Vastu shastra is essentially the art of correct settings where by one can place himself in such a manner so as to absorb the maximum benefit from the panchabhutas, the five elements (space, air, fire, water and earth) as well as from the influence of magnetic fields surrounding the earth.
The scientific use of the elements create perfectly balanced environment, which ensures enhanced health, wealth and prosperity.
The authors of “Vastu shastra“, Maya Brahma, Viswakarma etc. revealed the peace in living.
In those days Vastu Shastra covered civil engineering, architectures, designs, sculptures, temples, Raja Prasadas and building technology of Viswakarma, the greatest architect of Mahabharata times, designed and built Indraprastha (capital of pandavas) incorporating all the update layout, wide roads, lakes, fountains, water facilities and connections of drainage system.
Similarly “Maya sabha” designed and built by the great architect “Maya” was majestic manifestation of the ultra imaginative structure of beautiful fairy like royal palace. It was a marvellous, melodramatic comedy of illusions rendered into marble and matter with all its sensational suspense.
In short it was a dream land of frozen fantansy, which excelled the famous assembly hall of wisdom in grandeur and glory.
The knowledge of house building technology has grown so vast into special fields of architecture, engineering and interior decoration etc., while the importance of Vastu has gone into oblivion where as architecture is concerned. Vastu provides the knowledge of the principles to be adopted in building of temples, houses, corporate offices, industrial sheds, factories etc., so as to make the native happy, healthy and prosperous.
Even in hindu temples, idols of navagrahas (9 planets) are placed facing the direction(s) which they rule in Vaastu.
Sun is in center and faces east, Venus faces east, Mercury faces north-east, Jupiter faces north, Ketu faces north-west, Saturn faces west, Rahu faces south-west, Mars faces South and Moon faces South-East.
Based on properties defined for these 9 planets, usage of these directions and corners is decided in vaastu.
For example, mercury controls business, money flow, mathematics etc.
So north-east direction is usually full of water, green plants etc.
Rahu is the head of serpant, so heavy weights like overhead tanks, storage rooms etc are built in that direction to supress its negative impact.
If a person is effected by a malefic planet in his/her horoscope, then usually the problem comes from direction related to that planet and related corner in the house will cause frequent disturbances or repairs.
“Sukham dhanaani budhischa santhati sarvadaanrunam priyaanyeshaamcha samsiddhai sarvamsya subhalakshanam
Yatra nindhita lakshmaathra thadheetherham Vighathakruth
Atha saravamupaadeyam yadbhave subhalakshanam
Desah pura nivasascha sabhaveesmaa sannanicha
yadhya dheedhrusa man yasacha thathashreyaskaram matham
vasstu shastaadhnuthe thasye nasya lakshananirnya
thasmaa lokasya krupayaa saathrametha-dhuriryathee”
In samaraangana sutra-dhara the author explains that properly designed and planned constructions (pleasing houses) will be an abode of good health, wealth, intelligence, good children, peace, happiness and will redeem one from debt of obligations.
Negligence of rules of architecture will result in unnecessary travels, bad name in society, sorrows and disappointments.
All constructions (including villages, towns, cities, temples, Raja Prasadas (govt. buildings) shall be built according to vastu shastra.
Hence Vastu shilpa shastra is brought into light in favour of, to the satisfaction of and for the betterment and overall welfare of the universe.
Hidden aspects of natural laws give birth to life and for better or for worse, the rules of nature command that life and therefore a close adjustment to the natural background becomes a bare necessity.
The location, direction and disposition of construction have a direct impact on life.
Hence vastu shilpa shastra, the ancient scripture, experienced by generations after generations, contains the essence of vastu shilpa shastra knowledge.
For example the temple of Sri. Venkateswara at Tirupati is found adhering to the principles of vastu shilpa shastra i.e. the main entrance is on the East, while the water tank is in the north-East and as such God is giving peace, prosperity and wealth to every one having darshana and by worshipping will be rich and desires will be fulfilled.
They will be comfortable in their lives.
The other example is of “Satya Sai Baba” of Puttaparthi.
His abode was made at such a place where water flows in the North-Eastern direction and some hillocks are situated in the south-west.
He was virtually considered to be a living God by many of his followers throughout the world.
His disciples created a university, superspeciality hospital, drinking water facility for many villages in Ananthapur district aerodrome and sports grounds according to Vastu.
It is clear that an individual experiences both good and bad results in a house according to his destiny, depending upon the planetary configuration in his horoscope.
If unfavourable dasa is in operation, however best the house is constructed according to the principles of vastu the native undergoes turmoil and turbulence in that period.
For an individual’s misery it could be said that there may be Graha Dosham or Griha dosham or both.
An unfortunate person stays in a house built not in conformity with the principles of vastu, while a fortunate individual lives in a house built as per vastu, with or without his knowledge.