PRACTICAL APPROACH OF VASTU SHASTRA IN ARCHITECTURE

AUSPICIOUS  DAYS TO START CONSTRUCTION

•  SUNDAY:  FEAR OF FIRE
• MONDAY:  PAECE, PROSPERITY & HAPPINESS
• TUESDAY:  NEGATIVE  EFFECTS
• WEDNESDAY:  GOOD FOR WEALTH, FAME & FAMILY
• THURSDAY:  LONGLIFE, NAME & FAME
• FRIDAY:  MENTAL PEACE & HAPPINESS, FUNCTIONS
• SATURDAY:  LOSS OF WEALTH, PEACE & LIFE.

AUSPICIOUS  MONTHS TO START CONSTRUCTION

• MARCH-APRIL(CHAITRA):  FEAR OF FIRE
• APRIL-MAY (VAISHAKH):  AUSPICIOUS
• MAY-JUNE ( JAISHSTHA ):  FEAR OF DEATH
• JUNE-JULY ( ASHADHA ):  LOSS OF DOMESTIC ANIMAL
• JULY-AUGUST ( SHRAWANA ):  GOOD FOR FAMILY
• AUGUST-SEPTEMBER ( BHADRA ):  ILLNESS & TROUBLES
• OCT-NOVEMBER ( KARTIKA ):  PROSPERITY
• NOV- DEC ( MARGASHEESHA ):  TROUBLES, FEAR
• DEC-JAN ( PUASHA ):  FEAR OF FIRE & PROBLEMS

IMPORTANCE  OF  COLOURS  IN  VASTU

• DARK  RED:    LOVE & AFFECTION
• MEDIUM  RED:  HEALTH & FULL OF LIFE
• BRIGHT RED:  DESIRE
• DARK PINK:  FESTIVITY, MORE FEMANINE
• MEDIUM  PINK:  TENDERNESS & SOFTNESS
• DARK  ORANGE:  AMBITIOUS
• MEDIUM  ORANGE:  FIGHTING SPIRIT & ENTHUSIASM
• LIGHT  ORANGE:  WITH SPEED
• DARK  BROWN:  APPROPRIATE
• MEDIUM  YELLOW:  GOOD
• LIGHT  YELLOW:  INTELLIGENCE
• DARK  YELLOW:  ENERGETIC
• LIGHT  GOLDEN:  HUMANITY
• MEDIUM  GOLDEN:  PROSPERITY
• DARK  GOLDEN:  LUXURY
• MEDIUM  GREEN:  OPENNESS & PRACTICAL
• DARK  GREEN:  INNOCENCE
• MEDIUM  BLUE:  IDEAL
• DARK  BLUE:  HONESTY  &  DEVOTION
• LIGHT  BLUE:  PEACE LOVING
• LIGHT  MEDIUM  BLUE:  KINDNESS
• LIGHT  BRINGEL:  TENDERNESS
• DARK  BRINGEL:  LUXURY

DESIGNING PROCEDURE AS PER VASTU

• MARK NORTH DIRECTION ON THE SITE PLAN
• PUT BRAHMA ESTHAN ON THE SITE PLAN.
• ARRANGE VARIOUS ZONES OF VASTU OVER THE SITE PLAN.
• PUT MAIN GATE IN THE  PLOT FROM THE ZONE OF HIGH POSITIVE ENERGY.
• ALLOW THE SET BACKS TO BE LEFT AS PER DEV. AUTHORITY NORMS
• ENSURE THE RECTANGULARITY OF THE PLOT, LIMITISE THE DESIGNING ONLY IN RECTANGULAR PORTION, REST MAY BE LEFT FOR REMEDIES.
• ARRANGE THE SPACES AS PER VASTU TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLIENT.
• ENSURE THAT MAIN ENTRY DOOR ( DEHRI ) FACES NORTH OR EAST  DIRECTION.
• NORTH AND EAST OF THE PLOT SHOULD BE LEFT OPEN IF POSSIBLE FOR POSITIVE ENERGIES TO FLOW IN.
• SOUTH AND WEST MAY BE PLANNED HEAVY TO CHECK THE FLOW OF NEGATIVE ENERGIES IN THE PLOT.
• PUJA IN N-E ZONE OF THE PLOT, ONE SHOULD FACE EAST WHILE PERFORMING PUJA.
• WATER BORING IN NORTH TO EAST (AVOIDING EXACTLY N-E) ZONE.

 VASTU : RESIDENTIAL COLONIES

 HOW TO DESIGN A RESIDENTIAL COLONY :

• LOCATE  NORTH  DIRECTION ON THE SITE PLAN
• LOCATE THE CENTRE-POINT CALLED BRAHMA ESTHAN
• LOCATE ENTRY GATE OF THE COLONY IN THE MOST POSITIVE ENERGY ZONE PRACTICALLY AVAILABLE.
• THE LAYOUT PLAN SHOULD BE PREPARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE CENTRE POINT CALLED BRAHMA ESTHAN SHOULD NOT FALL IN ANY PLOT, IT SHOULD BE IN OPEN SPACE SUCH AS PARK, ROAD AND PREFERABLY THE INTERSECTION OF ROADS, WHICH CAN BE  SUITABLY LANDSCAPED.
• THE LAYOUT PLAN OF THE COLONY SHOULD BE PREPARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE HOUSES MAY FACE EAST, NORTH OR WEST.
• SOUTH FACING PLOTS SHOULD BE AVOIDED DURING LAYOUT-PLANNING.
• NORTH-EAST ZONE MAY BE PLANNED AS OPEN SPACE FOR PARK, PLAYGROUND, TOT-LOT ETC.
• THE WATER BORING SHOULD BE DONE IN WATER ZONE, BETWEEN NORTH AND EAST.
• STORAGE OF WATER IN OVER HEAD TANKS SHOULD BE PLACED IN NORTH, NORTH-WEST ZONE.
• THE ELECTRICAL METER, TRANSFORMER, GENERATOR ETC. SHOULD BE PLANNED IN SOUTH-EAST ZONE OF THE ENTIRE LAYOUT.
• THE SLOPE OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM SHOULD BE PLANNED FROM WEST TO EAST AND SOUTH TO NORTH TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE.
• NORTH-WEST ZONE IS RECOMMENDED FOR ANY COMMUNITY SEPTIC TANK OR SOAK WELL, IN CASE THE SEWER SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE.

  VASTU  IN  COMMERCIAL  BUILDINGS:

HOW TO PROCEED FOR DESIGNING OF COMMERCIAL  BUILDINGS AS PER VASTU

• MARK CENTRE POINT OF THE PLOT, LAY NORTH DIRECTION OVER THE SITE PLAN AND PUT ALL THE VASTU DIRECTIONS OVER THE PLAN TO DIVIDE THE LAND INTO VARIOUS VASTU ZONES.
• LOCATE ENTRY GATE OF THE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN THE MOST POSITIVE ENERGY ZONE PRACTICALLY AVAILABLE, PREFER MAINGATE FROM NORTH, NORTH – EAST OR EAST DIRECTION.
• PLACE LOT OF OPENNESS IN EAST AND NORTH ZONE SO THAT MORNING SUN LIGHT IS AVAILABLE IN ABUNDANCE IN THE COMMERCIAL BLDG.
• THE BUILDING SHOULD BE HIGH IN SOUTH AND WEST ZONE.
• HEAVY STORAGES, GODOWNS SHOULD BE PLANNED  IN S-W ZONE.
• PARKING FOR VEHICLES IN NORTH – WEST ZONE, IT CAN BE PLANNED  IN THE BASEMENTS ALSO.
• GENERATOR ROOM , ELECTRICAL PANEL ROOM SHOULD BE IN SOUTH-EAST ZONE OF THE BUILDING.
• THE WATER BORING SHOULD BE DONE IN WATER ZONE, BETWEEN NORTH AND EAST.
• THE SLOPE OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM SHOULD BE PLANNED FROM WEST TO EAST AND SOUTH TO NORTH TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE.
• MEZZANINE FLOORS SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN SOUTH OR WEST ZONES.
• TOILET BLOCK SHOULD BE TOWARDS WEST, NORTH WEST ZONE POSSIBLY.
• ENSURE THAT THE CENTRE POINT CALLED BRAHMA ESTHAAN OF THE PLOT SHOULD BE KEPT OPEN AND NO BEAMS, COLUMN OR WALL SHOULD CROSS OVER THE SAME.
• THE COMMERCIAL PLOTS ARE GOOD WHOSE FRONT IS WIDER THAN THE BACK.

VASTU : INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS:

1. NORTH OR EAST FACING PLOTS SELECTED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE BEST
2. LOCATE ENTRY GATE OF THE COLONY IN THE MOST POSITIVE ENERGY ZONE PRACTICALLY AVAILABLE, PREFER MAINGATE FROM NORTH, NORTH-EAST OR EAST DIRECTION.
3. GUARDS IN N-W OR NORTH DIRECTION
4. PLACE LOT OF OPENNESS IN EAST AND NORTH ZONE SO THAT MORNING SUN LIGHT IS AVAILABLE IN ABUNDANCE IN THE INDUSTRIAL PREMISES.
5. HIGH RISE TREES MAY BE PLANTED IN SOUTH AND WEST ZONE.
6. HEAVY STORAGES, GODOWNS SHOULD BE PLANNED TO PUT UP IN S-W ZONE
7. PARKING FOR VEHICLES IN NORTH- WEST ZONE
8. ADMINITRATIVE BLOCK  IN THE INDUSTRIAL SET UP SHOULD BE ERECTED IN NORTH OR EAST ZONE OF THE PLOT, LOWER IN HEIGHT OF INDUSTRIAL PLANT.
9. GENERATOR ROOM , ELECTRICAL ROOM SHOULD BE IN SOUTH-WEST ZONE OF THE INDUSTRY.
10. STAFF QUARTERS IN S-E OR N-W ZONE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PLOT.
11. THE WATER BORING SHOULD BE DONE IN WATER ZONE, BETWEEN NORTH AND EAST.
12. THE SLOPE OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM SHOULD BE PLANNED FROM WEST TO EAST AND SOUTH TO NORTH TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE.

INDUSTRIAL  PREMISES :  Ist CASE STUDY

IT IS A BIG INDUSTRIAL PLANT EXISTING AT KASHIPUR, UTTRANCHAL WHICH  MANUFACTURE STEEL, IT HAS GOT

• ENTRY FROM S-E ZONE
• N-E EXTENDED
• FURNACE IN S-E, S ZONE
• SOUTH, S-W AND WEST ARE HEAVY
• NORTH, N-E AND EAST ARE COMPARATIVELY VERY LIGHT
• LABOUR QUARTERS IN WEST ZONE.
• CENTRE POINT IS FREE AND NOT LOADED.
• WATER BORING IN EAST ZONE
• FINISHED GODOWN TOWARDS NORTH ZONE

INDUSTRIAL  PREMISES : 2nd CASE  STUDY

LAYOUT PLAN OF AN  INDUSTRY :

• THE MAIN ENTRY OF THE INDUSTRY IS EXISTING FROM THE ZONE OF   WEST AND SOUTH-WEST.
• VAST AREA HAS BEEN LEFT AS OPEN IN S-W, WEST, AND N-W ZONE   AS SHOWN IN THE SITE PLAN.
• THE ENTRY TO THE INDUSTRIAL UNIT IS ALSO FROM SOUTH   DIRECTION.
• TEMPLE, DIRECTOR RESIDENCES, SCHOOL ETC. HAS BEEN   PROVIDED IN THE N-E ZONE.
• THERE IS EXISTING ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK  IN THE EAST DIRECTION
• PART OF FACTORY, FINISHED GODOWN AND  LABOUR QUARTERS    ARE EXISTING IN S-E ZONE.
• MAIN FACTORY AREA IS BETWEEN S-E AND SOUTH ZONE
• WATER BORING IS IN  NORTH- AEST DIRECTION OF THE FACTORY

VASTU :HOTELS & RESTAURANTS:

HOW TO PROCEED FOR DESIGNING AS PER VASTU

1. MARK CENTRE POINT OF THE PLOT, LAY NORTH DIRECTION OVER THE SITE PLAN AND PUT ALL THE VASTU DIRECTIONS OVER THE PLAN TO DIVIDE THE LAND INTO VARIOUS VASTU ZONES.
2. LOCATE ENTRY GATE IN THE MOST POSITIVE ENERGY ZONE PRACTICALLY AVAILABLE, PREFER MAINGATE FROM NORTH, NORTH – EAST OR EAST DIRECTION.
3. PLACE LOT OF OPENNESS IN EAST AND NORTH ZONE WITH PROPER LANDSCAPING.
4. THE BUILDING SHOULD BE HIGH IN SOUTH AND WEST ZONE.
5. PARKING FOR VEHICLES IN NORTH – WEST ZONE, IT CAN BE PLANNED  IN THE BASEMENTS ALSO.
6. GENERATOR ROOM , ELECTRICAL PANEL ROOM SHOULD BE IN SOUTH-EAST ZONE OF THE PLOT.
7. THE KITCHEN SHOULD BE ESSENTIALLY TOWARDS THE SOUTH-EAST ZONE OF THE PLOT. ESPECIALLY THE MAJOR COOKING SHOULD BE PERFORMED  EAST FACING. THE WASH AREA NEAR THE KIT. SHOULD BE TOWARDS NORTH OR EAST ZONE OF KITCHEN.
8. THE WATER BORING SHOULD BE DONE IN WATER ZONE, BETWEEN NORTH AND EAST.
9. THE SLOPE OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM SHOULD BE PLANNED FROM WEST TO EAST AND SOUTH TO NORTH TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE.
10. TOILET BLOCK SHOULD BE TOWARDS WEST, NORTH WEST ZONE POSSIBLY.
11. ENSURE THAT ALL WCs SHOULD FACE SOUTH, S-W OR WEST DIRECTIONS ONLY WHILE IN USE. IN ANY CASE THEY SHOULD NOT FACE EAST OR NORTH DIRECTIONS.
12. ENSURE THAT THE CENTRE POINT CALLED BRAHMA    ESTHAAN OF THE PLOT SHOULD BE KEPT OPEN AND NO    BEAMS, COLUMN OR WALL SHOULD CROSS OVER THE SAME.
13. THE OWNER OF THE HOTEL, G. MANAGERS AND ACCOUNT   PERSONNEL SHOULD FACE NORTH DIRECTIONS WHILE   SITTING IN THEIR OFFICES.
14. THE RECEPTION OF THE HOTEL SHOULD NOT FACE SOUTH   DIRECTION, IT CAN BE TOWARDS EAST, NORTH OR WEST   DIRECTION.
15. PREFER THAT ALL THE BEDS IN THE ROOMS/SUITES MAY BE   PLACED IN EAST HEADED OR SOUTH HEADED WAY TO THE   EXENT POSSIBLE.
16. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ANGULARITY OF THE SPCES SHOULD      BE AVOIDED. PREFER THAT RECTANGULAR SPACES ARE        CREATED WHILE ANY DEVELOPMENT.
17. THE INTERIORS, COLOUR SCHEME AND PLANTATIONS   SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO MAKE THE SPACE MORE LIVELY,   INCREASING POSITIVITY IN THE HOTELS.

VASTU :GROUP HOUSING  SCHEME

VASTU  IN  MULTY STOREYED RESIDENTIAL  BUILDINGS

• LOCATE  NORTH  DIRECTION ON THE SITE PLAN
• LOCATE THE CENTRE-POINT CALLED BRAHMA ESTHAN
• LOCATE ENTRY GATE OF THE COLONY IN THE MOST POSITIVE ENERGY ZONE PRACTICALLY AVAILABLE.
• THE LAYOUT PLAN SHOULD BE PREPARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE CENTRE POINT CALLED BRAHMA ESTHAN SHOULD NOT FALL IN ANY PLOT, IT SHOULD BE IN OPEN SPACE SUCH AS PARK, ROAD AND PREFERRABLY   THE INTERSECTION OF ROADS, WHICH CAN BE  SUITABLY LANDSCAPED.
• THE LAYOUT PLAN OF THE MULTI STOREYED BUILDING SHOULD BE PREPARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE HOUSES MAY FACE EAST, NORTH OR WEST.
• SOUTH FACING PLOTS SHOULD BE AVOIDED DURING PLANNING.
• NORTH-EAST ZONE MAY BE PLANNED AS OPEN SPACE FOR PARK, PLAYGROUND,TOT-LOT ETC.
• THE WATER BORING SHOULD BE DONE IN WATER ZONE, BETWEEN NORTH AND EAST.
• THE ELECTRICAL METER, TRANSFORMER, GENERATOR ETC. SHOULD BE   PLANNED IN SOUTH-EAST ZONE OF THE ENTIRE LAYOUT.
• THE SLOPE OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM SHOULD BE PLANNED FROM WEST TO   EAST AND SOUTH TO NORTH TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE.
• NORTH-WEST ZONE IS RECOMMENED FOR ANY COMMUNITY SEPTIC TANK OR SOAK WELL, IN CASE THE SEWER SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE.

 VASTU OF JAIPUR

• THE CITY WAS BUILD IN 1727 ACCORDING TO THE   SHILPSHASTRA,THE ANCIENT HINDU TRETISE ON   ARCHITECTURE,BY MAHARAJA SAWAI JAI SINGH II AFTER   WHOM IT IS NAMED.
• JAIPUR NESTLES AMONGST THE HILLS OF THE ARAVALLI   RANGES,WHICH RUN DIAGONALLY ACROSS RAJASTHAN IN   A NORTH-EAST TO SOUTH-WEST DIRECTION,JUST WEST   OF JAIPUR. N-W IS “NAHARGARH FORT”.
• JAI SINGH’S JAIPUR IS DIVIDED INTO SEVEN   RECTANGULAR SECTIONS BY WIDE,WELL LAID  MAIN   ROADS INTERSECTED BY STREETS.
• THE OLD CITY IS ENCIRCLED BY A FORTIFIED WALL   WITH SEVEN GATES.OUTSIDE THESE WALLS IS MODERN   JAIPUR.
• THE NORTH EAST OF THE CITY HAS VAST OPEN AREA.
• A  HUGE   LAKE CALLED JAL-MAHAL WAS PROVIDED     TOWARDS THE NORTH-EASTERN ZONE OF THE CITY,   ALONGWITH A TEMPLE KANAK VRINDAVAN.
• THE CENTRE POINT CALLED BRAHMA ESTHAAN OF THE   CITY FALLS IN THE VAST OPEN AREA  NEAR TO WHICH   IS THE TEMPLE “GOVIND JI”.
• THE MAIN ENTRY IS IN THE NORTH EAST CALLED    “JORAWARSINGH   GATE”.
• THE ENTRY FROM THE EAST DIRECTION DENOMINATE   THE RISING SUN HENCE NAMED AS “SURAJ POLE GATE”.
• THE  ENTRY FROM THE WEST DIRECTION NOTIFIES RISING   MOON, SO NAMED AS  “CHANDPOL   GATE.”
• THE SOUTH WEST HAS THE RIGHTLY PLACED   “TOPKHANADESH”,WHERE MANUFACTURING OF   WAEPONS WAS DONE.
• SOUTH EAST HAD THE FORCES ,THE SOILDERS   KNNOWN AS “TOPKHANA HAZURI”.
• THE PINK COLOUR PAINTED ALL OVER THE CITY   RENDERS THE ENVIRONMENT OF FESTIVITY,   TENDERNESS, PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN THE CITY.

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Vastu Shastra in Indian Architecture

INDEX:

• INTRODUCTION OF VASTU SHASTRA
• RELEVANCE OF VASTU SHASTRA : RELIGIOUS APPROACH
• VASTU PURUSH, MANDALAS
• VASTU : THE SCIENCE OF DIRECTIONS
• VASTU PRINCIPLES & ITS EFFECTS
• SITE SELECTION,
• SHAPE OF PLOTS
• ORIENTATION OF PLOTS
• PRACTICAL APPROACH OF VASTU IN ARCHITECTURE
• DESIGNING TIPS
• VASTU IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, COLONIES ETC.
• VASTU FOR COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
• CASE STUDIES & PRACTICAL REMEDIES
• VASTU & INTERIORS
• FENGSHUI : THE CHINESE SCIENCE.
• VASTU & LANDSCAPING

VASTU : AN  INTRODUCTION (a scientific approach):

• VASTU : THE GEO ENERGY
• VASTU REVA VASTU – means all materials are forms of universal energies .
• The Earth is a living organism  with a lot of consciousness  permeating through every atom.
• Vastu teaches us to under stand the energy that surrounds us.
• Vastu teaches us ways to turn the energy into material forms.
• If we live in harmony with the subtle nature, both our physical and mental health will be safeguarded.
• “Energy is the very essence of life”

Important Elements of Energy are as follows:

1. Gravitational  forces
2. Electro – magnetic radiations
3. Strong nuclear force
4. Weak nuclear force
5. Pranic force or “Prana”

All these forces produce various types of energies – Potential, kinetic, magnetic, etc.

• Pranic energy is prevalent throughout the universe in every material of the world, solid, liquid, gas.
• Positive energy is beneficial and negative is harmful.
• Vastu aims at maximising the generation and accumulation of positive energy.

This is done by the following:

1. Light   : Sufficient natural light for comfortable living.
2. Air       : Pure fresh air continuously blowing in and out of the house.
3. Water  : For drinking and living.
4. Energy: concentrating of different shapes and forms by using proper positive material.

The basic five elements:

• Prithivi: Earth
• Jal: Water
• Akash: Space
• Vaayu: Air
• Agni: Fire

1. There is an invisible and constant relation between these elements used in making buildings.
2. Through corrective measures, one can get the maximum benefit of the suitable forces of nature and the five elements.
3. People live happily in pleasant atmosphere.
4. Vastu principles make an attempt to get full benefit of nature’s bounty.
5. Vastu brings mental peace, happiness, prosperity and good fate to human beings.
6. Vastu is the Indian science of Architecture.

RELEVANCE OF VASTU SHASTRA: THE  RELIGIOUS APPROACH

• In the ancient land of India, the text,   Mayamata, written in Sanskrit nearly   a thousand years ago, describes the   science of architecture . That   Embodies the earth as a place where   both mortals and immortals live. It is   called vastu shastra.
• The word vastu is derived from the word   vasu, or the earth,
• Shastra, is defined as “science or   technology”.
• Other translations define vastu to mean “the place where people dwell”.
• The place may be the earth, the land itself, or a structure where people may reside.
• Together, these words describe a methodo-logy of constructing a building a site that brings harmony and well-being to those who would dwell within.
• Vastushastra, the ancient architecture, has suddenly assumed tremendous significance.
• In this brief introduction, the intention is to  give a broad overall picture of the vastushastra with some examples
• The the subject of vastu which means the environment. We can regard this as good practices of design of buildings and cities, which will provide , life in harmony with physical as well as metaphysical forces. This provides   guidelines for design of buildings and planning of cities so that they will bring health, wealth and peace to the inhabitants.
• With the passing of the ages empires are created and destroyed, new cultures appear and then again fade, like changing seasons into the shadows of eternity. Vanishing into oblivion, all that remains of those that were once great and powerful in this world are but a handful of relics. Time, the destroyer of all things, vanquishes even the most invincible empires leaving behind their remnants to be marveled at by future civilizations. And marvel we do at the wonders of the past, especially the architectural wonders. Be it the pyramids of Egypt, the cathedrals of Rome, the Parthenon of Athens, the Forbidden City in Beijing,  our mind is at once awed by the beauty and grandeur of ancient architecture.
• Modern society has viewed much of the world’s ancient architecture & art as “simply decorative” or, as a tribute to God; not that it might have any “practical” function.
• However, recent studies in the field of sacred architecture (Vastu Shastra) by men like Keith Critchlow of the Royal College of Art in London have uncovered hidden dimensions revealing a far-reaching connection between architecture and the nature of existence.
• Critchlow, perhaps the best-known advocate of the theory of sacred architecture, believes that basic architectural principles on the physical level are integral with structure on the metaphysical level.
• Throughout the world it’s hard to find a place where sacred architecture is as developed a science as is that found in India. India’s ancient temples and palaces are certainly among the finest ever built. From the Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, to the Pagodas of Tamil Nadu, from the Himalayan hill shrines to the great temple at Jagannatha Puri ,The ancient well designed city of “Jaipur”.Which was never know for war but always remained a symbol of prosperity,peace & friendship. India is a veritable treasure-house of sacred architecture. In fact there are more existing examples of sacred architecture in India than in all other countries of the world combined. VastuShastra The knowledge of sacred architecture in India has existed in the oral tradition since before the Vedic Age, some five thousand years ago.
• From the oral tradition it was later recorded in the Sanskrit mantras and compiled under the title Vastu Shastra.   According to Indian authorities the Vastu Shastra   is possibly the oldest known architectural treatise in the world today.
• The word shastra   means literature or more accurately “enlightened literature.”
• Among the vastushastra texts are Mansar, Maymata, Vishwakarma Vastushastra and Samrangana Sutradhara which is credited to Raja Bhoja. The others are believed to have been authored by ancient saints and sages. These include Lord Vishwakarma who is architect to the gods in the Nagara or northern traditions, and Maya who is architect to the gods in the Dravida or Southern tradition. In the northern tradition Maya is regarded as architect to the danavas or demons. To give some idea about the size of the text, Mansar comprises 5400 verses organized in a total of 70 chapters.

LITERATURE ON VASTU SHATRA

1. TOWN PLANNING: SKAND PURANA.
2. RESIDENTIAL PLANNING: AGNEYE PURANA.
3. PLANNING OF TEMPLES: VAYU PURAN
4. PLANNING OF RESIDENCE & TEMPLES: GARUR PURAN
5. PLANNING OF WATER STORAGE,WELLS,PONDS: NARAD PURAN
6. DESIGNING OF COMMUNITY CENTERS & CARVING ETC: MATASYA PURAN

Puranic texts such as Agni Purana, Matsya Purana and their Agmic versions in the Dravidian traditions.

 OTHER REFERENCES

• SAMRANGAN SUTRADHAR.
• VISHVAKARMA PRAKASH.
• VASTU RATNAWALI.
• VISHWAKARMI SHILP.
• SHILP SANGHRALEY.
• CHITRA LAKSHAN.
• MAYAMAT MANSAR.
• RAJVALLABHAM.
• VASTU SANDESH.
• MUHURT MARTAND

VASTU PURUSH :MANDAL:

VASTU PURUSH : THE MYTHOLOGY

• Hindu mythology explains the history of how things have come to pass.
• In the beginning, the first living creature was Brahma.  He is the creator of the Universe and the first god in the Hindu triad: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.  But, Brahma had a nasty habit of experimenting with some rather impractical creations.  Out of the Void, Brahma created a large and monstrous creature that grew so rapidly and large that its shadow fell across the Earth as an eternal eclipse.  Then this ever-expanding Monster began to devour everything in its path for nothing could satisfy its insatiable hunger.
• Shiva and Vishnu complained bitterly to the elder Brahma.  They begged that something be done before all of Creation was destroyed by this Creature.
• Brahma listened to these complaints and it made him aware of his sovereignty to the other creations.  He then called forth the asthadigapalakas, the devas of the eight cardinal directions.  Together they overpowered the Great Monster and in one cosmic tackle, they held it flat against the Earth.  The god Brahma jumped in the middle and held the Monster down.  He then employed forty-five gods to join him and help hold it in place; their positions can be seen on the classic mandela of the Vastu Grid.
• But, the Monster lamented “Why am I being punished for being the very thing you made me?”  And, alas, Brahma heeded to its complaint.  “We shall compromise”, Brahma said.  So, he made the Monster immortal and promised that he would be worshipped by any mortal that built a structure over him.  The Monster was pleased and Brahma then named him Vastu Purusa and blessed him with these words: “All works on the earth will have to be commenced and concluded only after propitiating you”.  In essence, without respecting Vastu Purusa nothing will happen on the earth.
• The Mandala grid is constructed the same way as the bagua, which is used in Chinese geomancy, with every direction having significance in the well being of its residents.  The position of Vastu Pursua and the direction of the natural elements are shown in figure #1.

VASTU SHASTRA: THE SCIENCE OF DIRECTIONS:

The Directions:

• North (uttar) – This Zone should be kept light or open, clean, it is a source of energy. It is considered the house of Kuber or wealth.
• North East (Eshan) – Zone of divine powers.
• North West (Vayavya) – Zone  of Air .
• South (Dakshin) :The God of death or Yam or the area of freeing one’s soul (moksha).
• South East (Aagneya) :Zone of fire.Source of health.(related to fire,cooking & food).
• South West (Naruthya) :Zone of Demons. effects the longivity of life.
• West:(Paschima) :Zone of Water.
• East (Purab):Zone of Lord Indra & Lord Sun. It is the second source of energy.

VASTU : PRINCIPALS & EFFECTS

• VASTU IS A SCIENCE TO ENHANCE :
• PEACE,HAPPINESS & PROSPERITY.
• VASTU IS A BALANCE OF POSITIVE ENERGIES.
• DERIVED FROM FIVE ELEMENTS.
• WHICH SHOULD BE PROPERLY PLACED AS REQUIRED BY VASTU NORMS.
• THIS BRINGS HARMONY TO GIVE US THE PEACE,HAPPINESS & PROSPERITY.

SHAPES OF PLOTS:

• Square Plot
• Rectangle Plot
• Circular Plot
• Decagonal Plot
• Triangular Plot
• Wedge Plot
• Dholak-Shaped Plot
• L-Shaped Plot
• Elliptical Plot
• Bow-shaped Plot
• Trapezium-Shaped plot
• Hexagonal Plot
• Octagonal Plot
• Dumroo-Shaped Plot
• Moon-Shaped Plot

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