|
| What is Vaastu? |
Vaastu Shastra is an ancient science which
helps one to get the natural benefits freely offered by the five
basic elements of the universe in which we all live. These basic
elements are Akash (SKY), Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni (FIRE),
and Vayu (WIND). Vastu Shastra can be applied by keeping in harmony
with these basic five elements of nature. It is an edifice science
that was developed by our learned people thousands of years ago.
Its application today is purely architectural and its principles
are based on becoming one with nature. Like astrology and palmistry
it is a vast & complicated science, easily misunderstood by
most people.
Most people all over the world will not think twice before spending
huge amounts of cash on designing their houses and they should rightly
do so. But when the house does not bring them peace and harmony
and instead the ill effects of vaastu are experienced the same people
consult astrologers, palmists, tarot card readers and some blame
their destiny or luck.
Vaastu is essentially the art of correct settings one can place
himself in such a manner as to derive maximum benefits.
The ancient relics say that Vaastu is based on two forces "positive"
and "negative" which are constantly interacting with each
other on the surface of the land. These forces should get disturbed
whenever any structure is erected on a vacant land, to maintain
a balance.
If there are more positive energies (forces) than the negative energies,
the result of such a construction would yield more benefits to the
inmates leading to a more successful, healthy, wealthy and peaceful
life, contrary to this if the negative energies dominate the premises
the effects could be negative.. |
| |
Knowledge of direction and their significance |
| In VAASTU Shastra, eight directions
- North, East, West, South, North-east, South-east, South-west and
North-west are considered as important. If you are planning to build
your bungalow or any other building on the basis of VAASTU Shastra,
first of all you should have knowledge of your plot’s direction.
Then you should decide in which direction you ought to keep your
main gate. You may if necessary, take the help of a compass to know
the directions.
As the numerals have their apparent influence of human life, similarly
influence of the directions is also apparent. Richness or penury
of a person can be known from the location of his house. In which
direction is his house located? Which direction does the entrance
of his house face? How is the interior decoration? These and other
related things reveal the economic condition of a person. Similarly
changes that must be made in order to bring prosperity and to prevent
imminent danger or crisis can also be known with the help of VAASTU
Shastra.
As everybody knows there are four major directions - east, west,
north and south. Besides these, four sub-directions are also considered.
These are Agney (South-east), Nairitya (South-west), Vayavya (North-west)
and Ishaan (north-east). Each of these directions and sub-directions
has its own merits and demerits and yields results accordingly.
Every direction has a deity or lord that rules it.
EAST: Indra is the
ruling deity of the east. He was born out of Brahma's mouth and
is capable of destroying enemies. He can appear in any form as per
his wishes. He is also the lord of rains and has the wind as his
assistant. Increment in wealth, cereals and animal stock can be
effected through worshipping Indra. Indra is also the king of the
heaven. Elephant Airavat is Indra’s vehicle and Vajra (lightning)
in his weapon.
The east is also the abode of gods like Surya, Agni, Indra, Jayant,
Ish, Parjanya, Satya, Bhup and Akash.
The east is also known as a direction of lineage. During the construction
of the house, some portion must be left open in the east. It leads
to long life for the owner.
WEST: The west is
the opposite of the east. No work can progress in the west. Varun
(Neptune) is the lord of this direction, which is under the influence
of sage Agastya. Sea is the abode of Varun (Neptune). He therefore,
has most influence on the water bodies. A proper utilization of
westerly portion of plot leads to reputation, fame, prosperity and
success for the owner.
NORTH: Kuber is the
lord of this direction. Literally, Kuber means the one who controls
the imminent events and causes increments. He has inassessible wealth
and property. Kuber is the king of Yakshas and Kinnars and is a
friend of Rudra (Shiv). Kailash is the abode of Kuber who has three
legs, eight hands and a yellow dot in place of eyes.
Mercury is the planet that rules the north. It is more influencial
in the dark phase of every lunar month. North is a also an abode
of the gods like Kuber, Diti, Aditi, Shail, Naga and Bhallat etc.
North is also a place of mother. Leaving some portion open in north
leads to prosperity of maternal side as well as provides wealth,
comforts, peace etc. for the owner.
SOUTH: Yama is the
lord of this direction. He is the son of Surya and is hostile towards
Vishnu. Nakshatra Bharani is the most important for him. During
the last eight days of the lunar months of Ashwin and Kartika this
nakshatra is more influencial. South direction weakens human life,
hence all the auspicious tasks are forbidden in the south. South
is also an abode of the gods like Yama, Gandharvas, Mriga, Pusha,
Vitath and Kshat. In all the south direction yields nothing but
mourning, depression and pain.
AGNEYA (SOUTH-EAST):
Direction that lies midway between the east and the south is known
as Agneya (south-east). Agni (fire) is the lord of this direction.
He is the preserver and defender of every being. Agni also carries
the message of people who worship and offer oblations with devotion
to God.
Worshippers of Agni are economically strong and long living. Agni
himself takes care of the people who make offerings into him. Agni
also provides them with comfort, peace, prosperity and progeny.
While constructing a house, the first pillar must be erected in
the south-east direction. Alternatively, kitchen of the house should
occupy a place in this direction. This is the foremost and an important
rule of VAASTU Shastra. First day of every month also represents
the element fire.
A warm Agneya direction makes a man healthy, whereas a faulty use
makes the owner short tempered.
NAIRITYA (SOUTH-WEST):
It lies midway between the south and the west directions. Nairitya
is the ruling lady of this direction. Literally, Nairitya means
repeated happening - whether be it the birth of a baby or any other
event. It also means that anything not done at proper time can’t
have a repetition. If the house is built in this direction, the
home suffers continuous decay.
South-west portion of the house should never be left open, nor should
a pit be dug is this direction. This direction is an abode of demons
and ghosts. To prevent the accumulation of inauspicious and pain
causing things, digging of pit in south-west is prohibited. If for
some reason, digging is necessary it should be covered as early
as possible or a sapling be planted in its place.
VAYAVYA (NORTH-WEST):
It lies mid way between the west and the north. Vayu (wind) is the
lord of this direction. Five kinds of Vayu - Prana, Upana, Samana,
Vyana and Udana are necessary for human life. Hanumana and Bheema
are the representations of Vayu. Those who worship Vayu in the form
of Hanumana, get their desired results at once.
North-west angle is the progenitor of friendship or enemity. Hence,
a faulty use of this portion of plot may result in majority of the
enemies. If you use this angle of your plot wisely and flawlessly,
you will have many friends who will undoubtedly benefit you.
ISHANYA (NORTH-EAST):
The angle that lies midway between north and the east is known as
Ishanya (north-east) direction. Shiv is the lord of this angle.
Pashupat is the weapon of Shiv. Nakshatra Ardra is the symbol of
Lord Shiv. Semul (silk-cotton) tree is considered auspicious in
this direction.
Worshipping of ruling God of this direction yields many virtues
in the life of the worshipper. Portion of the house in this direction
must be kept holy for it yields many kinds of divine powers to the
owner. Proper utilization of this portion of house provides wealth,
reputation, property and every kind of excellence for the owner.
A faulty utilization of this angle, however, may block successful
continuation of progeny. |
| |
Vaastu Shastra - the Origin of Feng Shui? |
Vaastu Shastra ( Vaastu Shastra ) originated
during Vedic times in India. It probably dates back to 6,000 years
ago. Ancient scriptures like the Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, and Mayamatam.
The exact origin of Feng Shui was not clear. As far back as Chou Dynasty
(1122-207 BCE), King Wen reportly used Ba Gua to explain change patterns
in life. By Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 219 CE), the development of Feng
Shui begins to solidify with detailed study being carried out on the
mountains and rivers in China.
Some Vaastu Shastra experts claimed that Feng Shui originated from
Vaastu Shastra because of the similiarities between the two ancient
arts. It is probably true that Vaastu Shastra is an older art than
Feng Shui but whether Feng Shui originated from Vaastu Shastra is
still subject to debate. Moreover, there are important differences
between the Vaastu and Feng Shui, as you shall see below.
Similiarities
The philosophy and practice of Vaastu and Feng Shui has many things
in common. For a start, both arts begin with a study of the energy
flows around mountains and rivers. They are both concerned with creating
an environment without obstructions so that energy can flow freely
and smoothly.
The practice of Vaastu Shastra makes extensive use of the five elements:
earth, sky, fire, water and air. In Feng Shui, the five elements are
similiar: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.
Vaastu Shastra also makes use of the eight directions represented
by the eight gods. In Feng Shui, the eight directions are used extensively
in practice and can be found in Ba Gua and a geomancer's compass called
Luo Pan.
Differences
To be sure, there are also differences between the two ancient arts.
In Vaastu Shastra, the North direction is generally regarded as auspicious
because it is regarded as a source of magnetic energy. The East direction
is also regarded as auspicious because this direction is the source
of solar (sun) energy. In contrast, in Feng Shui, the North direction
is generally regarded as inauspicious. This is because in China, the
North direction is where the sands and cold winds from Mongolia blow
from. In Feng Shui, the South and Southeast direction is generally
regarded as auspicious as the warmth of sun can be felt from these
directions.
Because of the differences in their philosophies, there are also important
differences in their practice. In Vaastu Shastra, the cooking stove
in the kitchen should generally be placed on the right while the sink
should be placed on the left. In Feng Shui, the basic principle on
the cooking stove and sink is that they must not be facing each other.
Moreover, in Vaastu Shastra, sleeping with head pointing to the South
or East directions is considered auspicious whileas in Feng Shui,
the sleeping direction should generally be in accordance to the person's
auspicious directions. In Vaastu Shastra, big or heavy furniture like
sofa, TV, radio equipment, etc should be placed at at the South or
Southwest sector of a house. This will leave more space in the North
and East area - considered to be auspicious. In Feng Shui, these furniture
should generally be placed at the North sector, directly opposite
the auspicious South sector.
These are only some of the similiarities and differences between Vaastu
and Feng Shui . |
| |
| |
|
VAASTU SHASTRA