Vastu Shastra is a traditional Indian Science of Architecture which guides the construction and design of buildings with the natural and simple laws of the universe. Vastu’s origin can be traced back to more than 5000 years. Faith is very important in Vastu.
The Sanskrit word ‘Vastu’ here means a house foundation or a site and ‘Shastra’ translates to teaching or science. Hence, together they mean ‘science of construction’. Vastu Shastra is aimed at harnessing the higher energy levels within the self and can help in various aspects of life such as:
A proper house to live in is the prime necessity for every living being. Its importance has been explained in the Indian civilization thousand years ago. According to it, before constructing our House, Hotel, Factory, Office, Clinic, Hospital, Restaurant, Motels etc. we should know (go through) the placement and balancing of these five elements and do the construction accordingly so that one gets PEACE, PROSPERITY & HAPPINESS.
These five elements are EARTH, AIR, SPACE, FIRE and WATER.
Our body is also made of these five elements (‘Panchbhoota’ or ‘Panchtatva’) and therefore in this whole process Vastu-Shastra has been very much advantageous.
The entire Universe, whether it is Stars, Planets, Moons, or any form of life, is made up of these five elements. In buildings, each direction is dominated by one element; a balanced state being the cause of positive, and an imbalanced state the cause of negative effects. It is the balance or imbalance among these ‘Panchtatva’ that makes one’s space a virtual heaven or hell.
An underground water tank in South Zone will cause anxiety, fire-accidents, restlessness and disturbed sleep. Similarly, the fire placed in North Zone (Zone of Water) will block new opportunities, receipt of payments and lack of orders, as they are attributes of this Zone. So here in these examples, you can see how an imbalanced state of elements in a building creates problematic real-life situations.
In Vastu Shastra, eight directions i.e. North, East, West, South, North-East, South-East, South-West and North-West are considered as important.
SPACE (‘Akasha’) – ‘Akasha’ is the sky or space that provides shelter to all the remaining elements. Space is also important because it is considered to be the primary conductor of all forms of energies, be they physical energy such as sound or light; or cognitive energy forms such as intellect and intuition; and even social energy forms such as emotional energy and psychological energy. Space represents expansion, enhancement, extension, spread, communication and even thought process (Mental Space). Space dominates the Western direction.
Balanced State
In a balanced state, Space gives you the charge of your destiny. It gives you a sense of direction and the ability to get organized, ensuring that you excel in all that you do. Space gives you the knowledge and awareness to understand new, creative and beneficial ideas.
AIR (‘Vayu’) – Air or ‘Vayu’ is what gives support to all life on earth. Without oxygen, no living creature would survive on our planet. ‘Vayu’ is measured in many ways: humidity, airflow, temperature, pressure, composition, etc. Air represents growth in your life. It is also associated with
movement, especially rotational movement, so it brings refreshment, fun, joy and happiness in life. This element dominates the East.
Balanced State
Air gives you the courage to try new things, take risks for your growth and to explore your inner-self. You get to meet people who pave the way for your growth and you perform impressively.
EARTH (‘Bhumi’) – The earth or ‘Bhumi’ is the land that rests both above and below the sea. Self-sustaining and all-powerful, it shapes the very continents and land mass that humanity lives on. Mother Earth gives stability, balance; infinite patience and maturity in character are imbued by this element. Earth dominates the center and diagonal directions in every built-up Space.
Balanced State
When Earth element is balanced, it induces stability in your life; be it your career, behavior, relationships, or results of your efforts. It encourages towards a feeling of peace and harmony with the entire world, especially with those related by blood.
WATER (‘Jala’) – Water or ‘Jala’ is the core of almost all living beings on earth. Our bodies are constituted of a large degree of water and our blood could not be generated without ‘Jala’. Even the earth itself is almost 70% water. This shows that water is one of the crucial elements that help in supporting life on earth. It is associated with conception of new ideas, clarity of thoughts, creation of new vision, flowing of new opportunities in your life, healing energy, immunity and restoration of health. Water dominates the North direction in buildings.
Balanced State
When Water is in balanced state in a building, the people in such buildings are able to see the larger picture of life. Though their attitude towards life becomes spiritual and philosophical, they are, at the core, essentially, worldly beings.
FIRE (‘Agni’) – Fire represents light and heat which account for day, night, the seasons, energy, enthusiasm, passion and vigor. Without this energy, there would be no rotation and revolution around the sun. Fire is represented on earth by the molten core of the planet. Fire is the driving force behind all life processes and thus is equated with money in modern era. It can transform your life with confidence and enthusiasm. South is the direction of Fire.
Balanced State
In its balanced state, Fire brings you fame and recognition among the masses. It gives you zeal, power, strength, confidence and money, which become the driving force behind life and its processes.
The essential premise of Vastu Shastra is that there is always an invisible and constant inter-relation between all five elements. Therefore, any effort by man to build on earth must take into account all five elements and plan accordingly. A building that is made according to the rules of Vastu Shastra will give the inhabitants health, happiness, wealth and prosperity. A building that is made not in accordance to the rules of Vastu may incidentally incorporate one of the elements, but not the others. This leads to discord and disharmonious living conditions, resulting in loss of wealth, health, happiness and prosperity. Only with proper knowledge and implementation of Vastu Shastra can an abode help the inhabitants to realize their true potential.
