Philosophy of Vaastu
contributed by
Dr. Mahendra Balar - PIYAS

According to Indian philosophy, every thing is the world is made of five fundamental elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Ether. All these elements though originated from a single source but have different properties and qualities. These elements when create different things need proper and specific arrangement around them in order to offer Health, Harmony and Happiness. In addition, every design, shape, size, direction of structure of buildings, rooms etc are governed by certain influences exerted by Sun ,moon, magnetic forces, electrical, gravitational and other forces. If these areas are consciously known to man so that buildings can be erected accordingly.

There are five essential elements of Vaastu

In Vaastu, east and north direction are given great importance. Every direction is understood in its entirety in relation to human welfare. The east is considered as the best as it offers sun rays and light in the morning, which is essential to life. If there is sun, there is no life. Besides modern understanding about the importance of sun light ( eastern direction) in providing vitamin D, allowing ultraviolet rays of sun entering into house, keeping sun light throughout the day, Vaastu considers many intrinsic factors like auspiciousness and giver of boon if windows, doors and entrance are facing the east. The south and southwest directions are detrimental to health, harmony and happiness. Vaastu determines the direction after ascertaining the navel or central point of any plot of structure erected for dwelling or specific use. The orientation is an important aspect of Vaastu which plays an important role in managing space.

Vaastu means environment, Purusha means ultimate principle of the universe, Mandala means the intrinsic circle around which space or site is being planned. The surface of earth in traditional Indian Cosmology is regarded as demarcated by sunrise and sunset, and also by North and South points, and is represented by a diagram or a mandala of a square. Vaastu Purusha is a living being or presiding deity of Vaastu management of any site. This deity is full of spiritual consciousness. This Purusha has 45 glories known as gods. Every god is given a specific place depending upon the direction it rules. Any place is compared to the human frame of which the central courtyard is considered Brahma, the creator of the universe. There are other gods which rules different directions if invoked properly by Vaastu, can bring fortunes in the life of man.

According to ancient wisdom, measurements of angula (3/4th. of an inch) or hasta (18 inches) are divided into 6 categories: Height, breadth, width or circumference, along plumb lines, thickness and interspace. Vaastu maintains proportion of every measurement so that higher states of consciousness can govern that place for health, harmony and happiness.

There are six main component part of the building: Aadhistaana (Base), Stambha (Column), Prastara (Entablature), Karna (Wings), Shikhara (Roof), and Stuupi (dome). Every component is essential to erect a building but if done according to Vaastu, helps in warding off evil happenings, brings fortunes.

Chanda is the structural aspect of building; its rhythmical disposition is like that of poetry. The science of rhythm (Chanda = beauty) extends to the rhythmical disposition of the ground plan of the building and their vertical section (urdhva chanda). Each brick and each building unit is filled with rhythm; it is a charged and compelling weight and shape in the hands of the builder. Rhythm evokes a reality and measure builds it up. Whatever is thus produced is called is Meya, which is measurable, capable of being known and a quantity.

What ever construction be done on the land, be it a residential house, or industrial organization, or a public institution, temple etc., in each case it is auspicious and beneficial to keep the following points in mind while purchasing a plot of land or constructing a building.