Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural science dating back over 5,000 years to the Vedic period, providing comprehensive guidelines for building design and spatial arrangement based on directional alignments, cosmic energy patterns, and the balance of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). Like its Chinese counterpart Feng Shui, Vastu Shastra seeks to harmonize human habitation with natural forces to promote health, prosperity, and spiritual growth, but uses a distinct system based on the cardinal and ordinal directions, each governed by specific deities and associated with particular life energies. Applying Vastu Shastra principles to modern homes involves understanding the directional significance of each area. The northeast is considered the most sacred direction, ideal for prayer rooms and water elements. The southeast governs fire energy, making it optimal for kitchens. The southwest is the zone of earth and stability, best for master bedrooms. The northwest relates to air and movement, suitable for guest rooms. The center of the home, known as the Brahmasthan, should be kept open and unobstructed to allow cosmic energy to circulate freely. While some traditional Vastu recommendations may need adaptation for modern construction, the core principles of directional awareness, elemental balance, and spatial openness remain universally applicable.