🏠 VĀSTU SHASTRA
Vāstu Shastra, often simply called Vastu, is the traditional Indian system of architecture and design. It is an ancient science that lays down guidelines for building homes, temples, towns, and other structures in harmony with nature, the elements, and cosmic energies.
🕉️ What is Vāstu Shastra?
The word Vāstu means “dwelling” or “building”.
Shastra means “science” or “knowledge”. So, Vāstu Shastra means “the science of building”.
It comes from Vedic literature, and its roots go back thousands of years in Indian civilisation. It blends spiritual beliefs, architecture, astronomy, and geometry to create peaceful and prosperous living spaces.
Who wrote Vāstu Shastra?
The Vāstu Shastra is not attributed to just one single author. Instead, it is a collection of ancient texts and knowledge systems developed over centuries by various sages, architects, and scholars in ancient India.
However, some key figures and texts associated with the composition and development of Vāstu Shastra are:
📜 Prominent Contributors to Vāstu Shastra:
1. Vishwakarma
Known as the divine architect in Hindu mythology.
Believed to be the original creator of Vāstu principles.
Associated with building mythical cities like Dwarka (Lord Krishna’s city) and Lanka (Ravana’s kingdom).
2. Maya (Mayan Acharya)
A legendary architect and author of the text called Mayamata.
Mayamata is one of the key classical texts on Vāstu, especially in South India.
Maya is also said to have built the city of Indraprastha (from the Mahabharata).
3. Sage Bhrigu
Credited with Bhrigu Samhita, which includes astrological and architectural knowledge.
Considered one of the oldest contributors to Vāstu-related literature.
4. Vishwakarma Prakash
An important treatise that describes various Vāstu rules, believed to be authored by sages following Vishwakarma’s teachings.
📚 Key Ancient Texts on Vāstu Shastra:
These texts were composed by different scholars over time and form the foundation of Vāstu knowledge:
Mayamata – by Maya
Manasara – a comprehensive text on architecture and design
Samarangana Sutradhara – attributed to King Bhoja (11th century), it covers Vāstu, sculpture, town planning, and even flying machines!
Vishwakarma Vastu Shastra
Shilpa Shastra – deals with art, sculpture, and Vāstu
Vāstu Shastra is a collective wisdom, not written by just one person.
It evolved through the contributions of sages like Vishwakarma, Maya, Bhrigu, and later scholars.
The knowledge was preserved through texts, oral traditions, and temple architecture across India.
🌍 The Five Elements (Panchamahabhutas)
According to Vāstu, everything in the universe is made up of five elements:
1. Earth (Prithvi) – stability, foundation
2. Water (Jal) – flow, purity
3. Fire (Agni) – energy, power
4. Air (Vayu) – movement, freshness
5. Space (Akash) – openness, connection
Vāstu aims to balance these elements in a built environment to ensure health, happiness, and success.
🧭 Direction Matters: The Vāstu Compass
Vāstu Shastra gives great importance to direction (disha). The orientation of a building affects how sunlight, wind, and energy flows through it.
Direction Element Suitable Use According to Vāstu
East Air Entrance, Prayer Room
West Water Dining Room, Storage
North Earth Living Room, Study Room
South Fire Kitchen, Bedroom
Northeast Water Temple, Meditation Room
Southwest Earth Master Bedroom, Stability
🛖 Vāstu for a Home: Simple Tips
Here are some basic Vāstu tips commonly followed in Indian homes:
The main entrance should ideally face east or north.
The kitchen should be in the southeast corner.
The bedroom should be in the southwest part of the house.
The toilet/bathroom should be in the northwest.
Prayer rooms or pooja spaces are best in the northeast.
🛕 Temples and Towns
Many ancient Indian temples, palaces, and even cities like Jaipur were built using Vāstu principles. Temples are often perfectly aligned with the sun or specific constellations to create spiritual energy.
🔬 Is Vāstu Scientific?
Some Vāstu principles are linked to scientific ideas:
Sunlight from the east is healthy, so morning light should reach the house.
Cross-ventilation ensures fresh air.
Heavier structures in the southwest give better stability.
Keeping spaces uncluttered improves mental well-being.
However, Vāstu is also deeply tied to faith and culture, so not all ideas have modern scientific proof — yet many people believe it influences energy and prosperity.
🌟 Why is Vāstu Still Important?
In India, many people still consult Vāstu experts before:
Building a new house
Buying property
Designing shops or offices
Starting a new business
Whether it's belief or tradition, Vāstu continues to be a respected part of Indian lifestyle.
🧠 In Conclusion
Vāstu Shastra is a unique blend of science, art, and spirituality that has guided Indian architecture for centuries. While some may follow it strictly, others treat it as inspiration for designing spaces that feel balanced, positive, and harmonious.
