Vastu Shastra science is an ancient Hindu discipline, used by our ancestors, in the field of architecture and building construction. The principles laid down have their roots in both science & logic and Hindu belief systems. The main objective of following these rules & recommendations is to build a space that is in tune with the beneficial cosmic as well as natural energies. As a result, it is believed to be favorable for the health and prosperity of the dwellers.
तृणानि भुमिरुदकं वाक् चतुर्थी च सूनृता।
सतामेतानि गेहेषु नोच्छिघन्ते कदाचन। ।
Straw, earth, water, and sweet but true tongue – these four things are never refused to anyone in the house of a noble hearted person.
As architects and interior designers, the gamut of our clients includes those who want to follow the Vastu Shastra science with perfection to those who are not very particular, for them following some basic principles is sufficing. And of course, many don’t bother at all about the concept. But we, as designers, need to understand the logic behind this ancient Hindu science to make informed decisions without any fear. And also, we want to fulfill the wishes of our clients by implementing it whole-heartedly. Sadly there is a lot of information available but it lacks proper explanation and reasoning. In this article, I am sharing my understanding of the subject.
The Vastu Purusha
Vastu Purusha is believed to occupy all spaces. Every space is believed to be a living organism, represented by Vastu Purusha, and therefore needs to breathe. It also needs an environment that is conducive and favorable for the survival of Vastu Purusha. It is only then that the inhabitants of that space can live a healthy and prosperous life. Vastu Purusha has it’s head in the Northeast direction and folded legs & feet in the Southwestern direction. As the mythology goes, Vastu Purusha was the demon who destroyed whatever Brahma ( the Creator) created. So Brahma pressed him on earth and several Gods sat on him to prevent him from escaping. His face is downwards towards the earth.
Therefore northeast should be kept light and open as it has the head of Vastu Purusha. Besides, the center of any space which is the place of his naval and heart should be kept open and empty. This area is called Brahamstahana. It is the Vastu Purusha who bears the load of any building.
THE FIVE ELEMENTS IN VASTU shastra – PANCHMAHABHOOTAS
Vastu Shastra assigns each of the directions an element out of the five elements of nature which are – fire, earth, air, water, and space. It is only when we have a balance of the five elements or panchmahabhootas in our ecosystem that we can enjoy the bliss of our stay on earth both in our bodies and the dwellings created by us.
• Northeast is the direction of the water element. Water is purifying by nature and is always flowing to the lower level. Water is nourishing, nurturing, and rejuvenating. Its sight induces peace and tranquility.
• Southeast is the direction of the fire element. Fire is a very active element. Again it is purifying by nature. In Hindu Philosophy no ceremony or ritual is complete without a fire.
• Southwest is the direction of the earth element. Earth is an element that is fixed by nature. There is a type of inertia and heaviness associated with this element. It has its limitations. It induces a sense of stability.
• Northwest is the direction of the air element. Air is always moving and also has a purifying and refreshing nature.
• Brahamsthana is the center of any area and is for space or Akash element. Space is essential for proper communication and for connecting with the divine. It lightens up any space and keeps it from feeling closed in or claustrophobic.
To benefit from any direction, the activities must resonate with the element of that direction.
Broadly, the northeast should house water bodies, the southeast should be planned with the kitchen and other heat-related activities, the southwest should consist of the resting areas, and the northwest should house the temporary activities, like guest bedrooms. Click here to know more about the five elements in interior design.
THE qualities of the directions – gunas
Out of the three Gunas, which are namely- Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva, each direction is believed to possess one.
• Rajas is the attribute which depicts passion and activity. It gives ambition and desire to achieve it fast.
• Tamas is the attribute that fills any person or object with inertia, inactivity, and lethargy. This is the most undesirable of the three Gunas.
• Sattva is the most sought after quality. It is the balance of rajas and tamas. This attribute represents the perfect balance, positivity, and peace.
Again the four directions are attributed with one of the three Gunas and the four cardinal directions are a mix of the two gunas on either side. Our placement of activities should be per the quality of the direction.
In conclusion, the southwest is the direction best suited for bedrooms and resting spaces. Northeast is the sattvic direction best suited for prayer, meditation, entrance, etc. Southeast and Northwest are suitable for more action-oriented activities whether daily or long term.
THE lords of the directions – dikpalas
It is believed that each direction is the abode of a Hindu God or deity. That particular God or Goddess dictates and influences the characteristics of the direction according to his or her inherent nature. Hence, each direction is deemed to be suitable for particular activities and may not be so conducive to certain other activities.
THE science behind vastu
The scientific principles that support Vastu Shastra include the earth’s tilt on its axis, the magnetic field of the earth, and the sun’s path. The whole intention of this science is to harness the useful energies of our natural resources for our benefit.
EARTH’S TILT ON IT’S AXIS
Due to the earth’s tilt on its axis by 23.5°, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun. As a result, there is more mass in the northern hemisphere. Therefore it is recommended to keep it lighter and lower to balance the excess mass. Although the sun rises in the eastern horizon, it is the northeastern direction that receives the first sun rays due to the tilt of the earth. Early morning sun rays are filled with cool colors and a beneficial spectrum of ultraviolet rays. Hence it is recommended to keep the northeast direction open, light, and extended to receive maximum positive energies. The southwest direction receives the harshest, poisonous, and radioactive infrared rays in the afternoon. We should therefore have thick walls with minimum openings on this side.
EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD
The magnetic field of the earth is directed from the magnetic north pole to the magnetic south pole. We all know that the south magnetic pole is near the geographical north pole. Therefore it is the north pole (Geographical) which is rich in these magnetic energies. A negative field is created at the south (Geographical ) pole since the magnetic rays get depleted there.
Vastu Shastra advises us to never sleep with our head towards the north direction. Our head corresponds with the north pole. We all know that like poles repel each other. Sleeping with our head on the north side will create an imbalance of the magnetic field. In turn, this will affect our blood circulation and sound sleep.
Hence it reinforces the idea of the north and northeast being the most auspicious and beneficial directions. They should be kept as extended, low, and open as possible.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES AS PER VASTU shastra
| DIRECTION | RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES |
| NORTH | Reception areas, |
| NORTHEAST | Prayer room, meditation/yoga room, Entrance, Reception areas |
| EAST | Main entry, Reception areas, Meditation, prayer room |
| SOUTHEAST | Kitchen, generators, electrical equipment. |
| SOUTH | Bedrooms, storage areas, staircases, Tall and heavy structures, toilets. |
| SOUTHWEST | Master bedroom, storage areas, staircases, Tall and heavy structure. |
| WEST | Dining room, Study, Bedrooms, Staircase, Toilets. |
| NORTHWEST | Guest rooms, Servant rooms, Garages. |
It is believed that Vastu shastra principles provide us with a gateway to a more holistic living which is in sync with nature. We can invite positive cosmic energies or Prana into our living spaces by understanding and following the principles laid down by Vastu Shastra. Hence we can lead a prosperous life. Vastu Shastra is not a magic tool. Rather it is a belief system that strives to bring us closer to ancient wisdom and a harmonious way of living.