Vastu Shastra: 5 Ancient Secrets for a Harmonious Home

Vastu Shastra: The Ancient Art of Harmonious Living

For centuries, the principles of Vastu Shastra have guided the design and layout of homes and spaces in India and beyond. Translating to the “science of architecture,” Vastu Shastra is rooted in the understanding that our environments profoundly impact our well-being, prosperity, and overall quality of life.

By aligning a space with the natural flow of energy, Vastu Shastra seeks to create environments that promote harmony, abundance, and a sense of balance. This article delves into the core principles, practical applications, and transformative potential of Vastu Shastra in enriching your living spaces.

What is Vastu Shastra?

• A traditional Indian architectural system based on the interplay of energies within a space.
• Rooted in the ancient Vedic texts of India.
• Aims to balance the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) for optimal well-being.
• Dictates auspicious directions, room placements, and design principles for harmonious living.

The Philosophy Behind Vastu

• Cosmic Energy: Vastu Shastra recognizes the universe as a dynamic field of energy, with different aspects of life linked to specific directions and elements.
• Harmony with Nature: Aligning a structure with the principles of Vastu Shastra is believed to ensure resonance with the natural forces of the cosmos.
• Positive Vibrations: A well-designed Vastu space promotes positive energy flow, fostering peace, prosperity, and good health for its occupants.

Vastu Shastra and the Five Elements

The five elements of nature–earth, water, fire, air, and space–form the foundation of Vastu Shastra. Understanding their interplay is crucial in creating a balanced environment.

• Earth: Associated with stability, prosperity, and grounding energy.
• Water: Represents fluidity, emotions, and adaptability.
• Fire: Symbolizes passion, transformation, and dynamism.
• Air: Connected to communication, intellect, and movement.
• Space: Embodies expansion, freedom, and the boundless potential.

Directions in Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra places significant emphasis on the eight cardinal and intermediate directions, as each is believed to hold a unique energy and influence:

• North: Associated with wealth and career (governed by Kuber, the god of wealth).
• South: Related to Dharma and reputation (governed by Yama, the god of death).
• East: Represents progress and enlightenment (governed by Indra, the king of gods).
• West: Linked to change and new beginnings (governed by Varuna, the god of water).
• Northeast: Considered a highly auspicious direction for spiritual growth and knowledge.
• Northwest: Associated with relationships, support, and movement.
• Southeast: Represents health, vitality, and purification.
• Southwest: Linked to stability, security, and grounding.

Vastu Shastra for Home Design

When designing a home according to Vastu principles, the placement of rooms and their designated purposes play a key role in overall harmony.

• Vastu Shastra Home Plan Ideal placement of rooms based on Vastu Shastra include:
  • Entrance: North or east-facing entrances are considered auspicious for welcoming positive energy.
  • Living Room: Best suited in the northwest or east portion of the house, promoting social connections and relaxation.
  • Kitchen: The southeast is the fire element’s domain, making it ideal for the kitchen.
  • Bedrooms: Southwest provides stability and grounding, making it favorable for master bedrooms. Other bedrooms can be located in the west.
  • Pooja Room (Prayer Room): The northeast is a sacred direction for a prayer or meditation room.
  • Bathroom & Toilets: Northwest or west are suitable for bathrooms and toilets.
• Vastu Shastra for Wealth and Prosperity
  • Keep the northeast area of your home clean, clutter-free, and open to invite abundance.
  • Consider placing a water feature or aquarium in the northeast for enhanced wealth flow.
  • The main safe or locker for valuables is best placed in the southwest, opening towards the north.
• Vastu Friendly House Plans
  • Square or rectangular shaped plots are considered favorable in Vastu Shastra.
  • Leave more open space in the north and east directions compared to the south and west.
  • Avoid irregular shapes or cuts in the plot or house structure.

Vastu Shastra Colors

Colors have a profound impact on our mood and the energy of a space. Vastu Shastra recommends specific colors based on directions and their associated elements.

• Vastu Shastra Colors for Home
  • North: Green, shades of blue
  • South: Red, orange, pink
  • East: White, light shades of yellow or blue
  • West: White, grey, silver
  • Northeast: Light yellow
  • Northwest: Cream, white, light grey
  • Southeast: Orange, pink
  • Southwest: Brown, earthy tones

Vastu Shastra Tips

• Vastu Tips for Financial Prosperity
  • Keep the north direction clutter-free to attract the energy of wealth.
  • Place mirrors on the north wall to symbolically expand abundance.
• Effective Vastu Tips for Health
  • Sleep with your head towards the south for a restful sleep.
  • Ensure ample sunlight and ventilation for positive energy.
• Vastu Shastra for Positive Energy at Home
  • Maintain a clean and organized home to dispel negativity.
  • Decorate with plants and flowers to infuse freshness and vitality.
  • Introduce water elements like fountains or aquariums for serenity.
  • Burn incense or use essential oil diffusers for a calming atmosphere.

Vastu Shastra Remedies

If you suspect energy imbalances or Vastu doshas (defects) in your home, Vastu Shastra offers remedies:

• Vastu Shastra Remedies for Wealth
  • Use Vastu pyramids or crystals to amplify positive energy related to wealth.
  • Keep a money plant in the southeast corner for prosperity.
• Solutions for Vastu Doshas (Defects)
  • Consult a Vastu expert for specific remedies tailored to your space. These may involve the placement of mirrors, specific colors, or the use of Vastu yantras.

Vastu Shastra in Modern Life

• How Vastu Shastra Affects Your Life
  • A home aligned with Vastu principles can promote feelings of peace, balance, and clarity.
  • It can support positive health, financial well-being, and fulfilling relationships.
  • It may help reduce stress and create a sense of harmony within yourself and your environment.
• Vastu Shastra and Architecture
  • Modern architects are increasingly incorporating Vastu concepts into their designs.
  • Vastu-compliant homes and offices can be both aesthetically pleasing and energetically harmonious.
  • Principles of light, ventilation, and spatial flow align with both Vastu Shastra and contemporary design sensibilities.

Additional Considerations

• Vastu Shastra for Office
  • Business owners can apply Vastu principles for success and harmonious work environments.
  • Auspicious seating arrangements, color schemes, and spatial layouts contribute to productivity and positivity.
• Vastu Shastra for Garden Layout
  • Gardens designed with Vastu in mind can be havens of tranquility and beauty.
  • Proper placement of trees, water features, and seating areas enhance the flow of energy.

Resources and Further Learning

• Vastu Shastra Books
  • “The Vastu Handbook” by Nithiyanandam Shree
  • “Mayamatam” (translated by Bruno Dagens)
  • “Vastu: The Art and Science of Living” by Rohit Arya
• Vastu Shastra in Hindi
  • Seek resources and experts specializing in Vastu Shastra who offer guidance in Hindi.

Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui Similarities and Differences

Vastu Shastra, originating in India, and Feng Shui, with roots in China, are ancient systems focused on harmonizing spaces for optimal well-being. While geographically distinct, they share intriguing parallels:

• The Power of Energy: Both emphasize the unseen forces within a space – ‘prana’ in Vastu Shastra and ‘chi’ in Feng Shui. The goal is to align a structure to promote the positive flow of this energy.
• Directions Matter: Whether determining the placement of a kitchen or the ideal direction to face while working, both systems consider the cardinal directions to be of paramount importance in creating an auspicious space.
• Key Differences: Vastu Shastra places significant weight on the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) and their influence on design. Feng Shui utilizes symbolic objects, the yin and yang balance, and the Bagua (energy map) to guide its principles.

Vastu Shastra’s Origins: The Vedas and Puranas

Vastu Shastra’s philosophy intertwines with the concept that architecture and natural forces hold a deep connection. Its core principles find their roots within the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas and Puranas. These sacred texts hold vast knowledge, and references to Vastu Shastra within them highlight its place as a fundamental part of the Hindu architectural tradition.

The interaction between the universal elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) and their influence on the energy surrounding a structure is pivotal within both Vastu Shastra and the wisdom of the Vedas and Puranas. This deep-rooted connection solidifies the importance of their relationship.

Materials and Their Energies

Vastu Shastra considers the very building materials used in a structure as possessing specific energetic qualities. Natural materials like wood are favored for their ability to encourage positive energy flow. Choosing the correct materials plays a vital role in creating a balanced environment.

The Takeaway

While distinct in their origins and some methodologies, Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui both seek to create spaces that nurture well-being, abundance, and peace. Understanding their core concepts offers a multi-faceted way to achieve a truly harmonious home or workspace.

Is vastu shastra scientifically proven?

Vasthu is not a myth or a superstition as many in the modern world would like to believe. Vasthu is a science developed centuries ago for designing buildings like palaces or modest homes and work places. The ancient epic ‘The Mahabharatha’ also refers to Lord Vishwakarma and his science of architecture in the construction of the Lakshagraha (Wax Palace). Vasthu provides the basics of construction especially in harnessing the energies of nature for the betterment of home and society.

Orient Cement

Vastu shastra (Sanskrit: वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstu śāstra – literally “science of architecture”[2]) is a traditional Indian system of architecture[3][4] based on ancient texts that describe principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry.[5] The designs aim to integrate architecture with nature, the relative functions of various parts of the structure, and ancient beliefs utilising geometric patterns (yantra), symmetry, and directional alignments.[6][7]

Wikipedia

FAQs

While there’s limited empirical research directly validating Vastu Shastra’s claims, some of its principles offer practical benefits that align with scientific understandings.

Conclusion

Vastu Shastra, an ancient treasure of wisdom, offers a holistic approach to designing spaces that resonate with the forces of nature. By understanding its core principles and practical applications, you can transform your home into a sanctuary of peace, prosperity, and well-being. Whether seeking to build a new house or enhance your existing living environment, embracing the insights of Vastu Shastra can open doors to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.