Vastu

Vastu shastra is a traditional Hindu system of architecture which literally translates to "science of architecture. It deals with the science of the architecture and tells how a building should be planned to channelize the positive energy in our lives. The proper implementation of Vastu techniques has brought peace and prosperity to many households for centuries. Though Vastu started out with the construction rules for Hindu temples, it soon branched out to residential houses, office buildings, vehicles, sculpture, paintings, furniture etc. The science of Vastu is mostly based on directions and the building materials used, along with many other minor factors.

The Sanskrit word vastu means a dwelling or house with a corresponding plot of land. The vridhi, vastu, takes the meaning of "the site or foundation of a house, site, ground, building or dwelling-place, habitation, homestead, house". The underlying root is vas "to dwell, live, stay, reside". The term shastra may loosely be translated as "doctrine, teaching".

Vastu-Sastras (literally, science of dwelling) are ancient Sanskrit manuals of architecture. These contain Vastu-Vidya (literally, knowledge of dwelling).

Vastu Shastra are the textual part of Vastu Vidya, the latter being the broader knowledge about architecture and design theories from ancient India. Vastu Vidya knowledge is a collection of ideas and concepts, with or without the support of layout diagrams, that are not rigid. Rather, these ideas and concepts are models for the organization of space and form within a building or collection of buildings, based on their functions in relation to each other, their usage and to the overall fabric of the Vastu. Ancient Vastu Shastra principles include those for the design of Mandir (Hindu Temples), and the principles for the design and layout of houses, towns, cities, gardens, roads, water works, shops and other public areas.

The scientific approach

Vastu is the science of directions that combines all the five elements of nature and balance them with the man and the material. Indian Vastu Shastra according to scientific approach Vastu comprises five natural elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. In most scientific way taking advantages of the benefits bestowed by the five these elements called "Paanchbhootas" of the nature thereby paving the way for enhanced, health, wealth, prosperity and happiness in an enlightened environment. Further, the entire universe around us is made up of these five basic elements. In fact, the five elements of the nature have to be coordinated with the five elements of the human body as well. This coordination is critical as this is what makes human relationship harmonious. Knowledge of the elements can really make it beneficial for people to know more about Vastu Shastra and also help them realize the reason why they have to make certain changes in the house or put certain things in certain places.

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.