Concept of Vaastu - The Building Code of Ancient India

Vastu Purusha

Background

Vaastu Sastra is a knowledge related to building of Ancient India. It is not very clear when this had been originated. However, the most ancient books of India indicate that the concept of Vaastu had been originated well before the start of christian era, but the matured knowledge of Vaastu Sastra, as we know today is codified in the canons of ancient architecrure only around 10 th Century AD. Vaastu Sastra consists of several concepts which are even relevant today in modern design and building practices. However, the Vaastu Sastra does not limit itself to material apects of building. It goes beyond it and which at present make the modern society to view it as superstitious. To understand Vaastu properly one should understand the various concepts and worldviews prevalent in ancient indian societies and the evolution of them through the ages. This page makes an attempt to discuss some conceptual aspects of Vaastu Sastra.

Universe and Man

Understanding that early Indians had about the universe and its relationship with man is an important factor in the evolution of Vastu Sastra. One can get this information from ancient Hindu texts. As per these texts,

As is the atom so is the universe
As is the human body so is the cosmic body
As is the human mind as is the cosmic mind.

This clearly indicates that ancient Indian believed every thing in this world is a reflection of the nature of the universe in its own scale. The extension of this concept to the building design provided the basis for Vastu Sastra. To maintain the harmony in the universe it is essential to keep the above pattern unaltered. Therefore any creation by man needs to comply with this rule. A house or a building forms part of the chain of links between universe and the man. The logical conclusion derived from this was to design the building to reflect the nature of the universe. How Indian perceived the universe?

	The Vaastu Workbook: Using the Subtle Energies of the Indian Art of Placement Price: $9.77 List Price: $16.95
	Victory Through Vaastu - Transforming Your Life Through the Ancient Science of Vedic Architecture Price: $32.00 List Price: $32.00
	Vaastu: The Indian Art of Placement Price: $3.60 List Price: $12.95
	Vaastu Corrections without Demolitions Price: $21.77
	Mystic Living: The Principles of Vaastu for the 21st Century Price: $11.41 List Price: $19.95

Comments

RSS for comments on this Hub

subirkrdatta says:
8 months ago

Sir,

I have some interest in Vaastu.

Kindly let me know if Yantras or Vaastu Puja works?

Regards,

fen lander says:
5 months ago

I've been researching similar schemes and ideas in ancient England. I have found that the landscape DOES indeed follow rules laid down by Cosmos, and Mankind ignores these cosmic-building-regulations at the peril of his buildings and those who have to occupy them. Most buildings in England DO NOT follow any such guidance from cosmos and become centres of trouble, disease, social-unrest and degraded Beings.

Rmnathan says:
5 months ago

I too believe some sort of cosmic law governs the patterns found in the landscapes. Success of any development depends on how harmoniously it blends with the existing paterns. Such developments create new equilibrium with the exisitng systems of the environment.