Comparative analysis on planning principles of

Vastu-Shastra in context of residential built

environment
Mohd. Azhar khan

Faculty of Architecture, DIT University, Dehradun

Email – azharkhn41@gmail.com

AIM
Comparative analysis on planning principles of Vastu-Shastra in context of residential built environment.

OBJECTIVE
 Studying the main principles of Vastu for residential environment from various sources like ancient texts,
research papers, etc., and documenting the most important and common principles out of them.
 Studying the modern principles of design related to residential environment.
 Comparing these principles and analyzing how these can be implemented in present day design of
residential environment.

METHODOLOGY
 Data collection
 Data preparation
 Data analysis

 Data collection

1. Reading about residential planning principles from the 3 major texts i.e.,
 Mansara
 Mayamatam
 Other manuals like Manushyalaya, Chandrika, Silparatnam, Sri Lalitha Mani Adi Sastran,
Citralakshana, Manai Adi Sastram.

2. Reading specifically on these principles (from Vastu and modern both aspects)
Generic architectural principles laid in the texts can be collectively ordered as follows:-
 Examination and selection of site – ‘Bhu Pariksha’
 Determining the orientation – ‘Dik Nirnaya’
 Building Measurement Test – ‘Aayadi Gananam’
 Vastu purusha mandala – ‘Padavinyasa’
 Zoning – ‘Griha Vinyasa/Sthana Vinyasa’
 Door openings – ‘Dwara Sthana’
 Proportion of the building – ‘Bhulamba Vidhanam’
  Data preparation
1. Refining the data collected
2. Organizing the data from various sources into specific categories
3. Side by side comparison

 Data analysis
1. Analyzing the data collected
2. Doing comparative analysis
3. Analyzing data in relation to present day context
4. Making conclusion

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

SCOPE
This research will help in knowing some very core principles of Vastu and with a better understanding for a better
usage in present day context.

LIMITATIONS
The data collection from the ancient text can be difficult, because of limited resources (referred to translations not
the actual text).

MAIN BODY
1. Introduction
Vastu-Shastra, which literally translates to “science of Architecture” which is a traditional Hindu system of Architecture. Vastu-
Shastra is a textual part of ‘Vastu-Vidya’, the latter being the broader knowledge about architecture and Design theories from
ancient India.

Vastu-Vidya knowledge is a collection of ideas and concepts, with or without the support of layout diagrams, that that are not
rigid. Rather, these ideas and concepts are models for the organization of space and form within a building or collection of
buildings, based on their functions in relation to each other, their usage and to the overall fabric of the Vastu.

Ancient Vastu principles include those for the design of ‘Mandir’ (Hindu Temples), and the principles for the design and layout of
houses, towns, cities, gardens, roads, water works, shops and other public areas.

However, this study is mainly concerned to the planning and design principles for residential built environment, and their
relevance or applicability in present day context.

2. Prescription of Architectural planning principles in the texts

Generic architectural principles laid in the texts can collectively be ordered as follows.
1. Examination and Selection of Site - Bhu Pariksha
2. Determining the Orientation - Dik Nirnaya
3. Building measurement Test -Aayadi Gananam
4. Vastu Purusha Mandala - Padavinyasa
5. Zoning - Griha Vinyasa/Sthana Vinyasa
6. Door openings - Dwara Sthana
7. Proportion of the building - Bhulamba vidhanam
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2.1. Examination and Selection of Site - bhupariksha [1]
Texts have prescribed unique method of testing the site, before it is selected for the construction. The soil has to be examined
for its shape, contour, odour, color, features (salliyam), taste and touch. The level of the ground and the vegetation all around
was also discussed elaborately. Chapter IV & V of Manasara, Chapter III of Mayamatam, Chapter 8 of Samarangana Sutradhara,
Chapter 1 V30-33 of Manushyalaya Chandrika, Verses 13-15 of Manai adi sastram discusses in detail about the bhu pariksha.
The prescription given in the texts are listed in Table No: 1

Table 1: Examination of Site

S. No. Parameter Preference Unfit
1. Shape of Site Rectangular Irregular
2. Contour of land Elevated West and South Elevated East and North
3. Color of Soil White Black
4. Odor of soil Fragrance of Jasmine, Lotus Pungent smell
5. Touch of soil Compact and Smooth Loose and Hard
6. Taste Sweet Bitter
Apart from the above, the site is to be rejected if the thorn trees are grown, large trees in the four corners, with husks, ashes
and gravels. The site should also be free from pebbles, worms, ants, charcoal, stumps, any sharp objects, sludge and cavities.
(Mayamatam C3 V7-10). Sending the cows first into the site as ritual and flower test before the possession of the site are
prescribed in the texts. Manaiadi Sastram gives only a little account on the testing methods whereas other selected texts
prescribe elaborate methods. They also concur on the parameters discussed above.

Site selection in modern architecture

Following are some of the important factors which should be considered while selecting site for any residence.

1. The site should be in fully developed area or in the area which has potential of development.
2. The site should command a good view of landscape such a hill, river, lake, etc.
3. There should be good transport facilities such as railway, bus service, for going to office, college, market, etc.
4. Civic services such as water supply, drainage sewers, electric lines, telephone lines, etc. should be very near to the
selected site so as to obtain their services with no extra cost.
5. Soil at site should not be of made up type as far as possible. The buildings constructed over such soils normally undergo
differential settlement and sometimes become the cause of collapse. Cracks in buildings in such conditions, are quite
common
6. The selected site should be large enough; both to ensure the building abundant light and air to prevent any over
dominance by the neighboring buildings.
7. The ground water table at the site should not be very high.
8. Nearness of schools, hospitals, market, etc. are considered good for residential site but these facilities do not carry any
significance in the selection site for other public buildings.
9. Good foundation soil should be available at responsible depth. This aspect saves quite a bit in the cost of the building.
10. Residential house site should be located away from the busy commercial roads.
11. Residential site should not be located near workshops, factories, because such locations are subjected to continuous
noise.
12. Orientation of the site also has some bearing on its selection. Site should be such in our country that early morning sun
and late evening sun is accepted in the building in summer and maximum sun light is available in most of winter.

Inference from comparison

Site selection in vastu is only concerned with the shape of the site and the characteristics of soil and vegetation on the site.
However, in modern architecture site selection is more concerned with the surroundings of site like type of development
(residential, commercial, industrial, etc.), landscape, transport availability, facilities like – schools, hospitals, market, etc.
including the test for soil for the foundation.

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2.2. Determination of Orientation – Dik Nirnaya [1]

Manasara (Ch.6 V87 – 88), Samaranganasutradhara (Ch.15) and Manushyalaya Chandrika (Ch.3 V23) prefers East as the most
auspicious direction for benefic results. In all the texts west seems to be the least preferred direction. By and large the Cardinal
directions are preferred more than the ordinal directions.

Building Orientation in modern architecture [2]

Orientation is the positioning of a building in relation to seasonal variations in the sun’s path as well as prevailing wind patterns.
Good orientation can increase the energy efficiency of your home, making it more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run.

North orientation is generally desirable in climates requiring winter heating, because the position of the sun in the sky allows
you to easily shade northern façades and the ground near them in summertime with simple horizontal devices such as eaves,
while allowing full sun penetration in winter.

Fig.1: Average daily solar radiation on vertical surfaces.

North-facing walls and windows receive more solar radiation in winter than in summer. As shown in the diagram, the opposite is
true for other directions — and why, in mixed or heating climates, it is beneficial to have the longer walls of a house facing north
to minimize exposure to the sun in summer and maximize it in winter.

Inference from comparison

As far as vastu is concerned East is the most preferred and west the least preferred. On the other side modern architecture
decides the orientation of the building according to the sun directions for that particular climate, to utilize the sun for passive
solar design and minimize the need for mechanical devices and North orientation is generally preferred for most climatic zones.

2.3. Building Measurement Test – Aaydi Gananam [1]

All the measures were done by selecting a type of measuring rod - kol measured in Hastha 9 system of measurement. “If
something is complete in itself, perfection, nothing is left over, there is an end of it. If there is a remainder there is no end to it. So
the remainder Is the germ and the material cause for what subsists.” as Stella kramrich insists on the importance residue in the
progress, Aayadi Shadvarga calculation, a computation method to select the appropriate dimension for the building, follows the
theory of remainder . Shadvarga is a group of six formulae to determine the dimensional conformance of a building. Aya, Vyaya,
Yoni, Riksha, Vara and Thithi are the six formulae where Aya and Riksha are used for the determination of length, Yoni and
Vyaya for breadth and Vara and Thithi for height or circumference. The remainder obtained using this formulae provides the
gain or loss, compatibility of constellations, solar day and lunar day. The prime dimension to be considered for the computation
varies from text to text. Manasara suggests width, Mayamatam, Manushyalaya Chandrika and Manaiadi Sastram prescribes
perimeter as the prime dimension.
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Manushyayalaya Chandrika and Manaiadi Satram would have been to accommodate the finer reforms made in the measuring
rod by the later silpis – the architects.
The formulas introduced appear mainly to first get the approximate measure and then check its suitability with the units of their
Constructional rod used. However, the Aayadi calculation remains as a highly technical tool for the Silpis to arrive at the
appropriate building measure.

Building measurement in modern architecture

Building measurement in modern architecture is decided according to design needs and various laws which are set by the
development authorities of the region, like:-

 Floor area ratio (FAR) is the ratio of a building's total floor area (gross floor area) to the size of the piece of land upon
which it is built. The terms can also refer to limits imposed on such a ratio.

As a formula: Floor area ratio = (total covered area on all floors of all buildings on a certain plot, gross floor area) / (area
of the plot)

 Setbacks - A setback, sometimes called step-back, is a step-like recession in a wall. Setbacks were initially used for
structural reasons, but now are often mandated by land use codes, or are used for aesthetical reasons. In densely built-
up areas, setbacks also help get more daylight and fresh air to the street level.

 Building Height restriction laws [4] are laws that restrict the maximum height of structures.

There are a variety of reasons for these measures. Some restrictions limit the height of new buildings so as not to block
views of an older work decreed to be an important landmark by a government. For example, In the Tsarist Russian
capital of Saint Petersburg, buildings could not be taller than the winter palace.

Other restrictions are because of practical concern, such as around airports to prevent any danger to flight safety.

Inference from comparison

Building measurements in vastu were decided by the method of remainder which was calculated by the use of various formulas,
and was then analyzed to find gain or loss, compatibility of constellations, solar day and lunar day.
Whereas, in modern architecture building dimensions are decided according to the design needs and the bylaws of that
particular region.

2.4. Vastu Purusha Mandala – Padavinyasa [1]

All the texts recognize Site where the building is to be constructed as the body of a demon named Vastu Purusha. Manasara (Ch.
VII), Mayamatam (Ch. 7), Samaranagana Sutradhara (Ch. 11 and 14), Manushyalaya Chandrika (Ch. II V 11- 31), and Manai adi
Sastram (p -64). The reference to the custom of worshipping Vastu Purusha can even be found in Rig Veda and Grihya Sutra . The
evil demon which has been supposedly laid down by the Gods on the ground is not allowed to wake throughout the year, except
on Vastu worshipping day. Pada vinyasa is the process in which the site is divided into various numbers of squares. The number
of squares varies from Single Square (1x1 grid) to 32x32 (1084) squares, where each square is referred to be as padas. Pada
devatas are assigned to the divided squares and is named after the deity assigned. The activity zoning in the house are to be
assigned based the location of deity. Out of 32 types of, Manduka which divides the site into 64 squares and Paramasaiyn
divides the site into 81 squares were recommended by all the texts for all the purpose of building activities. Fig 2 and Fig 3
shows the different imagery of the way in which the Vastu Purusha being held on ground.

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Fig 2 Vastu purusha mandalaas per Manushyalaya Chandrika Fig 3 Vastu purusha mandala as per Mayamatam

Vastu purusha mandala that claimed to be a generative idea for not only all architectural production and also a sanctifying tool
for the built structure.
In the 9x9 Paramasayin grid out of 64 squares central 9 squares are assigned to Brahma – the God of Creation and other 41 gods
were arranged in the remaining squares in a sequential order. Only a little variation found in the selected texts in term of
allocation of deities in the respective location. According to Sonit Bafna the imposition of Gods on the grid seems to be later
addition to the already existing practice of using Grid System for the building construction. However these Mandala forms the
base for all the further building activities.

Inference from comparison

Since, there is no such thing as Vastu purusha mandala in modern architecture so, comparison can’t be done.

2.5. Zoning - Griha Vidhana or Sthana Vinyasa [1]

The text describes the zoning of various functional activities of a house being allotted through the names of the Gods in the
Vastu Purusha Mandala. Manasara (Ch. 36), Mayamatam (Ch.27), Samarangana Sutradhara (Ch. 15, 19, 20 & 21), Manushyalaya
Chandrika (Ch. 7 V31-43) and Manaiadi Sastram (p 4 & 5) deals elaborately on the zoning aspects of a house.

Dr. TP Battacharya was of the impression that this system of dividing the Ground Plan helped the architects/ silpis in calculating
the proportion of the different parts of the building and other parts. All the texts concurs on leaving the Central Brhama sthana
to be open without any construction as it was considered to be the link between the house and the cosmos.
Among the texts Mayamatam classifies four types of house for the four different Varna- a social hierarchical order established at
that point of time. Subsequently the design aspects also fall according to the same classification.
Out of the seven activities taken all the texts are conforming placement of Pooja in North East and Kitchen in South East. Apart
from Manaiadi Sastram other texts conforms the allotment of the bath in North East. As Living vary from North and
predominantly West, Dining vary from South and West.
Regarding the Bed Room location though other texts conforming the South West and South, Manai adi Sastram peculiarly
specifies on North East. Barring Manushyalaya Chandrika other Texts suggests treasure/ Store to be in North. From the table
coherence in the spatial planning may be noted across the texts.

Zoning in modern Architecture

Zoning of building is done with various things in mind which includes:-
 Orientation of building (for natural light and ventilation) – refer fig.4
 Daily routine of the inhabitants - refer fig.4
 Easy access to activities
 Escape routes for emergencies

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Fig. 4 Periods of occupation and desirable sunlight in residential rooms

Inference from comparison

In vastu zoning of a building is done according to the name of gods in Vastu Purusha Mandala. Whereas, in modern architecture
zoning is done according to the needs of the inhabitants, sun direction and escape routes for emergencies.

2.6. Door Openings – Dwara [1]

As far as the Main door location is concern all the text prescribes the same. The auspicious door location referred in the texts are
given in the Table No: 2

Fig 4 Main Door - Dwara location for four directions

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 Table 2: Main Door – Dwara location
Direction of Manasara Mayamatam Samarangana Manushyalaya Manaiadi
Main Door Sutradhara Chandrika Sastram
East Mahendra Mahendra Mahendra Parjanya/Bhur Isa to
sa Mahendra
South Grahaksata Raksasa Grahaksata Pusavu/Bringa Agni to
Grahaksata
West Pushpa danta Pushpadanta Pushpa danta Dvarapala/Sos Pitr to
an Pushpadanda
North Bhallata Bhallata Bhallata Naga/Aditi Vayu to
Bhallata

Manasara (Ch. 38), Mayamatam(Ch.30), Samarangana Sutradhara (Ch.24), Manushyalaya Chandrika (Ch.7 V25) and Manaiadi
Sastram(p-29) deals elaborately on the position of Main door . From the above table though the pada devatas names have little
variation the auspicious location of Main door exactly remains the same in all directions across all the texts. It can be understood
that it is preferred to locate the main door on the immediate right of the median line on the respective direction.

Door openings in modern architecture

There is no pre-defined rule to decide placement of doors in modern architecture, as door openings get developed with the
design .But nonetheless some things are kept in mind while creating door openings like:-
 Easy and uninterrupted access
 Placement at corners (to save habitable space)
 Door width according to the function of the enclosed space

Inference from comparison

Door placement in vastu is governed by pada devatas names. Whereas, in modern architecture door placement is not
Pre-defined but is done according to function and use of the area enclosed.

2.7. Proportion – Bhulambamana [1]

For the aesthetics of the building the relationship between Length to Breadth to Height is very important. The ancient Silpis had
duly addressed this issue with meticulous proportioning system to determine the measure of the building. As earlier discussed
through the Aayadi Computation appropriate dimensions are arrived to produce something noble and sublime. The Hindu Silpis
appear to have strived for this ideal and set the principles of proportion. Manasara (Ch. 35 V21-25), Mayamatam (Ch. 11 V8-9)
and Samarangana Sutradhara (Ch.28 & Ch.29) deals elaborately on the proportioning system. Manasara and Mayamatam
suggests 5 Generic types of proportioning system relating the width to height ratio

1. Shantika - 1W:1H
2. Paustika - 1W:1 1/4 H
3. Jayada - 1W:1 ½ H
4. Dhanada - 1W:13/4 H
5. Adbhuta - 1W:2H

The measure for the various elements within the building was computed according to the fundamental presumption of the
proportion system selected. The variations shown by the texts in the measures for the smaller elements of the building and
details indicates regional choices in term of the prevailing style followed and the availability of construction material and
techniques.

Proportion in modern architecture

Proportion is a central principle of architectural theory and an important connection between mathematics and art. It is the
visual effect of the relationships of the various objects and spaces that make up a structure to one another and to the whole.
These relationships are often governed by multiples of a standard unit of length known as a "module". [3]

Proportion in architecture was discussed by Vitruvius, Alberti, Andrea Palladio and Le Corbusier among others. [3]

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Inference from comparison
There are 5 types of proportioning systems (width: height) in vastu to decide the proportion of the building. On the other side in
modern architecture proportion of the building is governed by the multiples of a standard unit of length known as a "module".
Example – height of a human being can be set as a module to set the proportion of the building.

3. Discussion
From the Bhupariksha to Proportioning System the study of Vastu Shastra Principles across Five texts provides us with valuable
information on architectural planning and design. This comparative analysis reveals certain concrete facts on the planning
principles.

 Site selection in vastu is only concerned with the shape of the site and the characteristics of soil and vegetation on the
site. However, in modern architecture site selection is more concerned with the surroundings of site like type of
development (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.), landscape, transport availability, facilities like – schools,
hospitals, market, etc. including the test for soil for the foundation.
 As far as vastu is concerned East is the most preferred and west the least preferred. On the other side modern
architecture decides the orientation of the building according to the sun directions for that particular climate, to utilize
the sun for passive solar design and minimize the need for mechanical devices and North orientation is generally
preferred for most climatic zones.
 Building measurements in vastu were decided by the method of remainder which was calculated by the use of various
formulas, and was then analyzed to find gain or loss, compatibility of constellations, solar day and lunar day.
Whereas, in modern architecture building dimensions are decided according to the design needs and the bylaws of that
particular region.
 Since, there is no such thing as Vastu purusha mandala in modern architecture so, comparison can’t be done.
 In vastu zoning of a building is done according to the name of gods in Vastu purusha mandala. Whereas, in modern
architecture zoning is done according to the needs of the inhabitants, sun direction and escape routes for emergencies.
 Door placement in vastu is governed by pada devatas names. Whereas, in modern architecture door placement is not
Pre-defined but is done according to function and use of the area enclosed.
 There are 5 types of proportioning systems (width: height) in vastu to decide the proportion of the building. On the
other side in modern architecture proportion of the building is governed by the multiples of a standard unit of length
known as a "module". Example – height of a human being can be set as a module to set the proportion of the building.

4. Conclusion
Based on the available source the study made on the comparative analysis of Vastu Shastra principles, shows the relevance and
flexibility of principles for the changing dynamics. The study also open further research options on the positive applicability of
those principles with the modern architecture principles. It brings immense hope to the humanity that the wealth of
architectural knowledge of the past can very well be applicable for the changing dynamics of the society and technology with
appropriate minimum modifications and without affecting the fundamental ideology.

References

1. Planning Principles of Vastu Sastra from Traditional Indian Architectural Texts

- V BALASUBRAMANIAN1 AND S NAGAN2
Department of Architecture, Mohammed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai
1
Department of Civil Engineering, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai
2

2. http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/orientation
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proportion_(architecture)
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Height_restriction_laws