 Texts from the Indian subcontinent describe principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry. Vastu Shastras incorporate traditional Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The designs aim to integrate architecture with nature, the relative functions of various parts of the structure, and ancient beliefs utilizing geometric patterns (yantra), symmetry, and directional alignments. Vastu is a science of direction that combines five elements of nature and cosmos, ultimately balancing with man and the material. This mysterious science unifying the five elements called ‘Panchbhootas’- earth, fire, water, sky and space and paving a way for enlightenment, happiness and prosperity.
Earth Human beings have a natural and emotional affinity with the Earth. The Earth has gravitational and magnetic force. Human body is a 'magnetisable' object with a large percentage of iron in the blood. The selection of site for building construction is very important in Vastu elements. Earth is the only element linked to all five senses of taste, sound, touch, smell and sight and sight and thus exerts the maximum influence on us. Our ancestors have found that sleeping with the head towards the South enables one to go with the nature and draw maximum positive energies from the cosmos to keep fit and healthy. Vastu also deals in detail about inspection of soil, selection of site, shape, and size of plot or land. Besides, congenial environment, greenery and availability of water, we should also see if the land is suitable for building construction. Water Rain, river, seas and oceans all represent water, water forms part of every plant and animal. Water is the most important element of Vastu as it is linked to the senses of taste, touch, sight and hearing. More than 80% of human body and two-third of earth's surface is water. Most ancient civilizations came up close to rivers. Vastu provides important information about the placement of water sources. As far as the flow of domestic water is concerned, it should be borne in mind and that such water should be drained out in North-East. Wells, tube wells, swimming pools etc. should all be in the North-East. The water from the toilets and bathrooms too, should be drained out in the North-East. The North-East direction is always auspicious and suitable for water. There are sewer-systems in the cities. The Septic tanks or the flow of sewer systems should be towards North-West. The flow of rain or fresh water should be towards North-East as per Vastu elements. Fire Sun is the most important source of energy and light. It is the soul of the universe. Formation of day and night, changes in seasons is brought about by the movement of Sun in relation to the movement of earth. Agni (Fire) is the basis of all energy including atomic energy, thermal energy. Without light and heat, life will be extinct. Fire element is related to the sense of sound, touch and sight. The direction of Fire is South-East. The Kitchen, fireplace, geysers etc. should be placed only in this direction. Alternatively these could be placed in North-West, because it is at 180 degree to South-East. It is recommended by Vastu to have tall and big trees in the South so that harmful rays of Sun are blocked. In case light is needed from afternoon or evening, Sun make sure it is diffused. Air The Air is necessary for survival on earth. The senses of sound, touch and feel are related to Air. The air on earth is a mixture of various gases like hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, helium, etc. Oxygen is important for human beings and nitrogen is essential for the growth of plant life which in turn provides oxygen. So a balanced percentage of different gases, atmospheric pressure and humidity level are important for life forms on earth. Vastu recommends proper placement of doors, windows, ventilators, balconies, height of structure and placement of trees and plants for balancing, so that the air should enter the building from North-East. Space The unending part of the universe beyond the earth's atmosphere in which all other planets and stars exist is known as Space, to be precise outer-space. It influences life on earth through its various forces like gravitational force, light, heat, magnetic field, waves etc. which are worth observing. The open sky influences greatly. The effect of terrestrial-energies can be received uninterruptedly. But the buildings prove a barrier to the effects of open sky. Therefore, the importance of roofs or lawns gets emphasized, but the Vastu Shastra has refrained from deliberating in detail over it, because it is related chiefly to building construction. Traditionally every house in India used to have an open space (Court Yard) in the center of the house. It provided the dwellers not only the open sky but also sunlight and cross-ventilation of air. These Five basic and essential elements like earth, space, Fire, Air and water affect, influence, guide and change the living styles of not only human beings but every living being on earth. They even go a few steps forward shaping deeds, destiny, luck and livelihood, behavior and other basics of life. Vastu Shastra, in fact, is nothing but creating a congenial setting or a place to live or work in most scientific way, taking advantages of the benefits bestowed by the five elements called "Panchaboothaas" of the nature thereby paving the way for enhanced health, wealth, prosperity and happiness in an enlightened environment. |
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Elements of Vastu
| Vastu Shastra is traditional Indian systems of architecture originating in India. Elements of Vastu are Earth, Water, Air, Space and Fire. |
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