Vastu for Harmony at Home and Success in Business

The Science of Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is called an architectural science.

Just like molecules and chemical reactions, Vastu Shastra is also based on forms and on the reactions of those same forms within space.

The science of Vastu Shastra, or Vastu Vidya, has come down to us from the traditions of Ancient India, which are approximately 8,000 years old. It can be used in construction even in our time.

The meaning of the word “vastu” is “place of residence.” The meaning of the word “shastra” is “science” (that which is studied).

In principle, any orientation according to the directions of the compass characterizes different energies, is based on the elements (water, fire, earth, air, and ether), and can exert a positive or negative influence on the rooms of a house.

These same energies produce vibrations that affect our lives, and if a particular room is placed in an unsuitable location, negative energies will come, and with them difficulties and losses.

But the placement of a room is not the only thing that has an effect. Colors, shapes, dimensions, materials, construction, lighting, windows, doors, and even furniture—its shapes and placement—also influence the person living in the house or being present in a shop, in a school, at work, or in any other place (starting from the entrance to the courtyard of the location where the building is situated).

Explanation 1: Vastu Shastra is not a science of “black and white,” and therefore it will not negatively affect a designer’s creativity. On the one hand, there are principles recommended for implementation in order to achieve a harmonious result to the greatest extent possible. On the other hand, there is free choice of styles, personal taste, and so on, because Vastu, despite its principles, is something subjective and individual.

Explanation 2: Vastu is not a style; it is a science. An architectural style is visually defined by its distinctive characteristics, repeated in all the buildings constructed in that style. (Vastu has no such thing; this science can be applied to any architectural style.)

Differences Between Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui

Many people call Vastu the Indian version of Feng Shui.

In fact, Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui share several similar principles—for example: planning a house and arranging objects in a certain way to achieve a desired result. They also share the idea that the center of the house is considered the main source of energies.

However, there are many differences between them. The table indicates the main distinctions between Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui.

Of course, these are not the only principles of difference. By studying each of them more deeply, one can discover how greatly they differ from one another, depending on the influence of the energies governing each direction (north, south, west, east, and so on).

The meaning and the reason – why a certain place is considered ideal for something, or, on the contrary, not ideal.

Magnetic Fields

Any ancient science begins with a mythological story and its imagery, meaning, influence, and moral.

Brahma is the creator of the Universe. After he created the Universe, he decided to conduct an experiment with one being he had created (the being was later named Vastu Purusha). After that, the being began to eat everything that stood in its path, growing very quickly, until it covered the entire planet.

Two other gods (Vishnu and Shiva) asked Brahma to do something to stop this monster. Brahma realized his mistake and turned to the eight gods of the cardinal directions. Together (with the help of 45 gods) they were able to stop and restrain the monster from different directions, while the monster’s head was positioned toward the northeast, and its feet toward the southwest. Brahma held it from below in the center.

Then the monster began to cry: “You created me like this, so why am I punished for what you compelled me to do?” Brahma decided to make a compromise and turn him into an immortal being, blessing him with interaction with any person building a house or any other structure.

The various gods who were located at different points and corners remained there to influence the magnetic fields in every house or building, and thus they are represented in the classical Vastu mandala.

This is how the ruler of the water element received the northeast, the ruler of the fire element received the southeast, the ruler of the earth element received the southwest, the ruler of the air element received the northwest, and so on.

Since Brahma was in the center, this place was preserved for the element of ether.

Specialists consider that this may be one of the reasons why inner courtyards were once built in private houses.

So who are the 45 gods (the Vastu magnetic fields) and what is their power?

Each god, according to Vastu, is a magnetic field that influences the space of the building in which we are located in a specific way.

Becoming acquainted with each of them will further help in understanding all the reasons behind the practical principles.

Nickname: the Creator.

Influencing forces: the source of powers.

Location: the center.

Nickname: the Power of Self-Expression.

Influencing forces: carries the force of self-expression.

Gives initiative for work.

Location: the north.

Nickname: the Connector.

Influencing forces: promotes growth and connects with the material world; helps to meet a bride, to continue the lineage.

Gives the ability to interact with people and to create connections with them.

Location: the east.

Nickname: the Controller of Changes.

Influencing forces: control over changes and promotes the process of self-expression.

Gives energy for attaining success and fame.

Location: the south.

Nickname: the Driver of Motivation.

Influencing forces: to guide, to stimulate, to unite.

Gives the energy of motivation for beneficial actions.

Location: the west.

Nickname: the Healer.

Influencing forces: the power of healing on the physical and spiritual levels.

Helps to find solutions to problems.

Location: northeast.

Nickname: the Leader.

Influencing forces: the power to heal the body through correct thoughts.

Helps APA and is used as a source of nourishment.

Location: northeast.

Nickname: the Igniter.

Influencing forces: ignites inner fire and initiative; gives the power of meditation; develops connection with influential people; provides support and money.

Location: southeast.

Nickname: the One Who Pushes Toward Advancement.

Influencing forces: determination, luxury, strength, advancement in life despite obstacles.

Supports SAVITA and helps in managing finances.

Location: southeast.

Nickname: the Protector.

Influencing forces: protects money, protects pregnancy, gives strength and long life.

Very beneficial for business and property. Gives energy for the growth of property.

Location: the southwest.

Nickname: the Instrument for Victory.

Influencing forces: methods and things that help to win; abilities and professionalism (it is good to keep here books and items related to a person’s talents).

Supports INDRA through various abilities and methods.

Location: the southwest.

Nickname: the Channel.

Influencing forces: the destruction of poisons and negative energy of the body through tears; watches over all actions (it is recommended to sell something here).

Gives energy for carrying out tasks without obstacles. Also represents the absence of inner balance.

Location: the northwest.

Nickname: the Holder.

Influencing forces: keeps everything under control, strengthens, calms the mind; if this place is in a bad condition, the mind becomes unstable.

Gives energy that supports and watches so that a person’s ideas are brought into reality.

Location: the northwest.

Nickname: the Reconciler.

Influencing forces: providing safety, wealth, and assistance in maintaining harmony; if this place is poorly positioned, it gives nervousness, lack of rest and fear of the unknown, not understanding where to move, and a person’s entire life will seem to him non-harmonious; this is the best place for meditation and for receiving a way out of a difficult situation.

Location: north–northeast.

Nickname: the Far-Sighted One.

Influencing forces: the development of farsightedness, liberal thinking, the ability to see things as they truly are, to see the truth of life; in a good position it gives clear thoughts, a goal, and the path to achieving it; if this place is in a bad position, it leads to confusion and the inability to see details in a situation.

Location: north–northeast.

Nickname: the Yogi.

Influencing forces: gives the potential for bringing desires into reality.

Gives the power to express thoughts and to influence the world through them; this is the source of all thoughts and good ideas.

Location: the northeast.

Nickname: the Source of Conclusions.

Influencing forces: the power to nurture; during meditation in this place, conclusions arise that satisfy curiosity and calm the soul; gives fertility; is responsible for the growth of plants and fruits.

Gives good results in any undertaking.

Location: east–northeast.

Nickname: the Force of Attraction.

Influencing forces: the power for the emergence of something new; if this place is weak, actions will not occur as they should, or too many thoughts will delay matters, or inappropriate, ill-considered actions will lead to an undesirable result.

Location: east–southeast.

Nickname: the Inner Space.

Influencing forces: gives the strength to reach a result through self-expression.

Represents chances for success.

Location: east–southeast.

Nickname: the Uplifter.

Influencing forces: initiates any process; the power of advancement; the strength to withstand difficult situations.

Location: the southeast.

Nickname: the Reinforcement.

Influencing forces: the power of protection, support, and advancement; protection of the building from destruction; assistance in choosing a groom; safeguarding on the road and during travels.

Gives the strength to carry out any task.

Location: south–southeast.

Nickname: the Discerner.

Influencing forces: gives cleverness, the ability to choose what is needed and remove what is unnecessary; in a bad position it increases expenses, efforts do not bring success, and a person continues to spend time on activities that bring no benefit.

Location: south–southwest.

Nickname: Curiosity.

Influencing forces: gives curiosity to search for and investigate something; the power to give abilities and passion for extensive knowledge through training.

Represents focusedness and lack of focusedness.

Location: south–southwest.

Nickname: the Ancestors.

Influencing forces: gives the blessing of the lineage; provides the means for survival and a source of happiness, safety; develops love and family closeness; gives abilities and the capacity to cope with any life situation; gives the birth of a boy and the possibility of finding a new bride.

Represents the ancestors.

Location: the southwest.

Nickname: the Guardian of the Entrance to the House.

Influencing forces: the power to possess unlimited knowledge, to become a genius; carries the knowledge of traditions; the power to preserve ancient knowledge; helps a person move from one piece of information to another; does not allow a person to become dependent on undesirable thoughts and topics; filters them; helps decide which knowledge to accept and which to reject; improves memory; this place must be harmonious for excellent study, otherwise students or pupils will find it difficult to study, as it will be hard to memorize learning material; helps a person calculate his time usefully for earning; increases the ability not to waste oneself physically and emotionally.

Protects SHIVA, acts in the same way as a force protecting from negative energies.

Location: west–southwest.

Nickname: the One Who Dries.

Influencing forces: dries the tears caused by Rudra; removes negative emotions in order to prevent depression.

Represents the removal and destruction of all negativity in life.

Location: west–northwest.

Nickname: the One Who Gives Dependency.

Influencing forces: gives illnesses, alcoholism, self-torment; weakens the soul; makes a person look for faults in others, and in this way distances the person from society.

It is better to leave this place empty and not use it.

Location: west–northwest.

Nickname: the Weakener.

Influencing forces: takes away energy, but also uses it for support; sucks out strength and uses it whenever support is needed; destroys illnesses and provides assistance during a difficult period; if this place is well positioned, a person receives money and help from people when necessary.

Location: the northwest.

Nickname: Passion.

Influencing forces: the power that controls a person through emotional pleasures.

Represents VASUKI – the serpent of Shiva. Damage in this place contributes to envy and temptations.

Location: north–northwest.

Nickname: the Producer of Success.

Influencing forces: promises victory in all undertakings; refreshes the body and the soul – a person with enthusiasm and passion carries forward new ideas that help improve the future; the home environment remains favorable, which contributes to friendly relationships in society.

Location: east–northeast.

Nickname: the Chief.

Influencing forces: the opening of the ability to gather people around oneself and to manage them; gives connections with high society, and as a result – wealth, luxury, money; gives the ability to control one’s feelings and direct them toward work.

Location: the east.

Nickname: the Controller.

Influencing forces: the heart of any system; responsible for the eyes – gives the ability to see far and the strength to discern; a person receives fame and recognition if the placement in Surya (the Sun) is favorable; gives the energy to perform actions and the ability to analyze a situation.

Represents the Sun.

Location: the east.

Nickname: the Creator of Goodwill.

Influencing forces: the source of developing a good reputation and status through the creation of a new enterprise; establishes authenticity, trust, and reputation; the character includes sharpness of mind, aggression, and the ability to determine the abilities of others.

Represents justice, good thoughts, and morality.

Location: the east.

Nickname: the Impostor.

Influencing forces: this field influences a person’s behavior; relates to the unreal world; is connected with deceit and fraud; someone may appear to be healthy and use this energy positively; if this place is poorly positioned, it leads to disgrace in society.

Represents false illusion.

Location: south–southeast.

Nickname: the Definer.

Influencing forces: the power that governs the brain; defines the boundaries of the soul and of every task.

Represents stability and attention. Gives the strength to come to a decision and to the correct path.

Location: the south.

Nickname: the One Who Brings Order.

Influencing forces: gives the strength to keep oneself within the boundaries of law and morality; obligates one to observe laws; gives movement forward in accordance with principles and laws.

Represents death and law.

Location: the south.

Nickname: the Restorer.

Influencing forces: his main function is to preserve Amrit, that is, the vitality of the human body; reveals talents for music and art; can give entry into a trance through music; ensures that a person receives benefit from food; gives the energy that provides creativity and intelligence to a person.

Location: the south.

Nickname: the Receiver.

Influencing forces: the power of receiving beauty; the ability to make any topics easily understandable; the power to learn (repetition of studied material) – this begins in childhood and later turns into the power of receiving money (earning); lack of harmony in this place will lead to the fact that, despite efforts, a person will not obtain what is desired, and children will not be able to gain knowledge even if they repeat the studied material, because they will forget everything; gives the strength to take the best from anything and to receive knowledge for improving life.

Location: west–southwest.

Nickname: the Assistant.

Influencing forces: if this place is properly positioned, it gives the manifestation of all desires into life; helps in carrying out tasks, and any deficiency in this place will result in failure in completing tasks; its power makes life fulfilled, gives flourishing, and provides assistance to Varuna.

Location: the west.

Nickname: the Observer.

Influencing forces: observes the world; gives the power that governs people; controls people’s inclinations by directing them in the proper direction; watches over all tasks; gives strength to a bride; gives flourishing in business.

Represents the Deity of the Ocean. Gives communication and helps maintain composure.

Location: the west.

Nickname: the Creator of Illusions.

Influencing forces: the ability to cope with the negative forces of the gods; gives spirituality and depth; helps to let go of empty hopes and temptations; gives a person fighting spirit; if the place is weak, it brings confusion; if harmonious, it helps to cope with temptations.

Represents illusion, chaos, and the obscurity of thoughts.

Location: the west.

Nickname: the One Who Cares.

Influencing forces: the head of all energies that determine the purpose of the building; the power of self-expression; this power produces things for sale in order to realize them; gives intelligent ideas for self-expression.

Location: north–northwest.

Nickname: the Power of Prosperity.

Influencing forces: gives complete prosperity; can help one become wealthy; any efforts lead to good results; this place must be well positioned for the realization of great goals.

Location: the north.

Nickname: the Treasure.

Influencing forces: gives the power for earnings through business and protection from enemies; ensures that everything that is created attracts people’s attention, and that almost any work is paid for; if this place is well positioned, people will appreciate all of a person’s efforts and will buy what he sells.

Location: the north.

Nickname: Immunity.

Influencing forces: the keeper of life-preserving medicines; gives health and a good flow of money; the power is connected with Kundalini Shakti.

Represents medicines and medical procedures; gives the energy of recovery and protection from illnesses.

Location: the north.

Connection with Astrology and Ayurveda

Not only various gods influence the places within a house.

In addition to the 45 gods, there is a ruler who watches over each cardinal direction, and there is also the astrological influence of the stars and the signs of the Zodiac on each of the directions.

In the following table, divided into 9 equal parts corresponding to the 45 magnetic fields, buildings are planned according to Vastu.

The table is placed over the building plan in accordance with the directions of the compass, so that all places in the house perfectly correspond to their functions.