Q. What is the role of religion in Vastu Shastra?
A. Vastu Shastra is a science - it has nothing to do with religion. It is true that over the years Vastu Shastra has imbibed religious overtones, but that does not seem to have been the original idea. The religious implications were probably inculcated by the proponents of the science, when they realized that the society of that time, being a God-fearing one, would not accept norms that strayed away from the notions of God.
Q. Which deity is worshiped in Vastu Shastra?
A. Religious icons have no place in science. The ancient text of Vastu Shastra did mention various Gods from Hindu mythology fixing their locations on the site and prescribing the offerings to be made to them, but that also seems to have been a ploy created by ancient scientists to convince the people to accept the Vastu norms.
Q. What is the significance of the Vastu Purusha?
A. The 'Vastu Purusha' is said to be the spirit of the site. It's in the form of a human male and lies on the site with his head towards the east, his posture fitting exactly in a square. It was easier to get the anthropometrically and aesthetically correct dimensions of rooms, doors windows and even the structural members like plinth and pillars. Even the interior planning was governed by the posture of the 'Vastu Purusha' and the norms which specified where and how the structure must be built, so that it does not injure him.
Q. Vastu Shastra is so superstitious, how can it be called a science?
A. Vastu Shastra is a science. In the age when it was formulated, the society was largely illiterate, the illiteracy generating a fear of the unknown. Science was beyond the realm of their understanding while religion was omnipresent. It was therefore simpler for the ancient Vastu experts to spread the concepts of the Vastu Shastra through the intricate network of religion and superstition. Unfortunately, as time passed only the superstitious filtered down the generations, while the actual theory eluded the world.
Q. Is Vastu shastra relevant in the modern world?
A. All the ancient doctrines of Vastu Shastra may not be applicable in the present scenario. Some of the tenets particularly show a strong social bias, which was relevant to the social structure which existed at that time. Such tenets have certainly lost their significance. However the fundamentals of the theory can be adapted to the modern world. Unfortunately, again most of the modern Vastu exponents are also exploiting the layman ignorance and gullibility.
Q. How does Vastu Shastra work in apartment blocks?
A. It is a fact that the original Vastu tenets prescribed the type of site and then specified the layout materials and construction techniques. In an urban milieu, one can hardly indulge in choosing dwelling sites. Thus the macro level implications can be successfully adapted to contemporary needs.
Q. How can Vastu Shastra ba applied to the commercial and industrial premises?
A. The original texts of Vastu Shastra were confined to the architecture of temples, places and homes of the commoners. However, those very norms can be easily applied to other structures such as offices and industries. So if facing a particular direction brings in negative solar energy, the large machinery may be kept there to block it.
Q. What if it is not possible to implement all the changes recommended by a Vastu consultant?
A. It must first be noted that Vastu Shastra is not a religion. However God-fearing you may be, you should not feel threatened by Vastu Shastra because it is a science. Science does not condemn God, or disprove its identity but it does not accept it. Vastu Shastra is the science of structure, formulated to help us live in tune with nature. It does not give solutions to your domestic or financial problems.
A Vastu consultant assesses your home or work place, and suggests changes that will improve it's Vastu compliance. If the assessment has been done in a systematic manner, it is obvious that implementing the more negative elements should yield substantially positive effects. Very often, merely changing the orientation of the interior fixture helps in achieving a Vastu-positive environment.
Q. What is the ideal plot/house?
A. The ideal plot is the one whose length and breadth are same and ideally facing each side of plot to exact north direction, south direction, east direction and west direction, and the house constructed in this plot shall also be ideal. If utility rooms are constructed as per the norms of Vastu Shastra the foundation should be 9 feet but due to the construction of sky rise multi-story buildings coming up, the depth of foundation shall depend on the load bearing capacity of soil, the number of storeys that are going to be constructed and the materials used.
Q. Why directions are important in Vastu Shastra?
A. The Sun, as our ancestors revealed, is the only source of light and heat for human and other living beings. It directs and sustains life on earth. Therefore, the Sun, the rising Sun is like God, and its direction of rising is considered pious and is taken as a point of reference. If we face the rising sun, the facing direction is called East, behind us shall be West, our left hand denotes North direction and right hand denotes South direction. Therefore, the effect of the direction affects the building/house constructed therein.
Q. What is the best direction of the house?
A. An auspicious direction for the house/building to face is the east or north direction. This is subject to other factors laid down as per Vastu Shastra.
Q. What should be the proportion of length and breadth of house?
A. Ideally, the proportion of length and breadth should be 1:1.
Q. Does the size of rooms affect the fortune of the persons residing?
A. Yes, the length, breadth or both effect the fortune of inmates.
Q. What are the main factors to be considered regarding the door of the house?
A. As per Vastu Shastra, the number of doors and windows of a house should be even in number.
Q. Can facing of the main door be decided?
A. Yes, the zodiac sign of the owner of the house, on whose name the deed of the house is made can be taken as reference and according to zodiac sign of the owner, the main door can be fixed. But since the houses are used generation after generation and in every generation the owner of house is changed the main door if fitted as per the location of plot and road abutting.
Q. How and why do inhabitants residing in FSI based constructed buildings face problems?
A. Residential Flats are being constructed like pigeon boxes. No open space is left in front of the main entrance door. If one door of a flat opens fully (outside which again is against vastu rules) another adjacent flat-owner will not be able to open his Main Entrance door fully. Then we observe that door is spliced into two parts 1/3 & 2/3 is recommended. The real problems starts here. Nowhere in the ancient literature, is the splitting of the main entrance door in portion 1/3 & 2/3. Kitchen is health and kitchens in such flats are not designed as per the tenets and rules of Vastu Shastra. Many a time, we observe that toilets in such flats are located in northeast. A family having a toilet in the northeast region of their place of residence will not be able to prosper in life.
Q. What are the planets associated with the directions in Vaastu Shastra ?
East Ravi Sun
South East Shukra Venus
South Angaraka Mars
South West Rahu Dragon's Head
West Shani Saturn
North West Chandra Moon
North Budha Mercury
North East Guru Ketu Jupiter Dragon's Tail
Q. According to the Vastu Shastra scriptures, what do all the various directions represent?
A. According to the Vastu Shastra scriptures, the various directions denote the following aspects:
East (Purab) Pitrustaan(Manes): It should not be blocked , since it is the source of male issues.
Southeast (Aagneya) (Fire) source of health, place of fire, cooking and food.
South (Dakshina)- Source of wealth, crops and happiness.
Southwest (Naryuthya)-(Earth) source of character, behavior, cause of longevity and death.
West (Paschima) Source of name, fame and prosperity
Northwest (Vaayavya) (Air) Source of change, income from business, enmity and friendship.
North (Uttara) Maathrusthan-This should not be blocked as it is the source of female issues.
Northeast (Eshanya) (Water) Source of health, wealth, prosperity and of male issues.
Q. Does the magnetic field of the earth have anything to do with Vastu Shastra?
A. Yes. Most Certainly. The magnetic field of the earth plays and important role while formulating Vastu Shastra which can significantly influence human life. According to Vastu Shastra, one should never keep his/her head towards the north while lying as it obstructs the circulatory system causing irregular sleep, tension, paranoia and other mental problems. The magnetic fields of the same poles repel each other while the opposite attracts each other, therefore a person should keep his/her head towards the south or east.
Q. What role does soil play in the selection of a plot?
A. According to Vastu Shastra, a plot with soil that has a large salt content is considered to be inauspicious. The ground water table should be minimum 10-12’ below the existing ground level and maximum 30’. It should not have any sanitary back-filled or reclaimed soil or rubbish, bones, hair and other filthy material. The soil should be fertile and free from any decrepit or dead material.
Q. Does Vastu Shastra apply to boundary walls as well?
A. Vastu Shastra holds the conviction that the boundary walls are an effective way of containing the energy level and the magnetic field of the plot. The wall should be thick and high in the western and the southern directions. In the north and the east a smaller, thinner wall is desired.
Q. What are the things that are to be kept in mind while selecting a plot?
A. The major factors to be kept in mind while selecting a plot are:
1. Geographical surroundings,
2. Level of the land,
3. and Roads around the plot.
Q. Are there any conventions prescribed by Vastu Shastra that pertain to doors?
A. Anything that is an essential part of a home, is inscribed in the Vastu Shastra. Doors, in every sense, convey a lot of pertinent attributes about a house. Here are a few that Vastu defines:
1. The Main-Gate should have two panels.
2. The main door should not open inside the house.
3. The doors in the house should not be noisy. The total number of doors, windows and ventilators in the house should be even in number for eg. 2, 4, 6 etc. but should not end with a 0 i.e. 10, 20, etc. If the front door frame is painted black, then the owner might have to face hardship.
4. If the door has cracks or is too old, then the owner will have a tough time gaining respect in society.
Q. The staircase in my house is damaged. What does Vastu Shastra say to that?
A. If the steps leading to the entrance are damaged or broken, then the master of the house will face problems with his career and his expenses will soar. The staircase should ascend clockwise. The total number of steps should be such that on division by 3, a remainder of 2 should be obtained for eg. 7, 11, 17, etc.
Q. Does Vastu contain anything that relates to the color of paint on the interior walls?
A. It certainly does, the interior is one of the biggest parts of the house. Here is what Vastu Shastra says about interiors:
1. Bright colors should not be used in the house.
2. Cold and light colors should be used for painting the house.
3. Paintings or photographs depicting war, sad faces, birds like owl, crow, pigeon, erotic pictures, etc. should not be used for decoration in the house.
CRYPTIC ASPECTS OF ARCHITECTURE
SCRIPTURAL ORIGIN OF VASTU SHASTRA
ORIGIN OF VASTU PURUSH
VASTU Shastra believes in the existence of VASTU Purush who is the main deity of a building. In this regard Rig Veda says:
"TAVA TVAM VAASTUNYU IMASI GA MADHYE
YATR GAVAU BHURI SHRINGA AVASAH
"
That is VASTU has a relation with Griha devata (deity of the home)
According to Shatpath Brahmin (an ancient scripture), VASTU is the ruling deity of animal stock and the people living in a home.
The concept of VASTU Purush in VASTU Shastra is an ancient one. As per the scriptures, once a fierce battle took place in ancient times between a demon Andhakasur and Lord Shiva. During the battle, a few drops of Lord Shankar’s sweat fell on the ground and gave birth to a formidable monster. The monster at once began to kill the gods. Acting unitedly, then all the gods captured the monster and buried him with his face facing down. The gods also granted a boon to pacify him: "You shall be worshipped in all auspicious tasks."
Since the gods made an abode on the monster, he came to be known as VASTU Purush. And since all the gods have an abode on him, he is worshipped by prudent people.
Vishwakarma is regarded as the father of VASTU Shastra. In his treatise, Vishwakarma Prakash,, he writes about the origin of VASTU Purush:
TAMEV VAASTU PURUSHAM BRAHMA SAMA SRIJATPRABHUH
KRISHNPAKSHE TRITIYATA MASI BHADRPADE TATHA
In Treta-yuga on the third day of the dark phase of the lunar month Bhadrpad, Brahma created a formidable man. Even the gods were frightened by his appearance. Then by Brahma's consent, all the gods pushed him down, with his face downward and themselves sat on him.
The formidable man then appealed to Brahma: "O Lord, you have created this cosmos. This body is also yours. Why then these gods are torturing me without reason? Tell me how should I behave with the gods."
Pleased Brahma said: "Since this moment your worship shall be indispensable in every auspicious construction work because of your presence beneath the gods. Those who won’t worship you for any reason shall have to suffer penury and untimely death. They shall have to face your wrath and hence obstacles in everything they do."
ATRIYAM MRITYUMAPNOTIVIGHN VAKTASAYAPADE-PADE
VAASTU PUJAM AVARNAH TAVAHARU BHAVISHYATI
Therefore in the beginning of a building's construction, installation of doors and on the occasion of making first entry into newly built home, worship of VASTU is more than a must. Apart from these occasions, on every auspicious task offerings ought to be made into fire according to one’s strength.
ORIENTATION OF VAASTU PURUSH IN A PLOT OF LAND
The VASTU Purush is lain with his face downward. His head points to north-east, while feet point together to southwest. His right hand and the joint of right leg point toward southeast, while left hand and joint of left leg point to northwest.
KNOWLEDGE OF DIRECTION AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
In VASTU Shastra, eight directions - North, East, West, South, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest are considered important. If you are planning to build your bungalow or any other building on the basis of VASTU Shastra, first of all you should have knowledge of your plot’s direction. Then you should decide in which direction you ought to keep your main gate. You may if necessary, take the help of a compass to know the directions.
As the numerals have their apparent influence of human life, similarly influence of the directions is also apparent. Richness or penury of a person can be known from the location of his house. In which direction is his house located? Which direction does the entrance of his house face? How is the interior decoration? These and other related things reveal the economic condition of a person. Similarly changes that must be made in order to bring prosperity and to prevent imminent danger or crisis can also be known with the help of VASTU Shastra.
As everybody knows there are four major directions - east, west, north and south. Besides these, four sub-directions are also considered. These are Agney (Southeast), Nairitya (Southwest), Vayavya (Northwest) and Ishaan (northeast). Each of these directions and sub-directions has its own merits and demerits and yields results accordingly. Every direction has a deity or lord that rules it.
EAST: Indra is the ruling deity of the east. He was born out of Brahma's mouth and is capable of destroying enemies. He can appear in any form as per his wishes. He is also the lord of rains and has the wind as his assistant. Increment in wealth, cereals and animal stock can be effected through worshipping Indra. Indra is also the king of the heaven. Elephant Airavat is Indra’s vehicle and Vajra (lightning) in his weapon.
The east is also the abode of gods like Surya, Agni, Indra, Jayant, Ish, Parjanya, Satya, Bhup and Akash.
The east is also known as a direction of lineage. During the construction of the house, some portion must be left open in the east. It leads to long life for the owner.
WEST: The west is the opposite of the east. No work can progress in the west. Varun (Neptune) is the lord of this direction, which is under the influence of sage Agastya. The sea is the abode of Varun (Neptune). He therefore has most influence on the water bodies. A proper utilization of westerly portion of plot leads to reputation, fame, prosperity and success for the owner.
NORTH: Kuber is the lord of this direction. Literally, Kuber means the one who controls the imminent events and causes increments. He has inaccessible wealth and property. Kuber is the king of Yakshas and Kinnars and is a friend of Rudra (Shiva). Kailash is the abode of Kuber who has three legs, eight hands and a yellow dot in place of eyes.
Mercury is the planet that rules the north. It is more influential in the dark phase of every lunar month. North is a also an abode of the gods like Kuber, Diti, Aditi, Shail, Naga and Bhallat, etc.
North is also a place of mother. Leaving some portion open in north leads to prosperity of maternal side as well as provides wealth, comforts, peace etc. for the owner.
SOUTH: Yama is the lord of this direction. He is the son of Surya and is hostile towards Vishnu. Nakshatra Bharani is the most important for him. During the last eight days of the lunar months of Ashwin and Kartika this nakshatra is more influential. South direction weakens human life, hence all the auspicious tasks are forbidden in the south. South is also an abode of the gods like Yama, Gandharvas, Mriga, Pusha, Vitath and Kshat. In all the south direction yields nothing but mourning, depression and pain.
AGNEYA (SOUTHEAST): Direction that lies midway between the east and the south is known as Agneya (southeast). Agni (fire) is the lord of this direction. He is the preserver and defender of every being. Agni also carries the message of people who worship and offer oblations with devotion to God.
Worshippers of Agni are economically strong and long living. Agni himself takes care of the people who make offerings into him. Agni also provides them with comfort, peace, prosperity and progeny.
While constructing a house, the first pillar must be erected in the southeast direction. Alternatively, kitchen of the house should occupy a place in this direction. This is the foremost and an important rule of VASTU Shastra. First day of every month also represents the element fire.
A warm Agneya direction makes a man healthy, whereas a faulty use makes the owner short tempered.
NAIRITYA (SOUTHWEST): It lies midway between the south and the west directions. Nairitya is the ruling lady of this direction. Literally, Nairitya means repeated happening - whether be it the birth of a baby or any other event. It also means that anything not done at proper time can’t have a repetition. If the house is built in this direction, the home suffers continuous decay.
The southwest portion of the house should never be left open, nor should a pit be dug in this direction. This direction is an abode of demons and ghosts. To prevent the accumulation of inauspicious and pain causing things, digging of pit in southwest is prohibited. If for some reason, digging is necessary it should be covered as early as possible or a sapling be planted in its place.
VAYAVYA (NORTHWEST): It lies mid way between the west and the north. Vayu (wind) is the lord of this direction. Five kinds of Vayu - Prana, Upana, Samana, Vyana and Udana, are necessary for human life. Hanumana and Bheema are the representations of Vayu. Those who worship Vayu in the form of Hanumana get their desired results at once.
Northwest angle is the progenitor of friendship or enmity. Hence, a faulty use of this portion of plot may result in a majority of enemies. If you use this angle of your plot wisely and flawlessly, you will have many friends who will undoubtedly benefit you.
ISHANYA (NORTHEAST): The angle that lies midway between north and the east is known as Ishanya (northeast) direction. Shiva is the lord of this angle. Pashupat is the weapon of Shiva. Nakshatra Ardra is the symbol of Lord Shiva. Semul (silk-cotton) tree is considered auspicious in this direction.
Worshipping of the ruling God of this direction yields many virtues in the life of the worshipper. The portion of the house in this direction must be kept holy for it yields many kinds of divine powers to the owner. Proper utilization of this portion of house provides wealth, reputation, property and every kind of excellence for the owner. A faulty utilization of this angle, however, may block successful continuation of progeny
A. Vastu Shastra is a science - it has nothing to do with religion. It is true that over the years Vastu Shastra has imbibed religious overtones, but that does not seem to have been the original idea. The religious implications were probably inculcated by the proponents of the science, when they realized that the society of that time, being a God-fearing one, would not accept norms that strayed away from the notions of God.
Q. Which deity is worshiped in Vastu Shastra?
A. Religious icons have no place in science. The ancient text of Vastu Shastra did mention various Gods from Hindu mythology fixing their locations on the site and prescribing the offerings to be made to them, but that also seems to have been a ploy created by ancient scientists to convince the people to accept the Vastu norms.
Q. What is the significance of the Vastu Purusha?
A. The 'Vastu Purusha' is said to be the spirit of the site. It's in the form of a human male and lies on the site with his head towards the east, his posture fitting exactly in a square. It was easier to get the anthropometrically and aesthetically correct dimensions of rooms, doors windows and even the structural members like plinth and pillars. Even the interior planning was governed by the posture of the 'Vastu Purusha' and the norms which specified where and how the structure must be built, so that it does not injure him.
Q. Vastu Shastra is so superstitious, how can it be called a science?
A. Vastu Shastra is a science. In the age when it was formulated, the society was largely illiterate, the illiteracy generating a fear of the unknown. Science was beyond the realm of their understanding while religion was omnipresent. It was therefore simpler for the ancient Vastu experts to spread the concepts of the Vastu Shastra through the intricate network of religion and superstition. Unfortunately, as time passed only the superstitious filtered down the generations, while the actual theory eluded the world.
Q. Is Vastu shastra relevant in the modern world?
A. All the ancient doctrines of Vastu Shastra may not be applicable in the present scenario. Some of the tenets particularly show a strong social bias, which was relevant to the social structure which existed at that time. Such tenets have certainly lost their significance. However the fundamentals of the theory can be adapted to the modern world. Unfortunately, again most of the modern Vastu exponents are also exploiting the layman ignorance and gullibility.
Q. How does Vastu Shastra work in apartment blocks?
A. It is a fact that the original Vastu tenets prescribed the type of site and then specified the layout materials and construction techniques. In an urban milieu, one can hardly indulge in choosing dwelling sites. Thus the macro level implications can be successfully adapted to contemporary needs.
Q. How can Vastu Shastra ba applied to the commercial and industrial premises?
A. The original texts of Vastu Shastra were confined to the architecture of temples, places and homes of the commoners. However, those very norms can be easily applied to other structures such as offices and industries. So if facing a particular direction brings in negative solar energy, the large machinery may be kept there to block it.
Q. What if it is not possible to implement all the changes recommended by a Vastu consultant?
A. It must first be noted that Vastu Shastra is not a religion. However God-fearing you may be, you should not feel threatened by Vastu Shastra because it is a science. Science does not condemn God, or disprove its identity but it does not accept it. Vastu Shastra is the science of structure, formulated to help us live in tune with nature. It does not give solutions to your domestic or financial problems.
A Vastu consultant assesses your home or work place, and suggests changes that will improve it's Vastu compliance. If the assessment has been done in a systematic manner, it is obvious that implementing the more negative elements should yield substantially positive effects. Very often, merely changing the orientation of the interior fixture helps in achieving a Vastu-positive environment.
Q. What is the ideal plot/house?
A. The ideal plot is the one whose length and breadth are same and ideally facing each side of plot to exact north direction, south direction, east direction and west direction, and the house constructed in this plot shall also be ideal. If utility rooms are constructed as per the norms of Vastu Shastra the foundation should be 9 feet but due to the construction of sky rise multi-story buildings coming up, the depth of foundation shall depend on the load bearing capacity of soil, the number of storeys that are going to be constructed and the materials used.
Q. Why directions are important in Vastu Shastra?
A. The Sun, as our ancestors revealed, is the only source of light and heat for human and other living beings. It directs and sustains life on earth. Therefore, the Sun, the rising Sun is like God, and its direction of rising is considered pious and is taken as a point of reference. If we face the rising sun, the facing direction is called East, behind us shall be West, our left hand denotes North direction and right hand denotes South direction. Therefore, the effect of the direction affects the building/house constructed therein.
Q. What is the best direction of the house?
A. An auspicious direction for the house/building to face is the east or north direction. This is subject to other factors laid down as per Vastu Shastra.
Q. What should be the proportion of length and breadth of house?
A. Ideally, the proportion of length and breadth should be 1:1.
Q. Does the size of rooms affect the fortune of the persons residing?
A. Yes, the length, breadth or both effect the fortune of inmates.
Q. What are the main factors to be considered regarding the door of the house?
A. As per Vastu Shastra, the number of doors and windows of a house should be even in number.
Q. Can facing of the main door be decided?
A. Yes, the zodiac sign of the owner of the house, on whose name the deed of the house is made can be taken as reference and according to zodiac sign of the owner, the main door can be fixed. But since the houses are used generation after generation and in every generation the owner of house is changed the main door if fitted as per the location of plot and road abutting.
Q. How and why do inhabitants residing in FSI based constructed buildings face problems?
A. Residential Flats are being constructed like pigeon boxes. No open space is left in front of the main entrance door. If one door of a flat opens fully (outside which again is against vastu rules) another adjacent flat-owner will not be able to open his Main Entrance door fully. Then we observe that door is spliced into two parts 1/3 & 2/3 is recommended. The real problems starts here. Nowhere in the ancient literature, is the splitting of the main entrance door in portion 1/3 & 2/3. Kitchen is health and kitchens in such flats are not designed as per the tenets and rules of Vastu Shastra. Many a time, we observe that toilets in such flats are located in northeast. A family having a toilet in the northeast region of their place of residence will not be able to prosper in life.
Q. What are the planets associated with the directions in Vaastu Shastra ?
East Ravi Sun
South East Shukra Venus
South Angaraka Mars
South West Rahu Dragon's Head
West Shani Saturn
North West Chandra Moon
North Budha Mercury
North East Guru Ketu Jupiter Dragon's Tail
Q. According to the Vastu Shastra scriptures, what do all the various directions represent?
A. According to the Vastu Shastra scriptures, the various directions denote the following aspects:
East (Purab) Pitrustaan(Manes): It should not be blocked , since it is the source of male issues.
Southeast (Aagneya) (Fire) source of health, place of fire, cooking and food.
South (Dakshina)- Source of wealth, crops and happiness.
Southwest (Naryuthya)-(Earth) source of character, behavior, cause of longevity and death.
West (Paschima) Source of name, fame and prosperity
Northwest (Vaayavya) (Air) Source of change, income from business, enmity and friendship.
North (Uttara) Maathrusthan-This should not be blocked as it is the source of female issues.
Northeast (Eshanya) (Water) Source of health, wealth, prosperity and of male issues.
Q. Does the magnetic field of the earth have anything to do with Vastu Shastra?
A. Yes. Most Certainly. The magnetic field of the earth plays and important role while formulating Vastu Shastra which can significantly influence human life. According to Vastu Shastra, one should never keep his/her head towards the north while lying as it obstructs the circulatory system causing irregular sleep, tension, paranoia and other mental problems. The magnetic fields of the same poles repel each other while the opposite attracts each other, therefore a person should keep his/her head towards the south or east.
Q. What role does soil play in the selection of a plot?
A. According to Vastu Shastra, a plot with soil that has a large salt content is considered to be inauspicious. The ground water table should be minimum 10-12’ below the existing ground level and maximum 30’. It should not have any sanitary back-filled or reclaimed soil or rubbish, bones, hair and other filthy material. The soil should be fertile and free from any decrepit or dead material.
Q. Does Vastu Shastra apply to boundary walls as well?
A. Vastu Shastra holds the conviction that the boundary walls are an effective way of containing the energy level and the magnetic field of the plot. The wall should be thick and high in the western and the southern directions. In the north and the east a smaller, thinner wall is desired.
Q. What are the things that are to be kept in mind while selecting a plot?
A. The major factors to be kept in mind while selecting a plot are:
1. Geographical surroundings,
2. Level of the land,
3. and Roads around the plot.
Q. Are there any conventions prescribed by Vastu Shastra that pertain to doors?
A. Anything that is an essential part of a home, is inscribed in the Vastu Shastra. Doors, in every sense, convey a lot of pertinent attributes about a house. Here are a few that Vastu defines:
1. The Main-Gate should have two panels.
2. The main door should not open inside the house.
3. The doors in the house should not be noisy. The total number of doors, windows and ventilators in the house should be even in number for eg. 2, 4, 6 etc. but should not end with a 0 i.e. 10, 20, etc. If the front door frame is painted black, then the owner might have to face hardship.
4. If the door has cracks or is too old, then the owner will have a tough time gaining respect in society.
Q. The staircase in my house is damaged. What does Vastu Shastra say to that?
A. If the steps leading to the entrance are damaged or broken, then the master of the house will face problems with his career and his expenses will soar. The staircase should ascend clockwise. The total number of steps should be such that on division by 3, a remainder of 2 should be obtained for eg. 7, 11, 17, etc.
Q. Does Vastu contain anything that relates to the color of paint on the interior walls?
A. It certainly does, the interior is one of the biggest parts of the house. Here is what Vastu Shastra says about interiors:
1. Bright colors should not be used in the house.
2. Cold and light colors should be used for painting the house.
3. Paintings or photographs depicting war, sad faces, birds like owl, crow, pigeon, erotic pictures, etc. should not be used for decoration in the house.
CRYPTIC ASPECTS OF ARCHITECTURE
SCRIPTURAL ORIGIN OF VASTU SHASTRA
ORIGIN OF VASTU PURUSH
VASTU Shastra believes in the existence of VASTU Purush who is the main deity of a building. In this regard Rig Veda says:
"TAVA TVAM VAASTUNYU IMASI GA MADHYE
YATR GAVAU BHURI SHRINGA AVASAH
"
That is VASTU has a relation with Griha devata (deity of the home)
According to Shatpath Brahmin (an ancient scripture), VASTU is the ruling deity of animal stock and the people living in a home.
The concept of VASTU Purush in VASTU Shastra is an ancient one. As per the scriptures, once a fierce battle took place in ancient times between a demon Andhakasur and Lord Shiva. During the battle, a few drops of Lord Shankar’s sweat fell on the ground and gave birth to a formidable monster. The monster at once began to kill the gods. Acting unitedly, then all the gods captured the monster and buried him with his face facing down. The gods also granted a boon to pacify him: "You shall be worshipped in all auspicious tasks."
Since the gods made an abode on the monster, he came to be known as VASTU Purush. And since all the gods have an abode on him, he is worshipped by prudent people.
Vishwakarma is regarded as the father of VASTU Shastra. In his treatise, Vishwakarma Prakash,, he writes about the origin of VASTU Purush:
TAMEV VAASTU PURUSHAM BRAHMA SAMA SRIJATPRABHUH
KRISHNPAKSHE TRITIYATA MASI BHADRPADE TATHA
In Treta-yuga on the third day of the dark phase of the lunar month Bhadrpad, Brahma created a formidable man. Even the gods were frightened by his appearance. Then by Brahma's consent, all the gods pushed him down, with his face downward and themselves sat on him.
The formidable man then appealed to Brahma: "O Lord, you have created this cosmos. This body is also yours. Why then these gods are torturing me without reason? Tell me how should I behave with the gods."
Pleased Brahma said: "Since this moment your worship shall be indispensable in every auspicious construction work because of your presence beneath the gods. Those who won’t worship you for any reason shall have to suffer penury and untimely death. They shall have to face your wrath and hence obstacles in everything they do."
ATRIYAM MRITYUMAPNOTIVIGHN VAKTASAYAPADE-PADE
VAASTU PUJAM AVARNAH TAVAHARU BHAVISHYATI
Therefore in the beginning of a building's construction, installation of doors and on the occasion of making first entry into newly built home, worship of VASTU is more than a must. Apart from these occasions, on every auspicious task offerings ought to be made into fire according to one’s strength.
ORIENTATION OF VAASTU PURUSH IN A PLOT OF LAND
The VASTU Purush is lain with his face downward. His head points to north-east, while feet point together to southwest. His right hand and the joint of right leg point toward southeast, while left hand and joint of left leg point to northwest.
KNOWLEDGE OF DIRECTION AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
In VASTU Shastra, eight directions - North, East, West, South, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest are considered important. If you are planning to build your bungalow or any other building on the basis of VASTU Shastra, first of all you should have knowledge of your plot’s direction. Then you should decide in which direction you ought to keep your main gate. You may if necessary, take the help of a compass to know the directions.
As the numerals have their apparent influence of human life, similarly influence of the directions is also apparent. Richness or penury of a person can be known from the location of his house. In which direction is his house located? Which direction does the entrance of his house face? How is the interior decoration? These and other related things reveal the economic condition of a person. Similarly changes that must be made in order to bring prosperity and to prevent imminent danger or crisis can also be known with the help of VASTU Shastra.
As everybody knows there are four major directions - east, west, north and south. Besides these, four sub-directions are also considered. These are Agney (Southeast), Nairitya (Southwest), Vayavya (Northwest) and Ishaan (northeast). Each of these directions and sub-directions has its own merits and demerits and yields results accordingly. Every direction has a deity or lord that rules it.
EAST: Indra is the ruling deity of the east. He was born out of Brahma's mouth and is capable of destroying enemies. He can appear in any form as per his wishes. He is also the lord of rains and has the wind as his assistant. Increment in wealth, cereals and animal stock can be effected through worshipping Indra. Indra is also the king of the heaven. Elephant Airavat is Indra’s vehicle and Vajra (lightning) in his weapon.
The east is also the abode of gods like Surya, Agni, Indra, Jayant, Ish, Parjanya, Satya, Bhup and Akash.
The east is also known as a direction of lineage. During the construction of the house, some portion must be left open in the east. It leads to long life for the owner.
WEST: The west is the opposite of the east. No work can progress in the west. Varun (Neptune) is the lord of this direction, which is under the influence of sage Agastya. The sea is the abode of Varun (Neptune). He therefore has most influence on the water bodies. A proper utilization of westerly portion of plot leads to reputation, fame, prosperity and success for the owner.
NORTH: Kuber is the lord of this direction. Literally, Kuber means the one who controls the imminent events and causes increments. He has inaccessible wealth and property. Kuber is the king of Yakshas and Kinnars and is a friend of Rudra (Shiva). Kailash is the abode of Kuber who has three legs, eight hands and a yellow dot in place of eyes.
Mercury is the planet that rules the north. It is more influential in the dark phase of every lunar month. North is a also an abode of the gods like Kuber, Diti, Aditi, Shail, Naga and Bhallat, etc.
North is also a place of mother. Leaving some portion open in north leads to prosperity of maternal side as well as provides wealth, comforts, peace etc. for the owner.
SOUTH: Yama is the lord of this direction. He is the son of Surya and is hostile towards Vishnu. Nakshatra Bharani is the most important for him. During the last eight days of the lunar months of Ashwin and Kartika this nakshatra is more influential. South direction weakens human life, hence all the auspicious tasks are forbidden in the south. South is also an abode of the gods like Yama, Gandharvas, Mriga, Pusha, Vitath and Kshat. In all the south direction yields nothing but mourning, depression and pain.
AGNEYA (SOUTHEAST): Direction that lies midway between the east and the south is known as Agneya (southeast). Agni (fire) is the lord of this direction. He is the preserver and defender of every being. Agni also carries the message of people who worship and offer oblations with devotion to God.
Worshippers of Agni are economically strong and long living. Agni himself takes care of the people who make offerings into him. Agni also provides them with comfort, peace, prosperity and progeny.
While constructing a house, the first pillar must be erected in the southeast direction. Alternatively, kitchen of the house should occupy a place in this direction. This is the foremost and an important rule of VASTU Shastra. First day of every month also represents the element fire.
A warm Agneya direction makes a man healthy, whereas a faulty use makes the owner short tempered.
NAIRITYA (SOUTHWEST): It lies midway between the south and the west directions. Nairitya is the ruling lady of this direction. Literally, Nairitya means repeated happening - whether be it the birth of a baby or any other event. It also means that anything not done at proper time can’t have a repetition. If the house is built in this direction, the home suffers continuous decay.
The southwest portion of the house should never be left open, nor should a pit be dug in this direction. This direction is an abode of demons and ghosts. To prevent the accumulation of inauspicious and pain causing things, digging of pit in southwest is prohibited. If for some reason, digging is necessary it should be covered as early as possible or a sapling be planted in its place.
VAYAVYA (NORTHWEST): It lies mid way between the west and the north. Vayu (wind) is the lord of this direction. Five kinds of Vayu - Prana, Upana, Samana, Vyana and Udana, are necessary for human life. Hanumana and Bheema are the representations of Vayu. Those who worship Vayu in the form of Hanumana get their desired results at once.
Northwest angle is the progenitor of friendship or enmity. Hence, a faulty use of this portion of plot may result in a majority of enemies. If you use this angle of your plot wisely and flawlessly, you will have many friends who will undoubtedly benefit you.
ISHANYA (NORTHEAST): The angle that lies midway between north and the east is known as Ishanya (northeast) direction. Shiva is the lord of this angle. Pashupat is the weapon of Shiva. Nakshatra Ardra is the symbol of Lord Shiva. Semul (silk-cotton) tree is considered auspicious in this direction.
Worshipping of the ruling God of this direction yields many virtues in the life of the worshipper. The portion of the house in this direction must be kept holy for it yields many kinds of divine powers to the owner. Proper utilization of this portion of house provides wealth, reputation, property and every kind of excellence for the owner. A faulty utilization of this angle, however, may block successful continuation of progeny
