Vasthu Fundamentals
In essence, VasthuShastra illuminates the path to harnessing environmental energies to enhance the lives of a building's occupants. Factors such as the dimensions—length, width, height—and geometry of a structure are pivotal in Vasthu-based spatial arrangement. It is widely noted that financial investment in aesthetic enhancements or the installation of modern conveniences contributes little to the overarching progress, affluence, and serenity experienced by residents. On the contrary, one's future financial status, health, social dynamics, and the welfare of children are intimately tied to the building's size, form, and siting. This holds true irrespective of whether one is the proprietor or a lessee; an individual's innate abilities play only a slight role in comparison.
Observational evidence suggests that the very design of a domicile has a profound impact on shaping its inhabitant's destiny—this notion is also a central theme in Feng Shui. The meticulous consideration of a building's proportions and its alignment relative to its location are as crucial as ensuring adequate illumination, water abundance, and air purity within the vicinity.
Contemporary architecture can seamlessly integrate the tenets of VasthuShastra without sacrificing modern-day comforts. Even modest homes, when constructed in alignment with Vasthu and its customized dimensions—referred to in the discipline as "Mangala Yoga" (for overall progress), "Amrita Yoga" (for good health), and "Lakshmi Yoga" (for wealth)—can foster an environment conducive to progress and financial well-being.
Conversely, adhering to dimensions associated with "Marana Yoga" (death), "Adhama" (negative influences), or "Agnikhandam" (fire risk) can lead to unfavorable outcomes. While a home's primary function is to provide protection from the elements, such as rain, scorching heat, bitter cold, and wildlife, or to serve as a symbol of luxury and status, it should also promote better health, wealth, and prosperity for its inhabitants. VasthuVidya, the science of architectural alignment with nature, posits that judicious consideration of measurements and forms tailored to each unique site will invariably result in positive effects.
The Scientific Premise of Vasthu
Vasthubhangi, has been at the forefront of scientific research in the field of architectural alignment with natural laws, and has meticulously studied over 10,000 buildings, including homes and offices successfully guiding the inhabitants to healthier and prosperous lives through Vasthu based design alignment to achieve positive energy balance in them. Through rigorous scientific methodology, Vasthubhangi has observed the cause and effect of implementing Vasthu principles in construction and design. The results are compelling; occupants who have had their living and working spaces realigned according to Vasthu have reported significant enhancements in their quality of life and financial well-being.
By systematically documenting changes across a vast array of buildings, Vasthubhangi's research offers robust empirical evidence that aligning structures to Vasthu measurements is not just a matter of tradition, but a foundation for improved prosperity and well-being derived from ancient scientific knowledge of our forefathers. Vasthushastra exists independent of superstitions or religion despite the misuse of the system by a few uncscrupulous elements. It is rather based on highly sophisticated architectural science to achieve in each dwelling a balance of all 5 elements of nature contributing to positive energy flow which in turn influences life positively.
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To quote specifically, Research published in the 'Journal of Environmental Psychology' (The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework) indicates that exposure to environments with positive energy can lead to improved mental health, while a study in 'Health & Place' (The effects of natural environments on human health, A systematic review) has found that such atmospheres contribute to greater physical well-being and abundance in life.
Significance of Measurements & Proportion
The dimensions of a building and its rooms are as crucial as their strategic placement. Accurate measurements ensure a synchronized airflow, which in turn elevates the positive energy within, directly influencing the health of those living there. Rectangular rooms are favored over square ones for their ability to better facilitate the flow of energy. The overall shape of the structure requires careful consideration; extensions to the South or West typically carry adverse effects, whereas an extension to the East from the Southern end is considered positive. A "U" shaped design oriented to the East and North is lauded for its capacity to enhance the positive energy of a home.
Early planning and attention to these architectural principles can transform a dream house or workspace into a bastion of wellbeing and prosperity.
Basic Vasthu Considerations
The South-West Corner
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According to Vasthu Shastra the South West corner of a building is of paramount importance in design. This corner should always be duly occupied and appropriately weighted. Placement of water features such as wells, tanks, or sumps in this area is strongly discouraged, as it can cause financial instability and lead to increased expenditures.
The presence of a kitchen, bathroom, or chimney in the South West may adversely affect the building's prosperity and the occupants' advancement. Similarly, a car porch or entrance situated at a lower elevation than the surrounding area in the South West can deplete wealth and compromise resident health. The optimal use for the South West corner is for the master bedroom, and it should maintain a precise 90-degree angle for the most favorable outcomes.
The South
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Any extension toward the South—be it a verandah, additional rooms, car porch, toilet, or chimney—can create financial and psychological challenges for the occupants. Such projections can disturb blood pressure levels and disrupt sleep patterns. Specifically, a depression in the South East corner can markedly impair the mental well-being of the residents. Furthermore, a "U" shaped design in the Southern area of the building, characterized by projections at the South West and South East, is often associated with poverty and deteriorating health.
The West
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In architectural design, attention to the Western section of a building is crucial, as projections or recessions in this area can significantly influence the cognitive abilities of the residents. These structural choices are linked to the educational attainment and prosperity of the household, particularly impacting the academic progress of children. A "U" shaped layout with projections in both the South West and North West will intensify these negative effects, suggesting a need for careful planning to avoid such configurations.
Positioning Kitchens
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The South East is traditionally associated with the element of fire, or "Agni," making it an ideal location for the kitchen in a home. This corner is designated for cooking activities to align with Vasthu principles. However, in regions such as Kerala, where breezes predominantly originate from the West and South-West, the North-East corner, is preferred for food preparation to accommodate local climatic conditions.
It is essential to position the chimney or stove in such a manner that it does not directly align with any doorways, as this can cause an increase in blood pressure for the individual cooking and potentially lead to heated discussions and domestic discord. Ideally, the person cooking should face East or North while preparing meals, further aligning with Vasthu principles to promote a harmonious and healthful environment within the home.
Positioning Bedrooms
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The South-West portion of a house is deemed the most ideal location for the master bedroom. Beds should be arranged such that the headboard stays towards South or East, avoiding alignment with any doorway, as this can lead to joint and arthritic issues. Incorrect positioning may also render medications less effective and prolong illnesses. The second bedroom is ideally situated on the Western or Southern side of the dwelling. Bedrooms in the South-East corner are discouraged due to their potential to incite disagreements amongst residents. It is essential to design bedrooms with four well-defined corners, as rooms with conical or irregular shapes are not conducive to restful sleep. A window positioned directly opposite the bedroom door is believed to enhance interpersonal relationships