Vastu

Vastu shastra – “science of construction” or “architecture” is an ancient doctrine which consists of precepts born out of a traditional view on how the laws of nature affect human dwellings. The designs are based on directional alignments. It used to be applied in Hindu architecture, especially for Hindu temples, and covers other domains, including vehicles, vessels, furniture, sculpture, paintings etc. The foundation of Vastu is traditionally ascribed to the sage Maamuni Mayan (Mahaa-muni Maya, a daanava/demon reformed by tapasyaa/austerities) in South India, and Vishvakarman in North India.

Vaastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science developed thousands of years ago by ancient Indian saints and rishis, puts forward rules for the construction of buildings and temples and has been practiced for centuries. Vaastu Shastra, an integral part of Indian architecture, having its its roots extended in Indian Philosophy, maths, geology, geography, religion and takes into account, factors influencing a Site, such as topography, roads, structures around, Sun’s effects, Earth’s magnetic field, cardinal directions, Earth’s energy fields and elements of Nature.

Five elements

According to vastu sastra, the world comprises five basic elements known as the pancha maha bhoota.

EARTH (Bhumi)
WATER (Jal)
AIR (Vayu)
FIRE (Agni)
SPACE (Akasha)

 Vastu Purusha Mandala

The Vastu Purusha Mandala is an indispensable part of vastu shastra and constitutes the mathematical and diagrammatic basis for generating design. It is the metaphysical plan of a building that incorporates the coursly bodies and supernatural forces. Purusha refers to energy, power, soul or cosmic man. Mandala is the generic name for any plan or chart which symbolically represents the cosmos.

North - Kubera – Ruled by lord of wealth (Finance)
South - Yama – Ruled by lord of death – Yama (Damaging)
East - Indra – Ruled by the solar deity- Aditya (Seeing the world)
West - Varuna – Ruled by lord of water – (Physical)
Northeast – Eshanya – Ruled by Shiva
Southeast - Agni- Ruled by the fire deity – Agni (Energy)
Northwest - Vayu- ruled by the god of winds (Advertisement)
Southwest - Pitru/Nairutya, Niruthi – Ancestors (History)
Center – Brahma- Ruled by the creator of the universe (Desire)