Vaastu, a myth or a science?

Vaastu Sastra is not a religion but a science.

Vaastu Sastra is a voluminous and scattered ancient indian literature dealing with knowledge of architecture, iconography and art relating to structures and buildings. It comprise of independent works which are classified under the general heading of vaastu sastra.

The word "Vaastu" has been derived from 'VASTOSHPATI' used in 'Rig Veda' and is meant to provide protection, hapiness and prosperity in this life as well as after death.

Rig Veda says:
VASTSHPART PRATI JATI HACHASMAN TVAVESHO ATBHIVO BHAVATAH |
YAT TVAMEH PRATI NATRO JUSHSVSHAN NO BHAV DVIPAD SHA CHATUSHPADE||
It is prayer to Vaastu purusha and means :

Oh God of structures and building, we are your devotees. Listen our prayer, make us free of disease, give wealth and prosperity, help the well being of all persons and animals living in the house.

The philosophy and concept of Vaastu Shastra has more to do with complex mathematical calculations along with the energy lines of the earth. This science does not encourage blind faith. Instead effective creation of energy and positive vibration, flow of balance and harmony are required to make Vaastu work in one´s life.

Vaastu is a complete understanding of direction, geography, topography, environment and physics. It is a study that dictates the form size and orientation of a building, in relation to the plot, soil, surroundings and the personality of the owner/dweller. There is no room for rituals and superstitions.

Vaastu orientates, places and dictates the proportions of every detail as in building lines, skylines, elongations, levels, slopes, water tanks (underground and overhead), kitchen, bedrooms, toilets, staircase, heights of ceilings and roofs, entrances and loci of doors and windows, compound walls and so on.

Vaastu endows peace and prosperity to all mankind. A house, big or small, built as per Vaastu makes the life pleasant and prosperous. It is believable, because of its universal efficacy.

Everything in this world is made of five fundamental elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Sky. Principles of Vaastu Sastra are mainly dependent on the arrangement of five essential elements of the world i.e. Earth, Water, Fire, Air & sky in their proper order and proportions to have better living conditions in a building.

There is a correlation and a complex pattern relating to human behaviour and built environment around him. Various unseen forces affect human body vertically, horizontally, diagonally and perpendicularly. For example :
Sun Energy
Lunar Energy from the moon
Magnetic Energy
Gravitational energy
Molecular Energy
Fire Energy
Wind Energy
Microwave Energy
Electrical Energy
Light Energy
Sound Energy

While this concept of energies gave birth to the science of Vaastu in India, the same concept led to the birth of Fengshui in China. In the western world the recognition led to the understanding and development of the science of Geopathy.

People in different parts of the world have recognized the influence of the environment on the mental and physical health of human beings. And once this factor gained recognition, efforts were made to create proper environment for people to enable them to lead healthy and happy lives.

Various sages and saints in India always wanted to ensure this happiness and prosperity to mankind. They showed serious concern about the happiness and welfare of every one, with a view to ensure that people live in peace, harmony, prosperity, comfort, and happiness. They evolved various codes and systems, which led to the comforts of life, and these are contained in ancient scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads etc.

Vaastu Sastra and Shilpasastra provide some principles and rules on the guidelines of which suitable and comfortable buildings for residence, temples, etc. are built and towns, colonies are planned.

The origin of vaastushastra may have taken place well over thousands of years ago.The principles of the science laid down during those days were based purely on the effect of sunrays during different times of the day. The observations and corrections made were noted and concluded only after indepth screening of the situation.

Proofs of vaastusastra can be found during the time of Ramayan and Mahabharat. Even in the cities of Mohanjodaro and Harappa the application of vaastusastra can be seen.

Architectural science and equipment have undergone a sea change over the years. However, the principles of Vaastu, still remain very much applicable.

This research article is submitted by Dr.K.Venkatesan BE, MTech, PhD, DDiv(hon)., the Chairman of our Trust is a post-graduate in Engineering and he hails from the ancestry of Abirami Pattar.