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Vaastu, a myth or a science?
Vaastu Sastra is not a religion but a science.
Vaastu Sastra is a voluminous and scattered ancient indian
literature dealing with knowledge of architecture, iconography
and art relating to structures and buildings. It comprise of
independent works which are classified under the general heading
of vaastu sastra.
The word "Vaastu" has been derived from 'VASTOSHPATI' used in
'Rig Veda' and is meant to provide protection, hapiness and
prosperity in this life as well as after death.
Rig Veda says:
VASTSHPART PRATI JATI HACHASMAN TVAVESHO ATBHIVO BHAVATAH |
YAT TVAMEH PRATI NATRO JUSHSVSHAN NO BHAV DVIPAD SHA CHATUSHPADE||
It is prayer to Vaastu purusha and means :
Oh God of structures and building, we are your devotees. Listen
our prayer, make us free of disease, give wealth and prosperity,
help the well being of all persons and animals living in the
house.
The philosophy and concept of Vaastu Shastra has more to do with complex
mathematical calculations along with the energy lines of the
earth. This science does not encourage blind faith. Instead
effective creation of energy and positive vibration, flow of
balance and harmony are required to make Vaastu work in
one´s life.
Vaastu is a complete understanding of direction, geography,
topography, environment and physics. It is a study that dictates
the form size and orientation of a building, in relation to the
plot, soil, surroundings and the personality of the
owner/dweller. There is no room for rituals and
superstitions.
Vaastu orientates, places and dictates the proportions of
every detail as in building lines, skylines, elongations, levels,
slopes, water tanks (underground and overhead), kitchen,
bedrooms, toilets, staircase, heights of ceilings and roofs,
entrances and loci of doors and windows, compound walls and so
on.
Vaastu endows peace and prosperity to all mankind. A house,
big or small, built as per Vaastu makes the life pleasant and
prosperous. It is believable, because of its universal
efficacy.
Everything in this world is made of five fundamental elements -
Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Sky. Principles of Vaastu Sastra
are mainly dependent on the arrangement of five essential
elements of the world i.e. Earth, Water, Fire, Air & sky in
their proper order and proportions to have better living
conditions in a building.
There is a correlation and a complex pattern relating to human
behaviour and built environment around him. Various unseen forces
affect human body vertically, horizontally, diagonally and
perpendicularly. For example :
Sun Energy
Lunar Energy from the moon
Magnetic Energy
Gravitational energy
Molecular Energy
Fire Energy
Wind Energy
Microwave Energy
Electrical Energy
Light Energy
Sound Energy
While this concept of energies gave birth to the science of Vaastu in India, the same
concept led to the birth of Fengshui in China. In the western
world the recognition led to the understanding and development of
the science of Geopathy.
People in different parts of the world have recognized the
influence of the environment on the mental and physical health of
human beings. And once this factor gained recognition, efforts
were made to create proper environment for people to enable them
to lead healthy and happy lives.
Various sages and saints in India always wanted to ensure this
happiness and prosperity to mankind. They showed serious concern
about the happiness and welfare of every one, with a view to
ensure that people live in peace, harmony, prosperity, comfort,
and happiness. They evolved various codes and systems, which led
to the comforts of life, and these are contained in ancient
scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads etc.
Vaastu Sastra and Shilpasastra
provide some principles and rules on the guidelines of which
suitable and comfortable buildings for residence, temples, etc.
are built and towns, colonies are planned.
The origin of vaastushastra may have taken place well over
thousands of years ago.The principles of the science laid down
during those days were based purely on the effect of sunrays
during different times of the day. The observations and
corrections made were noted and concluded only after indepth
screening of the situation.
Proofs of vaastusastra can be found during the time of Ramayan
and Mahabharat. Even in the cities of Mohanjodaro and Harappa the
application of vaastusastra can be seen.
Architectural science and equipment have undergone a sea
change over the years. However, the principles of Vaastu, still
remain very much applicable.
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This research article is submitted by
Dr.K.Venkatesan BE, MTech, PGA, PhD, MsD, DDiv(hon)., the Chairman of our Trust is
a post-graduate in Engineering and he hails from the ancestry of Abirami Pattar.
If you have any doubts or clarification in this article,
click here to contact the
author.
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