© 2022 IJNRD | Volume 7, Issue 4 April 2022 | ISSN: 2456-4184 | IJNRD.

ORG

APPLICATION OF VASTU SHASTRA IN

RESIDENTIAL SPACE TO ACHIEVE
HEALTH, WEALTH AND PROSPERITY
Saloni Patidar, Aditi patidar
Architecture, BBA
Indore, India

Abstract : The Vastu Shastra is a tradition from ancient India consists of Vedic which are scriptures of religious importance and
related shastra’s as scriptures and that provides knowledge related to architecture and construction to achieve balance, harmony
between human, nature and gods, thus pave the way for peace, wealth, prosperity, health, happiness and to avoid troubles. It is both
a spiritual and scientific solution, both ideological and practical. Vatu science is applicable to solve construction problems by taking
into account planetary position, ten directions, five core elements of Vatu Shastra (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space), sun movements,
Earth's magnetic field, cosmic effect, and the geopathic zones for which the ancient texts of India contain a number of rules and
instructions. Building, colony, neighborhood township, and interiors are all aspects of Vastu Shastra.

These theories were laid down hundreds of years ago, formulated by Vastu Shastra, and used to be practiced in the past.
This article attempts to give an overview of Vastu Shastra. Its recommendations can enhance quality of life if incorporated into
present-day planning and design. The paper illustrates the technical aspects of the Vastu Shastra knowledge on constructing houses
as well as the ways different directions can be best used in the construction of residential houses with Vastu Shastra.

Index Terms - Vastu Shastra, Panchbhootas, Physical, Techniques, Mental, Vastu Purush Mandala, Cosmic Effect,
Residential Space.

I. INTRODUCTION
One of the ancient teachings of Indian Civilization is Vastu Shastra. It deals with the science of Architecture and how a building
should be planned to channel positive energy into our lives. Numerous households have experienced peace and prosperity for
centuries thanks to the correct application of Vastu techniques. There is a widespread belief in India that Vastu-Shastra was passed
down orally over thousands of years in Indian culture. These traditions have been passed on through generations, with some
modifications along the way to make sure that they remain relevant to the times. The science of Vastu is largely based on the
orientation of buildings, and the materials used in their construction, as well as other minor factors.

Here are five important elements you need to know about Vastu Shastra which are also known as Panchbootas; Earth, Water, Fire,
Air, Space. These five basic elements of nature and the human body work hand in hand according to traditional knowledge. This
coordination is key as it is what creates the whole universe we inhabit. A thorough understanding of the elements can make it much
more beneficial for people to learn more about Vastu Shastra and also help them realize why they need to make certain changes to
a house or place certain things in certain places. By incorporating Vastu Shastra into our homes, we can ensure greater health,
wealth, prosperity, and happiness.

II. PRINCIPLES OF VASTU SHASTRA

A Vastu Shastra is the art of correctly arranging a building so that maximum benefit can be obtained from the panchbhootas, which
are five elements of nature, the Earth’s magnetic field, and the rotational influences of the sun, moon and other planets. Every
building such as houses, buildings, forts, bungalows, cities, and industries where people live is built based on Vastu Shastra
principles. Listed below are the Vastu Shastra’s 5 principles.

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2.1 Doctrine of Orientation
Cardinal directions are of particular significance. The various orientation principles of Vastu Shastra are elucidated through
the association of the eight directions which are northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest, and north. According
to Indian designers of structures, building orientation is both secular and ecclesiastical, which involves orienting them in such a
way as to take advantage of solar radiation as much as possible.

2.2 Site Planning

According to Vastu Shastra, the selection of the proper site must take into account a variety of factors, including the size,
shape, smell, color, and vegetation features of a site. The plot of land is considered suitable for construction of houses, villages,
industries, towns, forts, etc. if it meets all the criteria. Once the land is selected, the blueprint for the Vastu-Purusha-Mandala grid
is provided, which facilitates the inception of the design, and in addition to serving as the ‘architects square pad’, lines and divisions
of the crystallization concepts contain layers of meaning that help the intricacies of design to unfold.

2.3 Proportionate Measurements

According to Vedic architecture, Maana refers to proportionate measurements for height, circumference, breadth, and
width. There are also measurements along plumb lines, measurements of thickness, and measurements of inter-spacing. As the
science of measurement, Vastu Shastra aims to achieve harmony between the absolute and quantifiable in a system of measurement.

2.4 Six Rules of Vedic Architecture

A building has six components: a base (Aadhistaana), a column (paada or Stambha), an entablature (Prastaara), wings
(Karna), a roof (Shikara), and a dome (Stupi). A study of the Ayaadi formulas provides insight into assessing the "quality" of the
house (Guna). In short, Aaya means measurement of a building which is equal to length x breadth.

2.5 Aesthetics of the building

Building aesthetics into architectural spaces is complex because of factors extraneous to spatial design (such as cost,
buildings, functional utility, structural integrity, the nature of building materials). The nature of aesthetics as a philosophy field
focuses on the nature of beauty. While keeping in mind the needs of the built environment as well as aesthetic principles such as
ornamentation, texture, flow, solemnity, color, granularity, shadows and light interaction and harmony, architects can still apply
these principles. Traditionally, Indians consider beauty to be equivalent to chanda (moon); a building's structure and rhythms are
comparable to poetry.

III. VASTU PURUSH MANDALA

Grids or maps represent how certain cultural constructs have been used to construct our reality in certain spatial forms, of which
Vastu-Shastra recommends an important principle called Vastu-Purusha-Mandala, falling under the Site Planning principle. It is a
diagram of a grid or a map in square shape which is used in planning sites. It is a form of mankind in a calculated site where the
symbols of the zodiac signs, constellations, and planets are used to represent the entire solar system, and which can be applied to
making a house, a palace, a village, a city, etc.

Vastu-Purush-Mandalas is basically a grid of squares and is a magic diagram. All other shapes are derived from the perfect square,
which is considered the foundation of architecture. Purusha or Vastu purusha's microcosmic nature is square in shape, which makes
it Indian architectural foundation. It is possible to convert Vastu-Purusha into a triangle, hexagon, octagon, or circle of equal area
while maintaining its symbolism. In the process of designing an architectural project, Vastu Purusha Mandala (ground plan) is
placed over a site to determine its orientation. It is considered a model of the Universe and lays the foundation for architectural
design. Vastu is the representation of the organic interrelationship between people, buildings, and nature. In this context, it refers
to an environment, a site, or a building.

Fig.1. Vastu-Purusha-Mandala

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IV. PLANNING OF RESIDENTIAL SPACE ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS
In Vastu Shastra there are four main directions and each of them has its own significance and the remaining four corner directions
retain the characteristics of the two sides they join along with their own characteristics. Vastu can be divided into 4 main directions:
EAST, WEST, NORTH & SOUTH; and 4 sub-directions or corners where the main directions meet: NORTH-EAST, NORTH-WEST,
SOUTH-EAST and SOUTH-WEST. Also, according to my analysis, the four sub directions have greater significance than the main
direction. Vastu Shastra essentially deals with the placement of any building, including a house, an office, a factory, and other
objects and rooms in any given place based on these directions.

Vastu Shastra ensures the proper flow of energy throughout any home, office, or piece of land if done properly and with the right
orientations. And it has a significant influence on the lives of those who inhabit the space.

4.1EAST Direction – Indra (Lord) – Sun (Planet) – Ruled by the solar deity
As this is the direction of prosperity and victory, it's common practice for people to pray in the east towards the sun, as
it brings success and happiness to their lives, because Lord INDRA is the one who provides wealth. This direction should be left
open as much as possible so as to bring in abundant prosperity, and when mirrors are placed in this direction, it doubles the
prosperity.

Fig.2. Residential Planning for East Direction

4.2WEST Direction – Varuna (Lord) – Saturn (Planet) – Ruled by the lord of water
It is not good to have openings and entrances in this direction as it ruins the opportunity for income. It is more beneficial
to have an overhead water tank and stairway in the west, and it has been noted that women have had a greater chance of success
from this direction.

Fig.3. Residential Planning for West Direction

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4.3NORTH Direction – Kubera (Lord) – Mercury (Planet) – Ruled by lord of wealth
It is auspicious to have a mirror in the north direction as it is believed to double your wealth. There should be big openings
in the north direction, as well as a slope, a well, and an underground water tank on the north side of the plot. It is also said to
hinder wealth and prosperity if heavy construction is done in the north direction.

Fig.4. Residential Planning for North Direction

4.4SOUTH Direction – Yama (Lord) – Mars (planet) – Ruled by lord of death

This direction (South) is considered very unlucky for any activity. Since the south direction is considered unlucky, it is
advisable to find a higher level in this direction and have an overhead water tank, as well as it is inauspicious to have a basement in
this direction. Further, it has been noted that people living in houses with a south-facing door face problems after eight years of
residing there.

V. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT AS PER VASTUSHASTRA FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

Table 1 For Residential Building

S.N. Aspect According to Vastu Shastra
1. Shape of Plot Square and rectangular plots are good. Along with octagonal
and hexagonal plots are also good, and elliptical, semicircular,
triangular and egg-shaped plots are inauspicious, it is only
recommended to build rectangular or square houses on
circular plots.
2. Shape of Building There are four types of shapes considered good: square,
circular, triangle, hexagonal, and cow facing (less wide in
front than in back). The three types of shapes considered bad
are triangular long bar shaped, bow shaped, and oval.
3. Abutting Road Roads in all the sides of a plot are best.
4. Slope of land Ideally, slopes should lie in the east, north and north-east, and
the flow of rain water should be toward the north-east, while
slopes on the west and south should be avoided.
5. Projection of Plot Projection should only be done in following three directions,
north, east, north-east.
6. Position of Well, For underground tanks, the north-east corner is the best. Water
Tube well, storage on the east side is also good, while in the south, south-
Underground Tank east, south-west, and north-west are very bad. North and east
& Septic Tank side are both good. It is a good idea to build septic tanks in the
south-east and north-west, and to build a water tank in west is
preferable. There must be a space of at least one foot between
the tank and the boundary walls.
7. Open Spaces, Main buildings should not be constructed on the four corners
Setbacks around the of a plot, but rather in the middle of the plot with more open
building space. Because of this more open space should remain on the
north and east, i.e., buildings should be constructed on the
south and west.

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8. Orientation and The face of the building should not be in south direction.
Layout of Room Irrespective of the climatic conditions longer side of the
building should be along east and west.
9. Bed room Bed room should be provided in south direction as we
consider human head as north-pole. Else it may result into
physical problems like blood-pressure.
10. Kitchen Kitchen should be provided in south-east direction as
morning rays heals the human body and provides vitamin D.
11. Veranda North and East directions are preferable for veranda. In center
provide Aagan which is a court yard open to the sky.

12. W.C. Provide in south and southwest directions

13. Bathroom Due to falling of sunrays in morning it is hygienic to make
bathroom in East.
14. Puja room/ Northeast direction should be preferred as there is presence
Meditation room of electromagnetic field of the Earth which helps better in
concentrating on Mantra chanting.
15. Dining room Dining room should be provided in the west direction.

16. Drawing room North and northwest direction are considered best for drawing
room.
17. Study room Due to the presence of sunlight in evening time, west and
southwest directions are best for study room.
18. Basement A basement located in the north, east, or north-east is best, but
no less than 1 ¼ th of the height of the basement should be
kept above the level of the plot. Also, the basement should
never be beneath the building as this is not considered good.

VI. TIPS FOR VASTU SHASTRA

6.1 East is a light direction, which means large and heavy articles should be avoided. Cold colour is available in this direction.
6.2 In any house, the dining room should not be seen directly from the front door.
6.3 The north, northeast, and east should have more terrace areas, while the south, west, and east should have more slops on roofs
and on the ground.
6.4 It is best not to plant trees in the northeast, north, and east zones of the energy fields to maintain their original balance.
6.5 Building construction’s eastern concepts are firmly related to nature and its energies.
6.6 The aim of Vastu science is to create a cosmic enclosing field free of any negative energy, so that Vastu may be blessed with
peace.
6.7 The north and east directions should have more open space left than the south and west directions.
6.8 In a house, the northeast corner is best for a pond or water body.
6.9 Entry of sunlight and proper cross ventilation is required to be monitored while designing a house.
6.10 Any kind of plant or water feature should not be placed in the bedroom.
6.11 In the bed-room, avoid keeping the TV set.
6.12 On the southern wall of the living room should hang a picture of a bright sunrise.
6.13 Keep mirrors out of the kitchen.
6.14 The doors of the bathroom and toilet should be closed immediately after use.
6.15 Southeast corner in a living area is the best direction for placing an aquarium.

VII. CONCLUSION
As concluding this paper, Vastu Shastra is a key factor to keep in mind while planning a house, building or colony as it can help
the residents become physically and mentally healthy. Moreover, Vastu Shastra appears logical and scientific because its
recommendations are based on arguments that are valid and logical. Some of these logic and reasons may appear superstitious, but
they are not if one applies and understands the purpose behind them. When we plan a house according to Vastu Shastra, we can
take the maximum advantage of natural elements like earth, water, air, space and fire. As a result, we should use Vastu in modern
constructions to achieve these factors.

REFERENCE
[1] Bhattacharya, T. 1986. The Canons of Indian Art: A Study of Vastu Vidya. Calcutta: Firma K. L. Mukhopadhyay.
[2] Chakrabarti, V. (1998). Indian Architectural Theory: Contemporary Uses of Vastu Vidya. London: Curzon Press.
[3] Patra, R. (2006). A Comparative Study on Vastu Shastra and Heidegger's Building
[4] Gast, Klaus-Peter (2007), Modern Traditions: Contemporary Architecture in India, Birkhäuser, and ISBN 978-3-7643-7754-0.
[5] Dr. S.V. Deodhar Vastu Shastra and Valuation
[6] Gurcharan Singh, Jagdish Singh, Building Planning, Designing and Scheduling.

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[7] A.R.Hari. B.Sc, “amazing facts of Vastu shastra” ,2000
[8] Day, Christopher. Places of the Soul: Architecture and Environmental Design as a Healing Art. s.1.: Architectural Press, 2004.
[9] Kumar, Ashwini. Vastu: The Art and Science of Living: The Art and Science of Living. s.1.: Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2005.
[10] Vastu Shastra and Its Importance in Residential Buildings. Akola, T. 2000. Department of Civil Engineering. p. 45.

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