Vastu Tips
What is Vastu?
Vaastu Shastra, the science containing ethics of planning and architecture, implements construction of buildings to ensure a harmonious balance between man and nature. It contributes in creating a pleasant setting or a place to live and work in the most scientific way; captivating the benefits bestowed by the five Elements present in nature, thereby paving the way for enhanced wealth, health, prosperity and happiness. The word 'Vaastu 'originating from Vastu represents physical environment or anything existing such as house, shelter, etc. and 'Shastra' represents the systems - knowledge, text or principles.
Since ancient times Vaastu Shastra considered as one of the traditional Hindu standard of town planning and architecture can also be called the science of direction that combines all the five elements of nature and balance them with the man and the material. These five Elements of nature -- Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space known as Paanchbhootas comprise the world. It is believed that out of the nine planets, our planet has life because of the presence of the five Elements.
Earth (Bhumi):
Earth, as a large magnet extends its magnetic field and gravitational force affecting everything living and non-living on the Earth. Comprising of the land structure, landform, landscape, flora and fauna, Earth also establishes availability of local construction materials and their workability..
Water (Jal):
Water represented by rain, river, sea etc. in the form of solid, liquid and gas (steam, cloud) forms part of every plant and animal. Physical life and habitat exists only where there are water. History depicts that cultures and civilizations flourished on the bank of any water bodies and also all the modern day cities. This shows the influence of the water on our life, since ages.
Air (Vaayu):
Air, the element with a powerful life source deals with the entire body surface through skin, blood system - through respiration. Though oxygen present in the air is required for respiration; Nitrogen, Carbon-di-oxide, Helium, other gases, dust particles, humidity and vapor in also present in certain proportions. Pure air with oxygen is good for brain and blood. The physical comfort of human beings is rationally dependent on correct humidity, airflow, and temperature of air, air pressure, air composition and its content.
Fire (Agni):
Fire representing light and heat also symbolizes the days and nights, seasons, energy, enthusiasm, passion and vigor without which life cease to exist. All is because of light and heat only. Sun considered being the source of mental energy plays an important role in development of visual qualities of architecture in terms of textures, colors and expressions of energy.
Space (Aakash):
All the elements - Earth, Water, Air and Fire are responsible for the creation of comfortable, pleasant, determinant, vibrant and satisfying spaces for habitat. Space representing the endless expanse consist not only our solar system but the entire galaxy is comprised of forces like light, heat, magnetic field, gravitational force and others.
It has been found that life exists and evolves in regions where all the five Elements are found in abundance, creating an invisible and invariable relation between these elements present outside and those within an individual and in his/her home and job place. Vaastu Shastra emphasizes on constructing buildings based on the principles of the Five Elements or Paanchbhootas and it is believed that each direction is guarded by a heavenly force. So according to Vaastu, if you revere and respect the lords of these eight directions, you may reap the benefits for proper utilization of the direction.
· North - representing Kuber, the god of wealth grants us wealth and prosperity.
· Northeast - representing Ishwar grants us wisdom, divinity and relieves us from sufferings.
· East - representing Indra, the king of Gods grants wealth, progress and all pleasures of life.
· Southeast - representing Agni, the God of fire grants energy vigor and beautiful personality.
· South - representing Yama, the God of death eradicates evils and grants all good things.
· Southwest - representing Niruti (demon) grants purity, cleanliness and eradicates fear of enemies.
· West - representing Varun, the God of rain showers his blessings bringing prosperity and pleasure in life.
· Northwest - representing Vayu, the God of wind and the basis of life grants health, strength and long-life.
Vaastu Shastra as a science dealing with the architectural aspect, work on the concept of intrinsic energy which though invisible can be experienced by its application in various forms in a structure all for internal and external use. Vaastu conceptualizes on the principle of eight directions for proper implementation of the energy sources. Experts practicing Vaastu Shastra recommend adhering to certain guidelines or tips for successful implementation of the ancient science. A few amongst those are
Position of the property:
* The best positions recommended by Vaastu for buying a plot of land are South, West or Southwest and the most recommended directions for building entrances are North, East or North east.
* Shape of a plot or property is usually preferred be of square or rectangular shape.
* Ideal location for constructing a house on a square plot is at the center and in a rectangular plot it is favorable in the south, south west and west sides with preferably openings in the north and the east. And it is advisable to have open spaces on all the four sides around the house.
* It is favorable to have water bodies in the north and east.
* It is advisable not to consider L-shaped houses with as the corners of the house are believed to missing on the 'U' shapes which might anticipate missing opportunities for the occupants.
* Vaastu recommends that the number of columns used in the buildings should be of even numbers.
* The construction of the house should be made with due consideration to proper ventilation and sunlight.
Living room:
* East, North and Northeast are the favorable directions for living Room or the dining room in a house.
* The living room is usually located in the central zone or the Brahmasthan is the area where the Element of Space is located and is thereby recommended to be free from any kind of obstacles or hindrances like pillar, wall, stairs or fixtures.
* Vaastu strongly denounces the use of paintings or other objects of art which depicts war backgrounds, tragedies or any negative aspects of life.
Kitchen:
* The ideal location of the kitchen of the house is in the Southeast.
* The cooking oven or hearth is recommended to be place in the eastern or southeastern side so that the person cooking faces east.
* Kitchen should be built based on the basic aspects or purposes associated with it - storage, washing and cooking.
* Apart from that lighting, storage space and most importantly ventilation is the most deciding factor in creating positive influence in the cooking space.
Study Room:
* The color scheme used in the study room should be mild and never a dark color as it might create distractions. Bookshelves are preferred to be kept to the north or east.
* Also while studying it is preferable to sit facing the north or east.
Bedroom:
* Vaastu Shastra recommends the positioning of the bedroom in the South, West or Southwest direction.
* The ideal direction for children's bedroom is ascertained to be North, Northwest or Southeast but never in the South or Southwest.
* Vaastu recommend sleeping postures with head towards the south as it ensures longevity.
* The bathrooms attached to the bedroom should be designed either in the northern or eastern side of the bedroom.
Landscape:
Vaastu Shastra also recommends the kinds of plants and trees to be planted around the house so as to gain from the positive energies generated by them.* Vaastu do not recommend plantation of trees in the North, East or Northeastern directions except for small plants.
* The shadow of trees should not fall on the house, thereby trees are to be planted in a distance from the building.
* Peepal tree in the western direction at a certain distance from the house and Tamarind or Imli tree in the Southwest direction of the house is considered auspicious.
* However, Vaastu discourages the presence of a Mango, Banana or a Jamun tree in close vicinity to the house.
* It is considered to have flower plants like Champa, Chameli, Rose and also fruit trees like Coconut, Pomegranate tree around the house.