B. Niranjan Babu - Vastu Handbook.pdf

HANDBOOK OF ~r. B., Niranj~n Babu is available for consultation and advise wIth prIor appomtment at the following address:

VASTU (Revised and Enlarged)

'Sri Rajeswari' 28 Nagappa Street (Nehru Circle) Seshadripuram Bangalore-560 020 (India)

Tel: 91-80-3348646

Fax: 91-80-3313260

B. NIRANJAN BABU

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This book is respectfully dedicated to mv revered parents

Dr. B.V. Raman and Smt. Rajeswari Raman

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Contents

Foreword h Dr. R V. R;ll11,m

ix

Preface

Xl

Section I ...............................

H

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

1

Section II ......................................................•.....

83

Section III ............................................................

127

Section IV ....................................... · ........ ····.··· .. ··

143

Section V .......................................... · ...... ····........

163

Index ...................................................................

175

PREFACE It gives me great pleasure to present my readers Handbook of Vastu.

.

In the last few years. Vastu Shastra (Science of Dwellings) has become popular and many books have been published on it. Many seminars and symposia have been conducted on it. Buildings also have been modified on Vastu principles with good results. The awareness of the importance of Vastu Shastra can be said to be recent though the science itself is ancient. I have endeavoured to put before the readers the basic principles of Vastu as expounded by classical authorities. Relevant diagrams and tables have heen provided to enable the reader to understand the principles better. The book is divided into five sections. The first three sections are further divided into chapters and each chapter hegins with an . At a glance' paragraph. The fourth section answers some common queries related to construction and modification of houses. A few illustrative building plans in the fifth section will. no doubt. enable the reader to grasp the principles better. I hope the reader will he enahled to acquire a working knowledge of Vastu by studying this book. My study and research in Vastu have been solely due the encouragement and guidance of revered parents Dr. B. V. Raman (Editor. THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE. Bangalore. India) and Mrs. Rajeswari Raman (Director. Sri Surya Prakash Institute of Yoga for Women. Bangalore. India). I express my thanks to several friends whose suggestions have helped me in the writing of this book. ~

B. NIRANJAN BABU

FOREWORD It is with pleasure that I am writing the following words by way of a foreword to my son B. Niranjan Babu's work Handbook of Vastu. In Sanskrit Vastu ordinarily means a dwelling house. It also denotes the lot of land over which a dwelling house is built.

Silpa Sastras and astrological works deal with this subject exhaustively. N iranjan Babu has made a careful study of most of the extant classical literature and appears to have a firm grip on the subject. It is necessary that houses. factories. hotels. etc. be constructed according to Vastu so that destructive vibrations emanating from Nature due to the materials used arc screened off. The book takes the reader in a graduated form through the essentials of Vastu and its practical application. Several diagrams are gIven to enable one to put to practical usc. the principles of Vastu. The author has already made hIS mark in the field of Vastu and bids to hold his own in the future. I am glad to say that this work has been done with considerable skill and ability. Today. the market is being flooded with several books on the subject; but the present one fulfils a long-felt want for its clarity and style of presentation. I bid my son God-speed in his efforts to propagate and promote Vastu for the good of all those \\'ho are interested in It. Bangalore

B. V. RAMAN

SECTION I 1. Introduction ................................................................... 3 2. Who is the \Tastu Purusha ........................................•.. 14 3. Understanding Directions ........................................... 19 4. Selection of site ........................................................... 21 5. Veedhi Shoola .............................................................. 30

6. Corner Sites ................................................................. 33

7. Orientation ................................................................... 36 8. Offerings to the Site deity ........................................... 39 9. System of measurement .............................................. 41 10. Building Formulae (Ayadi Shadvarga) ....................... 44 11. Brahmasthana ............................................................. 56 12. Laying the Foundation ................................................ 60 13. Digging the Well .......................................................... 64 14. Compound (Fencing) 'Valls ......................................... 68 15. House ........................................................................... 71

16. The Main door (Mahadwara) ..................................... 76

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V ASTU

1. Introduction At a glance: Vastu is the science of architecture. It dates hack to the Vedas, the knowledge hooks of ancient India. Vastu, pronounced as Vaastu is an integral part of Jyotisha or Vedic Astrology. Vastu is a practical science that puts optimism in you and makes you say '[ CAN' in any circumstance. Vastu will help you achieve success in your l(fe, whether it is education, home or business

We will be using the tenn Vastu throughout this book. Vastu is pronounced as Vaastu. The Sanskrit dictionary defines Vastu as a dwelling. Shastra is a treatise. Vastu S hastra therefore means the treatise on dwellings. Vastu relates to the Vedas or the Hindu books of Knowledge which are said to apourusheya or that which cannot be dated. Vastu is said to be a minor veda of Atharva Veda, one of the four vedas. It is also known as Sthapatya Veda or the science of archi tecture. Manasara, a great work on ancient architecture, describes vastu as the ground (dhara), the building or edifice (harmya), the conveyance (yana) and the bedstead (paryanka) and other couches. Vastu is an integral point of Jyotisha or Vedic Astrology. l\layamata, another excellent work on

..

4

HA\iDBOOK OF

Y ASn:

A

'"

CI'l

phauvva rikaha

M iilla

Measurement of height or length

Prwnan(/

Measurement of breadth

Parimana

Measurement of width or circumference

Lamhamana

Measurement along plumblines

Unmana

Measurement of thickness

Upamana

Measurement of inter space.

Pitha S.W

The classical works also speak of the Ghanamana (exterior measurement) and aghanamdna (interior measurement).

42

HANDBOOK OF

VASTlI

Mana is also used generally to mean measurement. We also have adimana which means primary measurement or comparative measurement. Talamana is the sculptural measurement. Here the length of the face from the top of the head is the unit. This length can also be taken as the distance between the tip of the middle finger and the top of the thumb of a fully stretched palm. Manasara mentions the following:

HA:-;DBOOK OF

43

V ASTU

However the angula is defined as the middle phalanx of the middle finger in Mayamata and the yava measurement (8 barley grains placed side by side) works out roughly to 3 cms.

00000000 ,.

1 paramanu 8 paramanu 8 ratha Dhooli 8 valagna 81iksha 8 yooka 8 yava 12 angula

= = = = = = = =

2 vitasti

1 atom 1 ratha dhooli (molecule) 1 vaalagna (hair end) 1 liksha (nit or egg of a louse) I yooka (louse) I yava (barley corn) 1 angula or three-fourths of an inch I vitasti I kishku hasta (small cubit) or twenty four inches

25 angula

I praajaapatya (1 cubit)

26 angula

1 dhanurmushti

4 dhanur mushti -

I dhanda

8 dhanda

I rajju

A rajju is the standard length of a rope and works out to 26x4x8 angula or 832 angula or 52 feet. A kishku cubit (24 angula or 18") also known as hasta is normally used for measuring all objects. The 3/4" measurement for angula is as given by Prof. P.K.Acharya in his "Encyclopaedia of Architecture" .

M

8 BARLEY GRAINS

Fig 9.01

44

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V ASH!

10. Building Formulae (Ayadi Shadvarga)

HA~D8()()K OF

45

V ASTU

Evamaayadlzislzadvarge kuryathatra vichakshallowhu II In ~his (matter of selecting the correct measure) the expert (architect) should apply the set of six forrnulac beginning

At a glance: Certainformulae called Ayadi Shadvarga are recommended by the ancient classical works of India when building a residence or temple. These formulae are said to ensure health, wealth and prosperity to the people. These formulae are known as aya, vyaya, rksa, yoni, vara and thithi. Certain texts also mention vayas.

The ancients considered the dwelling as a living organism. Whether it was a temple (prasada) or a palace (rajagruha) or a residential dwelling (sala) or the image (chitra) or idol of a deity (vigraha), perfection was the word that they desired and looked for. The site (kshetra) and the dwelling (vastu or avastha) were considered as having a rhythm and beauty which vibed perfectly with Nature. Each site and building had life and there was the necessity of building the structure to perfect proportions based on certain formulae. When houses were built using these formulae, they were said to gi ve the residents health, wealth and prosperity.

with Aya (-Mmwsara. IX. 74)

So what are these formulae? The group of six fonnulae to which a structure should conform is known as Avadi Shadvarf{a. These formulae are respectively Aya~ Vyaya, Rksa, Yoni, Vara and Tithi. . Ayadi Shadvarga test whether the orientation of a building is correct and whether the mea~urem~nts conform to the orientation. A variety of dlmenSlOns are prescribed by the ancient treatises. These shadvarga enable the builder to select auspicious and proper dimensions of the building. Now let us see how these fOlmulae are calculated with specific reference to the text Manasara.

Aya (Increase) Vast., . 'rgunitlzam Bhaallu (bhi) rhaanyaayamashtashishtakam II When the length I is multiplied hy H and then divided by 12, the remainder is known as aya.

Ix8 [remainder = aya] 12

The results attributed to the remainder are as given on the next page.

46 HANDBOOK OF

Remainder 1

2 3 4 :I

5 6 7 8 9 10

11

V ASTL'

Result Becomes poor III health to wife Attraction of fortunes Victorius Sudden surprises (pleasant) Righteous desires becomes fruitful Becomes spiritually inclined Enjoys the good things of life Acquires much wealth Abundance of good Name and Fame

~f .the remainder is zero, it is considered good for rehgious merits. We find that except for the remainders 1 and 2 the rest indicate positive results. '

Vyaya (Decrease)

HANDBOOK OF

47

V ASTU

Remainder 1

2 3 4

5 6 7

8 9

Result Achieves Success Will be victorius Moderate Enjoys the good things of life Victorius over enemies Problems of the eye Acquires wealth Is happy (contented?) always Has good friends

If the remainder is zero, it is conducive to happiness. If the aya is greater than the vyaya it is good for all round prosperity. If the aya is less than the vyaya it is said to be not auspicious. If the aya is equal to vyaya it is said to have no defect.

Rksa (Nakshatra)

Navabhirvardhayet panktihi (tya) hritvaa sesham vyayam (yo) Bhavet II

Ashtm". 'vardhite rksham hrutva kshapishyate II

When the breadth (b) is multiplied by 9 and is divided by

is called rksa or nakshatra. The odd rkshas are said to be

10, the remainder is known as vyaya.

auspicious and the even. inauspicious.

Multiply the length (I) by g and divide by 27. The remainder

1x 8

bx9 [remainder = vyaya] 10 The results are given on the next page.

- - [remainder = rksa] 27 [There is some ambiguity since chapter LXIV of Manasara refers to the 2nd, 4th and the 9th and also the birth star under which one is born as auspicious.]

48

H ANDR()OK me V ASH'

Ofcourse you will do well to refer to Dr. B. V Raman's Muhurtha or Electional Astrology for finding out the compatibility of the constellation (nakshatra) of the building with the constellation (nakshatra).of the master of the building. However as an immediate tool, I summarise as follows. Example: Count the building constellation from the birth constellation of the master. Divide the number by nine (if divisible). Else take it as it is. If the number or remainder corresponds to 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9, the two constellations are said to be compatible.

Yoni (Source) Gunanaagam clza yonilzi syadvriddlzihaanya yathakramamWhen the breadth (b) is multiplied by 3 and divided hy X. the remainder is known as yoni.

bx3 - - [remainder = yoni] 8 The results are as gi ven below:

Yoni Table Remainder 1 2 3 4 5

Yoni Dhwaja Dhuma Sirnha Shwana Vrishabha

Building to face East Southeast South Southwest West

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49

V ASTU

Remainder 6 7

8 (zero)

Yoni

Building to face

Khara ( Gandharva) Gaja Kaaka

Northwest North Northeast

Odd remainders are said to be auspicious and even remainders, bad. If there is no remainder the breadth has to he altered. The yoni which is said to be an architectural formula has been given much importance by our ancients. The remainder gained through it guarantees the suitablity of the building and the well being of the master and his surroundings. A proper yoni will ensure the qualitative life of a structure. Brihat Samhita calculates the yoni in a slightly different manner. The area (length x breadth) is divided by 8. The a ... -.. . . icious yoni defines the correct orientation of the building. From the Yoni table above it is clear that the ancients wanted the buildings to face the four cardinal directions only viz., East, West, North and South. The ciassical texts opine that Dhwaja Yoni is the best of all auspicious Yonis. Manusyalaya Chandrika states that Yoni constitutes the life and breath of a structure particularly of a house. Yonihi Praanaa Eva Dhamnam Yadasmaad I Grahyastatadyogyayoniprabhedaha II

50

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51

V ASTU

Tithi (lunar day)

Vara (Solar day) Nandavriddhayaa rishim (shina) hritva tacchesham

Navabhirgunithe trimshata kshepecchesham

vaarameva cha I

tithirbhavet I

When the circumference is multiplied by nine and then divided by seven, the remainder is Vara (solar day).

When the circumference is multiplied by 9 and then divided by 30, the remainder is Tithi (lunar day).

cx9

cx9

[remainder = vara]

[remainder = tithi]

7

Manasara refers to C as circumference or thickness or height. Perhaps we can take this as the height. I invite scholars to throw more light on this point. Remainder 1

2

3 4

5 6 7 (zero)

Day of the Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Result

Friday

Not Favourable Favourable Not Favourable Favourable Favourable Favourable

Saturday

Not Favourable

Of the weekdays, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are said to be auspicious for beginning the construction.

30

Remainder I

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11

12 13 14 15

Day of the Week

Result

Prathama Dvitiya Tritiya Chaturthi Panchami Sashti Saptami Ashtami Navami Dasami Ekadasi Dvadasi Trayodasi Chaturdasi Amavasya*

Not favourable Favourable Favourable Not favourable Favourable Moderate Favourable Not favourable Not favourable Favourable Not favourable Favourable Favourable Not favourable Not favourable

* Manasara does not consider Pournima as unfavourable.

52

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V ASTI·

This formula gives the lunar day on which to commence the construction.

Practical Example Let us consider a building (not a site) of length 40 hasta (or 60 feet), breadth 27 hasta ( 40 feet and 6 inches) and height 13 hasta (nineteen and half feet) Let us calculate as follows:

HANDBOOK OF

53

V ASTU

Vara cx9

8x9

72

=

=

7

7

7

8x9

72

hx9

= 12

30

320

=

[Remainder =8]

12

12

bx9

27 x 9

243

=

= 10

10

[Remainder

= 3]

27

320

=

[Remainder

27

27

27 x 3

81

= 8

= 23]

[Remainder = 1]

= 8

=

Vyaya

=

3

23

Yoni

=

1

2

Tithi

=

12

For tht- LJuilding under reference: Enjoys the good things of life. Aya is 8

Yoni bx3

Vara

=

8

10

40 x 8

=

30

Summarising, the shadvarga of the building and its consequent results are as shown on next page

Riskha

Rksa 1x 8

30

Aya

Vyaya

[Remainder = 12]

=

= 40 x 8

= 2]

Tithi

Aya Ix 8

[Remainder

8

Vyaya is 3

Moderate

Since Aya is greater than Vyaya, all round prosperity is indicated. Rksa is 23, odd, and so favourable. Yoni is 1, Dhwaja, and is the best of all Yonis. The building has to face East. Vara is 2 indicating Monday and therefore good. Construction can begin on this day.

54

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V ASTli

t l

I,

Tithi is 12 or the 12th day (Dwadasi) and hence favourable. Reference to Vayas or age of the building is also made to in certain texts. The remainder obtained by multiplying the area of the building (1 x b) by 27 and dividing by 100 is the Vayas or age of the building. In the example worked above, the age of the building will be 60 years. (40x27)x27 299160 100 100 Remainder is 60 which is Vayas or age of the building. Of all the Shadvarga, Aya, Vyaya, Yoni and Nakshatra are extremely important. If the measurement of the building conforms to these four formulae, we can assume that the structure more or less is proportionate. Manasara recommends 9 different lengths, 9 different breadths and 5 different heights. Of these different and varying measures, the right measure is selected by applying the 6 formulae. By a verification of the measurements with the respective formula, the risk of selecting improper measurements will be eliminated. The ancient structures which conformed to these Ayadi are even today standing strong and tall. The following slokas from Manasara are appropriate. Yatra dosho gunadhikyam tatra dosho na vidhyathe I

l

,I

55 HANDBOOK OF

V ASTU

Tesham adhikagunaam vaanamyaam sarvadoshakaram bhavet I Tasmatpariharedh vidhvanjanamevam prakalpayet II

Where there is more excellence than flaw, there is no defect in it, but if the flaw is more than the excellence, it would be imperfect~ therefore, ~he knowledgeable (architect) should avoid the c~lculatlOn that is imperfect and follow the practice that IS current among the people.

56

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V ASH

11. Brahmasthana At a glance:

H ·\\;IJ!lOOK

\

I

57

OF VAST-

l-

~

5 :;;

"'0

g ~;;-

COURT YARD

«

:;:

E W

~L-~ ~ ~r____

E

N

N

'C"

f'

"'0

0

COURT YARD

-'"«

0

'" » '" I:;:

"

E

__

PAKSHINASAL+

bAKSHINASAL

s

s Fig IS,OS

PAKSHINASAL

PAKSHINASAL

s

s Fig 15.06

Trisala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on three sides.

The Brihat Samhita absolutely disallows split level construction. It mentions that if one wishes to have prosperity, one has to raise the level of the floor uniformly on all sides.

76

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16. The Main door (Mahadwara)

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77

V ASH;

wi

./ 9

8

7

(,

At a glance: The placement of the main door is very important. The four important zones for placing a main door beginning from East are 1 )Indra 2)Brhatakshata 3 )Kusumadanta and 4 )Bhallata respectively. Divide each side into nine parts. The exalted zone would be the fourth from your right as you face the building. Avoid doors in the middle of a building.

We have to first decide on the placement of the main door (Mahadwara or Mooladwara in Sanskrit). The following diagrams show the most favourable or exalted positions for the main door. Each side of the house is divided into nine parts. s

I

./ 9

8

7

6

5

4

I

./ :1

I

./ 2

5 SOUTH Fig 16.02

On the east, the second, third and fourth parts which are assigned to Parjanya, Jayanta and Indra respectively are the exalted zones. The results attributed by Brihat Samhita are: Parjanya (2) Birth of daughters Jayanta (3) Financial soundness Indra (4) Royal favour

3

2

On the south, the fourth part assigned to Brihatakshata is the exalted zone. Result attributed by Brihat Samhita is increase of food and children.

NI 9

8

7

6

I

./

I

./

5 4 WEST Fig 16.03

I

I 3

S

2

On the West, the exalted zones are the fourth and fifth parts corresponding to the Kusumadanta and Varuna respectively. Brihat Samhita attributes the following results. Kusumadanta (4)

Prosperity of sons and increase of wealth. Increase of wealth.

I

EAST Fig 16.01

I

4

Varuna

(5)

NORTH

Fig 16.04

On the North, the third, fourth and fifth parts represented by Mukhya, Bhallata and Soma respectively are said to be ideal for main doors.

78

HANDBOOK OF

V ASH'

Brihat Samhita attributes the following results: Mukhya (3) Increase of wealth and birth of sons. Bhallata (4) Possession of all virtues. Soma (5) Begetting of children and wealth. Ideally the main building can have door on all the four sides in the fourth exalted zone. In fact Mayamata and Samarangana Sutradhara specifically E Sikhin Anila

Parj.nya

0

Jayanta

InUr'

n

0

Surya

Satya

Bhrsa

Antanksa

~

i5

~

::.

'3

"

«

5-

.""

~

0::

"5'" .c

z

-

I[ CO

L-

.J

BRAHMAST ANA

I

[

~

~

r-

--,

"

~

b~

I

I

CO

~ ~

I

c..

""

~

";.,

i[

OJ

:; ~

~

s:

~

:2

« U U\JUl',,""

'!O'M

.Bdnd

U UIUUP

usos

luns"

cunreJ\.

W Fig 16.05

·cwnsn)l

p',\IJ~ns

.){IJ"CAnUa

2

HA~DBOOK OF

V ASTU

79

recommend the location of the door in the Mahendra (Indra), Brihatakshata, Kusumadanta and Bhallata. The fifth grid for door shown in the north and west directions are recommended for temples and other religious places. The consolidated diagram C"1 the previous page shows the recommended posi'_lon of the main door. As we can see from the above, the ancients never placed the main door by whim and fancy. The main door has to be the biggest of all doors. Manasara suggests that the height of a door has to be atleast twice its width. Brihat Samhita and Visvakarma Prakash a prescribe a height thrice the width of the door. The main door has to be attractive, solid and massive. Mayamata suggests that the main door can be strengthened with the help of various metals. How wonderful that the ancients foresaw the need for solid security in the 21st century! The main door can be decorated by the following: 1) The family deity (Kuladevata) - the image being less than one Hasta (or cubit equal to 18") 2) The Goddess of Wealth (Lakshmi) - seated on a lotus and being bathed by elephants. 3) Cow and calf ornamented by flower garlands. 4) The sacred mystic mantra Om or the occult symbol Swastika. This can be fixed on the main door at the normal vision height. It is always advisable to have a sill or threshold not only for the main door but also the other doors. The reason could be that the threshold acts as a block for

Rl

80

HANDBOOK OF

V ASTU

HA~DBOOK OF V ASTU

I

\

I

DEYI

i

I I I I I I I I I I I I

2 NANDINI

z 3 o

~

I Fig 16.08

3 SUNDARI Fig 16.06

Fig 16.07

insects, etc. coming from the outside. The threshold can perhaps also regulate the powerful ground energies into the building and its various rooms. Now, how many frames should the door have? The ancient classical work Samarangana Sutradhara does not recommend more than five frames (shakas) for a door. The total frames can include the fifth horizontal frame (Nandini) to give us a ventilator at the top of the door. A main door in the middle of the house, residential or commercial is normally not recommended. Such doors are recommended only for places of worship.

A verse from Samarangana Sutradhara s~ys that in the middle indicates ruin of the Jamzly. a d oor d d for the A flight of steps is normally recommen e main door.

~

1

I

I Fig 16.09

\

82

HANDBOOK OF

V ASH!

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V ASTU

R3

SECTION II 1. The Bathroom ............................................................ 85 2. Master Bedroom ....................................................... 87

3. Children's (Study) Rooms ......................................... 89 4. Guest Rooms ............................................................. 91 5. Kitchen ....................................................................... 93

Door with two leaves

Door with single leaf

Fig 16.10

Most classical works stress on doors with two (leaves) shutters but do not prohibit doors with single leaves.

LESS

MORE

Fig 16.11

Manasara recommends the right leaf to be wider in breadth and the left leaf less by one, two or three anguias . This means that the right leaf should be wider than the left leaf by threefourths of an inch, one and a half inches or two and a quarter inches

6. Dining Room .............................................................. 96 7. Living Room ............................................................... 99

8. Prayer Room (Shrine) .............................................. 102

9. Store Rooms ............................................................ 105 10. Toilets ....................................................................... 107

11. Rooms in general ..................................................... 110 12. A Note on Agni (Fire Element) ............................... 112 13. Garages .................................................................... 114 14. Basements and Cellars ............................................ 116

15. Staircases ................................................................. 118 16. Levels of the Floor ................................................... 120

17. Verandah .................................................................. 122 18. Fencing or Compound Gates ................................... 124

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85

V ASH'

1. The Bathroom At a glance: At a glance:

The East sector is best suited for a bathroom since the beneficial rays of the morning sun fall into the room.

Manasara says: The central eastern frontage called Aditi is the place for bathrooms. The bathroom, where Window

E

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E

Slope

Geyser Boiler

Gully Trap

Mirror

Tap

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Shower

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Tub Washing Machine

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86

HANDBOOK OF

V ASTl:

one has his daily bath is best in the east, as recommended by the ancients. The morning rays of the Sun are said to be extremely beneficial. Hence proper windows (of course with due provision for privacy) may be provided on the east wall of the bath room. The slopes within the bathroom can be towards north and east so that water drains into the north-east of the bathroom. The geyser or the boiler can be in the Southeast of the bathroom. Mirrors can be on the east and north walls. Taps and shower can be in north so that the water drains to the north-east. Bath tub can be on the west side with head towards south. Avoid a door on the south-west of the bathroom. The washing machine can be in the Northwest or Southeast.

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V ASTU

2. Master Bedroom At a glance:

The Southwest sector is for the master's room. Sleep with your head to the south. Outside the master room, a rock garden can be made. This will provide a natural setting as you look outfrom the window.

The master bedroom can be in the south-west of the building. This room may be occupied by the father or the eldest son of the family. The central south is also recommended for the eldest son. W Master Bedroom

s

Bedroom

BRAHMA

E Fig B2.01

N

88

\

HANDBOOK OF VAS fl'

The beds or cots can be away from the walls but may be towards the south-west corner of the room (1). Master cupboards to contain valuable documents, cash, jewellery etc. can be in the south-west of the room such that the cupboard opens to the north or the region of Kubera (2). The North room of the house can also be used to store valuables, property papers, cash, jewellery, etc. Cupboards for clothes can be in the north-west (3). It is adviseable to have a east or north door for a master bedroom (4). The dressing table can be in east or north of the room (5). The attached bath can be to the north-west or south-east of the room (6). The other aspects of the bath can be as described in the previous chapter. Never have your beds in the central portions of the room (7).

89

3. Children's (Study) Rooms

II

At a glance: II

Children s room can he in the west, north or east sector. Let them sleep with their heads to the east or west. A soft green light in the night will be instrumental in making them study well.

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Children's rooms can be in the west, north or east of the building. They can have their beds to the southwest corner of the room with heads on the east or west (1). Of course let not the beds (or cots) touch the walls. w Children 's

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5 N

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Room

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Children's Room

Children's Room

Fig B2.02

E Fig 83.01

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90

HANDBOOK OF

V ASH]

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HANDBOOK OF

VASTU

91

4. Guest Rooms At a glance:

1

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s

The guest room is ideal in the northwest room. Avoid children in this region, especially boys. This room is also suitablefor newly wed couples and jor those planning their baby.

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2

3

E Fig B3.02

They can have their study tables on the east or north (2) and face east while studying. The rooms can have an east or north door (3). Avoid loads of any kind in the centre of the room (4). A green bulb will be effective in enhancing the intelligence of the child.

Northwest rooms are ideal for guests. The cot/s can be in the southwest of the room without touching the walls and with the head towards south ( 1).

w Guest

Room

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BRAHMA

E Fig B4.01

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92

HA:-IDBOOK OF VASn'

93

HA~DBCJOK Of' VASIl'

5. Kitchen

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At a glance:

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BRAHMA 7

N

3

2

The right placefor kitchen is the southeast sector (~l the building. Face the east while cookin!!,. TJ:e ovens and the electrical and gas stoves can he lf1 the southeast corner (~l the kitchen. The alternate place for the kitchen, in case you are not able to have the kitchen in the southeast is the northwest sector of the building.

E Fig 84.02

The table can be on the east wall (2). The deity ruling northwest is Vayu or the wind-god. Hence it is best to avoid children in a northwest room, especially in their formative years. Boys should definitely be avoided gi ving this area. The northwest is also recommended for newly wed couples and those planning to have a baby. The entrance to the room can be in the south of southeast (3).

South-east portion of the building is the place for your kitchen. Even though some authors permit the north-west, this writer is of the firm conviction that as south-east is ruled by Agni or the fire-god, the southeast kitchen is best. w

s

BRAHMA

N

Kitchen

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Fig 85.01

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95 94

HANDBOOK OF

VASTU

The kitchen can have an east platfonn for cooking. The micro ovens and gas stoves can be placed more to the south-east corner such that the lady of the house does the cooking facing east (1). Try to have the platfonn stand on supports so that do not touch the east and south walls. The sink for washing can be in the north-east comer of the kitchen (2). Big windows

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3 2

1 E Fig 85.02

and ventilators can be provided on the east and smaller windows on the south. The exhaust fan can be on the eastern wall towards the south-east corner. Have the kitchen door either in the north of north-east or west of north-west (3). Lofts and almirahs for storage can be on the south and west sides (4). Dishwashers can be to the northwest of the room (5).

HANDBOOK OF

V ASTU

To stimulate appetite have your kitchen walls painted soft pink or orange. As good food is indicative of financial strength, a mirror on the north of eastern wall of the kitchen will likely help strengthen finances. Drinking water can be placed in the north-east, brooms and cleaning materials in the north-west and stocks of rice, dal and other heavy materials can be kept in the south-west of the kitchen. In case the south-east kitchen is not possible, you can do with the north-west of the building. But make sure that the observations made above for the southeast kitchen are followed.

j

I

96 HA\'f)ROOK OF VAST\'

6. Dining Room At a glance:

East, south or west are for the dining rooms. Stimulate your appetite by painting its walls with shades ofpink or orange. The dining room can he an independent room or a continuation of the kitchen.

HANDBOOK OF

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V Asn:

The dining table, preferably a rectangular one should be so arranged that the master of the house, or his wife or eldest son occupies the south of south-west or west of south-west chair in the room (I). Odd shapes like egg shaped or other irregular shapes are best avoided for dining tables. The dining table should be away from the walls. The fridge can occupy the south-east of the room preferably against the south wall (2). w 4

1 1

The suggested place is west. However I feel it is wise to have the dining room in the east (or south) as it would be near the kitchen if placed in south-east. However if the kitchen is in the north-west, you can comfortably settle for a west dining room.

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Dining

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Dining

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Dining E

Fig B6.01

If a wash basin has to be placed, it can be in the north or east of the room with the water draining to the north-east (3). The dining room can either be an independent room or a continuation of the kitchen.

98

HANDBOOK OF

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The doors can be on the north or west wells at the places marked (4). The dining room should serve the intended purpose. Family members who dine here should eat well to their heart's content. Appetite can be stimulated by painting the walls soft pink or orange or cream and by installing a mirror on the east and/or north wall. Wall paintings depicting the rising Sun, and the beauty of nature (without its wild inhabitants) will create an ambience of happiness. As the ancients have said, all talk that excites tempers and passions have to be avoided. Controlled talk, better digestion should be the motto. Let the dining room be a relaxing place for the family members.

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V ASTU

7. Living Room At a glance:

Living rooms can be in the north-east of sector of the building. Avoid loads in the centre of the living room. An east of north-east entry is preferred with good space to the right as you enter the house.

These can be the north, east or north-east sector of the building. Depending on the road, living room can be manipulated. However it is to be noted that the inner walls of the living room do not fall on the energy lines (konasutras) described in the earlier pages of this book.

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s

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Living

Living

Living

E

N

Fig B7.01

100

HANDBOOK OF

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As far as possible have an east of north-east door (1). If the living room happens to be the direct entry into the house, construct it in such a way that it is more spacious to your right as you enter it. This is necessary since the first impression one gets on entering is one of spaciousness. The living area can be strengthened by having wall sceneries, flower pots and spot lights at strategic places. The furniture can be placed in the south and west allowing good space on the north and east (2). w

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The master can occupy the south-west corner sofa facing either the east or the north (3). Sceneries and mirrors, if required can be on the north and east walls (4).

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YASTU

101

Heavy indoor plants can be strategically placed on the south or West of the living room. Sitting beds (or light furniture) can be in the east and north areas. The north-east of the room can have the Lord's photo. White, soft blue and soft green are the colours recommended. Avoid heaviness in the centre of the living room (5).

10.\

102

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HASDB()OK OF

\

8. Prayer Room (Shrine) At aglance:

. Prayer room or your private shrine can be either In t~e North-east sector or the centre of the house w~ich corresponds to the Brahmasthana. Let the diety. be on the eastern side. Pyramid shaned ,-{: _ r ro0s can lmmensely strengthen the room spiritually.

V ASH!

1. For normal houses, the north-east is the best position. It can also be slightly to the east or north. Let the Lord be on the east wall so that you face the rising sun while paying obeisance to Him. To enhance the intended purpose of the room, viz., spirituality, communion with the Almighty and meditation, a pyramid roof is recommended. The following types are all fine.

De~e~ding

on the size of the plot or the nature of the bUlldmg the prayer room can either be in the northeast sector or in the centre of the house also known as Brahmasthana. ' w

s

N

BRAHMA Temple

Temple E Fig 88.01

Fig 88.02

Great spiritual energy is said to flow from the tip of the pyramid into the room. A person doing prayer is immensely benefitted. It is also said that a pyramid has healing properties. An ill person can certainly benefit by sitting in such a prayer room for about 30 minutes a day, facing east or north. White or soft shades of blue are recommended. There can be a big east window above the Lord to let in the morning rays of the sun. All cupboards in the prayer room can be in the south and west walls. Avoid having photos of dead people along with the photos of the Lord ..

104

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Unless you have tremendous spiritual control and capable of doing prayer everyday in a systematic manner, avoid having mystic devices (yantras) like Srichakra, Saligramas and idols of ancient temples in the prayer room. Keep the puja room absolutely clean. If you are forced to have your prayer in the kitchen, have your deity in the North-east of the kitchen, facing west. Never have the prayer area in the bedroom. If it is a very big plot the prayer room can be constructed in the centre of the plot or centre of the building. A skylight can be fixed above prayer room. The Lord can be placed in such a way that you face East while worshipping Him. Similarly this concept can be adopted while planning a shrine for an industry or a factory or a group of houses or flats. The north east sector can also have your private shrine.

105

HA:-:DBOOK OF VASTI'

9. Store Rooms At a glance:

The granaries can be in the North-west sector. Lofts and attics can be on the south and west ~alls. Grains that are neededfor daily use can be In the north-west corner of the granary.

The north-west sector can have the room meant for storing grains, provisions. It is said by having the store in the north-west there will always be a good and

w Granary

s

BRAHMA

E

N

Fig 98.01

106

HANDBOOK OF V."STC

continued supply of grains and provisions into the house! The lofts and attics can be on the south and west walls (l). Heavy provisions can be stored in the this region.

1()7

H":>iDBOOK OF VASTC

10. Toilets At a glance:

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Toilets are to be in the North-west of the seclOl: Avoid them in the cenrre «l the building and the North-east ql the building. \Vhen it has to be an attached toilet, let it be to lhe NorTh-west (~l the concerned room . The second alternative is the South-east of the building or the room.

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8

4 E Fig 89.02

Oil, butter, milk, etc. can be kept in the south-east of the room (2). Grains that are needed for daily use can be in the north-west corner (3). The door for the store can be on the east of the room (4). There can be windows both on the north and west walls, but let those on the north be larger.

Suppose you have separate hath cum toilets. These again can be in the north-west sector. The ancients had the excellent practice of having the toilets out of the main building to the corner of the plot in the northw

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Toilets ( second al tcrnati ve)

E Fig BI0.01

Tuikts

N

108

HANDBOOK OF VAST('

west sector. Added to this they kept these toilets totally clear of the main building. Even today there are man y houses in India having their toilets outside the main building. However taking due note of the security problems of today as also the limitations of space, we can, if it is not possible to have it outside the building, have the toilet inside the building - in the north-west sector. The alternate place is the south-east, but avoid having the toilet either in the north-east or south-west. As North-east (eashanya) is the junction of Kubera and Indra, it is said that toilet in the north-east will gradually weaken the finances and the general prosperity of the master of the house. Toilets in the south-west make the master indecisive and his health may suffer. Toilets in the centre of the building are also totally prohibited. w

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3

3 4

E Fig BIO.02

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HANDBOOK OF V ASTli

109

Have the bigger window on the north and a smaller one in the west after providing for privacy (1). Toilet seats from south to north or west to east are approved (2). Mirrors in the toilet may be on the north and east walls (3). Doors can be on the east of the north-east (4). Let the walls be coloured using light shades.

III 110

HANDBOOK OF VASTI:

11. Rooms in general At a glance:

South-east bedrooms may be avoided. Blue colour induces sleep. Green is goodfor study. Almirahs and lofts can be in the south or west (~l the rooms. Avoid beds in the centre of the room and under beams. Do not sleep with your head to the north.

Avoid bedrooms in the South-east. A South-east bedroom if occupied by couples can mean constant quarrels between them over insignificant matters. Such a room also encourages excessive expenditure. Generally speaking avoid beds in the centre of the room and under beams. Avoid a door in the South-west sector of the room. Do not sleep with your head to the north.

1'1

HANDBOOK OF V ASTU

Get a good night's sleep by burning a true blue zero watts bulb in your room. For a study room, have your walls painted soft green to encourage intelligent thinking and concentration. The master rooms and rooms for guests and couples can be painted in different shades of blue (of your liking) to give you good sleep and prevent you from consuming sleeping pills! Let heavy furniture, lofts and almirahs be on the south and west sides of your room.

1 \

I

112

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V ASTU

113

\ \

12. A note on Agni (Fire Element) At a glance:

You can take care of the south-east corners of all your rooms and aim for: Happiness in the family, good health, sound finances and a nice married life. Keep all your electronic and electrical gadets in the south east corners of your rooms.

As South-east belongs to agni he can create enough trouble for the inmates! The South -east corners of every room should be taken care of. It is to be noted that if proper propitiation of Agni is made, thc following positive results are indicated. 1. Happiness in the family 2. Good health to the inmates 3. Financial strength 4. Marital happiness. You can keep Agni cheerful by: a. Having a spotlight or lantern or the traditional wick lamp in the South-east comer with light or burning flame pointing to the roof. b. Having electrical gadgets like television, VCR. fridge, computer, fire places, micro-ovens, radio, etc., placed in the South-east comer.

Note: Whichever room you have your fire places, see that they are to the South-east of the room.

114

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115

w

13. Garages At a glance:

Inde-

Garages can be in the northwest sector. A second choice for garages is the southeast. Avoid your garages or portico in south-west. Let not the garage touch the main building. Avoid your garages or portico in south-west. Let the car face north or east.

pcndenlof Main

s

Building

E

Garages can be in the north-west or as a second choice in the south-east. Let the garage be a independent unit without touching the main building.

w Garages

s

BRAHMA Garages (second alternative)

E Fig B13.01

N

Fig B13.02

If the portico is used for parking let it be on the north or east of the plot. Let the car face north or east, as the case may be when parked. Let the portico be one or two feet below the roof level without touching the main building. Avoid your garages or portico in south-west.

116

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14. Basements and Cellars At a glance:

The north, east and north-east are ideal for basements and cellars. Avoid basements and cellars in the south-west. A height equal to or less than the ground floor height is generally recommended.

If there is the need for a cellar, the best place is the north and east of the site. Of course, the basement is not meant for residing.

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and Cellars E Fig B14.01

N

HANDBOOK OF

V ASTlJ

117

Avoid basements and cellars in the south-west. It may render the master or the eldest son weak physically and financially. Accidents are likely to occur in the family. If a basement is required for the entire space of the building, see that the f100r level of the basement is uniform. A height equal to or less than the ground floor height is generally recommended.

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V ASTU

The last step should be towards south or west. If it is an internal staircase avoid the staircase just opposite the entrance. Similarly for outside staircases avoid crossing the main door.

15. Staircases At a glance:

Staircases may be anywhere except in the northeast and the centre of the place, viz., brahmasthana. However as much as possible prefer them in the south, west or southwest. The space beneath the staircase should not be occupied by anyone.

South f---f-..L....L..L...L-L.J.~ or West ClockwIse upwards

North or East Fig B15.02

The staircase can be placed in the south, west and south-west. Avoid staircases in the north-east as they can cause problems with your finance. The step should begin either from the north or east. The turning of the staircase has to be clockwise only.

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s

N

E

Fig nt5.01

The space beneath the staircase should not be occupied by anyone. It can be used to function like a lumhar or storage room. Avoid placing the staircase in the centre of the house (in the Brahmasthana). If staircases in the north-west or south-east are imperative, have the staircases as light as possible. However, the heginning step and ending step, and the rotation of the stairs should be as suggested above.

120

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16. Levels of the Floor At a glance:

Split levels inside the building are not recommended by the ancient works. Brihat Samhita makes it clear that one who wants prosperity in his house, one has to raise his house uniformly on all sides.

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121

Brihat Samhita, for instance says that if one wishes for the prosperity of one's household, one ought to raise the level of the floor uniformly on all sides. However some scholars opine that to strengthen the niruti, the south-west rooms can be higher. I do not subscribe to this veiw.

The ancient texts of Inida do not approve of different levels in the structure itself. UNIFORM LEVEL

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SPLIT LEVELS

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Fig 16.01

MODERN VIEW

Fig 16.02

122

HA:"OBOOK OF

V .. SH:

HA~OBOOK OF

VASH!

123

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17. Verandah or the first room into the structure

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At a glance:

s Verandahs or the jlrst roOll1S into the structure can be in the east or north. Have a proper main door or mahadwara as advised in an earlie r chapte r. Mirrors can be placed on the east and/or north walls to reflect the spaciousness a/the verandah.

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E Fig 1317.02

This room is preferred in the east or north of the bUilding. The general emphasis should be on more

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E Fig BI701

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expanse on to your right, as you enter, than to your left. Let the east or north walls (to your left) have a mirror to reflect the spaciousness of the verandah. You can have the heavy furniture and heavy plants arranged in the south and west( 1) and light furniture and flower plants to the north and cast. Let the shoe-rack (2) be in the north-west of the verandah. Have large windows on the north and east walls. Of course have a main door (mahadwara), as discussed in an earlier chapter.

124

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18. Fencing or Compound Gates At a glance:

You can have your gates for the fencing or compound in the exalted grids described in an earlier chapter.

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V ASTC

125

As for a south facing site have your gate on the south of south-east. As a rule never have your gates on the south or west of south-west, north of north-west and east of southeast. The likely results of the placement of gates are as given on the previous page.

Have your gates placed depending on the direction the plot is. For instance, the north facing site can have its gate on the north of north-east. The East facing site can have the gate on the east of north-east. Let the gate for the west facing site be on the west of north-west.

Gate in

Result

East or North of North-East

East of South-East

South or West of South-West

Generally healthy and prosperous

Ill-health and burning problems

Accidents. financial hardships and setbacks in health. especially for the masler

\ I

SECTION ill 1. Generally speaking ................................................... 129 2. Apartments & Multistoreyed Buildings ................... 135 3. On Landscaping ......................................................... 139

HA~DBOOK OF

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