‘SHASTRA’ simply means ‘science’ in ‘Sanskrit’- the language of ancient India. Thus VAASTUSHASTRA means the ‘science of building’. This system of architecture was developed by the eminent thinkers, sanyasins and yogis of ancient India based on long years of observations, experimentations and beliefs.
As many other ancient ‘sciences’ of India such as ‘ayurveda’, ‘Vaastushastra’ has stood the test of time and is very much popular even at this age of computers in this cherished land. Obviously as any other shastra, vaastushastra is very much depended on Vedic culture and belief.
The fundamental belief of Vaastushastra is that a building let it be a house, office, temple, palace, or any such abode, it must be situated and built in harmony with the natural flow of vaastu energy for the well being of the dweller.
Vaastu was used to build palaces & forts by Indian kings and rulers, which stands with their heads high even now. The fact that this system of architecture ‘was’ used and ‘is’ used by rich and poor widely to this day and very well explains its reach and spread.
The rules and guidelines of this ‘shastra’ is based on the objects and belief held secret in Indian culture such as ‘NAVAGRAHA’ (‘nine planets’ including sun & moon which are considered ‘planets’ by ancient Indian belief ), colours, directions, deities like gods and goddesses, plants and many more.
Now lets have some glimpses of some recommendations in this system:
Vaastu has its say in site selection for construction, some of them are:
A site that slopes from north to east is recommendable for construction.
The site considered for construction is best if in square or rectangular shape.
If the site is rectangular in shape, the length should be twice the width
If you are going to paint your building, vaastu will help you to decide the best colour:
For walls considering the direction they face some examples are:
East is the direction of sun so ‘brown’s the colour recommended
Venus rules the south east so ‘white’ is recommended
Jupiter rules northeast, ‘yellow’ is the colour recommended for the walls facing this direction
Vaastu also recommends the best desirable surroundings:
A land having roads on its west and south should be avoided.
Avoid the lands situated in the vicinity of temples and burial grounds
Vastu is not only about architecture, it also has it’s opinions in matters such as furniture arrangements, garden arrangements, window & ventilation arrangement, room arrangement and any thing that is ‘in’ and ‘arround’ the building.
Tulsi, the sacred plant is a must, jasmine is recommended for its spiritul status, yellow mari gold for more vaastu energy, lotus if possible and so on.
Pooja room must not be adjoined to kitchen or bathroom. Pooja room must not face the main entrance, and many more.
Next time you are into a construction work consult a vaastu designer, if it guarantees prosperity why take a chance?
