What is Vastu Shastra?
Vastu Shastra is the ancient Indian science of architecture, design, and spatial arrangement. Vastu means "dwelling" or "site" and Shastra means "science" or "treatise." It guides how buildings, rooms, and furniture should be positioned so people enjoy health, prosperity, harmony, and peace.
The Five Elements (Panch Mahabhuta)
- Earth (Prithvi): Stability, grounding. Center and south-west. Heavy materials.
- Water (Jal): Flow, prosperity. North and north-east. Water features.
- Fire (Agni): Energy, transformation. South-east. Kitchen, heat sources.
- Air (Vayu): Movement, freshness. North-west. Open spaces, windows.
- Space (Akash): Openness, divine connection. Brahmasthan (center). Keep open.
Key Directions
- North: Wealth, Kuber. Keep light, open.
- North-East (Ishan): Most sacred. Pooja room, meditation, main entrance.
- East: Health, social connections, Sun. Large windows.
- South-East (Agneya): Fire zone. Kitchen.
- South: Fame, reputation, Yama. Heavy furniture.
- South-West (Nairutya): Stability, earth. Master bedroom, valuables.
- West: Gains, profits. Children's bedrooms, study.
- North-West (Vayavya): Air zone. Guest rooms, bathrooms, storage.
- Center (Brahmasthan): Heart. Keep open, clean.