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VASTU - Handbook of Vastu

VASTU - Handbook of Vastu

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~r. B., Niranjan Babu is available for consultation and advise with pnor appomtment at the following address:

(Revised and Enlarged) B. NIRANJAN BABU

'Sri Rajeswari' 28 Nagappa Street (Nehru Circle) Seshadripuram Bangalore-560 020 (India)

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& www.gobookshopping.com

This book is respectfully dedicated to mv revered parents

Dr. B.V. Raman and Smt. Rajeswari

First Published First Reprint Second Reprint Third Reprint Fourth Reprint Fifth Reprint Second Revised Edition

B. Niranjan Babu asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. Printed at: Rajkamal Electric Press, Delhi

hi Dr. R V.

Preface Section I Section II Section III ..............................................•............. Section IV Section V..... Index

1 83 127 143 163 175

Bangalore . I have endeavoured to put before the readers the basic principles of Vastu as expounded by classical authorities. The awareness of the importance of Vastu Shastra can be said to be recent though the science itself is ancient. India). I express my thanks to several friends whose suggestions have helped me in the writing of this book. Vastu Shastra (Science of Dwellings) ~ has become popular and many books have been published on it. THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE. Sri Surya Prakash Institute of Yoga for Women. Buildings also have been modified on Vastu principles with good results. The fourth section answers some common queries related to construction and modification of houses. no doubt. enable the reader to grasp the principles better. V. Relevant diagrams and tables have been provided to enable the reader to understand the principles better.At a glance' paragraph. Bangalore.PREFACE It gives me great pleasure to present my readers Handbook of Vastu. B. My study and research in Vastu have been solely due the encouragement and guidance of revered parents Dr. . India) and Mrs. In the last few years. The first three sections are further divided into chapters and each chapter begins with an . A few illustrative building plans in the fifth section will. Rajeswari Raman (Director. B. Many seminars and symposia have been conducted on it. Raman (Editor. NIRANJAN BABU . The book is divided into five sections. I hope the reader will be enabled to acquire a working knowledge of Vastu by studying this book.

factories. diagrams are given to enable one to put to practical principles of Vastu. RAMAN . the market is being flooded with several books on the subject. etc. Silpa Sastras and astrological works deal with this subject exhaustively. It also denotes the lot of land over which a dwelling house is built.FOREWORD It is with pleasure that I am writing the following words by way of a foreword to my son B. B. Niranjan Babus work Handbook of Vastu. In Sanskrit Vastu ordinarily means a dwelling house. It is necessary that houses. I bid my son God-speed in his efforts to propagate and promote Vastu for the good of all those who arc interested Bangalorc in It. but the present one fulfils a long-felt want for its clarity and style of presentation. Today. I am glad to say that this work has been done with considerable skill and ability. The author has already made hIS mark in the field of Vastu and bids to hold his own in the future. hotels. be constructed according to Vastu so that destructive vibrations emanating from Nature due to the materials used are screened off. the essentials of Vastu and its practical application. The book takes the reader in a graduated form through the Several use. N iranjan Babu has made a careful study of most of the extant classical literature and appears to have a firm grip on the subject. V.

.. Compound (Fencing) 'Valls 15. Introduction 2. House 16...SECTION I 1..... Understanding Directions 4...... Brahmasthana 12..... Selection of site 5.... The Main door (Mahadwara) 3 14 19 21 30 33 36 39 41 44 56 60 64 68 71 76 .. Orientation 8.. Who is the Vastu Purusha ... Veedhi Shoola 6. Offerings to the Site deity 9.. 3.... Digging the Well 14.....•.... System ofmeasurement 10. Corner Sites 7...... Building Formulae (Ayadi Shadvarga) 11. Laying the Foundation 13.

home or business We will be using the term Vastu throughout this book. Vastu is said to be a minor veda of Atharva Veda.HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 1. Shastra is a treatise. another excellent work on . Vastu is a practical science that puts optimism in you and makes you say 'I CAN' in any circumstance. It dates back to the Vedas. describes vastu as the ground (dhara). pronounced as Vaastu is an integral part of Iyotisha or Vedic Astrology. The Sanskrit dictionary defines Vastu as a dwelling. whether it is education. the building or edifice (harmya). Vastu will help you achieve success in your life. one of the four vedas. Vastu relates to the Vedas or the Hindu books of Knowledge which are said to apourusheya or that which cannot be dated. Vastu. a great work on ancient architecture. It is also known as Sthapatya Veda or the science of archi tecture. Manasara. . Mayamata.. the conveyance (yana) and the bedstead (paryanka) and other couches. Vastu Shastra therefore means the treatise on dwellings. the knowledge books of ancient India. Vastu is an integral point of Jyotisha or Vedic Astrology. Introduction At a glance: Vastu is the science of architecture. Vastu is pronounced as Vaastu.

North. Vastu's concern is not only material prosperity but also mental peace and happiness and harmony in the family.(L"NDANT 11 12 10 9 8 7 1 2 3 IMMOVABLE PROPERTY. Vastu will help you in achieving success in your life. While Jyotisha is said to be a vedanga or a limb of the Vedas.4 HA\iDBOOK OF Y ASn: H ~\iDB()OK OF Y ASTU 5 A<.. the of fourth house from the ascendant in an astrological chart has reference to mother.. Vastu is a practical science that puts optimism in you and makes you say 'I CAN' in any circumstance. South and West. immovable property. hospital complex or educational complex and the placement of the various rooms in these buildings Morris Schindler. etc you can look forward to better times. clinic. The principles of Vastu as enumerated in classical texts are universally applicable irrespective of religion or place." According to Dr. VEHICLES AND GENERAL 6 5 HAPPINESS Vastu says: "The house is to be entered at a propitious time which accords with the owner's horoscope after doing the propitiatory rites. Vastu is a boon to the modern world. the design of a space should actually stimulate one to feel the quintessential qualities of its intended purposes .. The keys to the ancient secrets of the sages are now available to us. editor of THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE India. a Philadelphia architect who is said to have built houses based on Vastu principles (Sthapatya Veda) says: "In particular. .. hotel. business complex. whether it is education. industry or complex or while doing the interiors of your residence. shop. education. Vastu is said to be a upaveda or a minor veda. viz. office etc. the study alertness and the bedroom rest. the living room sociability.horne-life or business. The science of Vastu takes into fundamental consideration the energies radiating from the four directions. If you follow the general principles given in the pages of this book while constructing your house. apartment. It explains in simple language the selection of site. Vastu will enable you to vibe with your surroundings in and around your home and make life worth living. For example. the construction of a residence. Raman. These keys presented in the following pages will enable you to open the doors to a happy living that promotes positive thinking and elevates the general quality of your life. These principles can be adapted to suit modern conditions. East. the dining room should stimulate the experience of hunger." This book is intended to give YOU the fundamental principles of Vastu and how they can be applied to better your lives. office. vehicles and general happiness.

Vayu. had compounds with high w~lls and their doors were of uniform height and inlaid WIth numerous metal ornaments. Mahabharata it is said a number of houses were built for the kings who were invited to the city Indraprastha for the Rajasuya Yagna of K· YI ddh. The wilse . Lord Buddha is said to have delivered discourses on architecture and even told his disciples that supervising the construction of a building was one of the duties of the order. testI~ony to the greatness of this ancient science of architecture. residential st. men of IndIa.or~yed buildings (Prasadas).7 6 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU The ancient sages of India had great forethought. lng u . They studie.. Agni. gravitational. the various energies coming from the cosmos m relation to the energies coming from man and his environment and came out with certain basic rules that ~ent into the various aspects of construction. shelter If taken care of carefully in accordance with ~e principles of Vastu. For instance the Matsyapurana sages proficient in Vastu. Matsya. the city of Lord Rama was similar to the plan found in the great architectural text Manasara. Garuda. electncal. They ~ew that one of the basic needs of man. etc.d not only the various known energies like solar. man would be stronger to face life's complexities. Narada. Mention is made of monasteries (Viharas) or temples. we~~ not hair-splitting philosophers but men of great mtuitive powers and intellectual prowess. . buildings which are partly residential and partly religious (Ardhayogas). Sage Vyasa says that these houses were as hI~h as the peaks of Kailasa mountains. A treatise known as Chullavagga with a commentary of Buddhaghosa is said to contain much material on the science of architecture. It is said that the site plan of Ayodhya. deal with Vastu fairly extensively. multi-storeyed bUIldIngs (harmyas) and Guhas or residential buildings for middle class people. These Epics contain description of CItI~SWIth multistoreyed buildings with spacious balconies and porticoes.. Brahmanda and Linga. References are also to be found in Buddhist literature. magnetic. The houses were free fro~ obstructions. Bhriguratri Vasishtascha Viswakarma Mayaasthatha Narado Nagnajichaiva Visalaakshaha Purandaraha Brahma Kumaro Nandeesha Shaunako Gaarga Eva Vaasudevo Anirudhascha thatha Sukro Brihaspatihi Ashtaadashaite Vijyaatha Vastushastropadeshakaha I II Chal II II refers to eighteen . viz. They contain references to individual buildings. istira. Many Puranas (ancient books of India) such as Skanda. They ~tudied. In the. Vastu dates back to the pre-Ramayana and the M~~bhar~ta perio~s. Many of the great temples and palaces of India are remarkable legacies of ancient India and b ear . of buildings constructed on the basis of Vastu. perhaps meamng that they stood tall and majestic. but many of the energies still unkown to modern man .

Sukra and Brihaspati are the eighteen celebrated authors referred to as Vastu Shastropadesakas or instructors in the Science of Vastu. Suprahhedagama. Various methods detail the exploration of water springs. In fact this treatise itself is identified as a Vastu Sastra.D. According to Prof. Mayamata and Viswakarma Prakasha. Some of the more important works on the science of dwelling are Manasara.If a palm or coconut tree is found to be covered with. Vaikhansagama and Alnsumadbhedagama. this book is considered to be the source of all presentations of architecture in Purana and Agama as well as in more specialised texts such as Brihat Samhita and Mayamata. Karnagama. Acharya. Nagnajitha. architecture. comets etc. K. rainfall. Manasara represents the universality of Vastu tradition and contains also the iconography of Jain and Buddhist images. It is also interesting to note the preparation and use of an adamantine glue (akin to the modern d cement) used in construction of residential buildin.8 HANDBOOK OF V ASTl' HA~J)[lOOK OF VASTU (B~gu. a class of sages or rishis who deal with the essence of measurement or mana-sara and lastly a treatise containing methods and rules of architectural . Visalaaksha. Purandhara. Vasishta. P. The various Agamas (vedic knowledge books) also give much useful information on architecture. Samarangana Sutradhara.: temples and idols finds a prominent place in Brihat Samhita. Certain chapters of Brihat Sa~hita exclusively deal with residential and temple architecture. For instance. Notable among them are Karnikagama. Saunaka. transits of planets. a southerly water-vein is present at a depth of 20 cubits and at a distance of 6 cubits from the tree. Manasara is a comprehens ive treati se on arc hi tecture and iconography. Viwakarma. Bri~at Samhita also recommends water tanks to have their eastern and western sides longer than the southern and northern sides. Certain works on Tantra (mystical teachings) such as Kirana Tantra and Hayaseersha Tantra are also said to contain much information on architecture.quake forecasting. Atri. Gaarga. Divin~ng of underground water is an important chapter in Brihat Samhita. namely. anthills.) Brihat Samhita is an excellent work on various aspects of natural ph~nomena like weather forecasting. earth. Amruddha. Nandisa. Maya. the editor of Manasara. Ku~ara. Brahma. Manasara uses the term Manasara in three distinct ways. Other treatises like Kautilya's Arthasastra and Sukra Niti are said to dwell on structural aspects of architecture. The work is universally accepted all over India. Vaasudeva. This magnum opus is authored by the celebrated Varahamihira who was an astro~omer-mathematician scientist of India living in the sixth century A. one stanza tells us: . the author of an unknown time and parentage. Narada.

in his Brihat Jataka. It consists of 83 chapters. beds and seats. gateways and pavilions besides vehicles. Manasara too prescribes certam qualifications for an architect. philosophy.astrology and mathematics. town planning and temple archItecture hut also deals with the canons of painting and mechanical devices known as Yantras.O[lOOK OF VASTu \ and sculptural construction. An architect should have novel ideas.tural and moral philosophy. Invariably these slokas recommend the placement of wells either in the north. the Painter is Vardhanthi and the Carpenter (Sutradhara). Acharya who has exhaustively and painstakingly translated this classic work into English attempts to date Manasara to a few centuries earlier to the Christian era. informed in the ?rinciples of na. It IS said to nave . It discusses the importance of doors. . prescribes the qua1i~cations of an astrologer. Prof. there is no defect in it. politics. not ~gnorant of the SCIences of law and physics and most Important he should also be well versed in astronomy .K. Grammar. The chief ~chitect is called Sthapathi. Mayamata of Maya (some say it is authored by a person called Gannamacharya) contains 36 chapters comprising of 3300 verses. The work. Saivisim. Samarangana Sutradhara is a remarkable legacy of King Bhoja. villages and towns. P. be capable of acquiring knowledge. etc.. The angula or the breadth of a thumb (roughly 3/4 of an inch) and hasta (24 angulas) for architectural measure and taala (the span between the tips of a fully stretched thumb and middle finger) for sculpturalnrreasure. In addition to Samarangana Sutradhara. it would be all defective. he is said to have written 33 other works on a variety of subjects like astronomy. Manasara makes use of two main units of measurement. This great work not only deals wIt~ house architecture. north east or east of the plot. Yatra Dosho Gunadhikyam Tatra Dosho Na Vidhyate Teshamadhikagunaam Vaanamyam Sarvadoshakaram Bhavet meaning when the merit is more than demerit. deals extensively and exhaustively with the ~ubJe~t of architecture with reference to dwelling SItes. Architecture. His rule was noted for splen~our and grandeur. Medicine. Manasara also evaluates merits and demerits with the following sIoka. the designer or draftsman IS called Sutragrahin.11 10 HAl\iDBOOK OF V ASTL H\\. Mayamata occupies a very importa~t pla~e am~ngst the various treatises on Vastu. He was a great patron of poets and men of letters. Four types of architects are defined. but if the demerit is more than the merit. Drama. a skillful draftsman versed in geometry and optics. systems of measurement and Olientation. Mayamata has quite a few references to the pOSItIOn of a well. Samarangana Sutradhara is authored by King Bhoja (of Dhara) who ruled between 1018 AD to 1060 AD. etc. Dharma Sastra. Just as Varahamihira. poetics. be a good writer. examination of the soil. the building of temples.

wealthy an d prosperous life. the Rameswaram temple. Even today we have great monumental ~emp~es III India like the Vidyasankara temple of ~nngen. Every plot and building is said to have life and hence has to be built to perfect proportions based on certain formulae. There are other unique seen and unseen works on this great science like the Silparatna. rr: . These formulae called the Ayadi Shadvarga are 1) Aya.aid in Vastu's goal of ac hilevmg a h e althy . Increase or profit 2) Vyaya. 'd an Y others Brihadeeswara Temple of TanJore an . . Maya. men and materials to be employed in vastu. construction of palaces. the author was not only an expert in Vastu but also in Jyothisha. temple of Madurai the Venkateswara temple of Tlrumala. Pyrami s . ~hese . bhavanas or mansions. .it d by thousands of people with all temples are VISIe sorts of problems day in and day out who return back to their homes with mental solace and pe~ce. examination of soil. temple construction or prasadas. mir ' vantras are not an integral part of Vastu but may onlY . the Meenakshl. wealth and prosperity. decrease or loss 3) Rksa or Nakshatra 4) Yoni or source or the orientation of the building 5) Vara (week day) or the solar day and 6) Tithi or the lunar day. the . which have withstood the onslaught of time. Vedanta. Yoga. Aparajitha Praccha.13 12 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF VASTU originated from South India. The famous astronomical Surya Siddhanta is also authored by Maya. Manusyalaya Chandrika etc. town and village planning. the placement of seats and the directions there of. ' ds rors and contented society at large. It is the best known among the ancient treatises dealing with architecture and iconography. Vishwa Karma Vastu Shastra is a treatise to which reference is made to by Varahamihira as early as the sixth century AD. Vastu Shastra is a great science of archItecture that was founded by our ancients for a comfo:rable and . not only in the science of architecture but also III Jyotisha. etc. This treatise deals systematically with orientation of sites. When a building is constructed based on these formulae. One of the chapters also deals with the dining hall. . The classical works referred to speak of Aya. . the anthapura or inner chambers in a royal palace. it is ensured of long life and the residents live happily with good health. h: f India had made creat strides The anCIent ns IS 0 b.

. Being hungry he starts devouring everything that comes his way. Who is the Vastu Purusha At a glance: II have to be done and feri be the deity of all plots p o~:~~. Three positions for the the Vastu Purusha are mentioned. NORTH Vastu Purusha is the diety responsible for the strength and happiness in the site. rva Yama 1 Raksasa IS. The gods then go to Lord Brahma. 1 Indra Mrsa Vivasvant Bhrnz a. 1) Nitya Vastu 2) Chara Vastu and 3) Sthira Vastu. Out of this is born the Vastu Purusha. Whichever limbs were held by different gods had those very gods as their presiding dieties.Gandhaj ra\. his (the Lord s) perspiration falls to the ground. 45 deities press him down. Lord Brahma blesses him saying that he will Sugnv Dauvari ka Pltr r. These positions indicate the various seasonal changes an the permanence of the structure V3yU Naga Mukhya B hallata Soma Mrg3 Aditi Uditi 153 Roga Sosa Asura 1~1 a Mitra Parjanya Bbudhara r----~ a Jayanta Mahendra . In return Vastu urus " the inmates of the house.~~d to take care of to him. The story also runs as follows: When Lord Shiva is fighting the demon called Andhaka. a Vitathal Pusan BhLla Antanksa Agni SOUTH Paramasayika Fig 201 diagram The above figure names the dieties responsible to V t Purusha on the plot. The Vastu Purusha IS Sal d to have three positions viz. keep the as u . The gods SUddenly caught the being and laid it face down on the ground.. The creator ordered that the Being be the god of the site (or house).-Satyaka Brihat Samhita describes follows: the Vastu Purusha as It is said some Being obstructed the earth and the sky with its body.14 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 15 2.Jaladhipa r Puspadanta r-- BRAHMA Aryaka Aditya . . He tells them to hold the being face down.

his head on the North-east and his right arm on the South-east. there is loss of money If he is misera e ef and food. his left arm on the North-west. a perfect square Purusha who ies In. Here his feet are on the South-west. . NW diagonal are hig hli19hted in Brihat Samhita WIt a stanza which mean~: If the "Vastu N ara god OIllose wealth and Has no ng h t arm. January. stable or permanent. 2. Ashada and Shravana corresponding to June. towards North during Phalguna. will be without thet le t arm. Pushya and Magha corresponding to December. Sthira Vastu The third and most important position is the fixed position of the Vastu Purusha where his position is as shown on next page. building or a SIte a '. Sthira in sanskrit means fixed. 1 o o . with his head and 1· . It will be seen that the Vastu Purusha's change of position are closely linked to the various seasonal changes. towards West during Margasira. 1 d hands on the SESW NE diagona an . temple. bl h ugh women. November and December months. Chara Vastu The Vastu Purusha s gaze is directed towards South during Bhadrapada. April. July.h seat on the -. May and June months and towards East during Jyeshta. The importance of the shape of a Fig 2. etc and their permanence. village. Ashwayuja and Karthika corresponding to September.16 HANDBOOK OF VASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 17 Nitya Vastu The Vastu Purusha's gaze changes every three hours in a day. town. February and March months.02 . nd SCIent!f"IC as pect of the Vastu . Chaitra and Vaishaka corresponding to MarCh. the owner WI . Sthira Vastu is therefore concerned with the construction of a house. October. August and September months.

If his feet are missing male children will die. If his head is absent.. South. Nairutya. the inmates of the house will be happy and live with wealth and honour.:. This diagram is referred to as Pitha in Mayamata. he will fall from all virtues. North. South-east. N 1 2 3 w 8 • 6 S Fig 301 4 E 7 5 . Agneya. the master becomes weak and there will be troubles through women. West and North-west (Uttara. Understanding Directions At a glance: Selection of the sitw involves the understanding of the eight directions. vi. Dakshina.18 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HA x DBOOK OF V ASTU 19 3. Poorva. 4. South-west. 5. It is also clear from the stanza that irregular shapes are not recommended. East. North-east.Paschima and Vayuvya) apart from the central area (Brahmasthana) Before we go in for selection of a site let us understand the various directions with the help of the following diagram. On the other hand if the House god is endowed with all the limbs in fine shape. 3. Eashanya.

8 refers to West (paschima) and 9 refers to Brahmasthana (the central portion) or the space around the navel of the Vastu Purusha. relzglO. N S Fig 3. . nor. w Fig ". Avozd :maller sites in between two bigger plots. Just as you e would take care to select a compatible l~fe partn~r. directions. 4 corresponds to South-west (nairutya) sector. 5 refers to South-east (agneya). ova. 4 refers to East (poorva). E 4 3 " Selection of a site IS very l.01 1 corresponds to North-west (vayuvya) sector. 2 refers to North (uttara). 3 refers to North-east (eashanya).. . I AVOld ". east.' ther sites that are triangular. Similarly when we talk of the sectors the foIIowing diagram (Pechaka) is self explanatory. north.us laces and sites near factories and zndustrz~s P hicli are said to he places ofdisturbance. 1 1-- 2 . south and west. d~01I buying plots which are not oriented to car ina directions. viz.o.th east soutli or west.01 .Fl] port ant. ~d equally cautious while selecting your site too. N 4. • corresponds toBrahmanabhi or Brahmabindu or the centre of gravity of the plot. 7 refers to South-west (nairutya).20 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 21 1 refers to North-west (vayuvya). 3 corresponds to South-east (agneya) sector. Selection of site Select a site that is oriented to the cardin~l . Avoid proximity to. 6 refers to South (dakshina).. Square or rectangular sites are good.. 2 corresponds to North-east (eashanya) sector. VlZ.. circlcular. irregular shapes.

Fig 4. 1) Triangle 2b 2b ~-b---+ Fig4.04 .03 2) Circle or Oval Fig 4. However. that south and west facing It however does not mean . The great treatise Mayamata. vastu strength to the SIte. It need not be rejected. by levelling the plot.02 1 Sites which slope towards north and east are said to be good for health.25. however prescribes a ratio of 1: 1. wealth and success in life. tra effort to give .23 22 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU Select rectangular or square sites For rectangular sites let not the length be more than twice the width. in an earlier chapter Manasara recommends north sloping sites for thinkers (perhaps equating intellectuals with God) and East sloping sites for others. East and north sloping sites are good. . Perhaps this means that temples (dwellings of the Lord) should have north sloping sites and salas (dwellings of men) should have east sloping sites.h N rth and/or east elevated Suppose a site that has t ~ .he plot can be rectified has already been purchase . b d We have to put in ex SItes are a. Avoid plots in the shape of. Manasara says that quadrangular ground elevated towards the south and west is suitable for gods and men respectively. Avoid sites in the proximity of temples and near or on burial grounds. Sites near factories should also be avoided. .

07 Fig 4.24 HANDBOOK OF V ASH] HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 25 3) Other irregular shapes 4) and sites whose like a tortoise shell.06 Sites with North-East growth are good. you can correct and use them as shown in Fig 4. by constructing a wall of about 3 feet height which is at 90° to the cardinal directions. o N Fig 4. .05 But if the plot has grown on the other sides. centres are raised o Fig 4.08.

the site is moderate and if the pit is insufficiently filled. Next morning again at the same time fill it up with the dug up soil. south-west. of sweet smell and taste and not hollow underneath. Dig up a pit in the site at sunrise. If the pit overflows. east or north-east.10 s Fig 4. s N s w N E 5 Fig 4. BIGGER PLOT SMALLER PLOT BIGGER PLOT Fig 4. wealth and happiness are said evade the residents living in such a site. the site is not fit for construction. Health.09 The examination of the soil is another important aspect of Vastu. If the pit just fills. west. the soil is said to be fit for building. A test for finding the suitability of the soil as given by the wise men of India for construction of your house is given here.08 Avoid purchasing smaller sites in between two bigger plots. Buy any land that is to your north. avoid buying land that is to south. south-east or north-west of your site. Brihat Samhita says that the soil should be soft. .26 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 27 N N E If you already have a site and are planning to buy additional land.

and Southeast.28 29 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU Intermediary Directions Direction Elevation (Slopes up) Southwest All round prosperity and health Southeast Northwest Northeast If highest. Expenditure on medical bills East Unhappiness from children Depression (Slopes down) Master. Main Directions Direction Elevation (Slopes up) South Healthy Wealthy Prosperous I If higher If elevation is more than than Northeast but the Northless than west and Southwest Northeast than South. Bad reputation.difference of opinions. Table 4.11 Tdhe foll0_wing table gives likely results of elevation an d epressions of the site.01 . all round prosperity and health Depression (Slopes down) Severe IIIhealth and monetary problems Keeps you in fit health and makes you prosperous Table 4. frauds and extreme becomes weak physi. cally and otherwise. wife If lowest or eldest son fires. but health and less than contentment Southwest will be there financial strenglh is obtained If lower than North-east ill-health North Creates miserable monetary situation Generally prosperous and healthy West Gives good children and fame Education suffers. financial weakness.02 If lowest. general east. totally drains out health. wealth and happiness Fig 4.

Veedhi shoolas North of northeast East of northeast South of southeast East of southeast North of northwest West of northwest West of southwest South of southwest I EW 5 Fig. While selecting the site these positive and negative roads into the site need to be considered carefully to get the benefits of Vastu properly.01 E 5 Favourable Yes Yes Yes No No Yes No No Table 5. The following table gives the favourable and unfavourable Veedhi shoolas. Veedhi Shoola Favourable Veedhi Shoolas N N Iv E Veedhi Shoola is a road which thrusts into a site.31 30 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 5. w 5 N E W 5 N w Veedhi means a road and Shoola is the spear. x 5 x .02 given on the next pages help in a better understanding of this principle.01 and 5.01 Unfavourable Veedhi Shoolas N W N E W 5 E \ I 1 ! Figs 5. 5. Veedhi shoola therefore means a road that finishes as a dead end to a site or the house on it. Some of these roads are said to give positive energies and some negative.

souteast.above. Corner Sites At a glance: E W E s x s Corner sites are to be hought carefully duly considering the directions. bad thoughts and mercurial in thinking South-west Master. viz. North of northeast East of northeast South of southeast West of northwest. 3. you need to be careful in selecting the right vastu approved comer site. carefully consider the lrect. eldest son weakened Tensions Generally healthy and and moneta! prosperous problems (contented) . Site Result North-east South-east North-west Addictions. northwest and southwest.. 2.32 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 33 x w N N 6. As explamed . The following results are normally attributed to the comer sites. Sites with roads on the north and east are best.. di W~ile selecting the site. Best Best Moderate Moderate People tend to go in for corner sites so that they have the advantage of open space on two sides. 4. While it is good to go in for comer sites.lOn from which the road juts into your site. you can settle for sites which have the followmg Veedhi Shoola: 1. Northeast corner sites are the best. As far as possible avoid the other comer sites.

. bones and other rubbish. However if you are already living in the corner sites no.t r~commended. the site has to be thoroughly ploughed and levelled wherever necessary. The ploughing should be done at an auspicious time and due attention should be paid to remove nails. you can minimise/eliminate the flaws. hy proper application of vastu pnncl?les to your building as enunciated in the followmg pages. hair. litter etc.34 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 35 Once the selection of the site is done.

36 HANDBOOK OF V ASTI HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 37 7. south and west. average (madhyama) and inferior (adhama). Adhama (Inferior): This is 12 angulas (9") high. With twice the sanku as radius. viz. From each of the east and west points draw a circle with their distance as radius. four angulas (3") wide at the base and 1/3 angula (3/8") wide at the top. The line joining the two points is the east west line. The tip should be perfectly shaped. south and west. Clean the center of the selected site.5") wide at the base and 2 angulas (1 1/2") at the top. mark the point at which the shadow of the Sankhu touches the circle. The classical texts like Mayamata and Manasara delineate methods of orienting the building (and the walls around the building) with the help of a Gnomon. The ancients oriented their buildings with the help of a rod or shanku. 2.. Madhyama (Average): This is 18 angulas (131/2") high. Level a square of 2 cubits (36") and place a sankhu or gnomon at the chosen place at sunrise. north. Uttama (Excellent): This is 24 angulas (18") high. Orientation At a glance: Always orient your building to the cardinal directions.. (An angula is reckoned as three-fourths of an inch). draw a circle around the Sankhu 28/2/98 . (The oxford dictionary descri bes a gnomon as a rod that shows time by shadow on marked surface of a sun-dial) A Gnomon or Sankhu (as it is known in Sanskrit) is made of ivory. Three types are mentioned excellent (uttama).02 . They are recommendedfor use in the months of August and September (Kanya) or in the months of April and May (Vrishabha) . 5 angulas (3 3/4") wide at the base and one angula (3/4") wide at the top. In the forenoon.01 Orient your building and any walls you may have around your building to the four cardinal directions. east. east. viz. 6 angulas + UTTAMA SANKHU Fig 7. Similarly mark the point at which the shadow touches the circle in the afternoon. The two intersecting points which are the head and tail of the fish are the I w E 5 Fig 7. north. 6 angulas (4. 3.. sandalwood or wood. Three types of Sankhu are mentioned: 1.

Before the offerings are made the site is cleaned and the plan made on the ground. peace of mind. This will give the owner master opulence. milk.8.. The offerings are brought by a young girl and the architect or the priest (archaka) makes the offerings to the dieties by pronouncing their names separately with the mystic syllable Om at the beginning and N amah at the end. The apachchhaya which can be interpreted as a penumbra (a light or dim shadow) is different from the chhaya or umbra (dark shadow). beginning from Brahma. . harmony among family members and well-being. construct the building and the walls around it exactly in line with the orientation. The offerings normally consist of perfumes. The classical works of India recommend that offerings should be made to the the various dieties represented in the diagram (Fig. Hindu scholars (pandits ) well versed in the scriptures can guide you the ways of making the offerings. honey. The demarcations between the two is very thin and rarely possible to measure. incense.38 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 39 north and south points. milk. garlands. clarified butter. ghee. For eg. Om Brahmaya Namah s Fig 7. Therefore the sankhu can be used during the months of August and September corresponding to Kanya or April and May corresponding to Vrishabha when the apachhhaya is said to be nil. roasted rice. The true cardinal (geographical) directions are thus found. boiled rice.01 in the next page) beginning from Brahma who is assigned the central portion of the site.03 The modern simpler method is by using the compass which indicate the directions without much effort. sesame seeds. Once the directions are fixed. durva(grass). 8. curd. Offerings to the Site diety At a glance: Clean the site and make the necessary offerings to the diety in the prescribed manner. Om Brahmaya Namah. fruits. vegetables. lotus flowers. The classical works on vastu mention apachchaya and its ommission while marking the length of the shadow. etc.

c a:I Anilaha '" 2 Savitraha Poosha Aditihi Apavatsaha Aryama Savitha Vithathaha Bhujagaha .c co . N. Yamaha ·c e... Malia Pramana Parimdna Lambamana Unm dna Upamdna '" Gandharvaha Raja~akshma Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement of height or length of breadth of width or circumference along plurnblines of thickness of inter space. System of measurement At a glance: The angula and hasta are the main units of measurement. >.c co CI'l co -. Shikhi EAST S. along plumblines.E. breadth.c c: ~ WEST Fig 801 '" '" '" '" C co -0 -§ 'So CI'l Jayaha phauvva rikaha Mrigah: '" E > ~ '" '" '" '" Pitha S. peace of mind. Antarikshaha Parjanyaha ] co co -0 Ditihi Apaha c: co ~ co . Six types of measurements are described.c co CI'l '" >.c co Rogaha N. Six types of me asurern ent are mentioned. there will always be opulence... < ~ < "..c . The ancients used the angula (3/4") for the measurement of idols and the hasta (24 angulas or 18") or cubit for measurement of residential buildings. Measurement of height or length. etc.E. temples and palaces...c .. The hasta was also used to measure conveyances (yana). .W The classical works also speak of the Ghanamiina (exterior measurement) and aghanamdna (interior measurement). Mukhyaha Mitraha ee s: lndraha Bhringaraja Ahihi Rudraha Papayakshma .W. '" 0 CI'l '" e' '" '" « .c -0 '" e' co :: BRAHMA Brihatkshataha Somaha ~ Bhallataha e. width or circumference. 9..c . harmony among family members and well-being... The Manasara says if the offerings are not made.5 '" C co . there will be unhappiness. On the other hand if the dieties are pacified by the offerings. couches (sayana).40 HANDBOOK OF V ASTI' HAS[JHOOK OF V ASTU 41 Scholars from India well versed in the traditional sciences will be able to guide you on how exactly the offerings are to be made.. co . .c il . of thickness and inter space.

Manasara mentions the following: 1 paramanu 8 paramanu 8 ratha Dhooli 8 valagna 81iksha 8 yooka 8 yava 12 angula 2 vitasti 25 angula 26 angula 4 dhanur 8 dhanda mushti - However the angula is defined as the middle phalanx of the middle finger in Mayamata and the yava measurement (8 barley grains placed side by side) works out roughly to 3 ems.Acharya in his "Encyclopaedia of Architecture" . . Here the length of the face from the top of the head is the unit. P.42 HANDBOOK OF V ASTlI HA"iDBOOK OF V ASTU 43 Mana is also used generally to mean measurement. We also have adimiina which means primary measurement or comparative measurement.K. Talamdna is the sculptural measurement. A kishku cubit (24 angula or 18") also known as hasta is normally used for measuring all objects. 00000000 14 M = = = = = 1 atom 8 BARLEY (hair end) GRAINS 1 ratha dhooli (molecule) 1 vaalagna 1 liksha (nit or egg of a louse) I yooka (louse) I yava (barley corn) 1 angula I vitasti I kishku hasta (small cubit) or twenty four inches I praajaapatya 1 dhanurmushti I dhanda I rajju (1 cubit) Fig 9. The 3/4" measurement for angula is as given by Prof. This length can also be taken as the distance between the tip of the middle finger and the top of the thumb of a fully stretched palm.01 = = or three-fourths of an inch = A rajju is the standard length of a rope and works out to 26x4x8 angula or 832 angula or 52 feet.

Vara and Tithi.44 HANDBOOK OF V ASH! HA~D8()OK OF V ASTU 45 10. vyaya. Ix8 [remainder = aya] 12 The results attributed to the remainder are as given on the next page. IX. A variety of dimensions are prescribed by the ancient treatises. Yoni. Ayadi Shadvarga test whether the orientation of a building is correct and whether the mea~urem~nts conform to the orientation. These shadvarga enable the builder to select auspicious and proper dimensions of the building. . These formulae are said to ensure health. yoni. Certain texts also mention vayas. Vyaya. vara and thithi. These formulae are known as aya. These formulae are respectively Aya. Building Formulae (Ayadi Shadvarga) At a glance: Certain formulae called Ayadi Shadvarga are recommended by the ancient classical works of India when building a residence or temple. Whether it was a temple (prasada) or a palace (rajagruha) or a residential dwelling (sala) or the image (chitra) or idol of a deity (vigraha). Evamaayadlzishadvarge In this (matter (architect) of selecting kuryathatra vichakshallowhu the correct measure) II the expert beginning should apply the set of six formulae with Aya (-Manasara. . 'rgunitham Bhaanu (bhi) rhaanyaayamashtashishtakam When the length I is multiplied the remainder is known as aya. II hy 8 and then divided by 12. So what are these formulae? The group of six formulae to which a structure should conform is known as Avadi Shadvarga. Aya (Increase) Vas". wealth and prosperity. . Each site and building had life and there was the necessity of building the structure to perfect proportions based on certain formulae. When houses were built using these formulae. 74) The ancients considered the dwelling as a living organism. The site (kshetra) and the dwelling (vastu or avastha) were considered as having a rhythm and beauty which vibed perfectly with Nature. Now let us see how these formulae are calculated with specific reference to the text Manasara. wealth and prosperity to the people. they were said to gi ve the residents health. Rksa. rksa. perfection was the word that they desired and looked for.

If the aya is less than the vyaya it is said to be not auspicious. 4th and the 9th and also the birth star under which one is born as auspicious.] . is called rksa or nakshatra.46 HANDBOOK OF V ASTL HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 47 Remainder 1 Result Becomes poor III health to wife Attraction of fortunes Victorius Sudden surprises (pleasant) Righteous desires becomes fruitful Becomes spiritually inclined Enjoys the good things of life Acquires much wealth Abundance of good Name and Fame is zero. the remainder is known as vyaya. If the aya is greater than the vyaya it is good for all round prosperity. it is considered good for Remainder 1 Result Achieves Success Will be victorius Moderate Enjoys the good things of life Victorius over enemies Problems of the eye Acquires wealth Is happy (contented?) always Has good friends 2 3 4 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ~f .the remainder religious merits. 'vardhite rksham hrutva kshapishyate II Multiply auspicious the length (I) by g and divide by 27. Vyaya (Decrease) Navabhirvardhayet panktihi (tya) hritvaa sesham vyayam (yo) Bhavet II When the breadth (b) is multiplied by 9 and is divided by Rksa (Nakshatra) Ashtar c. 8 9 We find that except for the remainders rest indicate positive results. inauspicious. 10. [There is some ambiguity since chapter LXIV of Manasara refers to the 2nd. 1x 8 bx9 10 [remainder = vyaya] -27 [remainder = rksa] The results are given on the next page. If the aya is equal to vyaya it is said to have no defect. 1 and 2 the ' If the remainder is zero. it is conducive to happiness. The remainder The odd rkshas are said to be and the even.

The yoni which is said to be an architectural formula has been given much importance by our ancients. V Raman's Muhurtha or Electional Astrology for finding out the compatibility of the constellation (nakshatra) of the building with the constellation (nakshatra). However as an immediate tool. The a. A proper yoni will ensure the qualitative life of a structure.. Remainder 6 7 Yoni Khara (Gandharva. B.. Divide the number by nine (if divisible). bad. If the number or remainder corresponds to 2. icious yoni defines the correct orientation of the building. North and South. East.. I summarise as follows. West. 6. Yonihi Praanaa Eva Dhamnam Grahyastatadyogyayoniprabhedaha Yadasmaad I II . Manusyalaya Chandrika states that Yoni constitutes the life and breath of a structure particularly of a house.of the master of the building.) Gaja Kaaka Building to face Northwest North Northeast 8 (zero) Yoni (Source) Gunanaagam ella yonihi syadvriddhihaanya yathakramam-: When the breadth (b) is multiplied the remainder is known as yoni.48 H ANDROOK OF V ASH' HANflROOK OF V ASTU 49 Of course you will do well to refer to Dr. Brihat Samhita calculates the yoni in a slightly different manner. Example: Count the building constellation from the birth constellation of the master. If there is no remainder the breadth has to he altered. From the Yoni table above it is clear that the ancients wanted the buildings to face the four cardinal directions only viz. the two constellations are said to be compatible. Else take it as it is.. The classical texts opine that Dhwaja Yoni is the best of all auspicious Yonis. by 3 and divided by X. 8 and 9.. The area (length x breadth) is divided by 8.. The remainder gained through it guarantees the suitablity of the building and the well being of the master and his surroundings. 4.. bx3 -[remainder = yoni] 8 The results are as gi ven below: Yoni Table Remainder 1 2 3 4 5 Yoni Dhwaja Dhuma Sirnha Shwana Vrishabha Building to face East Southeast South Southwest West Odd remainders are said to be auspicious and even remainders. -.

Thursday and Friday are said to be auspicious for beginning the construction. [remainder = vara] cx9 [remainder 30 = tithi] Result Not favourable Favourable Favourable Not favourable Favourable Moderate Favourable Not favourable Not favourable Favourable Not favourable Favourable Favourable Not favourable Not favourable or thickness or height.50 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 51 Vara (Solar day) Nandavriddhayaa vaarameva cha I When the circumference is multiplied by nine and then rishim (shina) hritva tacchesham Tithi (lunar day) Navabhirgunithe tithirbhavet I trimshata kshepecchesham divided by seven. the remainder is multiplied by 9 and then divided cx9 -7 is Tithi (lunar day). . I invite scholars to throw more light on this point. the remainder is Vara (solar day). Monday. Perhaps we can take this as the height. When the circumference by 30. Manasara refers to C as circumference Remainder I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Day of the Week Prathama Dvitiya Tritiya Chaturthi Panchami Sashti Saptami Ashtami Navami Dasami Ekadasi Dvadasi Trayodasi Chaturdasi Amavasya* Remainder 1 2 3 4 Day of the Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Result Not Favourable Favourable Not Favourable Favourable Favourable Favourable Not Favourable 5 6 7 (zero) Of the weekdays. 12 13 14 15 * Manasara does not consider Pournima as unfavourable. Wednesday.

Yoni is 1. Practical Example Let us consider a building (not a site) of length 40 hasta (or 60 feet).52 HANDBOOK OF V ASTI· HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 53 This formula gives the lunar day on which to commence the construction. Dhwaja. Construction can begin on this day. Vara is 2 indicating Monday and therefore good. and so favourable. [Remainder = 27 27 = 23] Vyaya is 3 Moderate Since Aya is greater than Vyaya. breadth 27 hasta ( 40 feet and 6 inches) and height 13 hasta (nineteen and half feet) Let us calculate as follows: Aya Ix 8 40 x 8 320 Vara ex 9 8x9 72 = 7 = 7 7 [Remainder = 2] Tithi hx9 8x9 72 = [Remainder 30 = 30 [Remainder 30 = 12] = 12 Vyaya = 12 12 = 8] Summarising. Rksa is 23. odd. The building has to face East. and is the best of all Yonis. the shadvarga of the building and its consequent results are as shown on next page Aya Riskha 8 Vyaya = = = 12 3 1 bx9 = 10 Rksa 27 x 9 243 = 2 23 Yoni Tithi = 10 10 [Remainder = 3] Vara = Ix 8 = 27 Yoni 40 x 8 320 For the ouilding under reference: Aya is 8 Enjoys the good things of life. bx3 27 x 3 81 = 8 8 = 8 [Remainder = 1] . all round prosperity is indicated.

therefore. Of these different and varying measures. we can assume that the structure more or less is proportionate. The remainder obtained by multiplying the area of the building (1 x b) by 27 and dividing by 100 is the Vayas or age of the building. the right measure is selected by applying the 6 formulae. but if the flaw is more than the excellence. (40x27)x27 299160 100 100 Remainder is 60 which is Vayas or age of the building. If the measurement of the building conforms to these four formulae. By a verification of the measurements with the respective formula. it would be imperfect. Yoni and Nakshatra are extremely important. the risk of selecting improper measurements will be eliminated. ~he knowledgeable (architect) should avoid the c~lculatlOn that is imperfect and follow the practice that IS current among the people. In the example worked above.55 54 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU Tithi is 12 or the 12th day (Dwadasi) and hence favourable. Yatra dosho gunadhikyam tatra dosho na vidhyathe I Tesham adhikagunaam sarvadoshakaram Tasmatpariharedh vaanamyaam prakalpayet II bhavet I vidhvanjanamevam Where there is more excellence than flaw. the age of the building will be 60 years. Reference to Vayas or age of the building is also made to in certain texts. The following slokas from Manasara are appropriate. . there is no defect in it. Aya. 9 different breadths and 5 different heights. Of all the Shadvarga. Manasara recommends 9 different lengths. The ancient structures which conformed to these Ayadi are even today standing strong and tall. Vyaya.

As these lines corresponded to several body parts of the Vastu Purusha.~~ m. ..IJ!l()()K OF VAST<· 57 11. deity.. The wise men of ancient India also talked about certain lines running across a site crossing the Brahmasthana. \ I A house-owner safeguard Affliction leftovers (Yajarnana l who wants happiness Brahman should very carefully (the central nine squares). courtyard or (in the case of a village or town) a huge central hall for the assembly of people.. towns. temples (Prasada).. they concluded that much care was to be taken in building a structure. . Brihat Samhita says: Sukhamicchan brahmanaam stham I grihapathiroopathapyathe yatnadhragrihanthaha Uchishtadhyupathad thasmin II SOUTH Fig 11.-. the temple of the family deity can be built.. .ortions either contained a temple.. in this area by way of unclean things like would harm the owner of the site.. The Brahmasthana is the region round the navel (Nabhi) of the Vastu Purusha (site deity)... The points at which these lines cut the Brahmasthana were also to be guarded carefully. Brahmasthana At a glance: The Brahmasthana (the central square ofthe plot) is an important factor to be reckoned ~hile constructing a building. palaces (Rajagriha) and even dwelling places (Sala) were constructed in such a manner that the central p.56 HANDBOOK OF V ASH H. The energy lines running through the centre of the plot are also equally important. so that these parts were not 'hurt'.(11 The Manasara unequivocally states that in the Brahmasthana. NORTH . The central portion called the Brahmasthana corresponds to the nine squares of the 81 grid plan (also called the paramasayika padavinyasa)... \\. The Brahmasthana is the region round the navel (Nabhi) of the Vastu Purusha (site deity).-"... !I In ancient times villages..

LIII. N Fig 11. The north-south line is called Nadi and the east-west line Vamsa. The diagonals running across the Brahmasthana are called Konasutra. heavy objects etc. Mayamata also talks about vulnerable points and calls them Marma. These are highly sensitive energy lines. Stanza 58) says that if these vulnerable points are 'hurt' by nails. These are the lines joining the north with south and the east with west.58 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 59 In fact. Brihat Samhita (Ch. pegs. the squares have to be considered as vulnerable points which ought not to be hurt.02 s The Brihat Samhita also talks about these vulnerable points.. It states that the meeting points of the longer diagonals and the exact middle points of . pillars. It becomes clear that the Brahmasthana and the energy lines have to be safeguarded. the owner will be troubled in the corresponding limbs of his body.

5 stars resembling a palm 4. Ketu and badly associated Mercury) in 3rd. Vaisakha (AprilfMay) 3. 3 stars resembling an arrow All odd lunar days except the 9th are good. Kartika (October/November) 5. Hasta d Corvi. Laying the Foundation At a glance: I ! 61 HA~[)BOOK OF VAST\! For laying the foundation constellations are recommended: the following 1. Saturn. Rohini Aldebaran. Chitta Virginis Spica. Magha (January/February) The Sun should preferably occupy a fixed sign (Taurus/Leo/Seorpio/ Aquarius).10) and trines (trikonas . 6th and 10th lunar days are also auspicious. 3 stars resembling a head of a deer 3. Mrigasira 1 Orionis. Uttara Denebola. The rising sign or lagna should be a fixed sign. the auspicious lunar months are: 1. Venus. Thursday and Friday are recommended.60 HAKDBOOK OF V ASn' 1 12. . 6th and l lth houses and benefics ( Full Moon. Jyeshta Antares. Sun.5. 4 stars resembling the legs of a cot 6. The eighth house should be vacant without the aspect of a malefic planet. Sravana a Aquila. Astrologically.7. Mars. and well associated Mercury) in quadrants (kendra4. Rahu. The lagna should be strengthened by the presence of malefics (New Moon. Sravana (July/August) 4. Chaitra (March/April) 2.9). Jupiter. 7. Of the weekdays Wednesday. 4 stars resembling a square 8. 5 stars resembling a chariot 2. 1star resembling a pearl 5. The first digging should be done either by the master and! or the architect (sthapathi) or the chief mason (vardhaki) at an auspicious time (muhurtha) set by a learned astrologer. 3 stars resembling an umbrella Laying thefoundation should begin after proper prayers in the North-east. A good muhurtha should be set by an expert astrologer. The prayers should be done in the North-east comer of the plot by a learned priest facing the East. Uttarashada s Sagittarii. The digging and laying ofthefoundation should be done in a precise manner. The astrologically auspicious lunar months are to selected Once the site is selected and the site plans are ready you have to make offerings to the dieties ruling the site. The 2nd.

01 Laying of the Foundation should be in the reverse of the above viz. North-west Sector 3. South-west 2. 1.62 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU Construction activity should not be started if any female member of the family is in her 6th (and above) month of pregnancy or if any member is seriously ill.02 I 4SW 3 SE Fig 12. Digging of the soil for laying the foundation should be in the following order. 63 The diagram below explains this better. North-east . North-east Sector 2.. North-west 4. South-west Sector The diagram below explains this better II I HA:\DBOOK OF V AST\. 3NW 4NE 1 SW 2 SE Fig 12. 1. South-east 3. South-east Sector 4.

North of North-East Increase of finances. bitterness in family. borewell. Care should be taken to dig the well or tank or swimming pool in such a manner that the energy lines do not cross the well or the water body. ponds and pools in proportion to the site dimensions. If the water di vi ner finds that the water is available either in the north or north east of the site. Results . a well may be dug. The following diagram may be referred. A well. S Fi!( 13.02 00 / /~ / ~/' 0 /' w / /~ / I~/ S Fig 13. poverty.111 / / / E / The marking of the lot and building should be done. and prosperity. N I As soon as a site is selected and the appropriate prayers are performed. You can also have your well. North of North-West Litigation. N w E I !. Digging the Well At a glance: underground water tank or a swimming pool. a pond or a swimming pool should preferably be placed in the North of North-east. bore-well or underground water tank. A water source should be dug as soon as the proper prayers are performed. Well dug In East of North-East Good finances and education.64 HANDIlOOK OF VASTl' HA:\DBOOK OF V ASH) 65 13. the first thing that you have to do is to dig a well. Deep wells are good. quarrels over finances. West of North-West Moderate finances. Else it is better to settle for an The following table gives the likely results for the various placements of the water bodies.

Well in East South South South West North North North Results wells You will also find that these are not only very wide in the shape of a square but also fairly deep. danger from fire. per Mayamata) is also self-explanatory. SOUTH-WEST Misfor-tune. Brahmasthana or Centre of Site Disintegration of family Results Table 13. loss NORTH Happiness NORTH-EAST Prosperity east west west east Loss of children Danger from fire Fear of enemies Quarrels among women Weakness of women in the family Poverty Increase of wealth Prosperity of children Table 13. I feel that this principle should be followed. quarrels with or among women. especially while constructing underground water tanks . 13. NORTH-WEST Injuries.02 WEST Success BRAHMASTHANA Extremely Bad EAST Wealth and happiness If you observe the huge water tanks (pushkarinis) of ancient Indian temples that are prosperous and giving the much needed solace to the people. 67 Well dug in South/West of South-West Death of eldest member or head of family goes financially or otherwise broke. untold suffering Fig.03 SOUTH-EAST Likely loss of son .01 The Brihat Samhita. This will enhance the benefits of vastu for the residents. You can also have your water tanks in proportion to the site dimensions. The following diagaram (? . For example for a 100' x 150' site you can have your water tank (or swimming pool) dug in 2:3 ratio with the depth either 2 or 3 depending on your requirement of water. Finances crumble and no cordiality in the family.66 HAI'DIlOOK OF V ASTU HA:-IDROOK OF V ASTl. South/East of South-East Problems to and from children. sickness SOUTH Bad for wife. you will notice that most of them are to the north of north-east. however recommends or sumps in north and north east only.be squares and go as deep as possible.

Gates have to be provided at specified places. south-east and then south-west comers.01) on the next page explain the placements of the gates better.01 East Road The diagrams (Fig 14. Always have your walls on the south and west higher and thicker than the north and east walls. Road in North West South East Gates to be in 4th part of nine parts from west 4th part of nine parts from south 4th part of nine parts from east 4th part of nine parts from north North Road West Road South Road Fig 14. Compound (Fencing) Walls At a glance: All the four sides of a building should have a fencing wall. Depending on the road the gates can be provided as per the following table. Make use of a compass or sankhu to first fix the directions. Depending on security and other local factors you can study the possibility of having on the north and east . The compound (walls around your house) on all the four sides will create a powerful mandala and keeps the strength of the mandala within the enclosure. Tie the pegs with a cord and then construct the walls. The walls have to be perfectly oriented to the principal directions. north-west. then put pegs beginning from north-east.68 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 69 14. Of course consider the local by-laws before you put up the walls.

bedroom. Store for assets SOUTHWEST (NIRUTI) Bed Room. Garage.01 SOUTH-EAST (AGNEYA) . NORTHWEST (VAYUVYA) Granary. dining in the East. Guest Rooms NORTH (UTTARA) NORTH-EAST (EASHANYA) Pooja. In other places like Chicago. store in the . No weights Bath.02 We now come to the main building. Dining. Stone walls on the South and West and brick walls on the North and East may also be thought of . Los Angeles and other areas where brick is normally used. bath. dining in the South. Toilets. toilets. children room in West and granary. wood may be used. WEST (PASCHIMA) Children Study Room Court-yard EAST (POORVA) Master Bed Room.ninth of the width or length of the site corresponding to the Paisacha zone may be allowed as moving space between the building and the walls round the building If a garage has to come it can be either in the northwest or in the south-east touching the compound wall but not the main building. Dining Kitchen. Dressing Room. prayer room in the North-east. Portico.south-west. milk. Children Study Room Store for fluids like Ghee. master's room. Garage SOUTH (DAKSHINA) Fig 15. kitchen in the South-east. Treasury Study room Verandah. 15. <~ 1/9 L Fig 14. The building to come up later may be totally independent of the walls. Animal Sheds.if you are living in Dallas.70 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 71 sides a low fencing instead of a wall. House At a glance: 1 1/9 B U A general overview of a house consists of a treasury and study in the North. A space of one. guest rooms in the North west. This will ensure that the site is flooded with the positive energies from the Sun. etc.

Trisala: Courtyard surrounded on three sides. The grihanabhi should either be to the southwest or the northeast of the brahmanabhi. it is said to be bad The ancients speak of four types of houses. MORE SPACE ~ HOUSE MORE ~PACt Fig 15. This way the happiness in the family is greatly enhanced. If the centre of the building is displaced either to the southeast or northwest of the centre of the plot. Chatussala: Courtyard surrounded on all four sides.04 I Fig 15. It is adviseable to have the edifice or building constructed in south-west portion of the plot. Ekasala: Courtyard surrounded on one side.02 The centre of the plot is known as brahmanahhi and the centre of the building is known as grihanabhi. by chambers by chambers by chambers by chambers The classical works recommend the p aisacha (which is one-ninth of the site) zone to be kept free. PAISACHA Fig 15.72 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 73 The figure on the previous page gives a general overview of the many rooms in your house.03 . More space on the north and east may be allowed. Dwisala: Courtyard surrounded on two sides.

N N UTIARASAI Dwisala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on two sides. N UTIARASALA N UTTAKASA1\ COURT YARD r-- :? o ~ ~E >r >- COURT YARD DAKSHINASALA S Fig 1507 DAKSHINASALA S Fig 15.06 PAKSHINASAL s Trisala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on three sides. one has to raise the level of the floor uniformly on all sides. .~ Vl W ::< Vl -e u :. It mentions that if one wishes to have prosperity.05 Chatussala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on all four sides. The Brihat Samhita absolutely disallows split level construction.: < « '" ~ C ~ COURT YARD s >- "'0 j :. « :. N UTIARASAIj4.: '" ~ EW ~ '" « DAKSHINASAL C '" COURT YARD "'0 0 0 '" ~ » '" " E EW ~ ~ u -c "" COURT YARD '5 c '" ~ '" >!.: COURT YARD "'0 0 0 Vl '" ~ Vl :s < ::< :.\ UTTARASAlf fs -c w Vl t-- .: E ~)AKSHINASAL+ s Fig IS.. I N UTIARASAlj.74 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HA\DBOOK OF V ASTU 75 Ekasala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on one side.OS s PAKSHINASAL s Fig 15.

Increase of wealth. Each side of the house is divided into nine parts. the fourth part assigned to Brihatakshata is the exalted zone. third and fourth parts which are assigned to Parjanya. Jayanta and Indra respectively are the exalted zones.02 4 I 3 2 On the south. s On the West. Kusumadanta (4) Prosperity of sons and increase of wealth. The following diagrams show the most favourable or exalted positions for the main door./ 5 I . wi 9 8 7 (.dra 2)Brhatakshata 3 )Kusumadanta and 4 )Bhallata respectively. the exalted zones are the fourth and fifth parts corresponding to the Kusumadanta and Varuna respectively.76 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 77 16./ :1 . The four important zones for placing a main door beginning from East are 1 iIn. the second. Bhallata and Soma respectively are said to be ideal for main doors.03 We have to first decide on the placement of the mai n door (Mahadwara or Mooladwara in Sanskrit). Divide each side into nine parts./ 5 SOUTH Fig 16./ 2 I IN EAST 16. NI 9 8 7 6 I . the third.04 4 3 2 On the North. Avoid doors in the middle of a building. I 9 8 7 . Result attributed by Brihat Samhita is increase of food and children.01 Varuna (5) 8 7 On the east. The Main door (Mahadwara) At a glance: The placement of the main door is very important. The exalted zone would be the fourth from your right as you face the building./ 6 Fig 5 4 . Brihat Samhita attributes the following results. fourth and fifth parts represented by Mukhya. ./ 4 I Is 3 2 WEST Fig 16. . The results attributed by Brihat Samhita are: Parjanya (2) Birth of daughters Jayanta (3) Financial soundness Indra (4) Royal favour 9 6 5 NORTH Fig 16.

Soma (5) Begetting of children and wealth.seated on a lotus and being bathed by elephants. As we can see from the above. solid and massive. Ideally the main building can have door on all the four sides in the fourth exalted zone. --. Brihat Samhita and Visvakarma Prakash a prescribe a height thrice the width of the door. -munsrry p'. The fifth grid for door shown in the north and west directions are recommended for temples and other religious places. Brihatakshata. Manasara suggests that the height of a door has to be atleast twice its width.78 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HA~DBOOK OF V ASTU 79 Brihat Samhita attributes the following results: Increase of wealth and birth of sons. OJ BRAHMAST ANA " I rI "" i[ s-. The main door has to be attractive. The consolidated diagram C"1 the previous page shows the recommended posi. In fact Mayamata and Samarangana Sutradhara specifically E Sikhin Anila Mukhya (3) Parjanya Jayanta Indra Surya Satya Bhrsn Antarikva 0 n n ~ ~ ::.the image being less than one Hasta (or cubit equal to 18") 2) The Goddess of Wealth (Lakshmi) ." ".Bdnd usos U UIUUP luns" cunreJ\.. The main door has to be the biggest of all doors. This can be fixed on the main door at the normal vision height. ~ s « .. Bhallata (4) Possession of all virtues. It is always advisable to have a sill or threshold not only for the main door but also the other doors."" . How wonderful that the ancients foresaw the need for solid security in the 21st century! The main door can be decorated by the following: 1) The family deity iKuladevatai .ion of the main door. 4) The sacred mystic mantra Om or the occult symbol Swastika. the ancients never placed the main door by whim and fancy. " I _j 5- z I[ ~[ OC I L 0:: - P~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c. 3) Cow and calf ornamented by flower garlands. Mayamata suggests that the main door can be strengthened with the help of various metals. The reason could be that the threshold acts as a block for .\IJ~ns .c CO '3 '5'" . " :2 -c U '!O'M U\JUl'.05 recommend the location of the door in the Mahendra (Indra). Kusumadanta and Bhallata. ~ ~ ~ s: ~ :.){IJ"CAnUa 2 W Fig 16.

etc... Such doors are recommended only for places of worship. T I Fig 16. a d oor d d for the A flight of steps is normally recommen e main door.::t <t: Z ~ ~ 0...09 _l I .. residential or commercial is normally not recommended. Fig 16.06 insects. The total frames can include the fifth horizontal frame (Nandini) to give us a ventilator at the top of the door.80 RI HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU I DEYI 2 I \50 ~ NANDINI I I I I I 0 Z 3 ~ [JJ ~ -.. coming from the outside. ::r . ::l (tI ::c (JQ 3 SUNDARI Fig 16.08 A verse from Samarangana Sutradhara s~ys that in the middle indicates ruin of the family.. how many frames should the door have? The ancient classical work Samarangana Sutradhara does not recommend more than five frames (shakas) for a door..... Now......07 I I I I I I I I .. Fig 16. The threshold can perhaps also regulate the powerful ground energies into the building and its various rooms. < z 0 . A main door in the middle of the house.

The Bathroom 2. Kitchen 6. Levels of the Floor 17. Guest Rooms Door with two leaves Fig 16. This means that the right leaf should be wider than the left leaf by threefourths of an inch. Fencing or Compound Gates 122 124 Fig 16. Children's (Study) Rooms 4. Prayer Room (Shrine) Most classical works stress on doors with two (leaves) shutters but do not prohibit doors with single leaves.11 . Verandah 18. Staircases 16. two or three angulas . Garages 14. one and a half inches or two and a quarter inches 9. Toilets 105 107 11. A Note on Agni (Fire Element) 13.82 HANDBOOK OF V ASH! HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 83 SECTION II 1. Manasara recommends the right leaf to be wider in breadth and the left leaf less by one. Dining Room 7. Living Room 8. Store Rooms 10. Master Bedroom 85 87 3.10 89 91 93 96 99 102 Door with single leaf 5. Basements and Cellars 110 112 114 LESS MORE 116 118 120 15. Rooms in general 12.

The Bathroom At a glance: At a glance: The East sector is best suited for a bathroom since the beneficial rays of the morning sun fall into the room.HASDBOOK OF V ASH' 85 1. Manasara says: The central eastern frontage called Aditi is the place for bathrooms. The bathroom. where E Window o Mirror Gully Trap Slope Geyser Boiler Tap Shower o Vi g_ BATH Tub s Washing Machine w .

86 HANDBOOK OF V ASTle HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 87 one has his daily bath is best in the east. The geyser or the boiler can be in the Southeast of the bathroom. W Master Bedroom Bedroom s BRAHMA N E Fig B2. The slopes within the bathroom can be towards north and east so that water drains into the north-east of the bathroom. The central south is also recommended for the eldest son.01 . Sleep with your head to the south. The master bedroom can be in the south-west of the building. as recommended by the ancients. Bath tub can be on the west side with head towards south. The morning rays of the Sun are said to be extremely beneficial. Hence proper windows (of course with due provision for privacy) may be provided on the east wall of the bath room. The washing machine can be in the Northwest or Southeast. Mirrors can be on the east and north walls. Avoid a door on the south-west of the bathroom. Outside the master room. This room may be occupied by the father or the eldest son of the family. This will provide a natural setting as you look outfrom the window. Taps and shower can be in north so that the water drains to the north-east. a rock garden can be made. 2. Master Bedroom At a glance: The Southwest sector is for the master's room.

Let them sleep with their heads to the east or west. Master cupboards to contain valuable documents.01 . They can have their beds to the southwest corner of the room with heads on the east or west (l). north or east sector. It is adviseable to have a east or north door for a master bedroom (4). The dressing table can be in east or north of the room (5).88 HANDBOOK OF V AS n 89 \ The beds or cots can be away from the walls but may be towards the south-west corner of the room (1). w 1 Children's rooms can be in the west. cash. etc.02 Children's Room E E Fig 83. w Children "s S BRAHMA 7 5N Room 4 S BRAHMA Children's Room N 5 4 _j Fig B2. . 3. property papers. Of course let not the beds (or cots) touch the walls. Children's (Study) Rooms At a glance: Children s room can he in the west. The other aspects of the bath can be as described in the previous chapter. north or east of the building. jewellery. can be in the south-west of the room such that the cupboard opens to the north or the region of Kubera (2). Cupboards for clothes can be in the north-west (3). cash. The North room of the house can also be used to store valuables. Never have your beds in the central portions of the room (7). A soft green light in the night will he instrumental in making them study well. jewellery etc. The attached bath can be to the north-west or south-east of the room (6).

especially boys. The cot/s can be in the southwest of the room without touching the walls and with the head towards south (l). w Guest Room s BRAHMA N E Fig B4. Avoid children in this region. This room is also suitablefor newly wed couples and for those planning their baby. A green bulb will be effective in enhancing the intelligence of the child. Avoid loads of any kind in the centre of the room (4). Northwest rooms are ideal for guests.02 They can have their study tables on the east or north (2) and face east while studying.90 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 91 w 1 4. 2 3 E Fig B3.01 . The rooms can have an east or north door (3). Guest Rooms At a glance: BRAHMA 4 2 N The guest room is ideal in the northwest room.

the southeast kitchen is best.02 The table can be on the east wall (2). E Fig 84.92 HANDBOOK OF VASn' HANDBOOK OF VASIl' 93 w ..01 ... The northwest is also recommended for newly wed couples and those planning to have a baby.'" s r- BRAHMA 7 N 3 2 The right placefor kitchen is the southeast sector (~lhe building. South-east portion of the building is the place for your kitchen. The deity ruling northwest is Vayu or the wind-god..~ . TJ:e t ovens and the electrical and gas stoves can be in the southeast corner o] the kitchen. this writer is of the firm conviction that as south-east is ruled by Agni or the fire-god.. Boys should definitely be avoided giving this area. . w s Kitchen BRAHMA N E Fig 85.:.. Kitchen 1 At a glance: 2 ·'Dj. Face the east while cooking... The alternate place for the kitchen. Even though some authors permit the north-west. Hence it is best to avoid children in a northwest room. The entrance to the room can be in the south of southeast (3). in case you are not able to have the kitchen in the southeast is the northwest sector ofthe building.:. especially in their formative years.""~'''::::.:. 5..: .

02 2 and ventilators can be provided on the east and smaller windows on the south. But make sure that the observations made above for the southeast kitchen are followed. Lofts and almirahs for storage can be on the south and west sides (4). Dishwashers can be to the northwest of the room (5). dal and other heavy materials can be kept in the south-west of the kitchen. As good food is indicative of financial strength. Big windows To stimulate appetite have your kitchen walls painted soft pink or orange.94 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 95 The kitchen can have an east platform for cooking. . Try to have the platform stand on supports so that do not touch the east and south walls. Have the kitchen door either in the north of north-east or west of north-west (3). In case the south-east kitchen is not possible. a mirror on the north of eastern wall of the kitchen will likely help strengthen finances. Drinking water can be placed in the north-east. The micro ovens and gas stoves can be placed more to the south-east corner such that the lady of the house does the cooking facing east (1). The sink for washing can be in the north-east comer of the kitchen (2). w 4 3 -5 4 s BRAHMA 7 N \ 3 1 E Fig 85. The exhaust fan can be on the eastern wall towards the south-east corner. you can do with the north-west of the building. brooms and cleaning materials in the north-west and stocks of rice.

it can be in the north or east of the room with the water draining to the north-east (3). However I feel it is wise to have the dining room in the east (or south) as it would be near the kitchen if placed in south-east. or his wife or eldest son occupies the south of south-west or west of south-west chair in the room (I).01 If a wash basin has to be placed. preferably a rectangular one should be so arranged that the master of the house. south or west are for the dining rooms. The dining room can he an independent room or a continuation of the kitchen. Stimulate your appetite by painting its walls with shades of pink or orange. Dining Room At a glance: East.02 s Dining BRAHMA Dining E Fig B6. The dining table. The dining table should be away from the walls. s BRAHMA [2J 4 N w Dining QJ N 00 00J E Fig B6. The dining room can either be an independent room or a continuation of the kitchen. you can comfortably settle for a west dining room. Odd shapes like egg shaped or other irregular shapes are best avoided for dining tables.j I 96 HA\'f)RO()K OF VASTI' HANDBOOK OF V Asn: 97 6. . w 1 I 1 4 - The suggested place is west. The fridge can occupy the south-east of the room preferably against the south wall (2). However if the kitchen is in the north-west.

Let the dining room be a relaxing place for the family members. Depending on the road. Wall paintings depicting the rising Sun. living room. and the beauty of nature (without its wild inhabitants) will create an ambience of happiness. Appetite can be stimulated by painting the walls soft pink or orange or cream and by installing a mirror on the east and/or north wall. These can be the north. east or north-east sector of the building. However it is to be noted that the inner walls of the living room do not fall on the energy lines (konasutras) described in the earlier pages of this book. Controlled talk.98 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 99 The doors can be on the north or west wells at the places marked (4). The dining room should serve the intended purpose. w s BRAHMA Living N Living E Living Fig B7. Family members who dine here should eat well to their heart's content. living room can be manipulated. better digestion should be the motto. all talk that excites tempers and passions have to be avoided. 7. An with good space can be in the north-east of sector Avoid loads in the centre of the east of north-east entry is preferred to the right as you enter the house. Living Room At a glance: Living rooms of the building. As the ancients have said.01 .

Sitting beds (or light furniture) can be in the east and north areas. Avoid heaviness in the centre of the living room (5). flower pots and spot lights at strategic places. if required can be on the north and east walls (4). Sceneries and mirrors. construct it in such a way that it is more spacious to your right as you enter it.02 The master can occupy the south-west corner sofa facing either the east or the north (3). The living area can be strengthened by having wall sceneries. White. If the living room happens to be the direct entry into the house. soft blue and soft green are the colours recommended. This is necessary since the first impression one gets on entering is one of spaciousness. 8 s 2 [i] 2 I r- BRAHMA 5 4 N - I 4 4 I E 1 I - Fig B7.100 HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU 101 As far as possible have an east of north-east door (1). . The furniture can be placed in the south and west allowing good space on the north and east (2). The north-east of the room can have the Lord's photo. w Heavy indoor plants can be strategically placed on the south or West of the living room.

For normal houses. ' w Fig 88. The following types are all fine. a pyramid roof is recommended. facing east or north. De~e~ding on the size of the plot or the nature of the building the prayer room can either be in the northeast sector or in the centre of the house also known as Brahmasthana. Let the diety.01 Great spiritual energy is said to flow from the tip of the pyramid into the room. An ill person can certainly benefit by sitting in such a prayer room for about 30 minutes a day. A person doing prayer is immensely benefitted. White or soft shades of blue are recommended. Let the Lord be on the east wall so that you face the rising sun while paying obeisance to Him. It is also said that a pyramid has healing properties. . All cupboards in the prayer room can be in the south and west walls.be on the eastern side. Prayer room oryour private shrine can be either in t~e North-east sector or the centre of the house w~ich corresponds to the Brahmasthana. the north-east is the best position. Prayer Room (Shrine) At aglance: \ .10. communion with the Almighty and meditation. It can also be slightly to the east or north.. To enhance the intended purpose of the room.02 s BRAHMA Temple N Temple E Fig 88.\ 102 HANDBOOK OF V ASTr HANDBOOK OF V ASH! 8. There can be a big east window above the Lord to let in the morning rays of the sun. Pyramid shaoed ro0s .-{: _ r can immensely strengthen the room spiritually. 1. viz: spirituality. Avoid having photos of dead people along with the photos of the Lord .

provisions. Grains that are neededfor daily use can be In the north-west corner of the granary. Similarly this concept can be adopted while planning a shrine for an industry or a factory or a group of houses or flats. 9. Saligramas and idols of ancient temples in the prayer room. Store Rooms At a glance: The granaries can be in the North-west sector. If it is a very big plot the prayer room can be constructed in the centre of the plot or centre of the building. Lofts and attics can be on the south and west ~alls.104 HANDBOOK OF V ASTr HA"DBOOK OF VASTI' 105 Unless you have tremendous spiritual control and capable of doing prayer everyday in a systematic manner. A skylight can be fixed above prayer room. If you are forced to have your prayer in the kitchen. The north east sector can also have your private shrine. It is said by having the store in the north-west there will always be a good and w Granary s BRAHMA N E Fig 98. avoid having mystic devices (yantras) like Srichakra. Never have the prayer area in the bedroom. The north-west sector can have the room meant for storing grains. Keep the puja room absolutely clean. have your deity in the North-east of the kitchen. facing west.01 . The Lord can be placed in such a way that you face East while worshipping Him.

The second alternative is the South-east of the building or the room .01 . The door for the store can be on the east of the room (4). The ancients had the excellent practice of having the toilets out of the main building to the corner of the plot in the northw Oil. I s . Toilets At a glance: I s 1 . There can be windows both on the north and west walls. These again can be in the north-west sector. can be kept in the south-east of the room (2). but let those on the north be larger. butter."STL HANDBOOK OF VASTL 107 continued supply of grains and provisions into the house! The lofts and attics can be on the south and west walls (l).106 HANDBOOK OF V. w 10. Avoid them in the centre of the building and the North-east of the building. 8 4 E Fig 89.02 Suppose you have separate hath cum toilets. let it be to the North-west o] the concerned room . Heavy provisions can be stored in the this region.--- I BRAHMA ITJG N .-i . Grains that are needed for daily use can be in the north-west corner (3). milk. etc.___ Toilets are to be in tli« North-west of the sector. Toilets (second al tcrnati ve ) E Fig Tuikts I3RAHMA I I N BI0. \Vhen it has to be an attached toilet.

w 1 Have the bigger window on the north and a smaller one in the west after providing for privacy (1). Added to this they kept these toilets totally clear of the main building. The alternate place is the south-east. Doors can be on the east of the north-east (4). Mirrors in the toilet may be on the north and east walls (3). it is said that toilet in the north-east will gradually weaken the finances and the general prosperity of the master of the house. we can.108 HANDBOOK OF VASTl' HANDBOOK OF V ASTli 109 west sector. As North-east (eashanya) is the junction of Kubera and Indra. Even today there are man y houses in India having their toilets outside the main building. 0 N 1~ s 0 BRAHMA 3 4 3 E Fig BIO.in the north-west sector. Toilets in the centre of the building are also totally prohibited.02 . have the toilet inside the building . Let the walls be coloured using light shades. However taking due note of the security problems of today as also the limitations of space. Toilets in the south-west make the master indecisive and his health may suffer. if it is not possible to have it outside the building. but avoid having the toilet either in the north-east or south-west. Toilet seats from south to north or west to east are approved (2).

South-east bedrooms may be avoided. Green is goodfor study. Almirahs and lofts can be in the south or west of the rooms. Do not sleep with your head to the north. lofts and almirahs be on the south and west sides of your room. Avoid beds in the centre of the room and under beams. Blue colour induces sleep. Avoid bedrooms in the South-east.III 110 HANDBOOK OF VASTI: HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 1 \ 11. Avoid a door in the South-west sector of the room. 1'1 . Such a room also encourages excessive expenditure. Generally speaking avoid beds in the centre of the room and under beams. Do not sleep with your head to the north. have your walls painted soft green to encourage intelligent thinking and concentration. Rooms in general At a glance: Get a good night's sleep by burning a true blue zero watts bulb in your room. A South-east bedroom if occupied by couples can mean constant quarrels between them over insignificant matters. The master rooms and rooms for guests and couples can be painted in different shades of blue (of your liking) to give you good sleep and prevent you from consuming sleeping pills! Let heavy furniture. For a study room.

. 1. radio.I 112 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 113 \ \ 12. placed in the South-east comer. It is to be noted that if proper propitiation of Agni is made. good health. sound finances and a nice married life. micro-ovens. A note on Agni (Fire Element) At a glance: Note: Whichever room you have your fire places. Marital happiness. You can keep Agni cheerful by: a. b. fire places. Having electrical gadgets like television. Good health to the inmates 3. Having a spotlight or lantern or the traditional wick lamp in the South-east comer with light or burning flame pointing to the roof. computer. fridge. As South-east belongs to agni he can create enough trouble for the inmates! The South -east corners of every room should be taken care of.. etc. Keep all your electronic and electrical gadets in the south east corners a/your rooms. Financial strength 4. Happiness in the family 2. You can take care a/the south-east corners a/all your rooms and aim/or: Happiness in the family. the following positive results are indicated. see that they are to the South-east of the room. VCR.

13. Garages
At a glance:

Garages can be in the northwest sector. A second choice for garages is the southeast. Avoid your garages or portico in south-west. Let not the garage touch the main building. Avoid your garages or portico in south-west. Let the car face north or east.

pendent of Main Building

Fig B13.02

Garages can be in the north-west or as a second choice in the south-east. Let the garage be a independent unit without touching the main building. w

If the portico is used for parking let it be on the north or east of the plot. Let the car face north or east, as the case may be when parked. Let the portico be one or two feet below the roof level without touching the main building. Avoid your garages or portico in south-west.

Garages (second alternative)

Fig B13.01

14. Basements and Cellars
At a glance:

The north, east and north-east are ideal for basements and cellars. Avoid basements and cellars in the south-west. A height equal to or less than the ground floor height is generally recommended.

Avoid basements and cellars in the south-west. It may render the master or the eldest son weak physically and financially. Accidents are likely to occur in the family. If a basement is required for the entire space of the building, see that the f100r level of the basement is uniform. A height equal to or less than the ground floor height is generally recommended.

If there is the need for a cellar, the best place is the north and east of the site. Of course, the basement is not meant for residing. w

'" c ~

~ ~ '"

and Cellars E
Fig B14.01

V ASn'

15. Staircases
At a glance:
Staircases may be anywhere except in the northeast and the centre of the place, viz., brahmasthana. However as much as possible prefer them in the south, west or southwest. The space beneath the staircase should not be occupied by anyone.

The last step should be towards south or west. If it is an internal staircase avoid the staircase just opposite the entrance. Similarly for outside staircases avoid crossing the main door.

South f---+-...l.-l.._L...l.--'--'~

or We s t

North or East
Fig B15.02

The staircase can be placed in the south, west and south-west. Avoid staircases in the north-east as they can cause problems with your finance. The step should begin either from the north or east. The turning of the staircase has to be clockwise only.

The space beneath the staircase should not be occupied by anyone. It can be used to function like a lumbar or storage room. Avoid placing the staircase in the centre of the house (in the Brahmasthana). If staircases in the north-west or south-east are imperative, have the staircases as light as possible. However, the beginning step and ending step, and the rotation of the stairs should be as suggested above.

Fig nt5.01

5 ..• W \ \ NE ANCIENT VIEW MODERN VIEW Fig 16.01 Fig 16.. The ancient texts of Inida do not approve different levels in the structure itself.. the south-west rooms can be higher.120 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 121 16... one has to raise his house uniformly on all sides. Levels of the Floor At a glance: Split levels inside the building are not recommended by the ancient works. UNIFORM LEVEL SPLIT LEVELS of i i .02 . I do not subscribe to this veiw... for instance says that if one wishes for the prosperity of one's household.. one ought to raise the level of the floor uniformly on all sides.. Brihat Samhita makes it clear that one who wants prosperity in his house.. Brihat Samhita.. However some scholars opine that to strengthen the niruti...

as discussed in an earlier chapter. Mirrors can be placed on the east and/or north walls to reflect the spaciousness of the verandah.122 HANDBOOK OF V. Let the shoe-rack (2) be in the north-west of the verandah. You can have the heavy furniture and heavy plants arranged in the south and west( 1) and light furniture and flower plants to the north and cast. L- ~-+1 i III I 2 I !I3RAHM. s BRAHMA N E Fig BI701 ..02 This room is preferred in the east or north of the building. than to your left. The general emphasis should be on more w expanse on to your right.SH: HANDBOOK OF V ASH! 123 17. Have large windows on the north and east walls.\ N E Fig 1317. Of course have a main door (rnahadwara). Have a proper main door or mahadwara as advised in an earlie r chapte r. Let the east or north walls (to your left) have a mirror to reflect the spaciousness of the verandah. Verandah or the first room into the structure At a glance: w r- l s Verandahs or the first roOll1Sinto the structure can be in the east or north. as you enter.

financial hardships and setbacks in health. HANDBOOK OF V ASTC 125 18. Gate in East or North of North-East East of South-East South or West of South-West Result Generally healthy and prosperous Ill-health and burning problems Accidents. especially for the master .124 HANDBOOK OF V ASTI. north of north-west and east of southeast. the north facing site can have its gate on the north of north-east. As a rule never have your gates on the south or west of south-west. As for a south facing site have your gate on the south of south-east. I . Have your gates placed depending on the direction the plot is. Fencing or Compound Gates At a glance: You can have your gates for the fencing or compound in the exalted grids described in an earlier chapter. The likely results of the placement of gates are as given on the previous page. Let the gate for the west facing site be on the west of north-west. The East facing site can have the gate on the east of north-east. For instance.

On Landscaping 129 135 139 . Generally speaking 2. Apartments & Multistoreyed Buildings 3.SECTION ill 1.

Fig C1.0l . At a glance: Open spaces corresponding to paisacha zone or the negative energy area are to be leftfree all round the building.HANDBOOK OF Y ASTl] 12<) 10 Generally speaking . Leaf bearing trees can be grown in the southwest of the compound. The zone marked paisacha in the diagram below may be avoided... Darbhe grass can be grown for its healing properties in the North east portion. Open spaces all around the building are always good.

For rooms within the house try to have doors as far as possible in the east or north of northeast. Leaf bearing trees like ashoka. Keep the northeast corner free. Else you can have them in south of southeast and west of northwest. Darbhe grass that is known to have potent healing powers can be grown in the pathway. Avoid having thorny plants like cactus. thumbe. guava coconut. neem.. you can have a beautiful pathway from your gate to the main door. I would personally recommend that they be totally done with. preferably not being ten. w 1I s 1111111 N 11111111 E Fig Cl. As for windows many scholars recommend even number of windows. with tulsi grown on the sides. etc. During winter the same trees work as a filter and the extremely cold air gets warmed up as it enters the room thus making the room comfortable for the inmates. During summer the trees prevent the hot afternoon air from directly coming into the southwest bedroom. Mezzanine floors if required should be in the south or west. north of northwest and east of southeast. darbhe grass for the lawns and other herbal plants are good. Avoid planting of trees in front of the main door. Avoid doors in the south or west of southwest. This amounts to a dwara vedha. thus keeping the room cool. If you have a north or east facing house. See that the surface area of northeast openings is greater than surface area of southwest openings. which amounts to being an obstruction. It is always advisable to have the main building independent of the fencing walls. Guests can be seated in the northwest sector of the rooms. especially taking care that their roots do not filter into the foundation and damage the building. You can have herbal and flower plants in the northeast sector of the plot. Plants like tulsi. etc.02 . The master of the house can always occupy the south or west if the furniture is placed on the south/west side facing either north or east. banana can be planted on the South and west of the building. have the seating arrangements on the south and west as much as possible. twenty. As for the arrangement of the furniture inside the house . inside the house. Be prudent to plant the trees.1 130 HANDBOOK OF V ASTl' HA"DBOOK OF V ASTLT J 3J More open space on the north and east are recommended.

If you are residing in a house which already has southwest balcony. 4 3 E . etc.. Terraces are always preferred on the north and east. If the southeast room is constructed first bitterness among the family members.!2 .... By having a northeast construction come up first health and finances are likely to suffer. oj. Avoid south and west especially the southwest balconies. irritation and tensions over trivial issues are generally indicated.. etc. cast. valuables... E 1 1 Fig Cl. profession documents. of course not touching the wall. get it covered with grills and cover it with curtains. If almirahs and wardrobes are not possible in the south or west for any reason. 1: o ...04 . This is the opinion of the modern scholars. etc. Heights of the rooms in the upper storeys can progressively decrease. should be in the southwest corner of the master's room so that the closets or cupboards open to the north..~ " .. As already suggested cupboards containing property papers.03 It is not advisable to share a well or swimming pool between two houses.132 HANDBOOK OF VASTL' HANDBOOK OF V ASH) 133 Almirahs. have to be kept in them. have it on the southwest sector.!2 ~ 2 '" I-------t .. only light articles like your clothes. The northern room can be used to store cash. jewelry. Adults can have their heads to the south and the children to the east or west. Lofts and attics in the various rooms can be on the south and west Balconies can preferably be for the north and east rooms. Never have it in the northeast or southeast sector. N N o w E s Fig Cl. Never put any loads in the northeast comers of the rooms. .. Have your cots and beds in the southwest of the rooms.. wardrobes. If you plan to have a part construction on the second floor.. The ancient texts opine that the treasury room is in the north.. treasure chests can be in the south or west of the rooms. 4 3 '.

. For example in the figure on the previous page. Let's take another case. Select an apartment carefully and strengthen the interiors by suitable placements offurniture .OS Our ancients considered the dwelling to be a living organization with rhythm in it. N 2. 7/8 of \ \ I Second Floor Second Floor I I I 617 of I First Floor I First Floor I 1/12 less than Ground Floo I 5/6 of I I I kJround Floor I FigC2. Here the water area is in the northeast of both the areas and hence is properly placed with respect to the two areas. it mayor may not be all right. A multistoreyed building has rhythm and grace and can be compared to a musical instrument. 0 w ./ E [J S 8 Fig Cl. Apartments & Multistoried Buildings At a glance: The dwelling is a living organism.0l . A is likely to have a water area properly placed whereas B has it an undesirable position.134 HANDB(X)K OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASHI 135 Depending in the placements of the well or pool or pond. Proportion was of prime importance.

Sleep to the southwest co'nerwithout touching the walls) with the head to the sout 2. Such a building is said to vibrate with rhythm and grace. The second option is is free will and we have Rememberi ng the interprets (partly) that if the selection of the flat. we can consider the following in order of prioritj (See figure C2.i Vastu) are more I w I Master Bedroom Ittchen s BRAHMA N \ Kitchen E Fig C2. This gradual and rhythmic reduction in each floor will create a harmonious and uniform energy level in the entire building. which the merit.02 than the demerits. Southwest Master Bedrooi 2. This the choice.136 HANDBOOK OF V ASn' HANDBOOK OF VASn. The first option is we have to go for a flat. More openings on the nortland east. The land developers are busy investing on others land (in the city) and jointly developing the properties.ien 3. The building is compared to a musical instrument whose distance between the strings reduces as they go up. First floor 5/6 of Ground Floor Second floor 617 of First Floor Third floor 7/8 of Second Floor and so on. Arrange the furniture suph that ie north and east as well as the Brahmasthan~of the l)ms are free. As the need for dwelling in the cities grows. 1:17 Temples with several stories were built in such a way that the height of each story decreased as it went up. Let us say this is fate. Many people wonder how vastu can be applied to already built apartments. . The following heights for the various floors can be followed.02) 1. it is said to be pod. A multistoried building can be compared to a veena (a stringed musical instrument) in which the distance between the consecutive rods of the shaft reduces gradually to give the most melodious music. O~ce the selection is madej1ext strengthen the mteriors as follows: 1. fI. more and more high rise buildings are coming up. Brihat Samhita and Matsyapurana recommend a gradual reduction by 11l2th in each floor. Manasaru sloka. Southeast or northwest Kit. C . The main criterion is to make maximum use of land and vertical space and build as many apartments as possible. An east of northeast entry 4.

On Landscaping At a glance: impf07 the general quality f one's life. A garden is normally recommended in the northwest sector of the house. Gardens give delight and happiness to the residents and visitors. distant sea~. Landscaping is closely related to house building. Trees can be planted in the months of Rohini. Soft soil is suitablefor trees. cru ty. to put it simply avo d paintings and sceneries which depict the negative spects 0 life. terror. Ancient sages have laid down certain rules for planting trees. It is said that the goddess of wealth lives for generations in the house in which the bilva (Aegle Marmelos) tree is planted. If wall sceneries are \ sed have such ones that depict depth. Uttarabhadrapada. death etc. on the n02. eep gardens. I .r l38 HANDBOOK OF V ASTli HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 139 3. Uttaraphalguna. They always saw to it that houses were surrounded by gardens containing a variety of trees and plants decorative and herbal. It is also said that a man enjoys the fruits of virtue if he plants fruit and flower bearing trees. Uttarashada. \ " Gardening or landscaping has been connected closely with town planning and house building. This ~?the vas tu stren th can be enhanced to 3. bubbling infants etc. star~ poverty. North west is ideal to raise a garden. Avoid beautifying your livinJ areas with scenes depicting violence.h nd east walls.

sesamum. champaka (Micheli a) are some of the recommended trees.. ashoka (Saraca Indica). In fact Vrkshayurveda recommends artificially made caves adorned with branches of trees. various types of cereals like green gram. for plants that have grown branches in Hemanta (December-January) and for these that have large branches in Varsha (August-September). The junction of the transplant is covered with a coating of mud. Plants can be sent to other countries and grafted there.nbel ia Ribes). nimbaa (lemon). sheep etc. rice. It states that soft soil is suitable for growth of trees. Revati. Visakha. leaves and creepers. black gram. The ancients gave much importance to laying of gardens and maintaining them. The plant to be exported should be smeared with a mixture of ghee. Tree diseases are treated as follows. Margosa (neem).about 4 cubits (6ft. ghee and mud and then sprinkled with milk and water. The "ulcer" parts should be cleared with a knife. This way the trees are said to regain their flower and fruit bearing strength. sirisa (Albizzia lebbeck) are recommended in one's garden and rear houses. the ancients recommend that the trees be protected with walls.140 HANDBOOK OF V ASn HANDBOOK OF VAST. Brihat Samhita has much to say about gardens. Mrigasira. It mentions substance having properties of manure like dung of cows. black gram. Vidanga (L. Gardens (public gardens) are recommended on the banks of rivers and lakes. barley. Rock gardens if required can be in the southwest region. barley and sesame. honey. Heavy leaf bearing trees can be planted in the southwest with fruit trees in between them.) apart. etc. artificial peaks etc! \ . andropogon honey. Just as houses should have compounds. green gram. Herbal plants like tulsi. ashoka (Saraca Indica). Pushya. "Export" grafting is also mentioned. Gardens not only enhance the vastu strength of a building but also make it a delightful experience for the residents and the visitors to the house. milk and cow dung. tumbe (a flower sacred to Lord Shiva) can be grown in the northeast region. buffaloes. When fruit bearing trees do not yield fruits and when fruits are destroyed prematurely. Sravana.' 141 Chitra. Moola. punnaga (Calophyllum isophyllum). Then these parts should be applied with a paste of Vidanga. The distance between the saplings should neither be too close or too far off. Aswini and Hasta. the trees should be watered with cooled milk which has been boiled with horse gram. Saplings can be planted at a fair distance from each other . Grafting is recommended for plants yet to grow branches in Sirisa (February-March). Anuradha. milk. Smearing a branch with cow dung and transplanting it on the branch of another tree does grafting. sesamum.

SECTION IV Your Questions Answered 145 .

Can trees be felled? This is a question that is causing much unhappiness to many people who have already planted their trees in the north and east of the northeast sector.t a glance: Can trees befelled? Are irregular shaped lots or buildings recommended Is there a relationship between the length and breadth of a building? Should we apply Ayadi Shadvarga to our homes already constructed? . . after pooja again. Next morning. Of course if the Vedha or obstruction is caused to the mahadwara. Effective steps to strengthen the southwest sector by planting one or two additional trees can be taken.HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 145 Your Questions Answered A.Find out the answers for yourself. Personally speaking I do not feel that one or two trees planted in this region could disturb the Vastu balance. we may perhaps have to think of a solution. Pooja to the tree has to be performed the previous night and offerings made. The ancients have prescribed a way of doing this.

In fact stanzas 67 & 68 of Chapter LUI of Brihat Samhita gives the following results. When southeast is cut. The rectangular structure is the choice. .50 100 125 It is to be noted that the maximum length of the building should be twice the breadth and no more. the best is a square structure where you have both the length and breadth equal. 3.25 37.5 25 31. However this may not be possible in many cases. 2. When northeast is cut he will fall from virtues. The classical works are very clear in stating that the structure should be a perfect square or a rectangle.146 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 147 the tree is ready to be felled.Ol No. 18 20 25 30 40 45 50 80 100 22. When the southwest is cut there is death of male children. Brihat Samhita states that the length of a king's dwelling should be greater than its breadth by a quarter. When the northwest is cut there is loss of money and food. 4. Are irregularly shaped pots or structures recommended? w SOUTH WEST WEST NORTH WEST 5.50 50 56. For example the following table gives the lengths and breadth which can be used by you for your house. BREADTH In Feet LENGTH s SOUTH BRAHMA NORTH N SOUTH EAST EAST NORTH EAST E Fig Dl. The tree may be so cut that it falls to its east or north. On the other hand if all the angles are right the inmates of the house will be happy and live with wealth and honor. Is there a relationship between the length and breadth of a building? Yes. troubles through women and the master becomes servile. 1.2 62. the owner will lose wealth and will be miserable through women.

148 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 149 What is the height recommended for buildings? The Brihat Samhita recommends the height to be equal to its breadth.--7 1 1 1 ~ E Should we apply Ayadi Shadvarga to our homes already constructed? I do not think it is necessary to scratch your head over a finished construction as far as the ayadi is concerned. Avoid buying land to the south. They can be hung on east and north walls of the house. mounds.riginal property and is an extension to the property. N T 1 w ~ b-Fig Dl.03 Can a portion of the house be rented out? Retain the southwest portion of the house and rent out the rest. huge bungalows and public places.02 I I 1 1 1 1 1. and heavy trees to the south and the west. Can purchasing the adjacent land extend a plot? Yes. of course as long as the adjacent land is towards the east. If it is an independent house rent out the total portion. . Manasara is clear when it says that if the merits are more than the demeri ts (of vas tu) it c an be considered as not having any defect. west. rocks. Avoid letting out part of the house at the cost of retaining the northwest portion which could bitter your relationship with the tenant to your detriment. In fact I would recommend the application of ayadi shadvarga for mansions. southwest. S Fig Dl. Do you recommend any specific measurement while using mirrors? Always go in for square or rectangular (l=2b) mirrors. northwest or southeast of your property. Which is the suitable site in a hill station for building a house? Select a site where you have all elevations. north or northeast of th~ .

How do we decide on the correct placement? As I have earlier said. The northeast corner corresponds to the Vastu Purusha's head.05 . It is therefore all the more necessary that the structure is built at a higher height to avoid flow of rain water. Compound Floor Level Is it advisable to have a pillar on the northeast corner to support a portico? A cantilever roof which is slightly lower than the main roof is recommended.. east or northeast of your site. Can houses be built on road level? It is always better to build both the compound floor and the structure above the road level. Let the slope be towards the north and east.150 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 151 South or East Fig D 1. from the road into the building or compound. It also refers to the konasutras (energy lines running diagonally across the Brahmasthana from southwest to northeast Road Level Fig D 1. Generally speaking if you observe temples. you will The placement of main doors is so confusing. there is always the possibility of the height of the road slowly increasing over a period of time. Let the house (structure) itself be at least two or three feet above the ground level. some say it differently. Some say it should be as given in the classical works. it is a good bargain. Let the foundation for the compound floor be at least two feet above road level. Taking the life of a building as about fifty years.04 find that they are built on a higher level than the ground. I prefer to rely on the classical works as far as the main door is concerned. in cases where it may not be possible to stick to this because of building constraints modern scholars suggest the above guidelines. (See chapter on doors for details) Favourable Unfavourable in in N-NE E-SE E-NE W-SW S-SE S-SW W-NW N-NW Building Level However. If there is a stream or river running on the north. etc.

. the northeast coner corresponds to the Vastu Purushua's head. (See diagram.please refer to chapter on Brahmasthana).08 Is it adviseable to have a pillar on the northeast corner to support a portico? Window A cantilever roof which is slightly lower than the main roof is recommended.===::=:i1C1ock From wise Inside Is a peephole through the main door advisable? As a rule have a small window between the main door and the wall. It also refers Fig D 1.06 Is a particular direction for opening the door recommended? Yes. A pillar or a load therefore in this comer is better avoided..) Fig 01. . Similarly when you stand inside the house. in the clockwise direction... This will enable the lady of the house to have a clear view of strangers pressing the doorbell.07 .152 HANDBOOK OF V ASHI HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 153 and northwest to southeast . As far as possible apply this principle for the other doors inside the house too. It is always better not to touch the roof of the portico to the compound walls. Portico Portico NE Fig D 1.iiiii:::. The traditional way of pradakshina or circumambulating round the deity is always in the clockwise direction.. the main door should open towards your left.

Pictures of smiling children etc. .. A pillar or a load therefore in this corner is better avoided . Avoid pictures depicting violence. As master of the house.09 the family also can seat themselves such that they also face east or north only (see diagram on next page). Tilt the plan to the direction the site is facing. These are the places at which you can have your main door. which place do you recommend for me to sit? Always occupy the south or west of the southwest of any room-living. Draw lines on the 2nd. burning forests. You can face east or north. kitchen or drawing for your seating. What pictures are suitable in my drawing room? You can have natural sceneries which are pleasing Let us suppose you have a slightly east facing site on which you construct a house. Photos of departed souls can be hung on the south walls. Find out the centre point of the eastern wall on the plan. Divide the north south line into 9 parts. Other members of N How do you define a door when the site and building is tilted 20° to the cardinal directions? Fi~ DUO w E s Master's sitting place Fig D 1. It is always better not to touch the roof of the portico to the compound walls. to the eye on your north and east walls. wild beasts. Put your compass on it and draw a north-south line passing through the center of the eastern wall.154 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 155 to the konasutras (energy lines running diagonally across the Brahmasthana from southwest to northeast and northwest to southeast -. sickly people. fires etc.please refer to chapter on Brahmasthana). can also decorate your house. 3rd and 4th grids to cut the eastern wall.

1. and Susthita pathway laid on all four sides. Another verandah from there is from left to right and there is a third one again from left to right. each a separate one. prescribes its breadth as equal to one-third of the breadth of the living room (hall). originating from the western verandah should touch the ends in the east. The thickness of the wall (inclusive of plastering) recommended is 1 32 x 2' 16 Perhaps they considered this formula necessary to safeguard the building from thieves. The Sarvatobhadra as the house is called is said be beneficial in all respects. The other two verandahs (southern and northern). Many houses in the villages of India have verandahs round the house. The eastern verandah is held between them.156 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 157 What should the thickness of the walls of a building be? Brihat Samhita categorically mentions that the wall thickness should be 1116th of the breadth of a building if it is made out of bricks. It speaks of Sosnisa-pathway in front of the house. gangsters.11 Let us suppose that the breadth of a building in 32 feet. etc. Are they recommended? b Fig D 1. A house is called Vardhamana when the front verandah extends from left to right. The entrance should be in the east. 4.pathway behind the house. Saavastamba . . Are pathways round the house good? Brihat Samhita the great work of Varahamihira recommends a pathway around the house and Yes.pathway on two sides. A house is called Nandyaavarta when it has verandahs on all sides going from left to right. There is no entrance on the south for a Vardhamana building. 2. A house is called Swastika when the western verandah extends from the left to the right. Saayaasraya . and concludes that all the pathways are approved by the architects. the classical works recommend an unbroken verandah all round the house provided they have 4 doors on all the sides. 3. For wooden houses no restriction is mentioned. It has three doors except on the west.

Portico. I Sarvatobhadra Entrance on all four sides FigDl. Entrances in all the directions except north are recommended.. Garage. The Nandyavarta and Vardhamana are said to be the best apart from Sarvatobhadra. Toilets. E s Vardhamana Doors on all sides except FigD !. Store for assets SOUTH-WEST (NIRUTI) Bed Room. the northeast corner for the prayer room as also the well. NORTH-WEST (VAYUVYA) Granary.lla S S Nandyavarta Doors on all sides except Fig D 1. No weights !:lath. Dining Kitchen. Dressing Room. Verandah. N I . the southeast corner for the kitchen and the northwest for granary. Guest Rooms NORTH (UTTARA) NORTH-EAST (EASHANYA) Pooja.12 SOUTH-EAST (AGNEYA) S . There are two more verandahs touching these internally. Animal Sheds. the East for baths. Master Bed Room.. W " N • N House E W House E l- 5. the central north is for storing money. W House ~ E W House . .158 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 159 . Garage SOUTH (DAKSHINA) Fig D1.lld WEST (PASCHIMA) Treasury Study room Children Study Room Court-yard EAST (POORVA) Ruchaka "I" "rE I- W " An entrance in all quarters except North is said to be good. southwest for the master and west for children. ulnmg. Fig D 1.llc N on the south. A house is called Ruchaka when the eastern and western verandahs touch the ends in the south and the north. Can you suggest a general placement of the rooms? The central south is for dining. milk. . . Children Study Room Store for fluids like Ghee. S Swastika Doors on the East.Ilb N on the West .

N Bhallata

~ ~

Vastu Shastra is intended to ensure the building up of a contented, prosperous and a happy society. The ancients designed a set of dos and don'ts while constructing buildings or townships taking into consideration the interplay of various forms of energies radiated by man. In a plot of land these energies, either positive or negative, are at perpetual play. The fields of energy get distorted when a building is constructed on the plot. The ancient sages in India after a great deal of contemplation and experimentation arrived at a certain way of construction such that the building worked in harmony with the energy fields rather than against them, in the process, making man a compatible part of the area/environment. The human body has layers of aura or subtle energy levels. The strength or weakness of these energy levels depends on the evolution of the concerned individual. When the energy fields of the human body interact with the energy fields of the building, good and bad results follow. Hence the ancients felt that it was all the more necessary to build a house such that the two energy levels, one of the animate and the other of the inanimate worked in harmony or resonance. The science of Vastu also takes into consideration the pancha mahabhootas, viz., Prithvi (Earth), Apa (water), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Air) and Akasha (sky or space).

W Pushpadanta

Fig 01.13

The main entrance of the house, to be auspicious, should be on the square of Rakshasa, Pushpadanta, Bhallata and Mahendra.
. ? Can the cots and other furniture have any sl~es.

The classical works prescribe certain proportionate measurements. The ancients felt that Vastu wa~ an important as the Vaastu. The ratio recomm~nde? for a cot is 3:5. Suppose the Width of the cot IS 4 ft., the ideal length will be 6.6 ft. The length of the legs is prescribed as m~re than one hasta and less than one and a half hasta. ThIS works out to 18" and 27" respectively. . The legs have to be straight and can have feet 10 the shape of a tiger foot or a deer foot.

In Ayurveda when these pancha mahabhootas are well balanced the body and mind are said to be in good health. Similarly when selecting a site and constructing a house, if these pancha mahabhootas are balanced the building and the people residing in it will be in good health and contented. This way the ancients developed a methodology of construction, which ensured thehappiness and peace of mind to the residents of the building. The whole world will be a happier place to live in if Vastu is applied not only to construction of residences but also educational institutions, public buildings, religious places, layouts, complexes and satellite towns. Town planning and development authorities would do well to consider the Vastu aspect before trying to expand the townships disproportionately.

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This is a house in a 120' x 90' plot. The plot faces the East Road. The building area is divided into 81 cells or grids. The central nine grids are called the Brahmasthana. The main entry in the east is given on the third and fourth grids from the north side. An exit door that is essential for cross ventilation may be provided in the fourth grid on the north side from the west side. The house is so designed that the Brahmasthana is used as a general lounge area. No beams or pillars should come in the central nine grids. The plan may be used with suitable modifications depending on whether the road is south, east or west.

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120 feet x 90 feet east facing lot

BATH CUM w. The plan is designed to give two bedrooms and two toilets. No beams or pillars should come in the central nine grids..166 HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU 167 I w.' .z I I. The plan may be used with suitable modifications depending on whether the road is north..-.. A utility area is provided next to the prayer room.0 I I I I J 1 I a -+-~-~I I IB I I I I_ -. The house is so designed that the Brahmasthana is used as a general lounge area.. All round the building a minimum of 13 feet 4 inches on the north and south sides and 8 feet 9 inches on the east and west are left free. I I 1 -..e. A corresponding exit door which is essential for cross ventilation is provided on the western wall exactly opposite the entry. . The central nine grids are called the Brahmasthana. I I r T T I I I I I__ I 1--j_-J I I I I _ _J __ I I --r-T-~--r-~-T-~-~-I MAS~R B~DROO~ KITCHEN I I I I I I I I I I I I I 80 feet x 120 feet south facing plot . east or west.. u.e. I o I~ I I I I I I:J I I I I J I ~ . The building area is divided into 81 cells or grids.. The main entry in the east falls in the fourth grid from the north side.. --1--+-ROOM I I I PRAYER ROOM This is a house in a 80' x 120' plot.. _ _J __ . This free space comes under the Paisacha zone.. . I I I I I f--. I __ I __ L_ . The plot faces the south road.-..L_J..1 1 1 I I I I I I f.

the reader may extend the principles to larger lots. Once the concept is understood.ucan This can have your car Pilrki~._·· ----- 33' -- ~ _ 1_ I This and the next plan relates to smaller lots. A circular staircase is provided in the north west. The house has two bedrooms with attached toilets and a small sitout facing the road.168 HANDBOOK OF V AST\' HANDBOOK OF V ASTIJ 169 ! in 6' Rock Garden . The entrance to the house is on the eastern wall in the north east portion.-. The centre of the building has a skylight to allow sunlight into the living area. A minimum of 1/9th space (3' 9"x5' 6") corresponding to the Paisacha or negati ve zone is left open all around. .- DINING STORE CUM Co lIV1NG to ~ CO') I co Co C\I . iPI I I?:i- Ii (0 I 18' BASEMEN I Y .~ve artificial Walcrialls i)ere ~:_:_:_:_~=:__····-'1i-. 1~:~li::] 7'--' CO (0 r-- I VERANDAH Lower than living POOJA I SITOUT This house is designed in a lot of 33' x 50' with a north road. The car parking is in the cellar in the northeast sector (below the verandah and living)..

An internal staircase is provided in the south east.lIT~ .. The entrance to the house is on the eastern wall in the north east portion.. car. '.[)D!TIO~".:3H!NG ... !}n Clin ~e f. A minimum of 1/9th space is left open all around. !bi! -oon :."._. A sump (a water body) in the north of northeast is provided..oc 'e'!: '..~._----------~.!':: Tht ove~Oiilj e.'':lW(':«41 fro~ the wc-':-:·""'.Oil rO>\. The car parking is in the south-east sector..::.[=T5 A~~O VEGE N"ARDEN TABLE l!::t:::-:~ ~ ~-+-12' ·~·'"·IH-+---·"·--'--·' .P .J:~1""nwsjl !..ew-ce c! ~:..:i MASTER BEDROOM 5' This house is designed in a plot of 30' x 60' with an east road.~ND SHf\DE GROUND LEVEL HIGHER I 'r 'wr. 'I1. : LEVEL ! LOWER i i ~~" .AL TOll.~s: !':oor.Vi._r-----irn UP CAR PARKiNG : i ~ _u_~ '_ GROUNU N ~L.A. As the owner needed only one room more area for lawn space was provided.170 HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU 171 LEAF E'EARING GIVING TREES .V.". . p'-. tt..t il I''''''~'''\~.

The north-east has the study-room (l5'x 14'). The entrance to the house is on the northern wall in the prescribed zone viz. The front of the house has a porch-cum-sitout (lTx 15'). The kitchen (l4'x 17'6") has a dining hall (l4'6"x13'). The master bedroom is in south-west (20'x26'). The garage has a store(8'x10') which has a door into the open space where a flower garden can be grown . A minimum of 1/9th space is left open all around. The staircase room (12' 6"x 14') is next to the kitchen.. Behind the prayer room is a six-feet high holed decorative wall which conceals the staircase and other rooms. The prayer room is situated in the centre (in the Brahmasthana).172 HANDBOOK OF VASTl' HANDBOOK OF V ASTLI 173 '" I L___ I 14' -l_____ I.. Bhallata. The exit to the backyard is through the Brhatakshata. 7' _L ~ 17' _ 14'------ 20' This house is designed in a plot of 100' x 100' with a north road. The north-west has the garage (l5'x20') which has a door into the verandah (l5'xI4'). Close to the master bedroom is the child room (l5'x12') and the closet (8'x12') is common to both the rooms. . The outer dimensions of the house are 63'x72'.

85. 160 70 114.106.112 3.40.47. 107.42 44. 160 74.1 73.78 41 48 .88 132 152 130 19 96 97 88 73.67 10 135 DO 112 94.160 77 132 15 Plots 38 33 114 I 16 ala room Walls Foundation Fridge Furniture Garage Garages Gas stove Gates Geyser Guest Grafting Guava Guests Har mya Hasta Heavy provisions Healing Herbal Hill station House Indra Introduction Jayanta 60 97 I.9.45.148 Chandrika 49 58 7.94 68 86 91 139 140 130 UI 3 41 106 DI 130 149 75 76 3 76 132 93 58.54. D5 105.52 12.75 89 I 18 70 61 9 I.88 88.74 .45.57.115 93.77.HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 175 Index Adharna Apachchaya Angula Aya Ayadi Shad varga Agni Almirahs Attics Apartments Ashoka Brahmansrhana Brihat Jataka Brihat Samhita Basement Bath tub Bathroom Beds Bhallata Brihatakshata Balconies Chara Chhaya Corner 37 38 Room Gardening ) Car Cellar Chaturss Children's Clockwise Compound Constellations Cots Cupboard Cash Circumambulation Coconut Directions Dining Room Dining table Dressing Table Dwisala Edifice Ekas ala Exhaust Floor fan Jewellery Kitchen Konasutra Kuladevata Kusumadanta Living Room Lofts Landscaping Legs Level Madhyama Mahabharata Mana Manasara Manusyalaya Manna Matstapurana Mayamat a Measurement Muhurtha I I I n. 79.79 116 86 75.74 94 120 79 77 99 105.86.132 139 160 I~O n 6 41 3.9.82.

45.131 138 D2 44.153 136 132 156 131 130. Profession Pushpadanta Questions Ramayana Rksa Rakshasa Rent Ruchaka Samarangana Sankhu Shadvarga Site Soil Sthira Surya Siddhanta Sankhu Sink Sutradhara and the Mahabharata documents Buildings Bedroom 76 79 Slopes Sofa Soma Staircase Step Store Room Study Room Study Table Saplings Sarvotobhadra Swastika Tantra Tilhi Taps Toilet Trisala Temples Terraces Thickness Thorny Trees Umbra Uttama Varnsa Vara Vastu k6 Ion 77 118 I 18 10) III 90 14() 1)7 87 90 77 160 151 131 148 135.HANDBOOK OF V ASTU Mahadwara Mahendra Master Mirrors Mukhya Mahendra Main door Mezzanine Mirrors Multistoreyed Nitya Nandyaavarta Neem Offerings Orientation Oil Penumbra Plots Puranas Parjanya Portico Pushkarinis Pathways Peephole Pictures Pillars Plans Pooja Pradakshina.45.46 77 Vastu Purusha Vastu Shastra Vastu Shastropadcsakas 132 160 Veedhi Shoola Vishwa Vyaya Varuna Ventilators Verandah Valueables Karma Vastu Shastra 145 6 44.145 38 66 156.157 152 154 151 16 I 145 See Circumambulation 3h 58 50.55 21 27 15 12 69 94 94 122. I 23 Vardhamana Verandahs Vrkshayurveda Wash basin Washing Well Windows Wall sceneries Wardrobes Yoni machine 132 157 157 141 97 8h h4.47 160 149 159 9.54 76 seats 109 73.45.) 5 I .53.53. I.74 106 38 21 7 76 115.45.48 .53 14.136 15 159 130 39 36 157 I.65.139.h6 87.80 36 44.' 3 7 30 12 44.

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