Vastu Guide

· More open area in North & East.
· Less open area in South & West
· Level in North & East to be lower
· Levels in South & West to be higher than floor level
· Water body in Northeast
· Kitchen in Southeast
· Bed rooms in West & South
· Master Bed Room in southwest
· Attached toilets in Southeast or Northwest of each room
· Staircase in Southeast or Northwest corner
· A door in Northeast is mandatory
· Another door can come in any other direction but must be in the positive half of that direction.
· Sloped roofs should be towards North or East
· Projected Southeast in a building towards East; Fire accidents,surgery
· Projected Northwest in North; Financial loss/divorce/litigation
· Missing Northeast; No progress,No progeny
· Projected Southwest towards West ;Premature death of husband
· Projected South of Southwest;death of wife
· Toilet in Northeast;never ending financial problems
· Toilet in Southwest; financial drain
· Level of North high ; efforts fail
· Level of East high; education of kids suffer
· Master Bed Room in Southeast with Toilet in Northeast - Breast Problem
· Master Bed Room in Southwest with Toilet in Southwest - Cardiac Problem
· Level of Northeast higher in the floor - Money/Heart Problems
· Master Bed Room in Northeast with toilet in Northeast - Head/Brain Problems
· Master Bed Room in Northwest with toilet in Northeast - Lungs Problems
· Master Bed Room in South with Toilet in Northeast - Stomach Problems

· The main entrance should be in the East or North but it should not be in front of the compound wall.
· The wall of the house in the North-Eastern side should have minimum height.
· If the wall of the house in the East is tall, it stalls the entry of prosperity, the Goddess Laxmi, into the house. Therefore, it should be small in height.
· 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.
· Terrace or balcony in the house should be either in the East or the North.
· A well, pole or a temple should not be there in front of the main entrance of the house.
· 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.
· The height of the plinth should be highest in the direction of South-West.
· The main entrance of the house should not be in front of that of the opposite house.
· The house should be equipped with the protective wall.
· The upper storey of the house should be constructed on the Southern or Western part.
· The cupboard in the wall should be the Southern or Western part direction of the house.
· When viewed the weight of the structure should be uniform everywhere or the West & South portions should be heavy compared to north or east half.

Vastu: A Living Place

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. The selection of a site and the plan of the building should be constructed only after consultation and seeking advice of expert Vastu specialists.

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 Vastu 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 Vastu 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, Vastu 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.

Structural Vastu

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. Also a plot with soil that has a large salt content is considered to be inauspicious. The ground watertable 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. 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.

According to the Vastu Shastra scriptures, the various directions denote the following aspects:

• East Pitrustaan (Manes): It should not be blocked, since it is the source of male issues.


• Southeast (Fire) is believed a source of health, place of fire, cooking and food.


• South is believed a source of wealth, crops and happiness.


• Southwest (Earth) is a source of character, behavior, cause of longevity and death.


• West is a source of name, fame and prosperity.


• Northwest (Air) is a source of change, income from business, enmity and friendship.


• North (Maathrusthan) This should not be blocked as it is the source of female issues.


• Northeast (Water) is a source of health, wealth, prosperity and of male issues.

Vastu - The Architecture

Vastu is a Sanskrit word meaning the science of structures. It is a traditional Indian theory of architecture that guides the design and construction of buildings so that they are in harmony with the laws of nature. When we create a form on earth we are giving birth to a living space. Just as our bodies are living spaces for our consciousness, so a house, a town or a temple all are embodiments of living space. Just imagine the peace of mind knowing that your home or office is supporting you, your family, your health and life just by being built with this knowledge. If you aren’t going to build a house then it’s also possible to correct the defects of your current home. The position in Vastu is also very important, but before considering this, the nature of the land you build your home on must be considered, for the land will reflect upon its inhabitants. With reference to position we consider the positioning of the home itself, the positioning of various rooms and also the positioning of the person in the room to gain maximum harmony with nature at all times.

Nature is the underlying basis of Vedic architecture and all the Vedic sciences. Timing is important as when one builds a home the timing will have an effect on how it grows and nourishes you. If you plant the seed at the right time, you yield a good crop and good food. Direction is a basic factor of Vastu. Nature has certain rules and forms in terms of how the earth is placed in space and the position of the various planets. There is a measurable grid of energy on the surface of the earth and this is the same grid that we build our houses on in Vastu. Thus, the house is aligned with the subtle currents of energy flowing up and across the earth and thus we gain the benefits of being in harmony with such elements. Each direction has a different quality or effect. We all know the sun rises in the East, so East has the quality of the sun and so forth. Direction is very important and also with reference to the placement of the various rooms, even down to the direction one would face while sleeping, cooking or eating. Of course the difference is very subtle but if you multiply a good effect over a lifetime the benefits are highly measurable. When we build a house with Vastu we simply mirror nature and her rhythms and bring them into our created space.

Vastu Directions

As everybody knows there are four major directions - east, west, north and south. Besides these, four sub-directions are also considered. These are Southeast (Agney), Southwest (Nairitya), Northwest (Vayavya) and Northeast (Ishaan). Each of these directions and sub-directions has its own merits and demerits and yields results accordingly. In Vastu projects, the eight directions - North, East, West, South, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest are primely considered.

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.

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 mostimportant 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.

NORTH-EAST:

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 consideredauspicious 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 excellencefor the owner. A faulty utilization of this angle, however, may block successful continuation of progeny.

NORTH-WEST:

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.

SOUTH-EAST:

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.

SOUTH-WEST:

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 notdone 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.

Vastu Purusha

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 thestructure must be built, so that it does not injure him. Vastu Shastra believes in the existence of Vastu Purush who is the main deity of a building.

Vishwakarma is regarded as the father of Vastu Shastra. The concept of VASTU Purusha 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 Purusha. And since all the gods have an abode on him, he is worshipped by prudent people."

Vastu Elements

The people of the ancient world considered the universe to be constructed from the four elements of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, or solid, liquid, gas, as we now refer to the basic states of matter, along with pure energy. These elements also had psycho-physiological correlates that were evident as personal temperaments. Thus, a person might be described as melancholic, phlegmatic, sanguine, or choleric. In the Magical Personality system, an individual is considered to demonstrate aspects of all four elements. We all have some degree of sensuality, emotion, intellect, and drive, but for everyone the mix is different, resulting in numerous personality types.

Earth:

We are embodied and thus part of the physical world. Inevitably, then, we have a relationship with the physical world and demonstrate “Earthy” traits of sensuousness, caution, practicality, pragmatism, precision, and discipline, as well as stubbornness, dogmatism, inflexibility, intolerance, compulsivity, and depression. Earth types often believe that they are their physical bodies; consequently, they have an underlying fear of physical death.

Water:

We are composed almost entirely of water and can live only a few days without it. The surface of the planet is two-thirds water. Life began in the primeval ocean and we develop in the watery womb. Inevitably we have a relationship with water and demonstrate “Watery” traits of emotionalism, empathy, kindness, sympathy, love, gentleness, sociability, nurturing, and intuition, as well as moodiness, capriciousness, possessiveness, neediness, sentimentality, and irrationality. Water types often believe that they are their feelings; hence, they exhibit a nebulous sense of self and fear solitude.

Air:

Air is a composition of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, carbon-dioxide, helium, neon, crypton and vapor. Oxygen is life saving gas indispensable to living organism. Without air, we would die within minutes. Our relationship with this element is therefore intense and beset by uncertainty. We all exhibit “Airy” traits of rationalism, logic, intellect, analysis, judgement, curiosity, openness, ethics, fairness, and humanitarianism, as well as superiority, coldness, distance, abstraction, emotional illiteracy, naiveté, and prejudice. Air types often believe that they are their minds, and they cling to theories that make sense of both themselves and the world.

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.

Sky:

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.

Fire:

Fire refers to the life force, the spiritual energy that animates us, and the motivation without which we would be inactive and die. We all exhibit “Firey” traits of urgency, drive, passion, enthusiasm, ambition, intensity, creativity, optimism, and progressiveness, as well as egocentricity, selfishness, recklessness, impulsiveness, ruthlessness, aggression, and insensitivity. Fire types often believe that they are their achievements, and so they strive desperately to succeed and constantly monitor their progress as evidence of their worth.