Our life is sensitive and is impacted not only by our surrounding environment and ambiance, but also by architectural elements such as the design of our homes and the geographical makeup of the land they are constructed on. Recognising this, Vastu Shastra, an ancient discipline of spatial study, links architectural knowledge with internal and external design elements to create harmonious living spaces.
Originating from the Vedas, it is one of the 64 core tenets of Vedic knowledge. Many structures standing today, forged from the principles of Vastu Shastra, serve as a testament to its holistic approach to architectural design. Inspiring awe and reverence, these structures represent not only historical, but also modern-day interest in exploring the influence of architecture on our everyday lives.
The spectacular civic planning and architecture seen in historical cities, like Ayodhya, exemplify this truth. These cities serve as remarkable landmarks in the timeline of architectural development and aesthetics, rooted in the principles of environmental and spatial science. Their enduring charm offers valuable insights into our perception of architecture and its influence on our daily experiences. These insights continue to enrich current discussions in the realm of contemporary urban planning and design.
Building a house, a space that offers shelter and comfort, has a significant role across all cultures.This concept aligns with the universal necessity for a harmonious and secure home environment.
Constructing a home is more than just a physical process, it’s about creating a space that cultivates happiness and fulfilment. A home provides a space for family to gather, a haven for beloved pets, and a shield against adverse weather conditions and external threats. But more than that, it’s a place that propels us towards our goals, encouraging material success and progress. It’s a platform for us to fulfil our desires, a space where we can grow, achieve, and seek our heart’s content.
The construction of a home is tantamount to constructing a life. The significance of homes goes beyond the basic need for shelter; it’s a facilitator of life itself.
Experts in the study and application of Science of Architecture believe that adhering to its principles in home construction can contribute to a more harmonious lifestyle. By following this spatial science, the chance of household tensions and family conflicts can be reduced, and stresses related to financial difficulties, social pressures, and health issues can be mitigated. Essentially, a home built in line with the knowledge of Vastu Shastra is not just a physical structure but a catalyst for peace, prosperity, and well-being.
The principles of architectural science suggest that the existence of beneficial spatial energy extends throughout our world. This energy, attributed to the teachings of Vastu Shastra, is said to be most potent when associated with the northeast direction.
A home built according to these principles is believed to harness this energy, cultivating a space brimming with positivity and tranquillity. The understanding is that homes aligned with the guidance of Vastu Shastra are inherently bestowed with beneficial influences that support the progress and happiness of its inhabitants.
What this implies is the subtle existence of ethereal forces and energies inherent in the five basic elements, as well as the observable and hidden forces of nature. It underscores the significance of maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between these elements in all facets of life. Constructed spaces, like our homes, become mediums to balance these energies, positively influencing experiences and activities within them and fostering a better quality of life.
- Every element inside and around a house should be in a harmonious relationship not only with the individual placements and characteristics of the plot, but also in respect to the distance and direction of local roads and highways.
- These considerations are not just restricted to homes, but also extended to the construction of other establishments like shops and hospitals.The various facets of a house or any building’s architecture are reviewed through the lens of architectural science, taking into account the zodiac sign of the owner.
- Interestingly, architectural science provides extensive guidance on architectural design and layout. It takes into account constraints such as cost, area limitations and aesthetics of the building.
Particularly remarkable is that the science also incorporates factors such as stability and durability of structures, optimised access to fresh air, sunlight and considerations of the specific climate of an area.
In the modern world, these scientific factors recorded by architectural science are the only relevant factors for construction of a house.
The characteristics of the plot of land where a particular building is to be erected, are crucial for a comprehensive architectural analysis. These include:
- The brittleness and smell of the soil
- The shape, size, and the plot’s height above sea level
- The geometric properties of the plot
- The types of trees and plants on the plot
- The presence of naturally occurring features such as mountains, springs, rivers, lakes, bogs etc. in the surrounding area
- The relative positions of these features from the plot
For instance, in terms of architectural science effects:
- Square or rectangular plots are regarded as the most beneficial
- Triangular, hexagonal, and circular plots, as well as irregular shapes such as those resembling musical instruments or zigzag patterns like a cactus, or even shapes similar to the face of a lion, are considered to have negative or malefic consequences
In terms of land conditions and the influence on property prosperity:
- Land sloping downwards towards the east is seen as auspicious for prosperity.
- Land where the slope inclines towards the west or south is given the least preference.
- Land resembling the shape of a tortoise’s back – protruding in the centre and descending on the boundaries – is considered favourable.
- Plots resembling the back shape of an elephant, with the raised portion in the southwest and northwest directions, are regarded as fortunate for the owner.
- Desert, barren or swampy lands are believed to hinder the property owner’s progress. Consequently, individuals are advised against choosing such plots for their house construction.
