the God of Wealth.
Element: Earth.
Influence: Governs wealth, career, and prosperity.
Application: Treasury, safe, and offices should be in the North. It will attract financial growth and career success.
4. South (Dakshina)
Deity: Yama, the God of Death.
Element: Fire.
Influence: Represents strength, fame, and relaxation.
The South is the best place for the main bedroom, store rooms, and staircases. They promote rest and fame.
5. North-East (Ishanya)
Deity: Shiva, the Destroyer.
Element: Water.
Influence: Symbolizes spirituality, health, and wisdom.
Pooja rooms and meditation spaces should be in the Northeast. Water sources, like wells and tanks, should be too. This placement enhances mental well-being.
6. South-East (Agneya)
Deity: Agni, the God of Fire.
Element: Fire.
Influence: Governs health, energy, and kitchen activities.
The kitchen and dining areas should be in the South-East. This placement ensures health and good energy flow.
7. North-West (Vayavya)
Deity: Vayu, the God of Wind.
Element: Air.
Influence: Associated with movement, change, and growth.
Guest rooms, bathrooms, and storage areas are suitable for the Northwest. They help movement and positive changes.
8. South-West (Nairutya)
Deity: Nirrti, the Goddess of Destruction.
Element: Earth.
Influence: Represents stability, strength, and protection.
The main bedroom and storage areas should be in the South-West. This will enhance stability and protection.
Central Area (Brahmasthan)
Deity: Brahma, the Creator.
Element: Space (Ether).
Influence: Represents balance and cosmic energy.
The center of the house should be kept open and free from heavy objects. This keeps the flow of positive energy.
Basic Prinicilpe of vastu
The application of vastu is based on three fundamental principles:
1) height and weight (referring to the amount of open space);
2) slopes and elevations;
3) exalted and debilitated positions.
The principle of height and weight
- South and West should be heavy (with less open space) and at a higher elevation.
- North and East should be lighter (with more open space) and at a lower elevation.
- North should be lower than South.
- The North should be lighter (with more open space) than the South.
- East should be lower than West.
- East should be lighter (with more open space) than West.
- In general, sloping from Southwest to Northeast is good value.
- Southwest should be highest in height and heaviest in weight (with least open space).
- Southeast should have the second highest height and weight.
- Northwest should be the third highest in height and weight.
- Northeast should be the lowest in height and weight.
Principle of slopes and elevation
Slopes or lower elevations bring in more energy. More positive energy comes to a house from the East and the North. Those directions should be lower and have more slope than the West and the South. The South and the West have more negative energy. So, higher elevations and fewer slopes on those sides will reduce the amount of bad energy coming into the house.
The roof of a building can be flat. The South should not slope more than the North, and the West should not slope more than the East.
The principle of exalted and debilitated position
The third important vastu principle is that of the exalted (ucha) and debilitated (neecha) positions. Deciding exalted and debilitated positions is key. It’s especially important for placing doors, windows, and gates. The modern view of exalted and debilitated positions works like this. On the East side, height rises from the Northeast to the Southeast. The exalted position is up to the midpoint from the North end.
Similarly, on the South side, the height and elevation increase toward the West. From the East end, the exalted position is up to the midpoint on the South side. If you follow the same logic on the West side, the height and elevation increase from the North end to the South end. So, the exalted position should be from the North end to the midpoint toward the South. The height rises from the East to the West on the North side. Logically, a point from the East to the midpoint becomes exalted.
General Vastu Principles
LANDSCAPING
- Prepare the ground. Ensure it is in most of the houses to the north and east. The ground on the South and West sides can be higher than the foundation or at the same level. But, it cannot be lower than the ground to the East or North.
- Ponds and other water bodies should be in the Northeast sector.
- If you are creating a stream, it should flow toward the North or East.
- If you are creating a waterfall, it should be on the Southeast side, flowing toward the North.
- Rocks and rock formations should be on the South or West side.
- A children’s play area, such as a swing set, should be in the Northwest.
- When possible, choose plants carefully. They should balance the vaata, pitta, and kapha principles. For beauty, you may include ornamental plants. Their tridhaatu composition has yet to be discovered. In that case, try to match the color of the flowers or plants to the colors of the ruling planet for each direction.
- All tall trees should be planted in the South and West. No tall tree should be planted in the North or East. The tree’s shadow should only fall on the house for up to two hours daily.
- The Southwest and Northeast corners should be kept free of any trees.
- No milk-sap–yielding plant should be in the garden.
- No thorny plants should be placed on the East or North side.
- The Southwest and Northeast corners should be kept free of plants. But Bilva (Aegle marmelos) is an exception in the Southwest.
- Aromatic plants are more potent than non-aromatic plants. Follow the rules above and in the charts below. Try to include one or two aromatic plants in each direction.
- Most medicinal plants are not ornamental. They are not suitable for landscaping. However, they can be included if the other guidelines are followed.
The position or direction of wells, septic tanks, and water bodies greatly influences vastu. These water bodies include ponds and lakes. The direction of nearby water flow in rivers, streams, and drainage also influences it. Overhead water tanks and chemical storage are also important in vastu.
Room Placement (Brahmasthan, Living Room, Kitchen, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, etc.)
- Main Entrance
Ideal Directions: East, North, or North-East.
Influence: These directions welcome positive energy and prosperity into the home.
Tips: Keep the entrance clean, well-lit, and free of obstructions.
2. Living Room
Ideal Directions: North, North-East, or East.
Influence: These directions promote social interactions, positivity, and warmth.
Tips: Arrange seating to face the North or East, and ensure good ventilation and natural light.
3. Kitchen
Ideal Direction: Southeast (Agneya) or Northwest (Vayavya) as a secondary option.
Influence: The South-East direction, governed by the element of fire, supports health and nutrition.
Tips: Place the stove in the South-East part of the kitchen, and ensure the cook faces East while cooking.
4. Main Bedroom
Ideal Direction: South-West (Nairutya).
Influence: This direction provides stability, strength, and protection.
Tips: Place the bed in the South or West of the room, with the head towards the South.
5. Children’s Bedroom
Ideal Directions: West, Northwest, or East.
Influence: These directions support growth, development, and mental clarity.
Tips: Place the bed so the head faces East or South, and ensure good lighting and ventilation.
6. Guest Room
Ideal Direction: Northwest (Vayavya).
Influence: This direction encourages movement and change, making it suitable for a temporary stay.
Tips: Keep the room comfortable and inviting, with light colors and minimal clutter.
7. Bathroom and Toilets
Ideal Directions: Northwest or Southeast.
Influence: Proper placement ensures the elimination of negative energies and maintains hygiene.
Tips: Ensure good ventilation and keep the bathroom clean and dry.
8. Pooja Room (Prayer Room)
Ideal Direction: North-East (Ishanya).
Influence: This direction enhances spirituality, peace, and mental clarity.
Tips: Keep the space clean clutter-free, and use light, soothing colors.
9. Study Room
Ideal Directions: North, East, or North-East.
Influence: These directions support concentration, learning, and intellectual growth.
Tips: Place the study table so the student faces East or North while studying.
10. Dining Room
Ideal Directions: East, West, or North.
Influence: These directions promote health, nourishment, and positive family interactions.
Tips: Ensure good lighting and a comfortable seating arrangement.
11. Storeroom
Ideal Directions: South-West or Northwest.
Influence: These directions provide stability and organization.
Tips: Keep the storeroom organized and avoid clutter.
12. Staircase
Ideal Directions: South, West, or South-West.
Influence: Proper placement ensures stability and balance.
Tips: Avoid placing staircases in the center or northeast of the house.
13. Garage
Ideal Directions: Northwest or Southeast.
Influence: These directions support movement and access.
Tips: Keep the garage clean and organized.
Types of Yantras and Their Uses
- Shree Yantra
- Purpose: Attracts wealth, prosperity, and success.
- Placement: North-east or East direction on a clean altar.
- Vastu Purusha Yantra
- Purpose: Rectifies Vastu defects and balances energies.
- Placement: Centre of the house (Brahmasthan) or buried under the main entrance.
- Kuber Yantra
- Purpose: Enhances financial stability and attracts wealth.
- Placement: North direction, preferably near the safe or where valuables are kept.
- Matsya Yantra
- Purpose: Protects against accidents and disasters.
- Placement: Entrance to the house or the living room.
- Navagraha Yantra
- Purpose: Balances the effects of the nine planets.
- Placement: North-East direction or in the pooja room.
Types of Pyramids and Their Uses
- Vastu Pyramid
- Purpose: Rectifies structural imbalances and defects.
- Placement: Strategic locations such as corners of the house, under the floor, or on the ceiling.
- Crystal Pyramid
- Purpose: Enhances positive energy and harmonizes the environment.
- Placement: On desks, in the living room, or near electronic devices.
- Copper Pyramid
- Purpose: Protects against negative energies and enhances health.
- Placement: Near entrances, in bedrooms, or on work desks.
Mantras for Vastu
Mantras are sacred sounds or chants that carry specific vibrational frequencies. They align energies, purify spaces, and attract positive influences.
Common Vastu Mantras and Their Uses
- Vastu Purusha Mantra
- It invokes the deity of the Vastu Purusha. This is to balance and harmonize the space’s energies.
- Chant: “Om Vastu Purushaya Namaha”
- Usage: Chant this mantra 108 times daily in the morning, ideally in the center of the house or the affected area.
- Gayatri Mantra
- Purpose: Cleanses the environment, promotes peace, and brings divine light and protection.
- Chant: “Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat”
- Usage: Chant this mantra 108 times during sunrise and sunset.
- Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
- Purpose: Protects from negative forces and promotes healing and longevity.
- Chant: “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”
- Usage: Chant this mantra 108 times daily, especially in the South or South-West direction.
- Saraswati Mantra
- Purpose: Enhances knowledge, wisdom, and learning.
- Chant: “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namaha”
- Usage: Chant this mantra 108 times in the study room or area dedicated to learning.
Spiritual Remedies for Vastu
- Lighting Lamps and Candles
- Purpose: Light represents divine energy and dispels darkness and negativity.
- Usage: Light oil lamps or candles in the morning and evening, especially in the North-East and East directions.
- Burning Incense and Sage
- Purpose: Purifies the air and removes negative energies.
- Usage: Burn incense sticks or sage smudge sticks and move around the house, focusing on corners and areas with stagnant energy.
- Hanging Wind Chimes
- Purpose: The sound of wind chimes breaks up stagnant energy and promotes a positive flow of chi.
- Usage: Hang wind chimes near entrances, windows, and hallways.
- Using Holy Water or Ganga Jal
- Purpose: Holy water is believed to purify spaces and attract divine blessings.
- Usage: Sprinkle holy water in all rooms, especially in the northeast corner, while chanting purification mantras.
- Placing Sacred Symbols and Objects
- Purpose: Sacred symbols attract positive energy and divine protection.
- Usage: Place objects like the Shree Yantra, statues of deities, or sacred symbols like Om or Swastika in prominent places.
- Conducting Vastu Poojas and Homes
- Purpose: Vastu Poojas and Homas (fire rituals) invoke divine blessings and rectify Vastu defects.
- Usage: Perform Vastu Pooja with the help of a qualified priest, especially during housewarming or when moving into a new space.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the principles of Vast Shastra offer invaluable guidance for creating spaces that promote harmony, health, and prosperity. By integrating this ancient wisdom into modern living, we can cultivate environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply nurturing. Understanding Vast Shastra is a journey that enriches our lives and connects us to a tradition of balanced and thoughtful design.