VASTU SHASTRA: A HOLLISTIC APPROACH TOWARDS MODERN ARCHITECTURE

VASTU SHASTRA: A HOLLISTIC APPROACH

TOWARDS MODERN ARCHITECTURE

PRIYANKA BARODIA
11717249 24-B

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY

JALANDHAR – DELHI G.T. ROAD, PHAGWARA,
PUNJAB

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VASTU SHASTRA: A HOLLISTIC APPROACH TOWARDS MODERN ARCHITECTURE

ABSTRACT

Vastu Shastra is ancient Indian Vedic and Shastra’s knowledge for construction area to
achieve balance, harmony between gods and nature and people there by paving the way
of peace, prosperity, health, happiness and to avoid troubles. The principles are
applicable globally. This is an alternative system of architecture therefore does not offer
magical results, but has a great influence in planning according to nature which is best for
everyone, environment and climate are the more dominant factors for today’s planning.
which we can maintain by using some traditional principle of vastu shastra, number of
common characteristics of vernacular architecture, such as the presence of vegetation in
the building site, use of local materials to create a micro-climate adaptable with human
comfort, can also be applied to other cultures with some climate .knowledge of sun rays
earth magnetic poles, geoplathic zones and concentric zones can be useful in designing
building in complete harmony with the surrounding nature. Vastu shastra elaborates the
relationship between the man and his physical body, the building and the world. This
goes beyond design and architecture. The major principles of vastu with scientific
reasons are analyzed with engineering aspects in present day buildings, structures and
alternate affordable arrangements are suggested as per vastu shastra with green building,
there are an number of relationship between vastu shastra, environment and modern
architecture that can redefine the present form of planning’s.

Key words: Vastu shastra, Green Building, Environmental Zones, Vastu Planning.

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VASTU SHASTRA: A HOLLISTIC APPROACH TOWARDS MODERN ARCHITECTURE

INTRODUCTION-
Vastu shastra a traditional Indian system of architectural which also translate to “science of
architecture”. Its include principle of design, layout measurement, ground preparation, space
arrangement and spatial geometry.it incorporates traditional Hindu and some cases of Buddhist
beliefs. The ideas and concepts of vastu shastra are models for the organization of space and
form within a building ‘or collection of building, based on their relation to each other. It should
have a relationship with environment aspects which will beneficial to climate, since it is highly
believed that the architectural forma are proposed by the old art of orientation which can be used
in modern buildings too. Its root extended in Indian philosophy, math geology, geography,
religion and takes into account, factor influencing a site, such as topography, roads, sun effects.
Earth’s magnetic field, earth’s energy field and elements of nature.

1. VASTU PLANNING-
Vastu shastra, an ancient Indian science developed thousands of years ago by Indian sages lays
down rules for the construction of building and temples, palaces, monuments etc. buildings built
according to vastu shastra principles are said to vibrate with ‘universal positive energy’ which
results in all round happiness, health, wealth and prosperity for the occupants, the fundamental
principle about harmony between inmate, nature and built environment essentially, vastu shastra
aims to eliminate negative energy present at a place or location so that a person, family or even
business inhabiting a building become prosperous and progressive.

1.1 Vastu principles

Vastu is not a religion it’s a science of setting the things correctly and balances the five elements
that is earth, fire, water, space and air to have the maximum benefits out of life. The principles
are applicable global. It followed diligently. It ensures joy, health and prosperity. It includes
scale, proportionate dimension, mandalas and many more factors. A scale is a series of musical
not according to specified plan, is a unit. A measurement, there is humanised scale in vastu
shastra, in which an entire building was relatable to the human figures, façade is face which is
architecturally elevation. Measurements taken is of forearm, fingers for a site dimensions. The
architect has to create harmony , defined the space for further development, shad varga is a group
of six proportion or six formulas of proportionate dimensions, in the planning of a building
length and breadth are important part of consideration. They should be in harmony
between, there are sets of six, nine, eleven and thirteen formula are used for creating
harmony between man and the site. The most important part of vastu shastra is mandala, a
mandala system encompasses, all that is in the universe, it has 32 types which is specific
characterised for different cases. It is commonly find in square or rectangular, where as
triangular are sparingly used and circular sum total of the site is called vastu-purusha mandala
man-mandala-universe are the key point.

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2.1 INFLUENCE ON ENVIRONMENT

Traditional architectural is always accompanied with a set of rules and principles that are to
some extent based on environment criteria as well as the dominant belief system of the specific
culture; these two variables seem to be inter related and in some situations dominating one
another. It is an ancient belief system, similar to other traditional architectural sciences such as
Feng shui, who also deals with the principles designed to make the most use of the environment
and more specifically climate as one of the sun rays, the earth’s magnetic poles and the geopathic
zones, many rules have been legislated in ancient Indian architecture dealings with
environmental criteria that are now considered superstitious ; however applying them may be
useful in designing, building in complete harmony with surrounding nature.

2.2 Environment principle of vastu shastra-

The environment as the first manifestation of shelter has been the subject of many rules and
principles of vastu science of architecture. Its presence in the spatial configurations of the plan,
its geometry and directions, besides the arrangements of water pools and vegetation around the
building construction is highly evident through vastu guidelines. The first geometrical pattern
applied as the floor plan is usually a mandala from which the rest of the concepts and pattern will
be originated.

From the environmental features which suggested the shape and spatial arrangement of the
pattern in the mandala, the sun rays, the magnitude poles, the geopathic zones and concentric
zones are the most significant.

2.2 The sun rays-

Sun rises from the east passes through the south and sets in the west. However due to the 23.5
Inclination of the earth forms its vertical axis, the east is not the first direction that receives the
sunray. It is northeast, the same application can be applied to the cardinal west. Light makes it
possible for us to see, but sun-light lends drama to what we see.

Sun light is probably the most powerful design element in architecture. It imparts emphasis and
an additional constantly changing element that of shade and shadow, which bring out the trees
nature of form and texture, one should never use large glass areas on the east or west unless
protected by scientifically designed sun control devices, otherwise a hot box will be the result.
The north in the ideal exposures, there the sun is above and can easily be should by a roof ever
hang, owning type projection, or horizontally fixed or moveable louvers to stop the sun and
allow the lower rays of the winter sun to come in and help heat the interior.

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2.3 Magnetic poles-

“When a magnetic needle is suspended freely, free from any other influence, it ends rest along
north-south direction of the earth’s magnetic fields, which proves the existence of magnetic
energy field of the earths. The moving charges will generate a magnetic field and the faster the
planet rotates, the stronger the produced magnetic field. Therefore planet earth has a strong
magnetic field due its fast spinning rate and material composition of its liquid core which is more
iron and nickel.

The north magnetic pole is near the north geographical direction, the force lines of this magnetic
fields travel from the north magnetic pole to south magnetic pole.

2.4 Concentric zones-

Were a square is known as a proper shape for a building, pattern of concentric square in vastu
purusha mandala is an archetypal pattern which establishes a potent, energetic and healthy effect
based an ancient teachings.

In traditional geometry, one is the symbol of the creator or god, the infinite reality or the absolute
unity which is shown by point in geometrical expression. Bindu in the center of the vastu
purusha mandala which indicates the navel is the man infestation of this sacred concept. Two,
apart from its quantitative application, is represented by yin-yang symbol Chinese feng shui,
duality of god and goodness (Shiva and Shakti) or male and female forces is symbolized by line
in geometrical realm and called as the sense of creation of the physical world. Three on the other
hand is symbolized by triangle and is called the mother which signifies the process of creation
from two abstract geometrical shapes to the triangle which is a complete geometrical pattern,
four is the symbol of created objects and represent “the first born things”.

According to studies of Kumar, square is the best geometrical shape in economic and structural
consideration followed by rectangle since it requires the less amount of construction materials on
its periphery. In structural terms “square and rectangular shaped building can transfer the load
safety even where the bearing capacity of soil is low, while other irregular shapes provide large
contact are as more than they critically required”.

In fact the ‘concentric squares’ is another symbolic diagram which was applied by vastu shastra
specialists from ancient times in constructing their part is the Brahma pad which is highly
charged zone called ‘hot zone’, around the center is ‘luminous space’ or Devika pada while the
third belt is called Manusha pada or ‘conscious space’. The two innermost areas are the zones
which should be open or constructed with minimum walls or heavy while the other two outer
belts are the place of humans habitation and physical structures, the idea is to treat the plan same
way as the human body.

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3. IMPLEMENTATION MODERN ARCHITECTURE

In the ultra-modern times the ancient conventional methods and the previous cultural patterns are
vanishing in rapid speed. However with the keen interest in vastu shastra is drawn attention,
having known the importance of this old art of orientation in a residential buildings, the main
purpose behind the application of principles of vastu shastra is to evade negative free of nature
and to add positive forces to enable the uses of a building lead a blissful, pacific and comfortable
life.

Is some defect have kept in construction of houses because of ignorance or otherwise they may
be rectified with due to presence with the help of its principles these remedies would actually
making life better buying a property can one of the most significant decision of your life whether
you buy a home or a business location it is important for you to know vibrations of the house you
are buying focus on the properties the one that will bring you tranquility beneficial energy
abundance and good prosperous City most people prefer to buy a house that has been designed as
per culture.

3.1 Needs and benefits of vastu-

 If the house is design as per vastu proper ventilation lightning and privacy would be
ensured in the building.
 Vastu is essential for improving the quality of a life was to does not make any promises
for a problem for life but it provides direction to possible relief.
 If the building is not built according to the Vastu Shastra resulting in expected physical
mental and activity in instabilities of all kinds and strains.
 Vastu Shastra will blend virtual surroundings to virtual surroundings to the construction
and also creates a stress free supporting environment for residential buildings.
 Since the vastu is a concept of optimal orientation it can make best use of area the
position of the rooms are going to be in the correct place it's going to permit to have the
host and of the existence and the nature parameters as well.
 The essential needs of the dwellers of the house won the ample the ample of a movement
of air light extra inside the house.
 The Peaceful of the man can be improved by Vastu Shastra.
 The peacefulness inside a building improves the relationship among the people living
inside this house possible by the Vastu Shastra.
 The energy wonder of the day inside a the day inside a dwelling house can be achieved
by making some alternative to ripple the negative thoughts this can be achieved by
implementing Vastu Shastra inside a building.

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3.2 In orientation of building

Orientation is very important in the design and placement of various rooms in a building the
north south was of the building must be oriented took inside exactly to exactly to the Cardinal
direction of North South.

3.3 Site selection

The inclination towards east and north east suggested for the topography for a site selection also
it should the site should be having high ground levels Southwest the site should also compile
with moderate temperature during summers and winters.

3.4 Living room

This is the room that makes the first opinion when getting into the residence was to give
importance to the surroundings around living peoples with the equatorial of the various in
engines in this environment ensure stable mental and Physical health.

Positioning of the hall -

- Entry- the hall is to be located near the entry to the residents
- House facing North: East is the appropriate direction of the appropriate direction of the
appropriate direction of the hall.
- In the West facing house: the whole can be in North-West.
- In the south facing house: one can have south-east hall.

Engineering aspects-
Arrangement for seating can be made in the south and West side so as to allow the morning
sunlight better not to extract the windows with furniture.

3.5 Bed Room

-The bedroom has to be the south west:, in the south west corner.
-Avoid bedrooms about the parking.
Best direction for sleeping:
-Head in the north: keeping the head in the north while sleeping in the north direction will affect
the blood circulation of US
-Head in the East: sleeping in with the head in the in the East is suggested to increase knowledge.
-Head in the west: sleeping with head in the West is good for people who do not permanently
reside in the house like guests.
-Head in the south: for sleeping keeping the head in the south direction is correct sleeping with
one head in the south brings feeling and good sleep.

Positioning the bed:

Sleep under horizontal support under sleep can be avoided the fall ceiling can be avoid this,
beds can be kept little away from the walls for the flow of air

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3.6 Kitchen
- Hindus believe that a kitchen plan according to Vastu Shastra gives happy life.
- Kitchen should be in south east corner of the house which is an ideal position
no common was to be between kitchen and toilet.
- Kitchen was never face the main entrance of the house.
- The devotion room must not be above Kitchen sink.
-The sun's rays first reaches East corner of the earth and then the ultraviolet rays in it kills the
germs collected in the kitchen overnight keep the food from contamination and avoid small
insects to grow inside the kitchen hence kitchen is located south-east corner of the house.

3.7 Dining room

The dining room positioning depends on the distance to the kitchen wash basin extra dining
room has to be located in the West the direction while eating can be east west the dining table in
the room can be of rectangular or square shape. Eating facing south will cause restlessness since
the body will be affected by repelling forces.

3.8 Worship
Worship room and how should be clean so that was to blemish will not a curse nowadays due to
a space constraint the head for a separate Pooja is established from for worship should be built in
the north iPhone east of east of iPhone east of east of the house.

3.9 Toilet / bathroom

The optimal location for toilets should be is the north west or west of the building the other
choice for the position of the bathroom is the south east of the house. The bathroom in the West
help to block the Western Sun the Western Sun radiation to other parts of the house keeping
them comparatively cool.

3.10 Staircase arrangement

Staircase is considered to be heavy its proponed direction is south or west do not choice a
staircase in North Eastern parts of the house.

3.11 Trees
Best southpaw trees are trees are fire in the south and West but should not be avoided in be
avoided in should not be avoided in be avoided in north and East.

3.12 Main entrance

The main entrance should not face any other intersections of the roads or and appropriate of
roads for an approaching dead and Road No shouldn't Road No shouldn't and Road No shouldn't
Road No shouldn't be extracted by structured like trees or lamp posts. If it has steps loading to
the house then build an even number even number an even number even number of steps.

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3.13 Doors and windows

Plan the house to have even number of Doors. Vastu warns that a house should not have total
number of 3, 6 or 11 Windows.

CONCLUSION
Vastu shastra holds an important role for our living. It is the science of architecture based on its
nature of promoting design concepts regarding direction- specific study associated with the
foundation of a house. Vastu involves mathematical calculations of a site’s direction – based
attributes, scale, proportionate dimensions of formula called shad varga. Mandala system which
is the process of connecting man with the Universe man and natural fellow the same law. 32
types of mandalas types of mandalas the same law 32 types of mandalas types of mandalas has
features Lord of direction, Lord of corners, demonic and divine plots, neutral plots, remarks and
recommendations. Principal in the in the Vastu Shastra science of architecture that are basically
designed regarding the environmental features which throw the packing of knowledge have
considered symbolic or ritual stick by stick by the lateral generations the proper use of
architectural forms and patterns male lead to the sustainable design which decrease the rate of
every conception as well as making a proper microclimate compatible with human beings which
can also stand in complete harmony with the surrounding environment any project which will be
of different categories has been planned and extended with intentions of finishing the structure
with due consideration of the factors like utility. Furniture and Furnishing long period of life,
comfort and ability, happiness and Peace of Mind planning is the intentionally executed in
construction for specified purposes .various techniques have been adopted How a days in order
to manage the material utilisation manpower engagement, execution with safety access as per the
prepared schedule of progress and controlling the same the signs of Vastu Shastra can bring
positive energy and good luck. Incorporate the simple principles and design the structure of your
home so you can avoid breaking things down to make changes in the future. People should
consider this art for its scientific backings and must not take it for scientifical and emotional
unnecessary design which will be advantage to buy some fake Vastu consultants and will
ultimately spoil this natural art in existence which is still prevailing in villages throughout this
country.

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REFERENCE

1. Ar. DK Bubbar,2005- The Spirit of Indian Architecture,

http://rupapublications.co.in/books/the-spirit-of-indian-architecture/

2. S.Suriyanarayanam,D.Muthu and C.Venkatasubramanian, Application of Vastu Shastra in

Modern Architecture, SASTRA University Tanjavur,Tamilnadu
https://www.iaeme.com/MasterAdmin/uploadfolder/IJCIET_07_06_076/IJCIET_07_06_076.pdf

3. H.Fazeli and A.Goodarzi: The Principle of vastu as a traditional belief system from
environmental perspective, Department of Architecture, University of Malaya, Malaysia
https://www.witpress.com/Secure/elibrary/papers/ARC10/ARC10009FU1.pdf

4. Vastu planning :http://architectureideas.info/2008/10/vastu-purusha-mandala/

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