Vastu for Trees and Plants

A plant not only provides a pleasant environment but also a relaxing view and hence they have a special position in Vastu shastra. Many shastra like GARUN PURAN, RUP MANDAL and many more states the importance of plants and tree in our life.
A healthy plant not only effect us physically but emotionally too. One should be careful while designing your garden, Vastu have some suggestions you can implement in your life to make it easy and prosperous.

Plants and Trees Locations and Importance

The Vastu provide the location of plants and trees as per their appearance and property. The given chart shows the location of plants and trees the house is bounded by the dark boundary and rest is outside area.

NOTATIONS

• Best for making  garden
• Best for small plants
• Outside Area of house
• Not for normal garden

VASTU GUIDELINES FOR GARDEN TREES AND PLANTS

One enters the house compound through the Main Gate. Usually if space is available, people like to have a small garden in the front as well as at the back of the Site. Vastu Shastra lays down guidelines on all aspects of house designing, including the planting of auspicious trees and plants around the house. As Vastu is a science, there is logical, scientific explanation for every guideline. As an Vastu Specialist, I have attempted to explain these guidelines rationally and scientifically, so that you can decide what you want to follow or don't.

WHAT TREES SHOULD BE PLANTED IN THE HOUSE GARDEN ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA?

Some of the auspicious trees according to Vastu, that are good for the inmates are described below along with their usefulness:

PEEPAL TREE - It is also known as the Aswatha tree. Scientists have found that oxygen is produced in large amounts by the leaves of this tree and it is found in high concentration under the branches, probably due to the thick foliage. Hence it is considered very healthy to circumambulate this tree in the morning. It is prohibited from being cut. However, it is not suitable near a house, since it has far spreading roots which can affect the foundation of the building.

NEEM TREE - This tree has great medicinal value and its extract is used in pesticides. Its twigs are used to brush teeth and neem oil is used in physiotherapy. Since neem leaves are very bitter, a mixture of neem leaves, tender green mango and jaggery is eaten on Ugadi or the New Year in South India, as a symbolic gesture, that one is prepared to face the sweet, sour and bitter experiences of the coming year with equanimity. Therefore, this is a good tree to have in a house garden.

MANGO TREE – Most parts of the mango tree have medicinal value. It's leaves are used as a pesticide, and its twigs are used for brushing teeth. Its leaves are used for puja purposes. It is considered very auspicious if the dead are cremated using ma ngo tree fire-wood. Then of course, mango fruit is the king among fruits and very tasty. The raw mangoes are used for making pickles and as a vegetable.  Mango trees also have a very long life and can survive for 400-500 years. Obviously, this is also a very useful tree to have in your garden.
JACK-FRUIT TREE - Like the 'mango tree, the jack-fruit tree also produces very tasty, seasonal, fruit in large numbers. The yellow juicy kernels inside the jackfruit are used to make different types of sweets and halvas. The raw fruit kernels are cut into strips and made into tasty jackfruit chips, a speciality of Kerala. The Jack-fruit's seeds are also nutritious and are used like a vegetable in South India. The beautiful yellow coloured wood from this tree is used to make furniture, doors, windows etc. Its leaves are considered auspicious and are used for puja. Therefore, it is useful and can be planted in your garden.
BANANA TREE – The tender saplings of the banana tree are used for decorating doors of houses, pandals etc, during functions and festivals as they are symbols o f prosperity and wealth. Almost every part of the plant has some sort of economic or medicinal use. Banana fruit is the best source for instant energy and are rich in potassium. Raw bananas are cooked and eaten like a vegetable. The skin of the fruit is used in dyeing. A lot of illnesses can be treated with concoctions made from the roots, stem, flowers, and leaves of the tree. So this is  a must-have in your garden.
COCONUT TREE - Every part of this tree is useful. The tender coconut water is a very healthy, cool, low fat drink. The coconut flesh is used in South Indian cooking in large amounts and gives it a distinctive flavour. The oil extracted from coconut is used in cooking as well as a hair oil. Coir is a very useful by-product which is used in making mats, carpets etc. The leaves of the coconut tree are weaved and used as roofing for huts by the poor. Its dry leaves are also used as fire-wood. Due to its usefulness it is considered a sacred tree. Hence it is considered a must, in your garden.

SANDAL WOOD TREE- Sandal wood is very expensive as it is used to make exquisite handicrafts, and its oil is very fragrant. Sandalwood paste when applied on the forehead, cools the head. The sandalwood is used to make incence sticks. It is very rare to find sandalwood trees and hence there have been so many instances of robbers cutting down trees in the middle of the night, if found in any house compound. If you like this fragrant tre, it is a good idea to try and grow one- but you may need to secure it!

ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, WHERE SHOULD THE TREES BE PLANTED IN THE PLOT?

Smaller shrubs- may be planted on the East or North sides, but no trees should be planted in the North-East corner as they block the useful morning sun rays.
Tall trees- like Coconut can be planted in the South-West, West sides but should should not be too close to a building as they block the sunlight completely. A tree should be planted such that it's shadow should not fall on the house, at least between 9.A.M to 3P.M.
Large trees- like Peepal, Banyan should not be located too near the house as their roots can damage the foundation and compound wall. Also, the large trees absorb most of the sunlight, meaning these positive rays will not be received by the building.
Good trees- that can be planted in a house compound are useful trees like coconut, neem, betel, sandalwood, lemon, pineapple, bilva, almond, jackfruit, pomegranate, mango, amla, and katha.
Avoid flowering trees in gardens: Reason – They shed leaves during the summer.

Trees with insects, worms, honey bees, bumble bee, owls, serpents, should be avoided for obvious reasons.
If a tree must be removed because it is inauspicious or for other reasons, the day before cutting the tree, one should express regret to the tree, and it must be removed from its rooting. A new tree should be planted in its place within the next three months. This is a way of conserving nature.

ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, WHICH PLANTS ARE TO BE GROWN IN THE HOUSE GARDEN?

TULASI (BASIL) - It is also known as holy Basil and it is always good to grow a Tulasi plant on one's property. Tulasi should be located on the North, North-East, or East sides of the house, or in front of the house. Tulasi is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicines. It purifies the blood and improves the digestive system. It is believed to be useful in treating many types of diseases. Its probably for this reason, that it is considered a sacred plant and used in daily worship.
JASMINE - In general, plants with sweet smelling flowers like jasmine, red lotus, blue lotus etc are good in the house compound as they give out a pleasant perfume, and can also be used in daily worship. Flowers like the Jasmine are stringed together and used as a decoration on the hair by Indian ladies. Moreover, as these flowers are produced round the year, they are always available.
THORNY PLANTS - Thorny plants should not be planted near the house. Cactus should not be planted at all. Thorny plants other than roses have a negative energy. Ideally all thorny plants should be pulled up and destroyed. The reason could be that the thorns can hurt you when you brush past them.
CREEPERS – Creepers or other plants should not be grown using the building or compound wall as a support as their clingers will  slowly creep into tiny cracks in the walls and gradually widen them as they grow, causing damage and seeepage of water through the walls. Creepers should only be grown in a garden, and they should have their own independent supports. A creeper like a money plant can be grown within the house  but should not be grown outside, using a tree for support.

FLOWER POTS - Flower pots should not be kept on the  compound wall  in the North, East or North-East as they will block the useful morning sunlight coming in from these directions.

Flower pots and decorative plants can be placed on the ground in these directions, but they should  not grow taller than 3 feet.

LAWNS AND WATER BODIES- Lawns should be in the East or the North.  A small water-fall of three to four feet or a water body  can  be constructed in the East or the North leaving the North-East corner. If there is a swimming pool in the garden, it should be in  the North or North-East direction, so that the people using the pool benefit from the sun rays and also, the water will get purified by the  U.V rays of the Sunlight.

VASTU for Marriage

An Institution which gives a start to new life, achievements in the form of love, support, and identity is marriage. Our Ancient scriptures have defined marriage as a pious relation and have allotted separate duties for both the partners.

Let us talk about some facts and requirements for marriage in a vastu way. The Almighty created man and woman to love each other and lead a peaceful life full of enjoyment. 


Vastu Shastra principles can do wonders for love and affection between all family members. By following certain rules Vastu Shastra will ignite romance and deep feelings. It can help make relationship more enjoyable and fruitful.

Vastu is a magnetic sort of energy and this energy is important for healthy relation to sustain in a living place. For example when we are in a park or riverside

Room for unmarried girls: Delay and problems in marriage for marriageable girls is a big tension for the parents. One should check the room allotted for the girl, the placement should not be in the southwestern areas of the house. The south western areas give stability in the house and do not let the girl easily go for marriage. The best areas are northwestern parts of the house; if this place is not available then the extreme western sides are good.

Room for unmarried boys: The best places for the boy should be extreme southern and extreme western sides of the house. If the boy to be married is the eldest and the head of the family then the extreme southwestern sides is the best suited.

Reasons for delay in marriage: Underground water tanks placed in the southwestern sides of the structures is a big cause in delays for the marriage. Elevations which have lower and lighter southwest are another cause for the delay and obstruction in the association for marriage. Especially girls who are not getting married should take care not to use the southwest corner of the house as a bedroom, in a more minute way the door of their room should not be given in the south western corner of the room.

Reasons for divorce and clashes: Peace in marriage is a prerequisite for happy married life. Check the placement of your bedroom, if placed in the southeastern corners of the house get ready for the chances of clashes. These clashes can lead to the divorces and separation. Southeastern direction has a fire element dominating which causes irritation and anger. Kitchen in the house if not vaastu friendly also cause disagreements in the couple. It is just to manage the fire element in the house, if used properly fire polishes the gold and cooks the food too. But the ill managed fire element gives problems.

Conception problems: If there is no corner for North East, means North & East directions are in parallel, the couple in the house can have conception problems. In this case one must create the identity of the northeast corner this means they should highlight it.

The main door should open inside towards the left. This opening lets the energy come in very freely. Doors opening towards the right or outside are not considered good. Another point is when you open the main door make sure there is no other door in front of it this.
Following some Vastu tips help to develop an unbreakable bond with between partners. For the people who wish to succeed in love life, it is very important to follow the right rules of Vastu Principles. Bringing freshness and vitality in personal relationships is essential.

Love can be easily improved by reorganizing certain places in the house and altering the placements of things, as per Vastu. Read and follow the tips for the most useful Vastu advice to brighten up your love life and enjoy the ocean of the unflinching love of your partner.

• The south-west corner of the house is the best place for the master bedroom, for maintaining peace in love life.
• The bed room in a south-east corner always brings bad luck and spoils the intimacy of couples. The very bad heat or fire energy creates tension and restlessness in the mind. Our research shows the divorced couple slept in this corner.
• The bed rooms in the north-east corner are unsuitable for any newlywed couples. The couples who sleep here often are childless as per our research.
• Though metal beds are in vogue and much in fashion,  according to Vasthu Shastra, wooden beds should be used.
• The bed should position in the south-west corner of the bed room for better results.
• A bed positioned in the northern and eastern zone of the bedroom would cause mental stress and financial instability.
• The bed shall not be placed in front of the bed room door or opposite any door of the attached toilet or balcony.
• While sleeping, make sure that your head points towards the side and legs towards north side, for a blissful personal life.
• The door of the attached toilet must be kept closed always and the toilet seat cover should be kept down, when not in use.
• Also, there should not be any single identity in the couple room, such as duck and butterfly. Avoid any thing that causes stress in the bedrooom.
• Never sleep under the beam. It causes unnecessary pressure and also is detrimental in terms of health.
• Don't sleep in direct alignment with sharp corners. This can create stress in your nervous system. In a room that has sharp corners, you will never be able to experience peace, unless you soften them by placing plants in front. Also, move your bed away from direct alignment with them.
• If you want to have a bookshelf in your bedroom, west or southwest corner is the best place, as per the Vastu guidelines for a bedroom.
• The bedroom door should open at least ninety degrees, to fully allow positive opportunities to flow to you. This is because the door of your bedroom is symbolic of the opportunities life presents you. A door that cannot open fully will limit the support and prospects life has to offer you
• The first thing that you see when you enter your bedroom should give you the feeling of peacefulness and serenity. Such feelings can be enhanced by a photograph, inspiring quote, painting, sculpture or even flowers. Locate these things at such a place that the moment you enter your bedroom, your gaze falls on them.
• A painting of Lord Krishna as child is advised in the bedroom for a happy and enjoyable relationship between husband and wife.
• Light green, light rose or blue color is to be preferred for Painting the walls of the bed room to give the bedroom a soothing effect.
• Wearing red color brings back the lost love in your life and stimulates the desire as well.
• Clutter or unwanted and unused items in the bed room and cupboards are to avoided for a good night sleep. For a good and healthy relationship, special attention should be paid to remove the clutter, as they restrict the flow of love.
• Mirrors are a strictly should be kept in the bedroom, visible to beds or reflecting the bed from any side. The mirrors can be placed in the south and west walls without facing the beds.
• Computer and TV are not advisable to be in the room. However, if you have TV and computer in bedroom, cover them with a cloth while sleeping in the night.
• Paintings that symbolize death, quarrels, violence or any negative aspect of life are not permissible in the bed room as well in any place of the house.
• Friction between couples and family members is easily started with the food prepared. Placement of kitchen is important for any house to have healthy love and affection. The saying is & Get in to the stomach to get in to the heart.
• The best place for the kitchen is south-east corner or north-west corner of the house.
• The kitchen in the north-east causes enmity between the family members especially between husband and wife.
• The kitchen in the south-west corner creates lot of unwanted expenses and weakens the health of the ladies.
• The sink and the stove are to be kept a distance from each other. While the gas stove represents Agni (fire), the sink stands for water. If Agni element and water element are wrongly placed, relations in a family are affected.
• Sharp objects such as knife and scissors should be covered. The same is applicable to pickles as well. Openly placed knife and scissors or pickles creates sourness in relations.
• Couples aspiring for children should never sleep in a northeast room. The strong magnetic energies act as a barrier. Also, make sure that the room does not have any sharp colors or objects. The placement of water tank also acts as a hindrance in conception. A water tank placed in the southwest direction is absolutely prohibited.
• Money should be kept in a locker in the south-west corner of the bed room. This way you would be able to attain financial stability.
• Make sure that the underground water tank is not in the south-west direction.
• Vastu Shastra rejects the idea of keeping an aquarium in the bedroom. It is believed that if they live there, they will attract material loss.

Vastu for Marriage Hall
The trend of celebrating marriage in marriage halls is rising day by day, although it require lot of finance still people are spending on one time marriage lavishly. We may find many marriage halls nearby us and sometimes we see that due to some or other reason few marriage halls do not prosper well. For smooth working of marriage hall construct this prospective place with vastu principles for better and progressive future.
Marriage halls should have proper section constructed in proper direction. Vastu tells how marriage halls should position every section at place:

• Stage in the marriage hall should be positioned ideally in West so that Couple sitting on it faces East.
• Entrance is ideal in East or North direction.
• Plot of the marriage hall should be in regular shape for instance square or rectangle while avoid round or oval shape banquet hall just for the sake of decoration.
• Electrical equipments including dance floor, music system and even transformer must be located in South-east.
• Cooking arrangement must also be in South-east only.
• Parking should be constructed in North-west or South-east.
• Arrangement for food and snacks should be directed towards North-west or North.
• Sitting arrangement for guests must be in South-west or it could be in North.
• Mandap for marriage must be arranged in North-east being the Ishaan corner and sacred place while fire must be burn in South-east corner.
• Toilets in marriage hall must be made in North-west or West.
• Room of owner should preferably be constructed in South-west.
• Stairs in the hall could be place in South, West or South-west as per Vastu.

Vaastu Tips for a Happy Married Life

For many, Vaastu Shastra is an integral aspect of planning everything. Seeing its ample benefits, more and more people are now adopting Vaastu Shastra practices, while planning their lives and lifestyle. Right from building homes or offices to the matters concerning money, health and married life, Vaastu Shastra is becoming omnipresent around us.
Bonds of love and matrimony is an aspect of life where people are always looking for a blissful and joyful ever-after. A little cosmic luck can certainly help couples achieve their dreams of a perfect life together. Vaastu makes the environment around couples more favourable for love and peace. Since, the bedroom is the most important place for couples, where they can instil faith and love in their marital knot; here are some Vaastu tips with which couples can enhance love and prosperity in their relationship.

• Bedroom should always be in south-west or north-west direction. This will spark love and understanding between the partners. North-east and south-east sides of the house should be avoided at all costs.
• The couple should always keep their heads towards the south. This way the positive magnetic energy that flows from the north can easily enter their body, without disrupting flow of blood or affecting sleep.
• The bed should never be a metal or a wrought iron one. Preferably, use a wooden bed to ease any tension between partners. Also, the bed should always be of a regular shape.
• Always use light colours for the master bedroom, such as light blue, soft green or rose-pink. Also, the room should be uncluttered, so that it becomes conducive for a soothing ambience.

• Wife should always sleep on the left side of the bed and the husband should take the right side. This will ensure a smooth and loving relationship.
• On a double bed, it is advisable to use a single bed mattress, always. Couples should avoid going for a double mattress. This is important for instilling harmony and positivity in the marital relationship.
• No electrical gadgets should find a way into the bedroom. Even if there are any electronics kept in the room, just make sure that they are kept at a good distance from the bed. The electro-magnetic wave of these gadgets not only disrupts sleep but also increases tensions and rifts between partners.
• Mirrors should never be placed in a couple’s bedroom, as they lead to misunderstandings and quarrels. If there is a mirror in the bedroom, it is best that it should be kept covered, especially during the night. It is also important to keep the room well-lit for free-flowing communication and unflinching love.

Vaastu and Feng Shui

Vaastu is an ancient vedic science/philosophy. Vaastu was first revealed by the Divine to a Vedic Sage who was seeking answers as to how a person could live a life relatively free of the sufferings and insecurities that even then had plagued man for much too long. Many feel that the early Buddhist monks brought vaastu from India to other parts of Asia were it evolved into the various schools of feng shui. Vaastu is sometimes called the "missing key" to feng shui or "The Mother of Feng Shui". Others feel that the two philosophies are totally separate and were revealed to different cultures in different places depending on their needs.

In any case even though their differences may be irreconsilable vaastu and feng shui marry so beautifully in many areas. It takes more than one tool to build a house. Use whatever will enhance the energy of the site. It is generally suggested that if moving or building to apply the principles of vaastu, as the value of correct foundation cannot be over-emphasized, particularly to a seeker of enlightenment. If living in a home with faulty vaastu and moving is not an option, it is good to employ feng shui cures just as you would add heating in a cold climate to make it more comfortable and habitable.

Knowledge of vaastu will help the feng shui practitioner and energy worker. Once it is understood how cosmic energy flows in relation to the site, it will be possible to troubleshoot and predict and prevent health problems, misfortune, divorce or other sufferings before they manifest. One might ask how the site can affect one's health, happiness and fortune. Think for one moment about the documented disadvantages of living under or close to a huge electrical transformer. The bio-magnetic field of a plot when seriously disturbed by the addition of a structure can be no less dangerous.


Cosmic energy enters the site from the Northeast.
The principles of vaastu are simple. Divine Energy enters the site from the Northeast and is directed towards the Southwest. It rises and splits. Half of it flows toward the Southeast, and half flows towards the Northwest before rising and flowing on towards the Southwest.

The North east has a double positive current and the Southwest a double negative. South of Southeast and West of Northwest are positive. North of Northwest and East of Southeast are negative.

The Northeast is called Deva Moola or God's Place. Water is the element of the Northeast and will enhance the energy there. Any time in nature there is water and light, there will be life. The energy of the Northeast is very light and brilliant.

The East is the direction of Knowledge, Southeast is the direction of Fire, South is the direction of Death, Southwest is the direction of Devils, West is Rain, and Northwest is Vayu or Windforce.

North, Northeast and East are in the positive field of the site.

South, Southwest and West are in the negative field.

Therefore it is best to have a plot that faces North or East (particularly if seeking enlightenment) as you would want to open your door onto the directions of Wealth, Divinity, or Knowledge, rather than onto the negative field of Death, Devils, and Rain.

It is interesting to note that the area of the ba-qua that lines up with the front entrance refers to the North reguardless of what direction the house actually faces. It is also interesting that the entrances to the pyramids are facing North. North is the prefered direction for one's dwelling to face, particularly for a seeker of enlightenment.

Knowledge of Vaastu can help a person puzzled by a recent change in fortune or health following a move.

Water is the element of the Northeast.
The Northeast must always be lower and more open than the Southwest. Depressions such as built in pools, ponds, valleys or wells should not be placed in the negative field as any hole or depression will increase the energy potential of a field. To create a depression in the South or Southwest is to invite death and misery into the site. The natural flow of energy is disrupted and it can be likened to the backing up of a septic system, bringing untold suffering to the inhabitants.

When the Northeast is lower and more open than the Southwest, the site becomes very rich in energy and the inhabitants experience great blessings.

Heavy objects decrease the energy potential of a field and are to be in the negative field. A mountain or a hill in the Southwest can bring great fortune and good health. Heavy objects should not be placed in the Northeast as no energy will be able to enter the site. Closed Northeast = dead plot. The Northeast should be very low and open.

Mountains to the Southwest are beneficial, offering health, wealth and happiness.
The directions in which one eats, sleeps and cooks, are very important.


The Northeast corner of the house, both inside and out should be very open. Some mistakenly put alters or religious staues in the Northeast corner as it is called "Deva Moola" or "Place of God."

This is not a good idea as the Northeast can be likened to the windpipe of the site. It does not matter if one is choking to death on a relgious artifact or on a green bean. The result is the same. It is best to keep everything out of the Northeast corner of all the rooms, but at the very least clear the Northeast corner of the house and yard.

The Northeast strongly affects the emotions as the element is water. Many mental disturbances or emotional disturbances are indicative of a defect in the Northeast quadrent of the plot or house. Sometimes a defect in the Northeast may result in cancer of the head or neck.

One should not sleep in the Northeast, especially if ill as recovery, if any, will be slow. Children who sleep in the Northeast quadrent of the house may experience learning or behavioral difficulties. If having difficulty conceiving a child, move the bedroom to the Southwest.

The master bedroom should be in the Southwest. The Northwest quadrent would be the second choice. Southeast bedrooms can bring great irritability and insomnia.

The head should be directed towards the South while sleeping or towards the east if a student.

It is best to face east when studying.

The kitchen should be in the Southeast. Northwest is the second choice.

It is not good to cook or to eat in the Northeast.

If a building or conglomeration of buildings are causing too much of a disruption to an energy field, sometimes natural disasters will occur. It is very important to chose a site that is in harmony with cosmic and bio-energies. Interestingly stonehenge appears to have been built according to vaastu.

In vaastu, the concern is in how the structure or compound affects the natural energy field, not so much how the flow affects the inhabitants. If one is not willing or able to build in harmony with the natural order or to make the necessary plot level corrections, the plot will one way or another shake the inhabitants off, be it by illness, bankruptcy, divorce, or even death. The worse the vaastu or the less suited for habitability, the more rapid the ill effects.

This will shed some light as to why a certain house or site may appear to be jinxed or is repeatedly up for sheriff sale, etc. In many cases, making a few corrections to the plot level will alleviate the problem for future generations.

A body of water which flows from South to North such as the Nile or the Monongahela which flows into Pittsburgh offers great spiritual potential.

In "Vaastu for Enlightenment" Dharma Dharini Bhagavad Dasa writes of attending a satsang at a Kalki Temple and hearing a man singing a bajan in his native tongue. The bajan contained the words Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela. She approached the gentleman and asked him to translate and it was something to the effect of come to the sacred city of Pittsburgh at the confluence of the Allengheny, Ohio, and Monongahela. She was quite amused as she had never heard Pittsburgh and sacred used in the same sentence before. Some of the attendees of the satsang told her that most of the new temples in the USA have been built in the Pittsburgh area.

Vastu Shastra - Science of Vedic architecture

In the Amara Kosa, Vastu is defined as a dwelling. Vastu Sastra is the science of dwelling or architecture and dates back to the Vedas or the knowledge books of India.

The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata contain description of cities with multi-storeyed buildings with spacious balconies and porticoes. It is said that the site plan of Ayodhya city was similar to the plan found in the great architectural text Manasara.

In the Mahabharata, mention is made of a number of houses that were built for the kings who were invited to Indraprastha for the Rajasuya Yajna of King Yuddhistira. Sage Vyasa says that these houses were as tall as the peaks of Kailasa mountains, perhaps, meaning that they stood tall and majestic. The houses were free from obstructions, had compounds with big walls, and their doors were of uniform height and inlaid with numerous metal ornaments.

References are also found in Buddhist literature, of buildings constructed on the basis of Vastu. The Jatakas contain detached references to individual buildings. Lord Buddha, is said to have delivered discourses on architecture and even told his disciples that supervising the construction of a building was one of the duties of the order.

Mention is made of Viharas, Ardhayogas, Prasadas, Harmyas and Guhas. A treatise known as Chullavagga with a commentary of Buddhaghosa is said to contain much material on the science of architecture.

Many Puranas such as Skanda, Agni, Matsya, Garuda, Narada, Vayu, Brahmanda and Linga deal with Vastu fairly extensively. For instance, the Matsyapurana (Chap. CCL II - 2 to 4) refers to eighteen sages proficient in Vastu: Bhrigu, Atri, Vasishta, Viswakarma, Maya, Narada, Nagnajita, Visalaksha, Purandhara, Brahma, Kumara, Nandisa, Saunaka, Garga, Vasudeva, Aniruddha, Sukra and Brihaspati are the eighteen celebrated authors referred to as Vastu Sastropadesakas or instructors in the science of Vastu.

The Brihat Samhita exquisitely deals with residential and temple architecture. In this classical work, reference is made to underground water and how to divine it. Various methods detail the exploration of water springs. According to Chapter LIV, Stanza 40, if a palm or coconut tree is found to be covered with anthills, a southerly water-vein is present at a depth of 20 cubits and at a distance of 6 cubits from the tree. (A cubit which in Sanskrit is termed as hasta is approximately 18").

Another important factor to note is that this classic recommends water tanks or sumps to have their Eastern and Western sides longer than the Southern and Northern sides. (The morning sunrays emanating from the East are a rich source of good energy and by having the East sides longer, the water is better exposed to these good rays.) The preparation and use of an adamantine glue to be used in construction of residential buildings, temples and idols finds a prominent place in Brihat Samhita.

The various Agamas also give much useful information on architecture. Notable among them are Kamikagama, Karnagama, Suprabhedagama, Vaikhansagama and Amsumadbhedagama.

Certain works on Tantra such as Kirana Tantra and Hayaseersha Tantra are also said to contain much information on architecture.

Other treatises like Kautilya's Arthasastra and Sukra Niti are said to dwell on structural aspects of architecture.

Some of the more important works on the science of dwelling are Mayamata, Manasara and Samarangana Sutradhara.

Manasara is a comprehensive treatise on architecture and iconography. According to P K Acharya, the editor of Manasara, this book is considered to be the source of all presentations of architecture in Purana and Agama as well as in more specialised texts such as Brihat Samhita and Mayamata. In fact, this treatise itself is identified as a Vastu Sastra, the first Vastu being the earth Manasara represents the universality of Vastu tradition and contains also the iconography of Jain and Buddhist images. The work is universally accepted all over India.

Mayamata occupies a very important place amongst the various treatises on Vastu. It is said to have originated from South India. It is the best-known among the ancient treatises dealing with architecture and iconography. Maya, the author, was not only an expert in Vastu but also in Jyotisha. The famous astronomical Surya Siddhanta is also authored by Maya.

Samarangana Sutradhara also deals with architecture in detail. It even speaks of mechanical devices called Yantras. The classical works referred to above speak of Aya. Every plot and building is said to have life and hence, has to be built to perfect proportions based on certain formulae. When a building is so constructed, it is ensured of long life and the residents live happily with good health, wealth and prosperity.

These formulae called the Ayadi Shadvarga are, 1) Aya, increase or profit, 2) Vyaya, decrease or loss, 3) Rksa or Nakshatra, 4) Yoni or source or the orientation of the building, 5) Vara (week day) or the solar day; and 6) Tithi or the lunar day. The following Sloka from Manasara may be noted with advantage.

When there is more merit than demerit, there is no defect in it; but if the demerit is more than the merit, it would be all defective.

It is necessary that Vastu, which can be dated to many centuries back, is understood properly and adapted to modern conditions of construction and living.

Phala Jyotisha

Jyotisha or astrology consists of three main divisions - Ganita, Phalita and Samhita. Ganita is the mathematical part, Phalita is the predictive part and Samhita is the division under which comes Vastu, weather forecasting and such other natural phenomena.

Vastu is, therefore, an integral part of Jyotisha. In fact, Utpala's commentary on Brihat Samhita refers to Vastu Vidya as an anga or limb of Jyotisha and says that Vastu falls in the category of Samhita teaching. Coming to the Phala Jyotisha, the fourth house in a horoscope is generally looked into for property and inheritance. The lords of the second, fourth and twelfth in Kendras and Trikonas ensure smoothness in affairs pertaining to property and houses. The fourth lord in Lagna or in the seventh gives one a house without any difficulty. On the other hand, if the lord of the fourth is in the eighth, afflicted or debilitated, it deprives the person of his land and houses. Property is also indicated, if Venus is posited in the fourth house. When Mars occupies the fourth, the person will own a house but will not be happy on that account. If the Sun is in the fourth house, inheritance is indicated. If Ketu is in the fourth, the person is deprived of properties. It is to be remembered that these results get modified by aspects and conjunctions of other planets. A collective approach is absolutely necessary, if we have to understand the true significance.

Importance of Muhurtha

Muhurtha is another important aspect of house building. It comes into play at four stages of construction viz., digging of a well, laying of foundation, placing the maindoor-frame or Vasakal and finally the first entry into the new house or Grihapravesam. According to Muhurtha Sastra,

House building is not advised in the lunar months of Jyeshta, Ashada, Bhadrapada, Aswiyuja, Margasira, Pushya and Phalguna.

The favourable lunar months are Chaitra, Vaisakha, Sravana, Magha and Kartika.

All odd Tithis except the 9th are good.

Of the even Tithis, the 2nd, 6th and 10th can be selected.

Of the weekdays, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are the best.

The rising sign or Lagna should be a fixed sign. The Lagna should be fortified by the disposition of malefics in 3rd, 6th and 11th houses and benefics in Kendras and trines. The 8th house should be vacant without the aspect of a malefic planet

For digging of wells, select Revati, Uttarabhadra, Hasta, Anuradha, Makha, Sravana, Rohini or Pushyami. Let the rising sign be Pisces, Cancer or Capricorn.

The main door-frame can be fixed when the Lagna is a fixed sign. Wednesday and Friday are good, if ruled by beneficial lunar day.

Grihapravesam can be done when the Sun is in Uttarayana, that is from January to June of each year. Jupiter and Venus should be strongly disposed. Lunar months of Vaisakha, Jyeshta, Magha and Phalguna are the best. Kartika and Margasira may also be considered. The weekdays Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are good. The Lagna should be a fixed sign. Grihapravesam is normally not recommended when the lady of the house is in an advanced stage of pregnancy.

Energy Fields

Professor B. Suryanarain Rao, my esteemed great grandfather says that Vastu refers to the form of construction of the house and the energies or forces called into existence by the arrangements made and the materials used in the construction. The subtle chemical results, effected by the

conjunction of various materials, though not seen by the naked eyes, are still there and any evil tendencies they may have to produce danger, disease or death to the occupants, must be very sensibly and dexterously neutralised or counteracted. The astrological works lay down certain principles where those evil influences are averted. In any plot, various energies - good and evil - are at play continuously. These energy fields get distorted when a building is constructed on the plot.

Our ancients, after great contemplation and experimentation, arrived at a certain way of building so that these buildings worked with the forces of nature rather than against them, in the process making man a compatible part of the area/environment. Our sages were aware that the human body has layers of aura or energy levels. The strength of these energy levels depend on the evolution of the person. When the energy fields of the structure interact with the energy fields of the person, good and bad results follow. Hence, they felt that it was all the more necessary to build a house such that the two energy levels, one of the animate and the other of the inanimate, worked in harmony and resonance. This way, the ancients tried to ensure the happiness of the residents of the buildings.

Our ancients were equally aware of the universal energies emanating from the celestial bodies or planets. They, therefore, saw the importance of Muhurtha in various stages of construction so that the evil energies were minimised and the good energies maximised. Let each one of us contribute to the society by building our houses according to the principles of Vastu. The Ancients were past masters, not only in philosophy but also in literature, medicine, mathematics, Jyotisha etc. In fact, the reach of the ancients was across our borders. In the Mahabharata, Sage Vyasa, describes the Romans coming to the Emperor Yudhishtira with precious gifts for the Rajasuya Yaga at Indraprastha.

Experiment, observation and inference were the main criteria of arriving at the truth. However, the additional tool that the wise men of ancient India had, was the intuitional perception with which many disciplines of knowledge developed. The ancients saw the influence of cosmic energies on living beings. They held that various energies that run around us in a particular pattern could be harnessed such that they resonated with the individual being or the people residing in the building in a good way to make their lives meaningful and harmonious. They had exceptional analysing powers apart from great intuition and this is how they gave us a set of guidelines for planning a building, village or town. They took into consideration the various creative, destructive and sustaining energies present in the cosmos.

Ancient Civilisations

The

Mohenjodaro and Harappan civilizations, which date back to 3000 B.C., are examples of the exquisite and elaborate planning that went into their construction. Several cities have been found and it is said that the planning was based on a rectangular grid or Mandala oriented to the cardinal directions viz., East, South, West and North. The main construction material was the brick. The house had courtyards with well-designed drainage systems. Timber was used for floors and roofs and the cities had walls on all the four sides.

Another notable centre of ancient architecture and civilisation is Pataliputra situated between the Ganges and the modern Patna in Bihar. It is said that this town was protected by a timber fence of pointed stakes. It was fortified with 64 gates and had 570 towers surrounded by a deep moat. The palace was an extensive collection of buildings standing in a beautiful park that had trees and nice water pools.

Glory of Vedic Architecture

Vedic architecture was seen in its glory during the reign of the Guptas, Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Chalukyas and most importantly, during the period of the Vijayanagar empire. It was during the reign of these kings that great temples and temple-towns were built. The Vastu Purusha Mandala or grid governed the arrangement of the town, which included a temple, a granary, an armoury, treasury and big halls for public and private audience. The main court designated as Rajabhavana was the place where the king gave audience to the public.

One of the outstanding contributions of the Pandyas is the temple-town of Madurai, which has the Meenakshi temple complex as its centre. The Meenakshi shrine itself has a three-storeyed Gopuram.

The Pallava influence is seen in the temples of Mahabalipuram (near Chennai) and the Siva temple at Kanchi.

The imposing Thanjavur Brihadeeswara temple which was in the news recently for suspected fire sabotage, in which many were killed, is a good example of the Chola architecture. The 30-foot Sivalinga is said to be sculpted from a single stone. The temple complex of

Chidambaram with Nataraja, the lord of nritya or dance is another outstanding contribution of the Cholas. Four imposing towers, each 135 feet high, are seen in all the four cardinal directions spread over the 7 storeys.

The famous Chennakesava temple at Belur and Halebidu is an outstanding example of the architecture of the Chalukyas. This temple is described by a historian as "one of the most marvellous exhibitions of human labour." The Vijayanagar school of architecture is seen in the temples of Hampi.

The engineering skills of the Hindus are very much reflected in the gigantic temples hewn out of the huge rocks at Elephanta, Ellora and Ajantha. It is interesting to know that the India of yesterday was totally different from the India of today. Our country was one of the most prosperous countries.

Greatness of India

In the History of India, Prof. Murray says : "India has always appeared to the imagination of the Western world adorned with whatever is most splendid and gorgeous; glittering as it were with gold and gems and redolent of fragrant and delicious odours. The varied grandeur of its scenery and the rich production of its soil are scarcely equalled in any other country."

The historian Abdullah Wassaf dwells on the beauty of India and says : "If it is asserted that Paradise is in India be not surprised, because Paradise itself is not comparable to it."

Colonel Tods in his Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, referring to India, says: "Where shall we find astronomers whose knowledge of the planetary system yet excites wonder in Europe as well as the architects and sculptors whose works claim for admiration and the musicians who could make the mind oscillate with joy to sorrow, tears to smiles with the change of modes and intonation."

Describing the temple of Rameswaram, Lord Valenta says : "The whole building presents a magnificent appearance which we might in vain seek adequate language to describe."

It is sad to see that the many achievements of our ancients have been lost in oblivion due to the distorted history presented in school and college books and the centuries of destruction of priceless architectural splendours by invaders. It is a folly on our part to justify everything on the basis of so-called scientific reasoning. Our ancients saw much more than mere rationalising. They were familiar with the various energies that are perpetually created in nature and designed the rules such that harmony prevailed between the animate and the inanimate. It is interesting to note that saga Vyasa identifies the security aspect when he says that the houses, designed for the kings who came to attend the Rajasuya Yaga of King Yudhistira, had no obstructions and had big compound walls. The doors were of uniform height and had numerous ornaments and metal inlaid into them not only enhancing their beauty but also giving them great strength.

Four Types of Architects

The ancients mention four types of architects - the Sthapati, Sutragrahin, Vardhaki and Takshaka.

The Sthapati is the chief architect or master builder. He is well-qualified in all Sastras or sciences and has command over the four Vedas. He is a cultured, decent man free from vices. He has the ability to direct his team. He is the Acharya.

The Sutragrahin is the supervisor and is said to be normally the Sthapati's son. He is also well-qualified in the Vedas and Sastras. He is an expert draftsman or Rekhagna, who directs the rest of the work force.

The Vardhaki is the painter and has made a special study of it. He is also well-versed in the Vedas.

The Takshaka is the master carpenter who is responsible for all the intricate wood work including doors, windows, pillars etc.

Vastu gives importance to the selection of a site and the primary considerations are the nature of the slopes, colour and strength of the soil apart from the directions that the plot faces. The ancients used a great degree of precision in their measurements. The smallest unit mentioned is the paramanu or the atom. The angula and the hasta are the units normally used for idols and buildings. The set of six formulae or Ayadivarga viz., the Aya, Vyaya, Yoni, Tithi, Vara and Nakshatra are prescribed to enable the builder to find the proper orientation and correct dimensions of his building.

Thirty-two plans for construction are elaborated. These plans are also called Vastu Purusha Mandalas beginning from the single cell Mandala known as the Sakala to the 1024-cell Mandala called the Indrakanta. The Sakala is recommended for homakundas or fire altars and the Indrakanta for planning of towns and cities. Other commonly used Mandalas are the 64-grid Mandooka, the 100-grid Asana mainly used for temples, Prasada, and the 81-grid Paramasyika used for residential buildings. The centre point of the Mandala is called Brahmanabhi or Brahmabindu.

The Vastu Purusha Mandala is divided into four concentric zones. The central zone is called the Brahmastana or the space corresponding to total awareness. The next three zones are Daiva, Manushya and Paisacha areas and are said to denote enlightenment, consciousness and grossness respectively. The terms Daiva, Manushya and Paisacha perhaps denote the energy flow pattern which begins from the centre or Brahmabindu, that is the point of awareness, and flows outward as three basic Gunas viz., Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. A building structure is normally recommended in the Daiva and Manushya zones. Vastu is also particularly concerned with the Panchamahabhootas and studies the five elements viz., earth, water, fire, wind, and cosmic space. Proper selection of a site, placement of water bodies, cooking areas, hearth and ovens, doors and windows and open space within the building and in the plot are said to infuse life energy.

Landscape Representing Panchamahabhootas

When we go deep into the work of the ancient masters on Vastu, we will be convinced that they had tremendous knowledge about engineering and other sciences. Let us now try to understand this.

In Brihat Samhita, Varahamihira talks about the different building materials like sila or stone and ishtika or brick. Much importance is laid on the strength and stability of the house when he says that the thickness of the wall should be 1/16th the width of the house. The recommendation of a certain thickness of the wall was, perhaps, based on the fact that the load distribution of bricks was through comprehensive or load-bearing strength and not tensile strength which is negligible. Varahamihira also tells us it is auspicious to have the same height as the breadth of the house. Could this mean that he was not only emphasising the aesthetic beauty of a building but also saw the necessity of a proper and optimum distribution of loads acting on the wall? A building becomes majestic if it has massive supporting pillars. Brihat Samhita brings out the importance of pillars in several Slokas. The strength aspect is emphasised when it says that the thickness of the main beam should be the same as that of the pillar. The pillars are described as being divided into several parts, each part being carved with various designs and few at the bottom being worked in gold.

Here, apart from the strength of the pillars, the aesthetic beauty is brought into focus. There is also the mention of minor beams relating to the modern secondary and tertiary beams*. Let us consider the general Vastu theory that the North and East should be free and open. The morning rays of the Sun are a known source of good energies and probably, our seers wanted these rays to flood the house and benefit the inmates. It is also precisely for this reason that the bathroom where one takes one's bath every morning, is also recommended in the East. Similarly, the placement of the shrine in the North-east where we offer our prayer in the mornings and the kitchen in the South-east where the traditional housewife is most of the time busy are also related to the fact that the morning rays are as much required by the housewife in the kitchen as by the master of the house in the shrine. Similarly, the location of water bodies in the North-east could, perhaps, be related to the need of having water available near the fire ovens in the South-east kitchen in case of any fire hazards.

Another aspect of the scientific thinking of our ancients is reflected in the position one is supposed to sleep. It is normally recommended for people to sleep with their heads to the South. The human body is said to have the ability to acquire the property of magnetism because there is a large percentage of iron in the blood circulating all over our body. It is also known that the earth is a huge magnet with its poles having attractive and repulsive powers as is evident by the pointing of a compass needle. The feet for the most part of the day are in contact with this huge magnet. The South polarity is said to be induced in the feet and consequently North polarity, in the head. This arrangement of poles in the human body is natural to it and, therefore, conducive to health. When lying down with your head to the South, the magnetic poles of your head and feet will attract the South and North poles of the earth respectively, thereby preserving the polarity of the body natural. It is precisely for this reason too that the ancients said that the body enjoys perfect health and longevity that is strengthened by sleeping with the head to the South. By sleeping with the head to the North, this natural polarity is disturbed or diminished and the body becomes vulnerable to disease. Sage Markandeya, who was able to conquer death, is said to have stated that a person acquires strength and longevity by placing his head Southwards, and brings upon himself disease and death by lying down with his head placed to the North.

Hospitals can expect to have faster recovery of their patients if they insist that they lie with their heads to the South. That our ancients were aware of the usefulness of lightning rods is seen from the fact that ancient temple tops have iron or copper rods inserted into them. These rods placed at the top of a temple are similar to the lightning conductor rods that are now fixed at the roof-top of modern buildings.

The Vastu Mandala or grid is given importance not only for the structure but also for certain daily activities like sitting for food etc. Every human being has a definite energy pattern or vital force around his body, normally called the aura. Depending on the evolution of each individual, this energy-flow round the body is weak or strong. The ancients felt that whenever a person sat for food within a square traced on the floor (or a wooden peeta or platform) without touching his neighbour, the aura or the vital force would not be disturbed. The non-disturbance of the aura would actively assist in proper digestion of food, thereby keeping the individual in good health. Many traditional families, even to this day, squat on the floor and have their food sitting in a pre-drawn Mandala, not touching each other. The same reasoning can be extended to explain why most Hindus prefer to do the Namsakaram rather than shake hands with others.

As the awareness in Vastu grows rapidly, the ever-questioning mind of the so-called rationalist tries to find a reason for every Vastu move. However scientific our ancients were, it is sometimes impossible to fit the rules of Vastu totally to the limited framework of modern scientific thinking. The limitations of the modern thinking mind can be compared to the commonsense in a child. For example, how does the child reconcile to the fact that the Americans who are on the underside of us stay glued to the surface of earth without falling off ? What commonsense (in the child) says is not possible is proved to the contrary by irrefutable evidence. The child is just not able to understand the logic because of its limited thinking, but as it grows into adulthood, it is able to comprehend the laws of gravitation and understand why the Americans do not fall off from the underside of the earth. Our scientific thinking, I feel, is still in its childhood.

Universal Application

Vastu Sastra can be used not only for individual houses but also for group-housing schemes and town planning. Our ancients have provided us with wonderful knowledge about planning and construction and we need to discipline our senses to make use of this knowledge for the betterment of mankind at large. Vastu can provide us all the vital information required to make our lives healthy and peaceful

The fundamental Vastu plan includes the modern spaciousness, the verandahs open to the sky lawns, various rooms, kitchen, bath etc. Industries, offices, shops, business complexes can all benefit by the application of the fundamental Vastu rules. It is unfortunate that the town planners of today have absolutely no knowledge or inclination to take the assistance of the science of Vastu.

The growth of cities is totally unplanned and congestion, lack of basic sanitation and total negligence of the aspect of symmetry and beauty are to be seen everywhere. The planning of houses on the micro level and of towns on the macro level are the finest traits of human civilisation one can think of. If only our people and the town planners made use of the principles of architecture as laid down by our ancients, this earth would be a better place to live in. While wishing you all a very happy new year, let us hope each one of us applies the principles of this great science in our lives and attain health, harmony and happiness.

Indian Vedic Science behind Vastu

It is amazing to know that the Vastu principles discussed in our ancient books are built upon solid foundations of science to provide all round prosperity for the dweller. In this article, I will cover the scientific basis behind the core Vastu principles.

The entire life in our Universe is based on the five elements namely Fire, Earth, Air, Water and Sky. These five elements are found everywhere and anywhere. Even our body is composed of these five elements only. When any of these elements happen to be in excess or less in our body, it will result into physical or psychological problems. For example, if Fire element is more, we will get physical problems like high BP, insomnia, ulcers and psychological problems like anger and tensions. When Water element dominates, it leads to laziness, hallucinations, fickle mindedness, obesity and indigestion. Vastu is a science of architecture which is aimed at balancing these five elements.

Understanding the elements:

In our solar system, Sun provides life by giving enough light and heat which makes the life possible on Earth. This is the reason our Vedas and Upanishads praised Sun as supreme soul (God). Sun rays travel in the Sky and reach our Earth. Thus the Sky element is the carrier of life energy. Sky element should be enough to carry abundant life force into our house.

Before constructing the house or building, we should take the measurements of the plot or land. The Sky element is 9% of the length and 9% of the breadth around the plot. For a plot with 60 ft length and 50 ft breadth, we should leave around 5.4ft along length and 4.5ft along the breadth as Sky element. The Sky element surrounds the entire house something like a box as shown in the Figure 1. Remember, the actual construction should be done after deducting space for Sky element. So the actual construction length will be 60-5.4 = 54.6 ft and breadth will be 50-4.5 = 45.5 ft.

We should leave the space for Sky element around the house or building. The Sky element can be kept more by leaving more space around the house or building. In that case, we should leave more space towards East and North directions. It means the house or building should be constructed towards the S-W direction in the plot.

After deducting space for Sky element, only the remaining area (54.6 X 45.5) should be used for actual construction. This area should be divided into 4 equal parts of each 25% as shown in Figure 2. Part1 starting from middle of North till middle of East is represented by Water element. Part2 from middle of East to middle of South represents Fire element. Part3 from middle of South till middle of West represents Earth element. Part4 from middle of West to middle of North represents Air element.

After finding the elements in the plot, the next step is to find the Brahma sthana. Brahma sthana represents the place where lord ‘Brahma’ the creator resides. It is a mixture of all the 5 elements (Water, Fire, Earth, Air and Sky) since Brahma is the creator for all the 5 elements. Brahma sthana is a rectangular area with 1/3rd of the length and 1/3rd of the breadth in the center. Take the length and breadth of the actual construction area and divide each with 3. In our example, 54.6/3 = 18.2 ft and 45.5/3 = 15.2 ft. So the Brahma sthana in our building will be in the exact center in a rectangular form with 18.2 ft length and 15.2 ft breadth as shown in the Figure 2.

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Balancing the five elements:

It is essential to balance these five elements. The Sky element should be 9% of the length and 9% of the breadth. Even if the Sky element is more, there is no problem. But it should not be less than 9%. Water, Fire, Earth and Air elements should occupy exactly 25% of the construction area. Brahma sthana should be a rectangular area with 1/3rd of the length and 1/3rd of the breadth in the center. This is how these elements should be kept balanced. If any of these elements are deficit or excess then there will be problems to the residents of that house, as shown in the following table:

Element	Result if not balanced
Water	Losing God’s grace, loss of male children, generation will not continue, draining of all wealth.
Fire	Quarrels between wife and husband, court litigation, problems to females, getting into debts.
Earth	Severe and chronic illhealth, accidents, death of owner, problem to eldest child, loss of money due to bad habits and enemies.
Air	Loss in business, mind related problems, loss of immovable property and cattle.
Sky	The subtle energy flow cannot reach, so there will be loss of God’s grace, unexpected situations, mental problems, possession of spirits or devils.
Brahma sthana	Problems related to stomach, genitals and lower parts of body. Women will face abortions and children will not survive.

1. An element is said to be imbalanced, if the area of the element is extended or reduced. See Figure 3, where South-East corner is extended and hence there is excess of Fire element in that plot. In Figure 4, the South-West corner is cut off and hence there is deficit of Earth element. This is the reason behind the Vastu principle that construction should not be done in plots with irregular shapes like triangle or hexagonal.

Case: Year 2000. A house in Hyderabad, India where S-E block is constructed protruding out. Hence S-E is dominating. The owner of this house, a Government official has lost his job immediately after the construction of the house. He stays in the house and quarrels with his wife. His wife is soft and noble. Later, I came to know that he applied for divorce from his wife.

2. Since our soul has taken physical form and we live on this material earth, the Earth element can be a little bit raised when compared to other elements. Next to Earth, we can have Fire element a little bit raised and then Air and lastly Water. Since Water naturally flows downwards, Water element can be a bit lowered in the house. It means, when construction is done, the flooring should start at a height of 5 or 6 inches in the N-W and should slowly slope down towards N-E. This applies to flooring as well as to rooms constructed on the terrace. If a room is built on the terrace in the N-W corner, there will not be any problem as the Earth element is raised. But if the room is built in N-E or East side, and the remaining directions are free, then it leads to problems.

In Figure 5, the house has Water and Air elements dominating when compared to the other two elements which results in Vastu problem.



3. When there is no sufficient place around a house or building, it leads to imbalance of Sky element. See Figure 6, where the house is in between two gigantic buildings. The Sky elements of the two buildings overlap the Sky element of the house and hence the people live in that house will face problems.

4. Mixing the opposite elements will lead to chaotic environment. For example, in the Figure 7, kitchen is constructed in the Water element. As kitchen represents Fire, it is being mixed with Water element will cause problems to the residents.

Case: Year 2009. A house at Palakol, India. The toilets are constructed in the N-E part of the house. When I visited this house, I predicted that the generation will not continue. The owner of the house has two children. The owner died due to illhealth. Later, their daughter died by committing suicide. Recently their son has developed problem in the kidneys and both of his kidneys stopped functioning. N-E is considered as sacred direction because the pranik energy comes from N-E. So, a toilet should never be constructed in N-E or East or North. It should be in South, S-W or West.

Update: The mother has given one of her kidneys to her son. Even if the operation is successful, later complications arised and the boy died at KIMS hospital at Hyderabad, India in June 2010.

5. Brahma sthana which lies in the center of the house should be left free. This means, a pillar or wall should never be laid in the brahma sthana.

Uniform flow of pranik lines:

The pranik (life) energy which comes from Sun and other planets comprises of various types of energies like magnetic energy, light, thermal energy, gravitational energy and various types of radiations. These energies reach the people live on this earth and influence the parts of their body. For example, scientists found millions of Ferrous Oxide crystals in human brain which are highly influenced by the magnetic and electrical fields. Such magnetic material is also available in the other parts of human body.



The pranik energy enters the house mainly from East, as Sun is the principal source for it. When the house is constructed in alignment to the four main directions, East, West, North and South, the pranik energy distribution in the house will be uniform. See Figure 8. This will ensure good health to the residents. On the other hand, if the house is constructed in deviation from the main directions, then the pranik energy flow will be uneven and zig- zag. See Figure 9. This leads to health problems both physical and mental. This is the reason why Vastu does not prefer houses facing the corner directions like N-E, S-E, S-W or N-W.




by Askastrologer.com

Scientific Research on Vastu Shastra

Long ago the Indian sages defined various aspects, principal and rules of Vastushastra. Many elements in Vastushastra can establish a relationship with scientific facts. However in certain things the scientific base is unfolded Vastushastra is a metaphysical science that means studies associated with science and spiritually. As per this science a certain concepts if not followed properly can prove harmful which is proved in thousands of cases, however its scientific justification is not established. We at Vastushastra Research Foundation are involved in investigating such events. It is an attempt to prove the validity of Vastushastra to the entire world. A particular vastu principle e.g. south entrance is very good and very bad, but one can not prove it scientifically hence we conducted survey of such cases and through thousands of cases we have established link between principles of vastushastra and its impact in today & real life. Science develops through research and analytical study. Scientific research is un-ending process.

Law of energy conservation : the law of energy conservation states that energy  Can neither be created nor be destroyed. It just changes its form. The five elements form the basis of Vastushastra. These five elements that are the earth, the sky, the water, the fire and the air are self existent. No one can create them nor can destroy them. They all exist in a specific proportion come together and an event gets created in the world. Later on, over a period of time they decompose and merge in nature

Human body : Human body is the creation of the five elements of nature. The  Flesh and bones of human body represent the elements of earth. The blood in the human body represent the element of water. Human beings breathe every fraction of seconds & minutes. Breathing means inhalation and exhalation which proves necessity of air element. Every action performed by the human body is creation of energy, which is expressed in calories. This represents the element of fire. Whereas the element of sky exists in the human body in the form of cavities like the cavity of mouth, nose, ears, heart, lung, stomach and intestine. Thus the human body is a creation of the five elements of nature. Every living & non-living being on this earth come from five elements and ultimately vanish into it.

Food chain : Tree develops from seed. A seed when sowed in the soil (an Element of the earth) receives water (an element of water ), the shoot comes out of the seed and gradually they turn into shrub or plant. This green shoot contains chlorophyll which absorbs the ultra violet rays from sun rays (an element of air). They also utilized the nitrogen present in the air. The roots of the tress which are deep rooted in the soil absorb the minerals like phosphate, nitrate etc. and thus the entire process transforms the green shoot into a bush and then to a tree. The trees bear the flowers and fruits and thus human beings get their food. This entire visual process takes place under the sky and the five elements of nature play a very significant role in it. Any element if not available property may disturb the entire process and can affect food supply to every one.

Water cycle : The element of water is present on the earth in different forms. Due to the heat (element of fire) in the sunrays the water gets vaporized. The soil particles (element of earth) present in the atmosphere are mixed with the vapors and this leads to formation of clouds. The atmospheric temperature and the air pressure results into thundering which in turn results into rains. Thus this entire course of events comprised of five elements of nature and science has approved this.

Combination of elements: The five elements are mixed with each other in our Nature. Their combinations leads to different creations in the world, they grow and later on they die. When it confirm that the five elements exit in the nature it does not imply that the element of fire is in one comer, element of water exists in the second comer and element of fire is in one comer, element of water exists in the second comer and element of air exists in third comer. Rather they are intermixed with each other. Every individual element among five elements of nature keeps around 50% of it within itself and equally distributes the remaining 50% to the remaining four elements of nature. Similarly each element of nature accepts same contents from the remaining four elements and thus fulfills the required proportion.

Earth   +    Fire    +     Water  +   Air  +    Sky
1. The element of Earth          50        +    12.5    +     12.5     +  12.5 +   12.5           =  100

2.  The element of Fire            12.5     +     50      +     12.5     +  12.5 +  12.5            =   100

3.  The element of Water        12.5     +    12.5    +     50        +   12.5 +  12.5            =   100

4.  The element of Air              12.5     +    12.5    +    12.5      +    50  +   12.5           =   100

5.   The element of Sky           12.5     +     12.5   +     12.5     +   12.5 +   50              =   100
                                   
100            100            100           100      100

The analysis of soil indicates the presence of moisture (element of Water), heat (element of fire), and composition of atoms and inter atomic space (elements of Air and Sky) and soil itself represents the element of Earth. The human beings, the plants, the animals, all the items and objects used in construction of any premises are composed of five elements. All these elements are totally mixed-up with each other that are the reason for existence of living-organisms on the planet earth.

Spectrophotometric analysis of sunrays: In 1666, Sir Isaac Newton brought to notice that if sun rays pass through a spectrophotometer a band of seven colors along of seven colors along with alpha, beta, gamma, x-rays, ultraviolet rays and infrared rays can be seen. These sunrays are basically in the form of waves. Each color band has a different wave length. These waves travel in a specific rhythmic pattern, and they also have visual shapes. Depending on their shapes and wavelength they get distributed in different angles.

by VastuShahastraconsultant.com

Famous Examples of Vastu Shastra

Vastu is one of the most ancient sciences of Indian architecture and is composed of specific rules, regulations and directions, set down by sages of the vedic times. For the modern society it is the highly evolved, comprehensive building philosophy.

According to vastu, a building or a premises is a living organism and can be designed in harmonic resonance with the underlying energy structure of the universe. Such a building or premises becomes a generator of coherence, attuning the occupants to the universal laws and increasing health, wealth and spiritual well being.

Famous Tirupati Temple
World famous Tirupati temple is found adhering to the principles of vastu shilpa shastra. Its prosperity legendary thanks mainly to the exemplary implementation of the principles of Vastu Shastra. The main temple is situated on the South - West side of the temple complex. On its North - East direction is a lake and pond. The dining hall of the temple is on South-East side while the North-West and North side of the temple is allocated to the godown for grains and items require in the kitchen. The entire temple complex is of square shape as a result of which its axis and that of the Earth are perpendicular to each other. The main temple is occupying only the one fourth area of the total area and on its Eastern and Northern side is open area. Thus the Tirupati temple of Lord Balaji is an ideal place according to the norms of Vastu Shastra which is why it is the most prosperous temple on the earth.


Jaipur City Palace

Old Jaipur which is based on a Prastar type town described in several texts. Built in 1727 AD, the final form and structure of the town shows a skillful manipulation, according to the Shastra's prescriptions, of the square mandala right from the whole to the smallest of the plots, the location of activities, and distribution of the caste groups.

Based on the studies carried out by scholars it is suggested that these texts were written down largely between the 7th century AD to 13th century AD following the Gupta period. They are found in all the major languages of medieval India. Of course, the earliest references are also found in the Vedas, which deal with carpentry among other subjects.

Vastusastras can be said to be companion texts to Shilpasastras and Chitrasastras dealing with sculpture, icons and painting respectively. Strangely, among all these texts, those devoted exclusively to one of the areas. i.e. vastu, chitra or shilpa are rare. This is because in the Indian artistic traditions, each was an important and integral part of the creative endeavor largely because all of these, including performing arts such as the dance and music, were based at the temple.


Srirangam Temple

The temple of Srirangam is situated at 10 degrees 52’N and 78 degrees 42’ E towards the southern tip of India
Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu . It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, Bhogamandabam. In the Vaishnava parlance the term "KOIL" signifies this temple only. The temple is enormous in size. The temple complex is 6,31,000 Sqm. (156 Acres) in extent. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. The temple of Srirangam is the only one in India with seven enclosures a sacred symbolic number which for present day Vaishnava believers represents either the seven centers of Yoga, or a reference to the seven elements making up the human body, in the center of which dwells the soul. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. this temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.

Prosperity of Japan

In spite of a small country, Japan has progressed tremendously. It has a large water body - the Pacific ocean in its North-East direction. The eastern side of Japan is widely spread and open. Thus Japan gets full benefit of the rays of the sun. This gives Japan a maximum benefits of Vastu & made this country rich and prosperous. But it has sea in Southeast and south, which is a place for Fire, this The Japan has suffered the attack of atom bombs explosion and earthquake ,as it has sea in south east and south.

Prosperity of London

Prosperous city London is ideally situated according to the principles of Vastu Shastra. The Thames river is in the east direction. It has more parks & gardens in the North west & East. Many famous Educational institutes & universities are located in the North east corner. The boundary of the England is more towards North & East directions- a positive directions to capture beneficial morning sun rays ,according to vastu.

Prosperity of America

Looking at the map of America, the country is more located towards east side than west. Also the extention is more towards north east, which is auspicious. It has huge lakes in the north east location. As one progresses towards North-East in United States of America the land becomes richer and richer, it is found.

At the root of the progress and prosperity of the cities like New York, London, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong etc. are always the benedictory principles of Vastu Shastra, it is found.

Prosperity of Mumbai

Mumbai, a rich port has a water body to its North – East. All major lakes for drinking water are situated in the North east direction of Mumbai. It has an atomic plant representing Agni (Fire) in the south east of the Mumbai. Fire is a key factor in prosperity of any vastu premises or location. It has more ocean in the West, the perfect location for Vayu (Air).

Spiritual prosperous India

In India, Slope is more towards east, which is auspicious. All important rivers are flowing towards east, that is why country is more rich in spirituality. Thousands of westerners flock to India for spiritual enlightenment. India has the Himalayas in the North of the country which is against vastu, thus there is lot of poverty in the country. There is water in Southwest and southeast side of our nation, thus we have to face the attacks of foreign empires & lot of expenditure on defense.

Difference between Vastu Shastra & Feng Shui

Vastu and Feng shui, both the ancient arts allows following some basic principles in order to live in harmony and to maintain stability. Vastu is thus older than Feng shui and the basic theory of this ancient Indian philosophy is art of placement.

• Vastu not only uses the energies but also unifies modern science such as astrology and astronomy while Feng shui is all about balancing the energies to live in harmony.
• It can also be said that Vastu Shastra is based on science apart from topographical conditions while Feng shui is based on geographical and traditional considerations.
• Both consist of five elements, the only difference being Feng shui has wood and metal instead of space and air as in Vastu.
• Vastu is benefices people by balancing man and nature & by rectifying the geographical errors; Feng shui propagate the idea of living in tune with environment to bring fortune and success.
• Feng shui is a known science incorporating astronomy, geography and balancing the positive flowing energy in a house to bring fortune. Vastu it self means �abode� and Shastra refers to technique, both combines to form the technique of constructing an abode for proper functioning of way of life.
• Feng shui balance positive energy known as yin and yang in a building, Vastu gives the modern scientific ways by imparting definite direction to everything so as to bring happiness, prosperity and success in all spheres of life.