Domestic Vastu

Book excerpt: This book talks about the fundamentals of domestic vastu. The word Vastu originated from the Sanskrit word “Vas” and the meaning of this word is to live life or to reside. The word “Vasu” originated from “Vas” and finally this word “Vastu” originated from “Vasu”. Meaning of the word Vastu is a place where a person resides. The meaning of Shastra is a book which deals with the mysterious and systematic explanation of a subject, therefore the meaning of Vastushastra is a book related to the residence. The origin and anatomy of Vastushastra is based on the principle of the five elements of creation. As our body is also made up of these five elements, if enough attention is paid to the incorporation of these five elements in the construction of a house then the people residing in the building shall reside happily. These five elements are- Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. Our universe also is made up of these five elements only. Therefore the saying goes – (Yatpindetatbramhande). God ( bhagwan) has given these five gifts to us– from (bha) bhumi (land), from (ga) gagan (sky, ether), from (va) vayuq (air), from (na) neer (water). God is represented by the symbol (Om). These five elements are present in this Om also. “Aa” is Agni (fire), “Au” is Jal (water), “Ma” is Vayu (air), “ W ” (ardhachandra) is Bhoomi (land) and “0” is Akash (ether, sky). Similarly the word Vastu also denotes these five elements. From “Va” Vayu (air), from “Aa” Agni (fire), from “Sa” “Srishti” Bhoomi (land), from “Ta” Tat means Akash (ether/ sky) and from “Au” Jal (water). These five elements also are represented by the five planets. 1. Earth is represented by Mars 2. Water is represented by Venus 3. Fire is represented by Sun 4. Air is represented by Saturn 5. Ether is represented by Jupiter. Similarly mind is controlled by Moon. Intelligence is controlled by Mercury. Ego and arrogance is controlled by Rahu and moksha or spirituality by Ketu. Disbalance of these elements in the body produces ill health and disease. In a similar manner the disbalance of these elements in a house creates varied kind of troubles for the persons living in it. There are unlimited forces present in nature. Some of these forces influence us, for example the gravitational force of earth, the magnetic and electrical energy of the universe and the electromagnetic force present everywhere. These energies also exist in the constructed house and they continue influencing the electromagnetic force present in the human body. This produces the auspicious or inauspicious results. These results vary from place to place depending on the geographical location. For these reasons the results of vastu principles are not the same all over the world. They differ according to the longitude and latitude of the place. They also differ according to the horoscope of the person concerned. If man goes along with the flow of nature's energies, it produces good health, progress and prosperity. If he goes against the flow of nature, he faces hurdles and obstructions everywhere. Hence it is utmost important and necessary for us to organize our lives according to nature, only then we can live happily. Halayudha kosha says that, Vastu is that art of house construction, which starts from Ishan kona etc and which protects the residents of the house from natural calamities and obstructions.