What is Vastu Shastra?

Vaastu is the science of direction that combines all the five elements of nature and balances them with man and materials. It is all about the interaction of various forms of best effect on a living person. It aims to create a subtle conducive atmosphere in a structure in which we can bring the best in ourselves, thereby paving the way for enhanced health, wealth, prosperity and happiness in an enlightened environment. Like any other science, vaastu is universal, rational, practical and utilitarian. It is not a religion but a science.

The principle laid down in Vastu Shastra were formulated keeping in view, the cosmic influence of the Sun, its light and heat, solar energy, directions of wind, the moon position, the earth's magnetic field and the influence of cosmos on our planet. The system is an admixture of science of directions, astronomy and astrology.

The five elements

Out of the nine planets, our planet has life because of the presence of these five elements. The world comprises of five basic elements, also known as the Paanchbhootas. They are Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space. Earth and Water have limited and localised availability for the human habitat and growth.

The directions

The importance of orientation of a building is not only for saving energy but also to have a better healthy house design, which not only gives comfortable living but also gives good health, prosperity and wealth to the house owners/occupiers and these families. There lies a co-relation between the rotational scenario of the planets and the house design and their different directions with respect of NORTH. The building of any type and its construction meets the purpose if proper orientation has been given using suitable local building material. It increases not only its life span but also improves the condition of occupants. There are instances where buildings are not planned according to required local orientation were lost or deteriorated much faster then the buildings having built with proper studies of orientation.
The proper orientation means the proper knowledge of all the eight directions. It is a common knowledge that the direction from where the Sun arises is known as East (Poorva) and where it sets as West (Paschim) and when one faces the East direction, towards one's left is North (Uttara) and towards one's right is South (Dakshina). The corner where two directions meet obviously is more significant since it combines the forces emanating from both the directions. According to Shastras if we worship, revere and respect the Lords of these eight directions, they will shower on us their blessings and benefits. Let us examine their importance according to scriptures.

The scientific approach

Vastu comprises five natural elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. Each of the elements corresponds to a natural force that effects our lives. Our ascendants were great scientists and they understood the effect of the natural forces on the lives of human beings. They are:

Earth : Magnetic field of the earth
Water : Gravitational attraction of the Earth
Fire : Solar radiation
Air : Wind energy
Space : Cosmic radiation

The effect of the Vastu is permanent, because the Earth has been revolving round the Sun, in geo-stationary orbit for over 400 crores years creating the magnetic effect caused by the rotation.