9 x 9 Mandala of Vastu Purusha and the Deities
Do you know why Vastu is regarded as the base of Vastu Purusha and Vastu Mandala? Or how the 45 Deities and the Vastu Purusha form the Vastu Mandala?
No!
If you said ‘NO’ to this question, there is nothing to worry about. You are not alone. Many of you, who are reading this post, might not have a proper concept of Vastu Purusha Mandala.
This blog will answer all these facts. Read on.
Understanding Vastu Shastra
What does Vastu Shastra exactly mean? Ancient scriptures described Vastu as a science of a bigger dimension. Following the principles of Vastu, one can please the Vastu Purusha. Only after that one can strike a perfect balance with the Universal energies and the surroundings.
We find the mention of Vastu Shastra in the four Vedas. Even some Granthas and four Upavedas sheds light on Vastu. The Sthapatya Veda was reconstructed into Vastu Shastra.
Myth Associated with Vastu Purusha
There is an interesting story linked with the origin of Vastu Purusha. Take a close look into the ancient Indian texts and you will know why Vastu Purusha is given so much importance during the construction of buildings or any structure.
It’s crucial to follow some Vastu principles and some rituals for pleasing the Vastu Purusha. Vastu Purusha, being the ruling deity of any structure, is responsible for bringing harmony to the place.
The Story
We see the reference of Vastu Purusha in the Matsya Purana. According to Hindu mythology, once Lord Shiva battled against a demon named Andhakasura. During this long-drawn battle, a few drops of sweat dripped from the body of Lord Shiva on the ground. From that sweat, a gigantic figure emerged.
This terrifying form not only drank the blood of slain monster Andhak but also started to torment the Gods and other Deities. This created panic and the Gods and Goddesses sought the help of Lord Brahma to subdue him. Lord Brahma advised the 45 Deities to capture the demon and threw him down headlong towards Earth.
However, Lord Brahma blessed Vastu Purusha by saying that mortal people would worship him before building any structure.
Vastu Purusha Mandala
Wondering about Vastu Purusha Mandala? Vastu Purusha was shoved down to the grounds by the 45 Deities. His face was downwards, and his head faced the North East; whereas the foot was in the South West direction.
The 45 Deities held the body of the demon. 13 Deities held him from within and 32 Deities held his body from the outside. Hence, the part of the ground where Vastu Purusha was shoved down by the 45 Deities is called the Vastu Mandala.
The above picture depicts the way 45 Deities along with Lord Brahma pinned down Vastu Purusha.
Concept of Vastu Mandala
The 45 Deities along with the Vastu Purusha form the Vastu Purusha Mandala. Consequently, while developing a structure, the purpose of a room must be in accord with the nature of the deity residing that part.
The Mandala is divided into 9×9 = 81 parts.
Vastu Shastra divides the 9 segments and aligns with the directions: North, East, South, West, North-East, South East, South West, North West, and the Centre.
Vastu Purusha Mandala is related to a plan, regardless of whether it is for a workplace or residency, or for sanctuaries and other sacred places.
Vastu Shastra talks about the 81-module plan for the habitation of humans. In any case, a mandala is encircled with a territory of space and Vastu Purusha is finely coerced into it. There are 45 Deities who hold of Vastu Purusha; 32 Deities are in the outside enclosure and 13 in the inner enclosure.
Architectural Considerations
From the architectural viewpoint, the Mandalas are given huge importance. It is used for the designing and planning of houses and pavilions. Based on Mayamatam, architectural design starts with Sthandiala Mandala (7X7 grid), Brahatsamhita (8×8 grid), Navavarga (9×9 grid), and Dasvarga (10×10 grid).
Vastu Purusha Mandala is divided into 9×9= 81 parts. Each part holds the name the God and Goddesses holding down Vastu Purusha in the respective part.
According to the positions occupied by the 45 Deities in the Mandala, certain guidelines must be followed for the distribution of rooms in a building. The guidelines are:
- North – Treasury Room, Open Space
- Northeast – Prayer Room, Underground Water Tank, Open Space
- East – Bathroom, Study Room
- Southeast – Kitchen, Meter Room, Electrical Mains
- South – Bedroom, Staircase Block, Store
- Southwest – Master Bedroom, Overhead Water Tank
- West – Dining, Study Room, Toilet
- Northwest – Guest Room, Dining and Granary, Toilet, Septic Tank, Kitchen Children Bedroom
Keep in mind the cardinal directions while designing the rooms of a house. If not followed, the balance and harmony with the external forces would get disturbed.
Bottom Line
A house structured according to Vastu Purusha is in perfect balance with the environment and surrounding forces. This would ensure improved well-being, wealth, and prosperity.
