Vastu Shastra: A Forgotten Science

Juhi Kedia
Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology
October 30, 2015

INTRODUCTION

Vastu Shastra is an ancient science of architecture dating back to the Vedic age in India. There
have been many references in the Indian epics, both Ramayana and Mahabharata, explaining its
existence as an oral tradition much before it was recorded as Sanskrit mantras in the Sthapatya
Veda subordinate to Atharva Veda.1 Since then, vastu shastra has been an inescapable part of the
Indian culture. There have been multiple interpretations in understanding the terminology of
vastu shastra. Vastu is referred to as an abode, dwelling or manifestation and shastra as
knowledge or enlightened literature. These words describe a systematic approach to building
and design that help us live in harmony with our environment.2 It is a study of relationship
between the space and its occupant, where both tend to impact each other. The space here
denotes buildings or a structure created by man and is often influenced by various environmental
factors, also acknowledged as the panchabhutas or five basic elements of nature. These elements
are space, wind, water, fire and earth that constitute everything from the human body to the
universe according to the Vedic beliefs, thus forming a core foundation for the theory of vastu
shastra. The elements possess energies or prana which have equal harmful and useful effects on
man and his buildings. Perhaps, there are many times when we come across places that instantly
make us feel comfortable whereas others that create a sort of discomfort. It is easy to feel these
positive or negative energies but is often difficult to identify their source. Vastu shastra is a
practice that helps us align our lives to these energies so as to experience maximum benefits by
enhancing the positive energies and neutralizing negative energies.3

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Today, however, this ancient practice is often looked down upon and is associated with the
mystical words of god. There have been considerable efforts made by many scholars and
architects to justify this practice as science, unfortunately very little of it has been acknowledged.
Vastu shastra is limited to be comprehended as a fusion of superstitious, intuitive and
philosophical beliefs,4 as opposed to an inter-connected study of cosmological considerations
affecting human body and space. Vastu shastra is essentially an art of correct setting whereby
one can optimize maximum benefits of the panchbhutas (five elements) of nature, earths
magnetic field and the rotational influence of the Sun, the Moon and the other celestial objects
surrounding the earth5 This paper will examine vastu shastra as a science versus superstitious
belief or an intuition by textually analyzing and connecting various academic theories. The focus
would be on providing logical reasoning to understand some of the basis on which the principles
of Vastu shastra are founded, specifically movement of the sun. In India a lot of importance is
given to the sun god not only in the past. It has been a prime consideration while creating
openings in traditional temples in India, providing one of the finest examples for the same. The
influence of the Sun is therefore, accountable for the acceptance of various directions in vastu
shastra as auspicious over the others. Proven to have an impact on humans and their
surroundings, the influence of the sun, would be a specifically explored aspect in this paper.
Accordingly, various points would be connected to build upon the central idea of living in
harmony with nature. It is to be recognized that the paper is an attempt to create awareness about
this ancient Indian practice of traditional architecture which could also be applied on a local as
well as a global level.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PANCHBHUTAS IN VASTU SHASTRA

The origin and nature of the world has been one of the speculative activities during the Vedic as
well as the post-Vedic period in India.6 Multiple references have been found in the Vedas that
reveal the yearning for understanding the world as a whole.7 Therefore, great value has been
given to the doctrine of five elements, providing a realistic conception to unfold the seemingly
unordered world, also important to the history of sciences in India.

According to the Hindu

philosophy, the source for the creation of universe, a golden womb or a foetus known as
Hiranyagarbha floated in water in the emptiness and darkness of non-existence for a year,9 later,
splitting itself into two to release the Earth and Heaven (sky) along with the creator Brahma,
who went on creating everything in this world.10 The Cosmic Trinity of the Sun God, the Fire
God, and the Wind God was created. They were the sons of Mother Earth and the Sky. Since
then all these elements have been worshiped as the primal manifestation of the Almighty.

11

Water is the only element which wasnt created but was supposed to be present since the
beginning of time. It is revered holy because it unites the living mass of the unborn in the womb
as also mentioned in the story of Hiranyagarbha. Thus, it was one of the first elements to be
positioned in the panchbhutas. 12 Apart from this, there are numerous stories in the Vedas which
also describes the origin of these five elements. Vastu shastra is based on a belief that the Earth
is a living organism out of which everything emerges, and retains live energy; the five
elements also constituting these energies are the main sources for the possibility of life on the
Earth.

13

Interestingly, various understanding on the same subject has also been showcased on a

few architectural blogs online.

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All these five elements sustain life on the planet and are neutral, unbiased and impartial
to us yet we cannot control them. There is an invisible and constant interaction between
these elements. In an open field these elements operate freely and are in equilibrium.
However, when a structure is placed in this field, the equilibrium is affected because
these elements act for or against each other to create either harmony or disharmony. If
there is disharmony, then the equilibrium needs to be restored so that the cosmic
energy flows harmoniously.14

The passage above brings into light the importance of panchbhutas in vastu shastra, which
handles energy of the built spaces to achieve a balance, maintaining a positive feel.

15

Hence it is

vital to understand the role of each element individually and their placement on the vastu
purusha mandala, a grid on which the five elements of nature are collectively positioned and
influence the functions of a space when laid on a plan (Figure 1).16

Figure 1: Five elements placed on a Mandala of 9x9 squares,

Malini Karini, [2014]17

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Space: Often referred to as sky or ether, it is the element that surrounds us and also
provides a base for all the other elements by keeping them together.18 It exists at the centre of
each building and room.19

Air: Regular air circulation is required to maintain the temperature of a built space since air
(also known as vayu or wind) is a life-supporting element; its position on the architectural
plan is in the north-west.20

Fire: Sun that is the essence of life, capable of nurturing things as well as destruction, is
symbolised through the fire element; it is in the south-east corner and is an essential element
since the presence of light and colour makes a difference in a space. 21

Water: Constituting 80% of our body and two thirds of Earths surface, water is a vital part
of life like air; it is located in the north-east part of the plan influencing the placement of
bathrooms, wells, water tanks, mirrors and glass.22

Earth: The element is located in the south-west direction, suitable for keeping heavy objects;
it provides a basis on which the other three elements, air, water and fire functions.

INFLUENCE OF THE SUN ON VASTU PRINCIPLES

The placement of the elements on a mandala demonstrates that each element rules a
particular direction. It is based on an understanding that the Vedic pandits shared in the
ancient times. In the old text there is only an evidence of guidelines set forth in the art of
building a structure; specifying the Dos and Donts and no traces of references have been
found that states the effect if the guidelines are not followed. 23 Fire, briefly described as one

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of the five elements of nature representative of the Sun, governs multiple spaces such as a
kitchen in the house, which is one of the main contributing factor in general health and wellbeing of the occupant.24 Vastu stipulates that the kitchen should be placed in Southeast to
bring prosperity and happiness in the house and never in Northeast; thus the best and worst
positions are given, however the reason or logic behind such a specification remained
unknown. Modern researches have proved that vastu shastra has a firm scientific base

25

and

is solely aimed to enhance the life condition of an occupant. Perhaps, in the case of a kitchen,
thorough understanding of the movement of sun and its influence on human welfare was
studied. Each one of us is familiar with the fact that sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
It is the only source of natural light and heat, sustaining life on the Earth. However, only
some of us are aware that sunlight has two spectra- the visible and invisible spectrum. The
former is a combination of seven colors or VIBGYOR, consisting white light; whereas the
latter flanks visible spectrum on either sides comprising the ultra-violet (chemical) spectrum
and infra-red (thermal heat) spectrum (Figure 2).26

Figure 2: The two spectrums of Sunlight depicted in relation to their wavelengths

Source: Architectureideas, (2008)

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The ultra-violet rays scatter the most (shorter wavelength) when compared to the other sunrays
and is recognized by doctors to have some positive impact on human body; on the contrary infrared rays (longer wavelength) scatters the least and transfer heat energy in a manner of thermal
radiation.27 It further penetrates through the body leading to inflammation of various blood
vessels along with creating disturbance in the metabolic activity. Both ultra-violet and infra-red
rays have a potential to harm human body especially causing damage to the eyes and skin.
Sunrays contain 99% of visible light and remaining are the ultra-violet and infra-red rays along
with other kind of rays in the atmosphere.28 The amount of rays captured in the atmosphere of
the earth is influenced by the movement of the sun. Sun travels in a curved path (Figure 3) along
with the earth in the sky; during sunrise and sunset, sunrays pass obliquely through a much
thicker atmospheric layer resulting in maximum atmospheric scattering of violet and blue light
(ultra-violet rays), with minimum effects on red light (infra-red rays).29 Whereas it appears
white during the noon as it passes through the thinner part of the atmospheric layer overhead,

Figure 3: Curved sunpath around the year,

Source: Google Images, (Undated)

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subsequently resulting in less scattering of the rays. It has been recorded that at 6:00 a.m. The
effect of infra-red rays start but it is comparatively much less therefore, very beneficial aspect
for human health; it kills bacteria and avoids the growth of small insects.30 It is the main reason
why the placement of water element is also suggested in the northeast corner (Figue 1), as water
exposed to the sunlight makes it bacteriological safe without deterioration of its components.31
The sunrays in the early morning are more towards the east and northeast32 while gradually
moving toward southeast between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.33 the sun here becomes more radiant
than in the northeast, which receives softer sunlight. Therefore, both east and northeast are
considered best for opening in the house.34 Fortunately, the sun in the southeast before the noon
is also composed of beneficial ultra-violet rays, which aids to the formation of vitamin D, a
useful natural source for strengthening the bones.35 Hence it is recommended as an ideal
direction for the placement of a kitchen; further guidelines suggest facing towards east while
cooking to extract maximum benefits,36 as sun after the noon start moving towards the west and
southwest, becoming harsher.37 The effect of infra-red rays starts increasing from the noon till
the sunset creating harmful environment for the humans.38

It is thus, proven that the vastu scientist observed all the beneficial and harmful effects of the
sunrays including its intensity and timings, providing a base to multiple guidelines which are set
forth.

39

A place such as Konrak sun temple in Orissa along with multiple temple constructions

in India provides an evidence for the importance of sun in the Hindu religion since the ancient
times.40 Situated in the northeast of the city, the temple is a world heritage site and has three
images of sun god located that capture the sunrays during the sunrise, noon and sunset. 41 The

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temple follows the traditional form of architecture and is carefully oriented towards the east, so
as to capture the beneficial rays of the sun at the entrance42 like the Kandariya Mahadeva temple
in Madhya Pradesh. It is clear from the example that the vastu pandits were aware of various
factors influencing a built structure including the sun and its relation with the comfort of the
occupant. For centuries now, man has been manipulating these elements to build comfortable
housing even in the most hostile surroundings.43 For instance, in a desert, man built a house with
thicker walls (earth) and internal courtyards (space) to avoid the intense heat of the sun, with
split windows (air) and water bodies (water) to cool down the temperature of the house and
ensuring good ventilation.44 The use of these elements to benefit the place of accommodation is
also visible in the case of other living organisms such as compass termites of Western
Australia.45 They maintain the temperature inside their nests ranging from 1 degree of 31 Celsius
throughout the year as compared to the temperature outside that ranges from 3 Celsius to 42
Celsius.46 They are able to achieve so by building a three meter wedge always pointing towards
north, regulating the flow of air through the entire nest, by blocking and unblocking channels.

Figure 4: Entrance to the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa,

Source: Siddharth Joshi, (Undated)

Figure 5: Nests of the Compass Termites in Australia

Source: Asknature.org, (Undated)

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Unfortunately today, man has forgotten the value of these elements, giving priority to the
appearance and size of the building. Rather than using five elements to create a comfortable
surroundings in an enclosed space, he is forced to use gadgets such as fans, air conditioners,
heaters, etc., which consume energy and consequently harm the environment.47 Vastu shastra
suggests us to use the five elements scientifically to achieve balance and harmony in the built
structure to enhance health and happiness.

48

It is only the influence of sun on the principles of

vastu shastra which has been discussed in this paper, other in relation to topography and
magnetic field of the earth, to name a few, remains untouched. Vastu shastra restates most of the
principles which should be a common consideration while designing a structure today. It would
be an advantage to recognize the ancient form of architecture to draw more references, which
could be used to resolve various environmental issues faced by the world. As we have discussed
above the scientific nature of vastu shastra and its interconnectedness to the human health, it
would be easy to conclude that it has the potential to lead the creation of a living environment,
which is self-sufficient and ecologically balanced. It is essential to create awareness in this field
so as to achieve maximum aids from this practice. It may not make life free from problems but
would certainly be able add to attain a comfortable lifestyle, both mentally and physically, by
optimizing the flow of positive energies within a space; as previously discussed, the significance
of creating openings in the east or northeast direction, in this paper. The openings provide with
best source for natural light accentuating the mood of the space by enhancing the colors. As
colors have a psychological impact on humans, it could moreover be used as an advantage to
benefit the occupant.49 Effective characteristic of sunrays further helps to resolve cholesterol,
blood pressure and liver problems among many others faced by people on regular bases.50 It is to

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notice that if one principle could lead to so many benefits than what would be the scenario if
most of these principles are recognized and adapted to the current condition. Yet, vastu shastra
remains a forgotten science and efforts would be required on a national and global level for the
application of this practice.

CONCLUSION

Vastu shastra retells ways in which man can achieve a balance with the environment, which
belongs to all living as well as non-living things. It is representative of the interlinked character
of a man with his building, further impacting the health, happiness and well-being of the
occupant. Multiple stories regarding the creation of life on the Earth in the Vedas, lead to the
acceptance of the five elements as an essential concept of vastu shastra. It enabled the Hindu
pandits to understand the flow of energy in the environment and relative impacts in life of an
occupant and related people, when this energy gets disrupted. The reason behind such thinking
has been proved through the modern science thus, indicating the importance for manipulation the
five elements more frequently to restore a balance. Although manipulation of natural elements is
not new to humans or other living organisms and has been witnessed over the years in different
spheres of life, the shift in priorities and increase in the level of negligence towards the
environment is creating an issue. Many of us are willing to solve the problems faced by the
world but fail to recognize the source, which is initiating such matters. One way to resolve
problems related to human health and wellbeing could be through vastu shastra, which suggests
direct as well as indirect impact of the space on the occupant. The chain seems to be infinite

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connecting the personal and professional life, physical and mental health of the occupant along
with the others. Most of these impacts have been scientifically proven but still remain unnoticed
as the older texts describes only the best and the worst options in architecture without any
description of the analyses on which it is based. Although it provides a limitation to the practice,
the proof with a scientific foundation that it can benefit human health is enough to make efforts
for its recognition and appreciation. The study and application of the ancient art form should be
hence, encouraged and cherished as the revival of the art of human settlements in line with
nature.

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Notes

Jack Hebner, Architecture of the Vastu Shastra, According to the Sacred Science, in Science
of the Sacred: Ancient Perspectives of Modern Science, trans. David Osborn (Unknown: Lulu.com, 2009),
85.
2
Bilkis Whelan, History of Vastu, in Vastu in 10 Simple Lesson (New York: Watson-Guptill
Publications, 2002), 6.
3
Ibid.
4
Priyambada Das and Rampuria, Prachi, Thinking spatial networks today: The Vastu Shastra
way, Proceedings of the 10th International Space Syntax Symposium 46 (undated) : 2.
5
Reena Patra, Vaastu Shastra: Towards Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development 17
(2009) : 246.
6
B.V. Subbabayappa, The Indian Doctrine of Five Elements, IJHS 1 (1965) : 60.
7
Rgveda X, 158, 4. Cited in B.V. Subbabayappa, Five Elements, 60.
8
B.V. Subbabayappa, Five Elements, 60.
9
Toward a Unified Metaphysical Understanding: Hiranyagarbha, Newciv, Accessed September
15, 2015, http://www.newciv.org/nl/newslog.php/_v550/__show_article/_a000550-000048.htm.
10
Kamya Ramachandran, The Sacred Spaces of a Water Culture: The Temple Tanks of South
India, in Water and Cultural Diversity (paper presented at the Third World Water Forum, Kyoto, Japan,
March 1623 2003), 114-115.
11
Ibid.
12
Ibid.
13
Vastu Shastra Factors-Five Elements (Panchabhutaas), Architectureideas, Accessed
September 19, 2015, http://architectureideas.info/2008/10/vastu-shastra-factors-five-elementspanchabhutaas/.
14
Ibid.
15
Malini Karani, Understanding Vernacular: Vastu Shastra and Carl Jungs theories of
Psychology, Journal of the International Society for the Study of Vernacular Settlements, 3 (2014) : 22.
16
Ibid.
17
Malini Karani, Understanding Vernacular, 23.
18
Whelan, Vastu in 10 Simple Lesson, 25-29.
19
Mayank Barjatya cited in Malini Karani, Understanding Vernacular, 22.
20
Malini Karani, Understanding Vernacular, 22.
21
Ibid.
22
Ibid.
23
Dr. A.R. Hari, An Introduction to the Science of Vaastu, in Amazing Science of Vaastu
(Bangalore: Vasan Publications, 1995), 5-8.
24
Vastu Advice for the Kitchen, Vaastu-shastra, Accessed September 25, 2015,
http://www.vaastu-shastra.com/vastu-for-kitchen.html.
1

Vastu Shastra: A Forgotten Science | Juhi Kedia | 14

Logical and Scientific Vastu, Divinevastu, Accessed October 2, 2015,

http://divinevastu.net/logical-and-scientific-vastu/.
26
Vastu Shastra Factors-The Sun and its effects, Architectureideas, Accessed on October 5,
2015, http://architectureideas.info/2008/10/vastu-shastra-factors-the-sun-and-its-effects/.
27
Reality in Vaasthu, Vaasthufacts, Accessed on September 15, 2015,
http://vaasthufacts.com/rlty.htm.
28
Ibid.
29
Ibid.
30
Ibid.
31
Ibid.
32
Ibid.
33
Logical and Scientific Vastu.
34
Reality in Vaasthu.
35
Logical and Scientific Vastu.
36
Ibid.
37
Reality in Vaasthu.
38
Ibid.
39
Ibid.
40
Logical and Scientific Vastu.
41
Sun Temple Konark, Myhinduethics, Accessed on October 10, 2015,
http://www.myhinduethics.com/temples/sun-temple-konark/.
42
Sun Temple Konark, UNESCO Cited in Wikipedia, Accessed on October 13, 2015,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konark_Sun_Temple#cite_note-unesco-4.
43
Vastu Shastra Factors-Five Elements (Panchabhutaas).
44
Ibid.
45
Ibid.
46
Ibid.
47
Ibid.
48
Ibid.
49
Vastu Shastra Factors-The Sun and its effects.
50
Ibid.
25

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