When we speak of Vastu Sastra we not only speak of the science of architecture but also the science of cosmology, astronomy, metaphysics, geography and geology. The cosmological aspect is best illustrated by observing our solar system. In our vast universe, apart from the earth we live in, there are many other such systems which influence our lives. The astronomical aspect is best demonstrated when the various texts speak of the Ayadi Shadvarga or the six formulae that are used in construction of temples and residences. The Brihat Samhita of Varamihira in the chapter on Vastu Sastra says : “ I will now explain for the happiness of the astronomers and astrologers the science of architecture that has come down from Brahma through a steady line of intellectuals.” The metaphysical aspect is best made clear when we understand the importance of drawing the Vastu Purusha Mandala or plan before we start the building construction. The Mandala symbolizes the metaphysical principle of the all-encompassing celestial principles. Finally, coming to the geographical and geological facets of Vastu Sastra, the ancient texts saw the importance of studying the topography of the land and the surroundings apart from studying the whole universe with its array of stars, planets, continents, rivers, seas, mountains etc. The examination of soil in terms of sound, touch, smell, taste and color highlight the geological aspects of this great science. To put it briefly, Vastu Sastra is both a science and art and its purpose is to make a human habitation not only a thing of beauty and strength but also make it give delight and affluence to the inhabitants in the long run Three positions of Vastu Purusha are identified. They are (a) Nitya Vastu (b) Chara Vastu and (c) Sthira Vastu In Nitya Vastu, the Vastu Purusha’s position is said to change every three hours. Daily building activities are said to be done on the basis of Nitya Vastu. In Chara Vastu, his position is said to change every lunar month. The beginning of the important aspects of construction like commencement of the building, installing the main door-frame, digging of the well and entry into the new house are said to be based on Chara Vastu. Sthira Vastu has the Vastu Purusha lying prone on his stomach with his head towards North-east. His buttocks and legs are to the South-west and his knees and elbows to the South-east and North-west. The Sthira Vastu is considered in the actual construction activities like placing the doors, windows, construction of the various rooms etc. However, it is to be noted, from the engineering and architectural point of view, the position of Vastu Purusha (Sthira) should be considered more as a plan for designing the house rather than as a mythical and mystical concept.

Answered by naina , an ibibo Advisor, at 8:26 PM on November 13, 2007

Vastu is the Vedic science of designing and building structures. It is based on three basic principles. They are Bhogyam, Sukh Darsham and Ramya. Bhogyam means the structure shoud ne appropriate to the purpose. Sukh Darsham means the structure should be aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. The proportions of doors, windows, size of the rooms and rhythms of projections and depressions are taken care of to make a structure aesthetically pleasing as well as maintain and manipulate energy flows and ventilation. Ramya means the structure should be soothing to the senses and it should invoke the feeling of peace and happiness.

Answered by Gypcywoman , an ibibo Master, at 2:48 AM on November 02, 2007

The basic principles are: If you are in the process of buying a plot or site, please remember that plots/sites in South West, South & West directions are more advantageous than others. According to Vaastu, the most beneficial entrances in the house are those in North East, East or North direction. Living Room or the dining room is best looked in East, North & Northeast directions. The bedroom according to Vaastu should be in southwest/south or west direction. The children’s bedroom should ideally be in NorthWest. It could be in Southeast & North as well but never in southwest or south. If you are fortunate enough in present times to have the luxury of having a separate room for the guests, make the guestroom in Northwest or northeast direction. The kitchen of the house is ideally located in Southeast followed by NorthWest & East. Bathrooms & Toilets should be in Northwest of the house or in West or South direction. While purchasing a plot or a site, it is advisable to go in for a rectangular or square shape. As far as possible, the site should be slopping towards North & East or Northeast. While making the building or the house, it is advisable to have equal open space on all four sides. The levels of open spaces should be higher in South & West side and lower in North & East side. Outlets of rainwater should be in Northeast or North zones. The living room of the central zone (Brahmasthan) should be free from any kind of obstructions. By obstructions, we mean any kind of beam, pillar, fixture, toilet, staircase or even a wall or lift. The direction in which you sleep is also very important. One should never sleep with head in the north. Sleeping with head towards south ensures long life. While on a journey, it is advisable to sleep with head towards west. In your studyroom, have your seat so as to face east or north. Do not have a toilet in the studyroom, though you can have a bathroom. Do not use a dark colour in the study room. Use yellow or white or pink. Put the book shelf in east or north. If you construct more than a floor, prepare the first floor on Southwest. The height of first floor shall not exceed that of ground floor. Do not build a storeroom on first floor. It is said that a storeroom in the Northwest corner leads to abundant supply of essential commodities. Keep a holy picture on one eastern wall. Light colours should not be used on the storeroom. Use dark colours or blue or green. Never sleep in the storeroom at night. Also refrain from taking out grains from the storeroom in night. The bathroom/bathrooms can be either inside or outside the house. In case it is inside, it should be located on the eastern or northern side. (If attached to a bedroom, then to eastern or northern side of the bedroom). When located outside, then it should be in Northeast corner, but away from the main building.The lavatories are forbidden in Northeast, Center, Southwest and West directions of the house. Vaastu Shastra also guides us about what type of plants and trees should be planted around a dwelling unit so as to enjoy their positive properties the most. Vaastu does not prescribe having a Mango, Banana or a Jamun tree very near your house. However Peepal at some distance from the house in West direction is considered auspicious as is Imli in South West of the house. It is also auspicious to have an Anaar, Ashoka, Chandan, Champa, Chameli,Gulaab , Nariyal & Keshar tree around a house. On the size & shape of the door , Vaastu advises that width of the door should be half of the height of the door. Square doors as also automatic doors should be avoided. The Paintings / Statues in the house are also important. One should not have pictures depicting war scenes (even if they belong to the Epic Mahabharata or Ramayan battles). Similiarly scenes depicting negativities of life like sorrow , struggle , violence (including that of wild beasts), tragedy and of calamities.

Answered by shyama , an ibibo Citizen, at 11:25 AM on October 29, 2007

Everything that exists in the universe, including our bodies, is made of five elements. These five elements are earth (geomagnetic energy), water (gravitational energy), fire (solar energy), air (wind energy) and space (cosmic radiation). These forces have a powerful influence on us, as well as the environment. Vastu is the science of arranging our man-made environments so that we are in alignment with these forces of nature. If we are not aligned with solar and geomagnetic forces we may experience illness, misfortune and struggle. It is as if we are attempting to swim against the current of a river. The east is the source of solar, ultra-violet rays, and the north is the source of magnetic energy. We benefit by keeping our environment open to these life supporting energies. The harmful infrared rays, which come from the south, and the destructive gamma rays, coming from the west, cause disruption within the environment and our bodies. Using the principles of Vastu Shastra, we protect ourselves from these rays. Each of these elements is associated with a particular direction: water in the northeast, fire in the southeast, earth in the southwest, air in the northwest and space in the center. By balancing these elements in their proper proportions, we will gain the benefits of health, happiness and prosperity.

Answered by debasis , an ibibo Master, at 1:59 PM on October 27, 2007