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.

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.

Vastu Shastra.....An Introduction

Every creature in this world tries to arrange for a place in which to live comfortably, enjoying all the luxuries and happiness of this world getting maximum benefits of heavenly boons.

Most every one is aspiring for having sound health, beautiful wife, healthy children, wealth, means of earning through business, profession or state service, high reputation in society and over all mental and spiritual peace. The sea animals and amphibians prepare a dwelling place on the sea shore, the birds build nests in the trees, the insects make a hive, and human beings are ambitious for making a house on the earth where all the liabilities towards this world and towards heaven can be fulfilled without any disturbance and trouble.
Therefore, aware of the need of a house and in order to avoid troubles, man wants to construct a house on such a ground where he can feel all sorts or happiness and can lead a peaceful life free of troubles and enemies, thereby deriving spiritual peace.

With this aim in his mind, he sets out in search of the learned wise persons who can guide him in selecting a site (plot) of his choice, and also in construction of the house. He wants to know the proper auspicious time, and principles (laws) of constructing the house.

Also he has in mind the colony or city, neighborhood, sources of water, natural environment, means of transport, etc. while selecting a plot for building a house, at the same time he thinks of his own interests and profits. The external features of the plot can be known with the help of persons living around or nearby the flat. But the quality and nature of the land can be judged only by Shastra. Therefore the selection of a site and the plan of the building is constructed only after consultation and seeking advice of expert astrologer and Vaastu Specialist.

There are sayings such as:

Nadi Shotriyo Raja Devagyo Na Chikitasak Tatra Vaso Na Kartavaya

A place where there is no river (Source of water - pond or well, etc.), scholar, astrologer, ruler and medical expert, should not be selected for living thereon, it should be rejected.

Dushta Bharya Shath Mitra Bhratiyaschottar Dayak;Sasarpe Ch Grahey Vaso Mirturev Na Sanshaya.
If there is house in which lives an unfaithful wife, a foolish friend, an outspoken servant and a snake, the owner of such a house may die at any moment.

If such things are associated with the house constructed by someone, the life of the inmates become troublesome and unhappy, and there is always a fear of death.

Therefore, everyone is curious to know as to what is Vaastu Shastra, and what principles and methods regarding the construction of buildings have been given by the ancient saints and seers on the basis of their experience and commands in the divine scriptures. With the help of Vaastu Shastra and Shilpashastra, knowledge about the better and auspicious way of construction of a house, the positions and direction of gates, doors and rooms, etc. in it, is gained so that a house may be built which will provide all round prosperity and happiness to the inmates. Thus, Vaastu Shastra provides some principles and rules on the guidelines of which suitable and comfortable buildings for residence, temples, etc. are built and towns, colonies are planned.

Vaastu Shastra.......Science of Building House

Vaastu Shastra is often confused with Chinese Fengshui. But now with the cultural globalization, the Chinese Fengshui has also entered Indian homes, and now we see people changing their house arrangements, sleeping positions, and you see Toads, Laughing buddha’s, and other similar things like fortune bamboos and wind chimes in place of Indian Gods like Godess of Wealth – Mahalakshmi, God of Destruction of Difficulties – Ganesha and so onnn…
Now, the recent days have seen much debate between these two ancient Shastras or simply put as Sciences. The Fengshui camp have been mud slinging Vastu shastra by saying it to be very old fashioned, and outdated. While the Vastu has been saying Fengshui to be unorthodox, and unusable.

Vaastu Shastra emerged in India about 6000-3000 BC, and it is mentioned in the ancient scriptures like the Vedas, and even Epics of Mahabharata, and Ramayana. The Ancient Indian Architecture was built on these very guidelines of Vaastu Shastra, may it be Temples or Palaces. The inner peace or “Shaanti” you feel while in any of those old temples comes from the vibrations you would acknowledge whilst in those places. Its all due to Vaastu which literally means “To Live”.

The Origins of Fengshui, is pretty recent compared to Vaastu, and is supposed to be penned during the Han Dynasty – about 900BC to 25AD or so.

Vastu Shastra is based on the five basic elements of the universe in which we all live (All Free).
These basic elements are Akash (Ether), Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni (FIRE), and Vayu (WIND). Akash is usually mistaken as Sky the literal meaning while in Vaastu it refers to Ether or a combination of earth’s Magnetic field & Sun’s Rays.

Fengshui means Wind & Water. It makes use of another set of five elements – earth, fire, water, wood and metal.

Both the sciences relates to the same Idea – living in harmony with the environments and seeking equilibrium with it. But, Vastu and Fengshui Operates very differently in the way to achieve it. Might be due to the fact that they have originated in two geographically and culturally different areas, and different times.

I’m a Big fan of Vaastu Shastra than Fengshui, might be because that made more sense, and felt the effects of the same. All Vaastu rules are very much scientifically explainable, and really makes Technological sense.

Some Tips From Vaastu :

1. The main entrance should be in the East or North but it should not be in front of the compound wall.
2. The wall of the house in the North-Eastern side should have minimum height.
3. If the wall of the house in the East is tall, it stalls the entry of prosperity, the Goddess Lakshmi, into the house. Therefore, it should be small in height.
4. The southern side of the house should be as tall and heavy as possible.
In any room of the house the beam or column should not cross in the center.
5. Terrace or balcony in the house should be either in the East or the North.
6. A well, pole or a temple should not be there in front of the main entrance of the house.
7. The slope of the house should be towards East, North or North-East.
Similarly, the slope of the plinth also should be towards East, North or North-East.
8. The height of the plinth should be maximum in the direction of South-West.
9. The main entrance of the house should not be in front of that of the opposite house.
10. The house should be equipped with the protective wall.
11. The upper storeys of the house should be constructed on the Southern or Western part.
12. The Master bedroom should be in the South-West, and should not be used by children
13. The cupboard in the wall should be the Southern or Western part direction of the house.

Now having said the above, lets do some detailing about sleeping positions according to Vaastu, and its scientific reasons

Head to North

The Vastu sleeping position with head in the North direction is strongly opposed. Never sleep with the top of your head pointing to the north and feet pointing to the south. Brings terrible dreams and disturbed sleep. It brings negative vibrations while you sleep. Loss of sound sleep pertains to irritability, frustration and emotional instability. So your physical and mental health will suffer. In fact only a dead body is kept with the head pointing the North and the feet towards the South.

The Science – The blood in the body contains iron (Haemoglobin – Hb or Hgb)), making the body magnetic with the positive polarity in the head. So its supposed that head represents the North pole while the feet are the South pole. When you sleep with your head to the North, these two positive polarities repel each other, disrupting the flow of blood and affecting your sleep and health. Hence one should never sleep with the head in the North.

South:
Vastu Shastra highly recommends this direction as your usual sleeping position with head towards the South. This is believed to provide sound sleep & health and increases the wealth and prosperity in the household. Sound sleep tends to develop better will power, calm mind, and so better behavior.

East:
East is the direction of knowledge and enlightenment; from where Sun rises. Sleeping with head resting in the East enhances memory, health and spiritual inclination. It is usually advised by Vastu Shastra Consultants to plan the children’s room in such a way that their Vastu sleeping direction comes out to be east. This leads to higher concentration and retention power.

The Science – Early morning Sun’s rays are proved to be beneficial to one’s health. It helps production of Vitamin-D which helps in absorption of Calcium and Phosphates. This inturn helps better brain development.

West:
Sleeping with one’s head in the West is good for people who do not permanently reside in the house, like guests and married daughters, in their parents’ house. Though this is not a very advisable sleeping position, Shastra says sleeping with head towards West might cause disturbed sleep due to nightmares, or kinds of illness and tendency towards violence.