Vastu Shastra
Vastu Shastra is voluminous and scattered ancient Indian literature dealing with
knowledge of architecture, iconography and art relating to structures and
buildings. It comprises of independent works which are classified under the
general heading of Vastu Shastra. It is an ancient practice to construct
buildings in harmony with natural forces for well being of humanity as a whole.
It is rich Hindu philosophy which is given in number of ancient works including
Vedas. Vedas or sacred lore are considered to have reached us directly in the
form of hymns or mantras.
The word Vastu has been derived
from ‘VASTOSHPATI’ used in ‘Rig Veda’ and is meant to provide protection,
happiness and prosperity in this life as well as after death. Rig Veda in part
7, chapter 54/1 says
VASTOSHPART
PRATI JATI HACHASMAN TVAVESHO ATBHIVO BHAVATAH I
YAT TVAMEH PRATI NATRO JUSHSVSHAN NO BHAV DVIPAD SHA CHATUSHPADE I
It is a prayer to Vastu Purusha and
means
Oh God of structures and buildings,
we are your devotees. Listen our prayers, make us free of diseases, give wealth
and prosperity, help the well being of all persons and animals living in the
house.
Vastu Shastra is a Sanskrit (the
most ancient and original language of (Hindus) word. Vastu mean dwelling and
Shastra mean treatise or book. Hence Vastu Shastra mean book on dwelling. Do’s
and don’t, of Vastu Shastra are explained logically and in a scientific way in
ancient literature. So we can also call it a science of dwelling.
Vastu Shastra is a result oriented
science and gives definite and immediate results if applied properly. It tells
about proportion and details of building elongation, slopes, water tanks,
kitchen, bed rooms, stairs, heights of roofs, entrances, doors, windows, walls
etc.
Living in harmony with the
nature is the theme of Vastu Shastra.
