What is Vastu?

“Vastu” or Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian science of architecture and design. It integrates principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry, with the goal of harmonizing human dwellings with natural forces.

Key Principles of Vastu Shastra

1. The Five Elements (Pancha Bhootas):

   • Earth (Bhumi) – Site orientation, soil quality

   • Water (Jal) – Placement of water sources

   • Fire (Agni) – Direction of the kitchen and lighting

   • Air (Vayu) – Ventilation and airflow

   • Space (Akash) – Overall arrangement and open areas

2. Cardinal Directions:
   Each direction is ruled by a deity and has specific elements and energies associated with it.

   • North – Wealth (Kubera)

   • East – Health and social connections (Indra)

   • West – Gains and prosperity (Varuna)

   • South – Strength and success (Yama)

   • Northeast (Ishanya) – Most auspicious; best for meditation or prayer rooms

   • Southwest (Nairutya) – Stability; ideal for master bedroom

   • Southeast (Agneya) – Fire zone; ideal for kitchen

   • Northwest (Vayavya) – Movement; ideal for guest room or storage

3. Rooms and Their Ideal Placement (General Guidelines):

   • Entrance – Ideally in the northeast, east, or north

   • Kitchen – Southeast (fire element)

   • Master Bedroom – Southwest (stability)

   • Living Room – North or east

   • Pooja Room (Prayer Room) – Northeast

   • Bathroom/Toilets – Northwest or west (avoid northeast)

   • Staircase – Southwest (avoid center)

4. Vastu Purusha Mandala:
   A symbolic map of the site, with an energy grid that determines how each space should be used to align with cosmic energies