In India, people have always tried to incorporate Vastu Shastra in the architectural planning of their home. Vastu Shastra has been prevalent in India for ages and is considered to be a way to a healthy and safe life for all those residing in the house built with compliance to Vastu Shastra. It comprises of the 5 elements of our existence – Water, Earth, Air, Space, and Fire associates them with certain attributes. These attributes are then, included in the house with the help of a plan and design that is Vastu compliant. The exterior architecture of a building can be built in accordance with Vastu Shastra and this can be done within the first phases of planning as well as designing the house. Vastu can be included in the house from the very foundation and can carry on to determine the direction in which the entry will be built or the windows will be facing once the house is complete.
So, what exactly is Vastu? It is a multitude of ancient Indian texts that describe the basis and principles of laying down the foundation for homes, setting up of the columns and beams, the design for the houses as well as the layout. Also called and known widely as the ‘Science of Architecture’, Vastu Shastra also governs and oversees the directions in which the house is to be built – a certain direction that the house should face in order for it to be auspicious – as well the position and placement of furniture, decoration, overhead water tank as well as the position of the staircase – whether or not they should be circular, the number of steps they should include and so on. Furthermore, it also states that everything in the universe has positive and negative energy. What Vastu does for villas and buildings is that it eliminates the negative energies and replaces them with the positive ones for a hale and prosperous life for the residents.
Let us see more about where and how is Vastu Shastra inculcated in the buildings –
- Foundation
As the first and foremost step in building any type of house – be it bungalows or villas – the foundation stands to be the most important part. This requires an auspicious date as well as time. According to Vastu tradition, in laying down the foundation rock – 5 rocks should be laid down which should then be worshipped. One should commence by digging the foundation from different directions, depending upon the month. However, filling up the foundation should begin from the south-west.
- Columns and Beams
Columns are the vertical support while beams are the horizontal support for a home. According to Vastu, a house should have an even number of columns as well as beams. The beams and columns must not have any sharp edges in place. It also states that the column that is being placed in the north-east corner should not be a circular one in shape. It is to be noted that neither of them should be uncovered and if a beam is left uncovered due to architectural requirement, it should be covered with a false ceiling.
- Underground water tank and Overhead water tank
Water tanks placed in compliance with Vastu Shastra ensure a clean and pure water as well as keeping away its ill-effects. The best location for overhead water tanks in the south-west or west and is to be on a platform at least 1-2 feet higher than the roof and it should not be a plastic tank. For the underground water tank, the best position is either north-east or east. Keep in mind to establish an underground water tank with proper pooja done beforehand.
- Entrance and Gates
As for the entrance gate, the best side in the north and east sides. The entrance gate should be heavier and bigger than all other gates of the house and in accordance with Vastu, the dustbin should never be kept near the entrance. As for the other gates of the house, Vastu states that they should be facing the south or the west direction.
- Staircase
As for the staircase, Vastu states that it should always be built in the western or southern part of the house. The stairs on the staircase must always be in an odd number count and can never end in a zero. The staircase that is circular in shape brings about bad health so that shape should be avoided according to Vastu.
- Windows
Windows are the main source of sunlight and thus, play a very important role in the house. In compliance with Vastu Shastra, the windows on the east, north and north-east side should be bigger in size while the windows on the northwest and south-west corners should be medium in size. There is no necessary limit on the number of windows that can be installed in the house.
- Brahmasthaan
The Brahmasthaan is the holiest place in the house and is often build in accordance with Vastu Shastra. One of the most important things to remember in compliance with Vastu is that the Brahmasthaan should be open and free of any obstruction. The square in the center of the house which is 1/9th the area of the space called the Bramasthan. The construction of the courtyard is to be done in the center of the house and it is to be ensured that there are no beams, arches or even the storeroom located within the Brahmasthaan.
Hence, in order to warrant a hale and healthy as well as an auspicious life for all those residing in a building, the architectural planning is done in accordance with the Vastu Shastra. Aiming to inculcate Vastu in your house will not only provide an environment for growth but also an environment for happiness and harmony within those staying there.