Vastu Shastra: Origin, Importance, and Benefits

Vastu Shastra: Origin, Importance, and Benefits

You might have heard about Vastu Shastra and skipped it, thinking it is just another superstition. But do you know the origin and its importance? Or how scientific is it? This article is to answer all your basic questions about Vastu Shastra.

Vastu Shastra literally translates to “science of architecture” and is a traditional system to architecture originated in India. Vastu Shastra is a conceptual science that helps in creating positive energy, harmony, and prosperity living in your home or any building. In simple words, Vastu Shastra tells about how a house should be built facing certain directions with rooms placed accordingly and how the house should be decorated. We spend most of our time indoors so I don’t know why we shouldn’t be worrying about the energy we create in our homes and workplaces. 

You might also have heard about Feng Shui practiced in the Chinese culture which is somewhat similar to Vaastu Shastra but, Feng Shui only talked about how the house should be decorated and not how a house should be built.

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Vaastu Shastra Principles

The 5 Fundamental Principles of Vaastu Shastra are: 

  1. Site Orientation-known as Diknirnaya
  2. Site Planning- known as Vaastu Purusha Mandala
  3. Proportions of the building- known as Maana
  4. Dimensions of the building- known as Aayadi
  5. Aesthetics of the building- known as Chanda

Origin

Vastu is part of the Yajur Veda, which dates back to be four to five thousand years old. Brihat-Samhita by Varahmi from 6th century CE is a widely cited Sanskrit Manual that describes something like a vastupurusamandala to plan cities and buildings. But it is believed that Vastu had been followed even before the 1st Century CE. 

According to the Shastra, each direction belongs to different Gods that protect the part of the house.

For example, the Prayer room is best suited in the East or North direction as the direction belongs to God, whereas the Kitchen is best suited in the South-East direction as it is the direction of Agni.

The science Behind Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is based on the natural energies like Solar Energy from the sun, lunar energy from the moon, Earth energy, electric energy, thermal energy, wind energy, a cosmic energy, etc. The laws of Vastu are influenced by the five basic elements of the universe which are Sky, earth, fire, wind & water. Vastu directly might not have been proved scientifically, but the principles of the Vastu are definitely affected by science. Vastu Shastra is a logical science to ensure a balanced flow of natural energies present in the environment. The laws of Vastu are directly interlinked with science, and there is a scientific analysis in every law of the Vastu Shastra.

For example, Vastu advises the wall of the west direction should be thick. And science says that the morning sun is beneficial, but in the afternoon the sun brings in harmful ultraviolet rays. 

The formal Architectural education also includes subjects like climatology, structural design, architectural design, building materials, history of architecture, etc. Which are very similar to the Vastu Shastra Principles.

Importance

Even in the 21st century, Vastu Shastra’s relevancy hasn’t dropped. It is still used as a selling point by the real estate agents to sell Vastu compliant houses. Vaastu Shastra is about developing the ideal atmosphere for living or functioning practically. The residential and commercial spaces constructed should rely on the basics of the Five Elements in all aspects of planning, construction, and doing the interiors. It also talks about the orientation of a building. The orientation not only enhances the positive energy but also helps with the mental and wellbeing and prosperity of the occupants. Vastu has become the backbone of people while construction buildings. Having a roof above your head isn’t only important, making sure the house has been constructed properly following the Vaastu principles and the five elements in check is important to ensure the quality of life of the members of the house or the office. Vaastu Shastra should be used in the construction of structures based on creating harmony between the elements in the environment.

Benefit

Okay, so after laying out the importance, the history, and the basic stuff let us dive into the benefit of Vastu Shasta, what happens when your house is Vastu Complaint? Vastu talks about how the house should be built and how things should be placed inside. So, let’s talk about the benefits when you follow it.

  • The house will have a good amount of natural light and a very good ventilation system when it is faced North or north-east direction.
  • To ensure proper ventilation and an infection-free atmosphere, the bathrooms should be places in the southern or south-west corner of the house.
  • It Enhances your health and vitality and promotes financial prosperity
  • Creates a stress-free environment with improving your relationship with other people.
  • Provides you with prosperity and a good night’s sleep if the direction of the rooms is in check.

What Happens if Your Home is not a Vastu Complaint?

Vastu Shastra: Origin, Importance, and Benefits

Okay, so after talking all about Vaastu, you might ask, But is Vaastu that necessary? Can’t I live my life without a Vastu Compliant home? Yes, you can live a life without Vastu Shastra, but are you willing to leave out on the possible benefits of Vaastu and hinder the quality of life you could live? Here are some things you could miss out on without Vaastu Shastra.

  • Without Vastu, the sunlight and ventilation might not be up to the mark, as Vastu is the science of architecture
  • The wrong direction for bedrooms might invite problems such as sleeplessness, anxiety, and short-temperateness.
  • Without the house being Vaastu compliant, the subconscious of the inhabitants will not receive the required positive energy to leverage in their life.
  • Without the correct placement of the home according to Vaastu, your mental and physical health also could be hindered, which in turn will impact your quality of life.

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