Vastu Shastra

85 Articles

Vastu Shastra Articles

85 articles

Vastu Shastra: The Science of Sacred Architecture

Understanding Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is the ancient Indian science of architecture and spatial arrangement that harmonizes buildings with natural forces and cosmic energy. Dating back thousands of years, it provides guidelines for designing homes, offices, and temples to promote health, prosperity, and spiritual wellbeing. The word 'Vastu' means dwelling place, and 'Shastra' means science or teaching.

The Five Elements in Vastu

Vastu is based on balancing the five elements (Pancha Mahabhutas): Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Each direction of a building corresponds to specific elements and planetary influences. The northeast (Ishaan) relates to water and spirituality, southeast (Agneya) to fire and cooking, southwest (Nairutya) to earth and stability, and northwest (Vayavya) to air and movement.

Vastu for Home Design

Key Vastu principles for homes include: entrance ideally in the north, east, or northeast; master bedroom in the southwest; kitchen in the southeast; prayer room in the northeast; and toilets away from the northeast. The center of the home (Brahmasthan) should be open and clutter-free. Following these guidelines promotes positive energy flow.

Vastu for Office and Business

Business premises benefit from Vastu alignment. The owner's cabin should be in the southwest with the person facing north or east. The reception should be in the northeast or north. Heavy equipment goes in the southwest, while the accounts department suits the southeast. Proper Vastu can improve business prospects and workplace harmony.

Vastu Remedies and Corrections

When structural changes aren't possible, Vastu offers remedies using colors, mirrors, plants, and yantras to balance energies. Pyramids and crystals can energize spaces. Salt water placed in corners absorbs negative energy. These adjustments help mitigate Vastu defects without major renovations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vastu Shastra similar to Feng Shui?

While both systems aim to harmonize spaces with natural energy, they have different origins and principles. Vastu comes from Vedic traditions and emphasizes cardinal directions, while Feng Shui is Chinese and focuses on chi flow. Some principles overlap, but they're distinct systems.

Can Vastu defects cause problems?

Vastu principles suggest that imbalanced spaces can affect wellbeing and prosperity. However, many factors influence life outcomes. Vastu compliance can create a supportive environment, but it works alongside other factors like karma, effort, and attitude.

How important is direction of the main door?

The main entrance is considered very important in Vastu as it's where energy enters the home. North, east, and northeast-facing entrances are generally favorable. However, the overall Vastu of the property matters more than any single element.

Content curated by the AstroSight team of Vedic astrology experts with decades of combined experience in traditional Jyotish practices.