Introduction
To Vaastu
The word Vaastu means a dwelling.
Vaastu Shilpa means the science of house building.
The science of house building is very ancient in India. The knowledge
has come down from creator Brahma through an unbroken succession
of sages.
According to the Vishwakarma Vaastu Shastra, the celestial architect
Lord Brahma got a thorough knowledge of his science from Lord Shiva.
The present day Vaastu owes its origin mainly to 125 verses contained
in Brihat Sanhita of Varahamihira.
We are presently below a simplified summary of Vaastu principles.
The Vaastu Shastra in itself is too detailed to be presented at
a single place. Nor it is likely to be understood by the modern
day's generation in its original form.
Basic
Principles Of Vaastu
The following are some of the Vaastu-logically
correct principles of house making and design. Please note that
like most of the ancient sciences, some of the knowledge that is
contained in these principles may not be any more relevant at present
times. However, the very basic of Vaastu principles will always
continue to be beneficial to the mankind in one form or the other.
The basic principles are:
* If you are in the process of buying a plot or site, please remember
that plots/sites in South West, South & West directions are more
advantageous than others.
* According to Vaastu, the most beneficial entrances in the house
are those in North East, East or North direction.
* Living Room or the dining room is best looked in East, North &
Northeast directions. * The bedroom according to Vaastu should be
in southwest/south or west direction.
* The children's bedroom should ideally be in NorthWest. It could
be in Southeast & North as well but never in southwest or south.
* If you are fortunate enough in present times to have the luxury
of having a separate room for the guests, make the guestroom in
Northwest or northeast direction.
* The kitchen of the house is ideally located in Southeast followed
by NorthWest & East.
* Bathrooms & Toilets should be in Northwest of the house or in
West or South direction.
* While purchasing a plot or a site, it is advisable to go in for
a rectangular or square shape. As far as possible, the site should
be slopping towards North & East or Northeast.
* While making the building or the house, it is advisable to have
equal open space on all four sides. The levels of open spaces should
be higher in South & West side and lower in North & East side. Outlets
of rainwater should be in Northeast or North zones.
* The living room of the central zone (Brahmasthan) should be free
from any kind of obstructions. By obstructions, we mean any kind
of beam, pillar, fixture, toilet, staircase or even a wall or lift.
* The direction in which you sleep is also very important. One should
never sleep with head in the north. Sleeping with head towards south
ensures long life. While on a journey, it is advisable to sleep
with head towards west.
* In your studyroom, have your seat so as to face east or north.
Do not have a toilet in the studyroom, though you can have a bathroom.
* Do not use a dark colour in the study room. Use yellow or white
or pink. Put the book shelf in east or north.
* If you construct more than a floor, prepare the first floor on
Southwest. The height of first floor shall not exceed that of ground
floor. Do not build a storeroom on first floor.
* It is said that a storeroom in the Northwest corner leads to abundant
supply of essential commodities. Keep a holy picture on one eastern
wall. Light colours should not be used on the storeroom. Use dark
colours or blue or green. Never sleep in the storeroom at night.
Also refrain from taking out grains from the storeroom in night.
* The bathroom/bathrooms can be either inside or outside the house.
In case it is inside, it should be located on the eastern or northern
side. (If attached to a bedroom, then to eastern or northern side
of the bedroom). When located outside, then it should be in Northeast
corner, but away from the main building. The lavatories are forbidden
in Northeast, Center, Southwest and West directions of the house.
* Vaastu Shastra also guides us about what type of plants and trees
should be planted around a dwelling unit so as to enjoy their positive
properties the most.
* Vaastu does not prescribe having a Mango, Banana or a Jamun tree
very near your house. However Peepal at some distance from the house
in West direction is considered auspicious, as is Imli in South
West of the house.
* It is also auspicious to have an Anaar, Ashoka, Chandan, Champa,
Chameli,Gulaab , Nariyal & Keshar tree around a house.
* On the size & shape of the door , Vaastu advises that width of
the door should be half of the height of the door. Square doors
as also automatic doors should be avoided.
* The Paintings / Statues in the house are also important. One should
not have pictures depicting war scenes (even if they belong to the
Epic Mahabharata or Ramayan battles). Similiarly scenes depicting
negativities of life like sorrow , struggle , violence (including
that of wild beasts), tragedy and of calamities.
