ROLE OF VASTU IN HOUSE DESIGNING
September 9th, 2020
Vastu shastra is the traditional Indian system of architecture that is widely adhered to in the country. It is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The design focus is on the amalgamation of architecture with nature, the relative functions of various parts of the structure, and ancient beliefs utilizing geometric patterns (yantra), symmetry, and directional alignments.
Today almost 93 percent of the home buyers seek Vastu compliant home. Since home is the only place where one is most open and vulnerable, every design choice is likely to have a specific psychological impact on one’s subconscious. Vastu with the help of design, layout, space arrangement, directions, aims at eliminating negative energy from your home and elevating the flow of positive energy.
But before moving forward let’s take a few steps backward and see how the Vastu shastra came into existence!
VASTU-PURUSH: THE MYTHOLOGY
Mayamata, an ancient manuscript explains the legend of Vastu purush. It all started when Lord Brahma the creator of the universe created a huge man with enormous powers to grow. With the passage of time, the man grew tremendously with an insatiable hunger and devoured everything he possibly could. Soon he became unmanageably big casting a shadow that projected a permanent eclipse on the earth.
Shiva and Vishnu were mortified and pleaded Brahma to destroy the man. On realizing his mistake, Brahma called upon the Gods of eight cardinal directions (Astha Dikapalakas) for help. Brahma jumped into the center and together they clobbered the man and pinned him on the ground with.
The man cried out “You created me, so why punish now?” Hearing this Brahma thought for a moment and said “I will make you immortal and all mortal people who build any sort of structure on earth will worship you. You will be present in all the land and you are from now onwards known as Vastu Purusha”.
VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA: EXPLAINED
The Vastu Purusha mandala is a metaphysical square plan divided into 9×9= 81 parts. It demonstrates how Vastu Purusha was pinned down, collectively by 45 Gods with his head in the North-East direction and leg towards South-West direction.
There are 32 Gods in the outer part and 13 Gods in the inner part. These Gods rule various parts of a human with certain qualities. If we construct according to the Vastu Purusha Mandala, making sure that no deity of that area is offended, then the structure shall prosper with happy and satisfied inhabitants.
VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA AND ARCHITECTURE
Throughout the day we perform numerous functions in various parts. Our Guru’s planned a framework where various rooms of a home receive the best rays of the sun during the 24 hour span depending on the location of work.
The placement of rooms based on the direction of the sun:
North-East: 3:00 am to 6:00 is the Brahma Mahurat, when the sun is on the north east direction which makes it best for meditation, exercise, or study, with pooja/prayer room, living room, or study planned in this part.
East: 6:00 am to 9:00 am with the sun in the East is suitable for starting a day and for a bathroom (without toilet). Moreover, a living room, unmarried children’s bedroom, guest room, dining, pooja hall, and study can also be planned at this part of the house.
South-East: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon with the Sun in the South-East is best to locate a kitchen, office, or unmarried son’s bedroom in this direction.
South: 12 noon to 3:00 pm with the Sun in South is a good location for the office. This portion of the house can also be used to construct a storeroom, staircase, and even toilets due to high intensity of sun rays.
South-West: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm is post-lunch when the sun is in South-West part of a home making it suitable for master bedroom. A staircase or strong room can also be accommodated in this portion.
West: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm with the sun setting calls for relaxation and dining making it suitable for a dining room. Kid’s room, prayer hall, study, or a staircase can also be constructed on this portion.
North-West: 9:00 pm to 12:00 am is best suited for a bedroom for relaxation and sleeping. We can also construct a living room on this portion.
North: 12:00 am and 3:00 am is the time of secrecy and darkness; and is suitable for a cash room or strong room. A living room or dining room can also be placed in this direction.
PANCHATATWA: THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF VASTU
As decoded Vastu Shastra, is an ancient guide that is extensively practiced for better living. The discipline of direction harmonizes these five elements with man and materials. Each of the elements resembles natural forces that influence our lives.
These five elements are namely:
PRITHVI (EARTH)
The first element of Vastu is earth or Prithvi. The gravitational and magnetic qualities of earth influence us vastly. In Vastu it is crucial to select a proper site. Thus it is necessary to check every detail of the site before construction, including soil inspection, area, and direction of the site for a healthy and fit life.
JAL (WATER)
Jal or water is the second most vital element of Vastu as it plays a considerable role in our existence. 80 percent human body is water and two-third of the earth’s surface is water. In Vastu the north-east direction for water bodies like swimming pool, water tank, wells, and boring is considered for utmost positivity.
AGNI (FIRE)
The next element is Agni or fire. It correlates with the sun which is the main source of natural light and energy. In Vastu south-east direction is suitable for kitchen and electrical gadgets for optimum positivity. Also, proper ventilation for sunlight is essential as it is a natural source of light for us.
VAYU (AIR)
Vayu or air is an essential element of nature, without which survival is difficult. In Vastu, it has a proper direction that is north-west from where the air should enter. Vastu has guidelines to plan the placements of openings, balconies, building height, and shrubs.
AAKASH (SPACE)
The last element that also relates to our sense of hearing is Space or Akash. Space is limitless and influences us enormously, thus in Vastu for Space, the layout of the house should be in a way that light enters the central area of the house without disruption in this Space and is kept vacant.
The next step in learning Vastu shastra is understanding the Vastu for each room in a home.
Where to find it?
It’s right here! Our article Key Vastu points to look for while designing your home has everything you’d want to know about Vastu shastra for every room in a home. We, as one of the leading residential construction companies in Delhi make sure that Vastu is right for every project.