What is Vastu Shastra?
Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural and design system that aims to harmonize the elements of a physical space with the spiritual and cosmic forces. It is believed to enhance positive energies and promote the well-being, prosperity, and happiness of the inhabitants. Vastu Shastra guides the placement and arrangement of various elements within a building, such as doors, windows, rooms, furniture, and even the overall layout, based on principles of energy flow and alignment with the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space. It is rooted in Hindu and Vedic traditions, and is often applied in the construction and design of homes, offices, temples, and other structures in India and other parts of the world.
Origin of Vastu Shastra
The origin of Vastu Shastra can be traced back to the ancient Indian texts known as the Vedas, which were written between 1500 and 500 BCE. Vastu Shastra is considered a part of the Sthapatya Veda or the “science of architecture” mentioned in these texts. It is believed to have been developed by sage Mamuni Mayan, who is said to have received divine knowledge on architectural principles and design.
The principles and teachings of Vastu Shastra were further developed and expanded upon in various other ancient Indian texts, such as the Manasara, Mayamata, and Brihat-samhita. These texts elaborated on the guidelines and rules regarding the construction of temples, palaces, and other structures.
Vastu Shastra also draws inspiration from the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of health and well-being. Just as Ayurveda focuses on balancing the energies of the body, Vastu Shastra aims to balance the energies of a physical space.
Over the centuries, Vastu Shastra has been passed on through generations, and its principles have been incorporated into the architectural and design traditions of different regions in India. It has also gained popularity across the world, with many
Five Elements of Vaastu Shastra
Vastu Shastra is based on the five essential elements – Prithvi (earth), Agni (fire), Tej (light), Vayu (wind) and Akash (ether), which are known as panchabhutas. The whole universe including the earth and the human body is considered to be made out of these five elements that affect the cosmic forces and the forms of energies.
Directions of Vaastu Shastra
The importance of orientation of the building is to have a better house design, implying positive energy and nullifying negativity, creating an environment conducive to total success, harmony, tranquillity, and good health.
| Directions | Effect | Function |
| North | Wealth & prosperity | Living room, seating, office, entrance |
| North-East | Religion & trinity | Puja room, well, underground water tank |
| East | Progress & growth | Entrance, guestroom, verandah, bathroom |
| South-East | Energy, vigour & strength | Kitchen, generator, power supply |
| South | Poor | Back yard and kitchen garden |
| South-west | Purity & cleanliness | Toilet/ washing area |
| West | Water | Overhead tank, study room |
| North-west | Air | Bedroom |
Vastu Principles for Home
Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural science that originated thousands of years ago. The term “Vastu” means dwelling place or house, and “Shastra” means science or knowledge. It is believed that Vastu Shastra was first mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts called the Vedas, which were written between 1500 and 500 BCE.
The principles of Vastu Shastra are based on the concept of harmony and balance between the natural elements and energies. It is believed that by following the principles of Vastu Shastra, one can bring peace, prosperity, and good health into their lives.
The origin of Vastu Shastra can be traced back to the early settlements in the Indus Valley civilization, which existed around 2500 BCE. The layout of the cities in this civilization, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, was based on the principles of Vastu Shastra. The excavations of these cities have revealed the presence of well-planned streets, houses, and public buildings, which indicate a strong understanding of Vastu principles.
Over time, Vastu Shastra evolved and developed further as different empires and kingdoms flourished across India. It became an integral part of the architectural traditions
Vastu for home is the conglomerate of proper orientation and placement of spaces for activities that relate to the cardinal directions (north, south, east and west).
A building and its design are the cruces of Vastu Shastra architecture. The exterior of a home can help channel the positive vibes and prevent any negative forthcomings.
- Symmetrical or right-angled shaped plots, such as rectangles or squares, work well according to the Vastu principles. These plot shapes are highly beneficial and lead to prosperity, well-being and happiness for the homeowners.
- Irregular or curved-shaped structures (oval, circular or semi-circular) are inauspicious as per the Vastu house plan, they restrict an individual’s growth and cause sorrow, misery, loss of wealth and other problems.
As per Vastu Shastra, any direction that a home faces – East, West, North or South is considered good, provided they adhere to some principles. According to Vastu, there are 32 gates or padas out of which 9 ( Mukhaya, Bhallat, Soma, Jayant, Indra, Vithatha, Grihrakshita, Sugriva, Pushpdanta) are considered to be auspicious for the home entrance.
North-facing House Vastu Plan
The north direction is dedicated to Lord Kuber, the god of wealth. If Vastu principles are implied properly, a north-facing home can be brimming with positivity and prosperity. For a north-facing house Vastu plan, the main entrance of a house is towards the north direction. It is important to acknowledge that the direction of a house is determined by the position of its main door. However, it is essential to adhere to Vastu Shastra guidelines for positioning certain elements to make a huge difference in your lifestyle and future while designing a north-facing Vastu house plan. For instance, the kitchen should be in the northwest direction. One can also choose the south direction for the north-facing house.
South-facing House Vastu Plan
South-facing homes get a very bad reputation and most home buyers tend to run a bit weary. These misconceptions can easily be slashed with the right south-facing house Vastu plan tips that can bring in positivity, happiness, peace and prosperity. According to Vastu Shastra, the entrance in your south-facing property must be placed in the centre of a south-facing wall or area, so that positive energy is aligned throughout the house. East and south directions are ideal for pooja room Vastu in a south facing house.
The amount of sunlight received in south facing home can be a boon or bane depending upon the location and the surroundings of the building. In summers maximum sun radiations are quite harmful to the human body while during winters or in hilly areas the energy consumed keeps the house warm and heated.
East-facing House Vastu Plan
According to Vastu Shastra, an east-facing house is considered auspicious for the homeowners. In accordance with a scientific view, east-facing house Vastu plans are blessed with good fortune and luck. The sun rays in the early morning in east-facing houses. This direction seeks maximum positive energy and good health for the owners. Moreover, houses that are broad in view and are at a lower level toward the east than in any other direction are prosperous.
For an east-facing home, the main entrance should be exactly in the middle rather than in the south-east or north-east, as these two corners are considered unfavourable, according to Vastu. If it is in the northeast corner, ensure you leave a six-inch gap between the wall and the main door to maximise the flow of positive energy inside.
Vastu for living room should be placed in the north-east side to success in both personal and professional life. Further, Vastu for bedrooms in east-facing properties should be placed in the southwest direction. Staircase Vastu tip- Build staircase in south or western direction of the house.
West-facing House Vastu Plan
Among homeowners a west-facing house is usually less preferred, as they are considered inauspicious, which is a myth due to a lack of understanding and misinterpretation of the Vastu Shastra. Experts say that the West direction brings wealth and prosperity proves favourable, especially for people in certain professions like business, politics, nursing and teachers.
The entrance of the home exudes positive energy, in the west-facing house Vastu plan the main entrance should be designed as per the Vastu principles, located within the right ‘padas’ or steps. As per the Vastu concepts, the pooja room and living room should be in the northeast of the house as it is a most sacred corner.
However, pooja room Vastu for west-facing properties can also be considered in the west direction but make sure idols face the east direction. In the living room, as per experts, the right placement of a money plant Vastu is very important to see its positive effect on your life. It should be kept in south-east direction for good luck and prosperity.
Vastu for Office
When constructing an office or any commercial building, people adhere to Vastu Shastra principles, to usher in luck and fortune. From financial circulation to business stability, it is believed that Vastu can bring prosperity and holistic well-being to the workspace.
Here’s how you can pave the way to success with these Vastu for office tips.
- The office doorway should be located in the north, north-east, or north-west direction. As per the Vastu guidelines, the northern direction is ruled by the god of wealth- Lord Kuber, while the north-east direction headed by water is an indicative of a person’s financial status.
- Entrepreneurs or business owners should sit facing the north, east or north-east direction as it advocates financial growth and new beginnings.
- Important financial documents should be secured in the southwest zone of the office, while the office safe can be placed in the northeast direction for growth and profitability.
- The decor items must be placed in the right direction to pave the way for prosperity and positivity at work.
Benefits of Vastu Shastra
Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural system that outlines guidelines for the design and arrangement of buildings. It is believed to bring harmony and positive energy into living spaces. Some of the benefits of Vastu Shastra include:
- Improved health and well-being: Following Vastu guidelines is thought to improve physical and mental health by ensuring proper ventilation, sunlight, and flow of positive energy in a building. It promotes a sense of well-being and reduces stress levels.
- Enhanced financial stability: Vastu Shastra suggests specific directions and elements to attract and enhance financial prosperity. Proper placement of cash lockers, desks, and offices based on Vastu principles can help in generating wealth and bringing financial stability.
- Higher success in career and business: According to Vastu principles, the correct placement of elements like the entrance, office desk, and furniture can positively impact career growth and business success. It is believed to bring luck and opportunities to individuals and businesses.
- Strengthened relationships and harmony: Vastu Shastra emphasizes the proper placement of bedrooms, kitchens, and living spaces to foster harmonious relationships within families. It aims to create a positive and peaceful living environment, which can contribute to stronger bonds and improved communication.
- fertility and healthy family life: Vastu Shastra provides guidelines for the placement of bedrooms, toilets, and other spaces in a way that promotes positive energy and balances the elements. Following these guidelines may contribute to a healthy family life and increased fertility.
- Better concentration and academic success: Vastu Shastra recommends specific directions and positions for study rooms and workspaces to enhance concentration and improve academic performance. A well-designed study area based on Vastu principles can create a conducive environment for learning and focus.
- Protection from negative energies: Vastu Shastra aims to create a balance between positive and negative energies and protect the occupants from negative influences. It suggests remedies and precautions to eliminate or minimize the impact of negative energies and bring peace and prosperity.
- Improved sleep quality: Vastu Shastra emphasizes the placement of bedrooms to promote good sleep and restorative sleep patterns. It suggests avoiding the placement of the bed under beams, and proper positioning of the head while sleeping, among other things, to enhance overall sleep quality.
- Increased positive energy and happiness: Vastu Shastra aims to create a harmonious living environment by following certain principles and guidelines. This is believed to attract positive energy and create a sense of happiness and contentment among the occupants.
- Overall well-balanced and harmonious living: Vastu Shastra takes into account the interplay between the five elements and aims to create a well-balanced and harmonious living space. By aligning the building with the surrounding environment and natural forces, Vastu Shastra promotes a sense of harmony, peace, and prosperity in one’s life.
In Conclusion
Vastu Shastra entangle the concept of variants of energies that influence the life of inhabitants. Vastu Shastra principles harmonise life with energies present around. While designing the structure take into consideration these Vastu tips for main entrance, master bedroom, kitchen, etc. for healthy and better living. In addition to more recommendations and Vastu remedies contact our experts at Square Yards for a Vastu-compliant home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Vastu is good for a house?
The northeast corner is considered to be the most auspicious section of the house according to Vastu shastra.
Does Vastu Shastra actually work?
It is not vital for a living but it is surely handy for a healthier and happier life.
How is Vastu Shastra calculated at home?
Vastu shastra is calculated by keeping in mind the placement of rooms, their directions, and the height of the walls.
Where should we keep photos of Vastu Bhagwan?
The northeast corner is the place of worship where the idols are placed.
Is Vastu mentioned in Vedas?
Yes.