VAASTU

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

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.

FAQs ON VAASTU..............2

Q. What is Vastu Shastra?

A. VASTU SHASTRA is the traditional Indian system of architecture and design of Vedic origin. Vastu means the dwelling of humans and Gods. Many Vastu rules are derived from 'Vastu Purusha Mandala' which is depicted as a man lying with his head pointing north east, in a grid of usually 64 squares. The different directions and sectors are assigned to different Gods and Guardians. It aims at providing guidelines for proper construction. Vastu orientates, places and dictates the proportions of every detail in building lines, skylines, elongations, levels, slopes, water (underground and overhead), kitchen, bedrooms, toilets, staircase, heights of ceilings and roofs, entrances, loci of doors and windows, compound walls and so on. Vastu is affected with positive power of three elements: the earth, the water, the fire (the sun).

1. Earth: was formed about 460 crore years ago and it was a fiery ball. In due course of time, the rocks melted and the surface has formed and acquired magnetism due to the magnetic particles embedded within. It has two poles, north pole and southpole.

2. Sky: is the endless space surrounding the universe. The universal concept of sky is beyond the imagination and reach of human beings as it is never ending and eternal.

3. Air (Atmosphere): is a composition of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, carbon-dioxide, helium, neon, crypton and vapor. Oxygen is life saving gas indispensable to living organism.

4. Water: due to rainfall from clouds, water flowed into low lying area of earth's surface and oceans were formed. The eternal water cycle is mystery of nature.

5. Sun: sun plays a vital role in Vastu Shastra. It is a source of life on earth and this is the reason why Sun is worshipped as an incarnation of god or the potential source of creation on the earth.

Q. Does Vastu Shastra promise prosperity?

A. No, not really. Vastu Shastra cannot be directly linked with prosperity. It only suggests ways in which we can live in tune with the laws of nature so that we can be healthy and peaceful and work efficiently. The ancient texts of Vastu Shastra have probably claimed to bring prosperity, as an indirect consequence of being able to perform well at home and work.

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.

FAQs ON VAASTU..............1

What is Vastu Shastra?

Vastu Shastra is an ancient science which helps one to get the natural benefits freely offered by the five basic elements of the universe in which we all live. These basic elements are Akash (SKY), Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni (FIRE), and Vayu (WIND). Vastu Shastra can be applied by keeping in harmony with these basic five elements of nature.

One sometimes feels that in spite of having all the required resources for achieving success in the work field one is not getting the desired and deserved result and it should not be a surprise to oneself that it could be due to the fact that either one's office or factory is not planned according to the science of Vastu Shastra.

Similarly, one might feel that the wheel of family life is not moving smoothly and there is lack of peace, harmony, affection and well being in one’s family. One should get the architecture of his house examined and if need be modified as per Vastu Shastra, one is bound to expect good results and well being gradually and steadily.

We sincerely hope that Vastu Shastra one day will end all miseries and sorrows and bring joy and happiness in everybody’s life.

Tips From Vastu

Why Follow Vastu?

God is present in the direction of North-East, it is believed. That is why our ancestors always insisted on having a body of water in this direction to ensure prosperity. Now see the geographical location of a small nation like Japan one of the largest bodies of water in the form of the Pacific Ocean which explains the reason of its growing prosperity.

Take the example of Mumbai city. On its South-East side where Agni is located, is the atomic power plant and in the direction of North-East is the body of water, which is why when it is compared to other ports, Mumbai port is more prosperous.

The city of London is famous and rich because it is situated on more or less the ideal principles of Vastu Shastra.

It is found that 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 also found that as one progresses towards the North-East in the United States of America the land becomes richer and richer.
Study the location and construction of the famous temple of Tirupati from the angle of Vastu Shastra. Its legendary prosperity is 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 precinct. 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 (storage place) for grains and items require in the kitchen. The entire temple precinct 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 precinct and on its Eastern and Northern side is an 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 earth.

Q. We have bought a house recently, but we could not really keep vastu shastra in mind. We have to name our house but we would like to keep a suitable name which we could not think of .

A. The name of your house is a very personal matter and should be kept keeping in view the aspirations of the family, your personal lifestyle and beliefs. Make a short list of names that fulfill the above criteria and then select one consciously. May the new house bring you harmony and abundance.

Q. Entrance to my home is from east, kitchen is on south, bedroom on southwest, living room on southeast, dining room on northwest. Please advise on the application of vastu to my kitchen.

A. The basic things you have to keep in mind should be as follows:

1. Keep the Gas in the southeast corner of the kitchen
2. Person should face the east while cooking.
3. Drinking water should be in the northeast of the kitchen.
4. Sink should be in the south portion of the kitchen.

Q. Could you suggest me vastu tips for the interior planning of my house?

A. For safe and sound interior planning of your house make sure that there is plenty of light, air with proper ventilation and minimum furniture.

Bed Room: The master bedrooms should be in the Southwest corner of the house. If the house has more than one floor, then it should be on the top-most floor. The ceiling should be level, this makes the energy of the room uniform, which in turn gives one a steady state of mind. Children’s room should be in the northwest or west side. To have a better concentration they should have a separate study close to their bedrooms. Kitchen: The ideal place is the southeast corner of the building or a kitchen in the west of the building can also be tolerated.

Study Room: The best locations for this room are the north, west, northwest, east, and northeast. These directions attract the positive effects of Mercury for increasing brain power, Jupiter for increasing wisdom, Sun for increasing ambition and Venus helps in bringing about creativity in new thoughts and ideas.

Dining room: The dining room and kitchen should be on the same floor and it should be adjacent to the kitchen from the left. The entrance to the dining room and the main door should not be facing each other. The dining table should be square or rectangular in shape and should not be attached or folding against the wall.

Bathrooms: Bathrooms and toilets should be adjacent to the northeast corner. They should never be constructed in the center or in the southwest corner of the house.

Drawing Room: It should always be constructed towards the north. The rooms located in the northern part of the house should be bigger in size as that compared to the rooms in the southern part of the house. They should be shorter to them in height by one to three inches. This is an important rule of Vastu Shastra. Furniture should be square or rectangular in shape.

Store Room: If essential then the store room should be constructed in the southern part of the building, otherwise grain and other provisions can be stored in the kitchen or in other rooms and cupboards. Things should not be stored in diwans and box beds because it affects the magnetic environment of the self and the room causing sleeping disorders. Waste Storage: Daily wastes from the kitchen should be kept covered in the southwest corner of the kitchen.

Height of Rooms: The rooms in the northern part of the house should be larger than the rooms in the southern side by 6-9 inches, and lower by 1-3 inches. Height of rooms should ideally be 12- 14 feet.
Doors/Windows: As far as doors are concerned, the main door should be larger than the inner doors and all doors should open towards the walls. All windows should be at least 3 feet 6 above ground level, and should be at the same level from the top. Window openings should be on the northern and eastern sides of the buildings.