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Introduction to Vaastu
The word Vastu means a dwelling. Vaastu Shilpa means the science of
house building. The science of house building is very ancient in India.
The knowledge has come down from creator Brahma through an unbroken succession
of sages. According to the Vishwakarma Vaastu Shastra, the celestial architect
Lord Brahma got a thorough knowledge of his science from Lord Shiva. The
present day Vaastu owes its origin mainly to 125 verses contained in Brihat
Sanhita of Varahamihira.
Man builds the House for his home. Nature consists of five elements SAFEW
viz., Sky (Space), Air (Atmosphere), Fire, Earth and Water. Vaastu is the
means of capturing the positive bountiful power of the three elements: the
Earth, the Water, the Fire, (the Sun) in a proper and proportional manner,
along with the Air, in our House, making it the Abode for all of them, for
peace and prosperity of the Human Beings; and the World (Vishwam) at large.
Basic Principles of Vaastu
The following are some of the Vaastu-logically correct principles of
house making and design. Please note that like most of the ancient sciences,
some of the knowledge that is contained in these principles may not be any
more relevant at present times. However, the very basic of Vaastu principles
will always continue to be beneficial to the mankind in one form or the
other.
The basic principles are -
- If you are in the process of buying a plot or site, please remember
that plots/sites in South West, South & West directions are more advantageous
than others
- According to Vaastu, the most beneficial entrances in the house are
those in North East, East or North direction.
- Living Room or the dining room is best looked in East, North & Northeast
directions.
- The bedroom according to Vaastu should be in southwest/south or west
direction.
- The children's bedroom should ideally be in NorthWest. It could be
in Southeast & North as well but never in southwest or south.
- If you are fortunate enough in present times to have the luxury of
having a separate room for the guests, make the guestroom in Northwest
or northeast direction.
- The kitchen of the house is ideally located in Southeast followed
by NorthWest & East.
- Bathrooms & Toilets should be in Northwest of the house or in West
or South direction
- While purchasing a plot or a site, it is advisable to go in for a
rectangular or square shape. As far as possible, the site should be
slopping towards North & East or Northeast.
- While making the building or the house, it is advisable to have equal
open space on all four sides. The levels of open spaces should be higher
in South & West side and lower in North & East side. Outlets of rainwater
should be in Northeast or North zones.
- The living room of the central zone (Brahmasthan) should be free from
any kind of obstructions. By obstructions, we mean any kind of beam,
pillar, fixture, toilet, staircase or even a wall or lift.
- The direction in which you sleep is also very important. One should
never sleep with head in the north. Sleeping with head towards south
ensures long life. While on a journey, it is advisable to sleep with
head towards west.
- In your study room, have your seat so as to face east or north. Do
not have a toilet in the study room, though you can have a bathroom.
- Do not use a dark colour in the study room. Use yellow or white or
pink. Put the bookshelf in east or north.
- If you construct more than a floor, prepare the first floor on Southwest.
The height of first floor shall not exceed that of ground floor. Do
not build a storeroom on first floor.
- It is said that a storeroom in the Northwest corner leads to abundant
supply of essential commodities. Keep a holy picture on one eastern
wall. Light colours should not be used on the storeroom. Use dark colours
or blue or green. Never sleep in the storeroom at night. Also refrain
from taking out grains from the storeroom in night.
- The bathroom/bathrooms can be either inside or outside the house.
In case it is inside, it should be located on the eastern or northern
side. (If attached to a bedroom, then to eastern or northern side of
the bedroom). When located outside, then it should be in Northeast corner,
but away from the main building. The lavatories are forbidden in Northeast,
Center, Southwest and West directions of the house.
- Vaastu Shastra also guides us about what type of plants and trees
should be planted around a dwelling unit so as to enjoy their positive
properties the most.
- Vaastu does not prescribe having a Mango, Banana or a Jamun tree very
near your house. However Peepal at some distance from the house in West
direction is considered auspicious as is Imli in South West of the house.
- It is also auspicious to have an Anaar, Ashoka, Chandan, Champa, Chameli,
Gulaab, Nariyal & Keshar tree around a house.
- On the size & shape of the door, Vaastu advises that width of the
door should be half of the height of the door. Square doors as also
automatic doors should be avoided.
- The Paintings / Statues in the house are also important. One should
not have pictures depicting war scenes (even if they belong to the Epic
Mahabharata or Ramayan battles). Similarly scenes depicting negativities
of life like sorrow, struggle, violence (including that of wild beasts),
tragedy and of calamities.
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Vastu Shastra
