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Prasanna one of our fellow blogger had posted an informative article titled ‘India and Vastu.’ He mentioned that India is considered "Gomukha" shaped country pointed southward and hence India prospers both agriculturally and spiritually. It was quite interesting and made me think about this ancient science of architecture. However I soon found Vastu was sharing the platform with identical practices. It is very unfortunate that we Indians have a knack of preaching anything that is foreign hence the brouhaha over Chinese Feng Shui, which many of us even don’t know, has actually been adapted from Vastu in the first place.

   

Vastu Shastra, literally translated means ‘the science of building.’ In reality, it deals with interrelated subjects like maths and geometry, geology and geography, semantics of form, religion and philosophy, myths and narratives and all other factors influencing a site. Besides these, local factors like the topography of the land, its surroundings like rivers, mountains, roads, trees and the structures around are also taken note of while constructing a Vastu or a structure.

 

The purpose is to bring about harmony between man, nature and his built-environment. Western architecture talks about comfort levels, in China, the talk is of Feng Shui (wind and water), and in Indian architecture, we are concerned with the contentment, peace and serenity, achieved by creating a harmonised space, which are steps leading towards the ultimate attainment.

 

Critics have declared Vastu to be synonymous with mysticism and superstition, but research has borne out that the beauty of Vastu Shastra lies in its correct application. It is an inter-related and complex study and can be correctly implemented only by someone who has studied the subject in its entirety.

 

Following thumb rules give rise to unforeseen problems. For instance, if we position the kitchen in the south-east direction as per Vastu, but unknowingly place the platform in the wrong direction, then that nullifies the good effect. Hence, a person should study the subject in depth to understand the reasoning behind each of its principles rather than just blindly follow the books.

There are energy fields surrounding the earth, the origins of which are yet a mystery. However, our ancestors were aware that any form, either natural or built, creates its own aura or field of influence, which concentrates or disperses energy and which in turn has either harmed or benefited living beings. The ancient scriptures teach us how to manipulate these energy fields to their desired intensities to attain the desired effects.

 

The selection of the plot is an important factor, since it represents a fixed form radiating either a positive or a negative energy, depending on its orientation as per the north, slope, surrounding elements and so on.

 

The science of Vastu is formulated after a detailed study of various influential factors like:

a) The five elements

b) The sun and its effects

c) The earth’s magnetic field

d) The eight cardinal directions

e) The Vastu purusha mandala

The five elements or ‘panchabhutaas’ are space, air, water, fire and earth and every living as well as non-living element is composed of these. There is a constant interaction between these elements, and man has to understand their effectiveness and design his buildings accordingly to take full advantage of these natural forces. For example in deserts, designing homes with thicker walls (earth) and slit windows (air), helps in keeping the house cool and ensures ventilation. Fountains (water) enhance the coolness and internal courtyards (space) are ideal for family interactions.

 

Similarly, Surya (sun) and Agni (fire) are an infinite source of positive energy. The cosmic rays of the Sun have deep psychological effects on a person’s moods. Hence, colours have to be used sensibly to build a positive environment.

 

In Vastu Shastra the N, N-E and S-E directions are more important than the S, S-W and W directions. It is for this reason that more windows, balconies, terraces and portions are advised on the northern side of the house. Water tanks and water bodies too should be on the northern or northeastern side, since the beneficial rays of the sun kill the bacteria and germs in the water. The north and east sides should be more open than the south and west, and tall trees should be planted towards the south and west only. This is to allow morning sunrays, in the northern and eastern sides of the house. Trees, in the south and west, protect the home from the evening sun as well as give pure oxygenated air.

 

The earth’s magnetic field is an invisible but powerful force, which affects our lives. The eight cardinal directions are east or pitrusthan, source of male issues; south-east or aagneya, source of health; south or dakshina, source of wealth, crops and happiness; south-west or nairutya, source of character, behaviour, cause of longevity or death; west or paschim, source of name, fame and prosperity; north-west or vaayavy, source of business, friendship or enmity; north or matrusthan, source of female issues; north-east or eeshanya, source of health, wealth and prosperity.

The principles of orientation of buildings, is related to Vastu purusha mandala, the metaphysical plan of the Vedic building. The surface of the earth is demarcated by sunrise and sunset, by east and west, and also by the north and south, represented by a diagram or mandala of a square.

 

The image of Vastu purush with the mandala is drawn in the likeness of a man. His head lies in the north-east direction, in the mandala of 64 squares, the legs in the south-west, the right hand in the north-west, left hand in the south-east, with the centre or stomach is controlled by Brahma. When the design is followed scrupulously, proper ventilation and the correct solar energy are ensured.

 

Vastu’s integration of astrology, earth, health, science and spirituality or religion is unmatched and this is truly an amazing science that we need to nurture, practice, cherish and propagate and not let it die an unnatural death. *Facts & figures compiled from various sources.

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