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.