Vastu Vedam or Vastu Shastra is a science on dwelling places in Hinduism. The term ‘vastu’ is derived from the Sanskrit verb ‘vas’ (to dwell) and also means a residence. Vastu is defined as any place where ‘immortals and mortals live’ and as such deals with houses for human beings and temples that house deities. Hindu architecture has profound philosophical ground called Vastu-Brahma Veda or Vastu-Purusha Veda. The concept of dwelling in Vastushastra encompasses a wide field, including every aspect from selection aspect from selection of a site for construction of the building to interior decoration. The subjects covered are of four categories, namely, dhara (earth), harmya (buildings), yana (vehicles) and paryanka (furniture). Vastu Veda deals with construction common houses, mansions, palaces, and temples. It takes into account the purposes of the dwellings, the varied needs and roles of the occupants and lays down comprehensive plans. Considered as a manual of architecture and...

When a new house is constructed, a series of Hindu religious ceremonies are conducted to usher in auspicious energies. Among these rituals, the practice of vastushanti or vastushamana holds significant importance. Here is a brief idea on how to perform Vastu Shanti for home. Rice and barley grains are put into a pot of water. A piece of gold is also deposited into it. The homeowner then circumambulates the newly built house three times, sprinkling this consecrated water while reciting the Shantatiya hymn from the Rig Veda (7.35). This ritual is reiterated three more times, with a continuous pouring of water accompanied by the chanting of three additional mantras from the Rig Veda (10.9.1-3). Following this preliminary phase, a homa, or fire ceremony, ensues, wherein clarified butter (ghee) is utilized, accompanied by the utterance of Rig Vedic mantras such as 'vastospate...' (8.17.14). This ceremonial fire acts as a purifying force, symbolizing the invocation of divine bles...

In all the nineteen Puranas, Vastu is discussed generally, but in nine of them, it is treated systematically. Matsya Purana has eight comprehensive chapters dealing in great detail with architecture and sculpture. Eighteen ancient architects find mention in it. Buildings are described in two chapters together with their architectural details, such as plans, measurements, classifications, pavilions, halls, storeys, steeples and cupolas. Three chapters are devoted exclusively to sculpture; one of these to a technical subject of talamana or proportionate measures of an image. Another chapter describes some of the building materials. The columns which regulate the whole composition of a building are divided into five classes, as in the Western system with their component parts divided into eight moldings, exactly like those of Greco-Roman orders. Skanda Purana has three chapters on the subject of Vastu. One of these refers to the laying out a large city. In another, mention is made of ...

Garbhanyasa is part of Vastu rituals in Hindu religion. Garbhanyasa is a ritual to ‘bring alive’ the building and its spaces. This is to be done in the evening or night after the building has been completed and is ready for occupation. The ritual can be performed for homes, residences, flats, society, temples, shops and any kind of buildings. For the ritual, a specific location is marked and a small cavity is dug out into which a box made of copper or silver is place. It may have nine or twenty-five compartments. In the compartment facing east, offerings to Surya and Indra are made in silver and gold; in the south to Yama in iron and gold; in the west to Varuna in silver; in the north to Soma in silver. Nine grains, nine gems, minerals and herbs are placed in the box. The bottom of the cavity or pit should have earth from different places. The cavity is filled up amidst chanting and prayer. This is held to be the source of life and movement. By placing it with its offerings to the ...

Vastu Vidya is a text on Vastu Shastra from Kerala. It is supplemented by a short commentary by K. Mahadeva Sastri. The text has sixteen chapters and is appended with an index of quotations with textual references and diagrams like vastu mandala, orientation lines. The commentary named Laghuvivritti elucidates difficult terms and topics. The first chapter deals with measurements units and also with the characteristics of the sthapati (chief architectural engineer) and of his assistants – the sutragrahi (surveyor), vardhaki (mason) and takshaka (carpenter). The second chapter describes routine engineering topics. The third chapter deals with design of the grid pattern of vastu mandala, while the fourth is concerned with location and establishment of residential doors and gates based on the respective allocation of the presiding deities of the vastu. The following chapters describe the enclosures meant for covering the building (5th); the courtyard and the open campus (6th); the rule...

Vastushastram of Vishwakarma is a Sanskrit work on architecture ascribed to Vishwakarma, the divine architect. Vastushastram is supplemented by a commentary named Pramanabodhini by Anant Krishna Bhattar Kavi. This edition contains an exhaustive introduction in English and table of contents both in Sanskrit and English. The introduction covers the following topics – auspicious time, selection of site, east-west line, the site and its importance of prosperity, planning villages, measurements, planning cities, divisions of sites into square grids and design of vastumandala, construction of houses, construction of forts, construction of places and mansions, porticoes, doorways, arches, the foundation, gopuras or towers, small and big tanks, theater and halls, cowsheds, roads, temples, pedestals and forms of various images. The table of contents has 87 chapters of which a majority are on architectural topics and a few on iconography and rituals. There are descriptions of various human s...

Vastu Ganitham refers to the mathematical calculations at Vastu Shastra. Vastuganitam, like Vastushastra (the science of architecture), is related to ‘vastu’, landed property. The science of architecture is Vastushastra. Construction of any building, temple, palace, house, or theater comes under this science. In Hinduism, many masters of Vastushastra are referred to, including Brahma, Tvasta, Maya, Matanga, Bhrigu,Kashyapa, Agastya, Shukra, Parasara, Nagnajit, Prahlada, Sakra, Brihaspati, and Manasara. Vishwakarma is the supreme acharya (teacher) in the Vastushastra of the gods, and Maya is the master for the demons. Vishwakarma Prakasam of Vishwakarma and Mayamatam are considered as authentic texts on Hindu architecture. Sambu, Garga, Atri, Vasistha, Parasara, Brihadratha, Vishwakarma and Vasudeva are leading exponents of Vastushastra. Vishwakarma Shilpa is another text followed in South India, and it deals with the technical and ritualistic aspects of Vastushastra. Shaivagama, Atri...

Agamas, like the Puranas, deal with Vastu (Hindu architectural subjects). Their contributions to the Shilpa Shastra are extensive and valuable. Some of them deal with very technical matters. Some Agamas to all intents and purposes are but architectural treatises. Agamas in Hinduism are texts of rituals and rites regarding the worship of gods. Agamas include mantra, tantra and yantra. These are treatises that explain the external worship of God in the form of a vigraha or murti in the temple. The dhruva bera (immovable image) in the temple becomes the locus of the vibrant presence of the divinity, due to the perfect and precise way in which the sculptor has carved the image, and the power of the mantras and rituals prescribed in Agamas for installing the same. Kamika Agama devotes sixty chapters out of a total of seventy five to architecture and sculpture, and its treatment of the subjects can hardly be surpassed by that of an avowedly architectural treatise. Just like in Shilpa ...

The materialistic world is filled with desires and fears. When there is fear, there is a problem with anything and everything. Dining table vastu is the result of such fear. Here is a look at the position, tips, direction of dining table in house as per vastu. Dining Table Vastu - Size - Direction The position of the dining table in the house should be in such a way that those sitting face east, north or northeast. The dining table should be cleaned after a meal. At night or in morning take a glass of water mix it with salt and bit of turmeric powder. Sprinkle this water on the dining table using mango leaf. Wipe away the water using a clean cloth. This will help in keeping out all kinds of germs and negative forces. No part of dining table should be made of glass as this will create conflict among family members. Broken glassware should never be kept on the dining table. This will invite financial damage and health issues. The dining table should be made of wood. ...

As per Vastu shastra keeping camel image, photo, painting, drawing, miniature or figurine helps in overcoming health issues in the house. Metal camel figurine helps in overcoming bad luck. The camel figurine of metal should be placed in the northwest direction as per vastu. It is a symbol of never give up attitude. It is believed by followers of Vastu that keeping the miniature camel or painting in the northwest direction will help in overcoming negative thoughts. Arrival of camel is seen as sign of positivity and reassurance. A pair of metal camel is placed at home by people who expect high returns from investments and stock markets. A pair camel with hump is placed at home as per vastu for release of stuck funds. It is believed that people will find earlier solution to Money stuck in property, investments, land etc by keeping a pair of humped camel. As per Vastu experts, having a camel idol in study room or office will helping in improving focus. This will h...

As per Hindu religion beliefs, mud pot provides numerous important health and vastu benefits. It improves health of an individual and also keeps out negative energy from home and shops. The water in the mud pot always has the ideal temperature irrespective of the climate outside. The most important benefit of having mud pot is that it keeps out all kinds of negative energies. A clay pot in home is considered auspicious as per Hinduism. The clay pot should never be kept empty, during summer season it should always be filled with water. During winter and rainy season the clay pot should be filled with grains. The popular belief is that a well maintained and regularly cleaned pot attracts divine energy. There is a belief among many Hindu communities that clay pot filled with water will attract Goddess of wealth. Such homes will never have to worry about food and money. The clay pot in the house should always be kept in the nort...

Straight trunk Ganesha were unknown in ancient times but today people have started finding benefits of keeping straight trunk Ganesha. There is no reference to straight trunk Ganesha in scriptures. There are some rare straight trunk Ganesh sculptures in certain temples. Straight Trunk Ganesha is mostly associated with vastu and its creators are more associated with vastu. Benefits Of Keep Straight Trunk Ganesha At Home It is worshipped for getting the blessings of Riddhi and Siddhi. It is used for awakening the Kundalini. Spiritual aspirants on the path of moksha or liberation use this type of Murti. The murti is also associated with Samadhi.

Northeast corner (Ishan Kone) is of great importance in Hinduism. It is the corner associated with gods and goddesses and therefore holy and auspicious. The northeast corner should always be kept clean. No junk should be kept in this place. Shoe rack should not be kept in the northeast corner. Goddess Lakshmi resides in the northeast corner and therefore this spot should always be kept clean. It is best to leave the northeast corner of the house free. Avoid keeping heavy items in this corner.  There is a belief that if the northeast corner were to be occupied by heavy items then the family would face heavy debts. In a property with walled compound (properly demarcated), the northeast corner is ideal for water tanks. This will improve the financial situation of the house. If the northeast corner of plot is cut then such a plot should not be brought. There will be spiritual and worldly success. Factories, shops and houses should not be built in a plot havi...

Frog is considered good in Hindu religion. They are associated with prosperity and good health. It is considered auspicious to keep frogs in home. It must be noted here that while keeping live frogs one should keep the place neat and clean too as untidy place will attract Rahu and Alakshmi. Benefits And Effects of Live Frog or Mud or Metal Frog in Home It is believed that homes having frog gets the blessing of Shiva and Ashwini Kumars. The people in the house will be healthy. Presence of frog helps in curing diseases. People in the house are blessed with prosperity. Increase in business and new good friendships. Today, it is illegal to keep certain species of frog in aquariums and therefore people prefer frogs made of metal or mud. Where to keep frog in house? The frog made up of mud or metal should be placed in northeast or southwest of the house. Crystal Frog In House As Per Vastu Crystal frog is not associated with Hindu religion. It is associated with feng ...

Tijori or Alamari (the cupboard) in which the safe is placed is of great importance in Hindu religion. Direction of the safe according to vastu should be opening towards east or north or northeast. The direction of the safe as per vastu should never open towards south. The safe should always be kept at height and not on the ground. Best option is to keep it on a stand made of wood or inside an Almari (cupboard). The safe should not open towards window or door. This means money will never stay in the safe and there will be unexpected expenditure always. The area around the safe should always be kept clean. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi goes away from unclean places. The color of safe should never be deep red or green. Keep the safe in south and let the safe open towards north. The safe can also be placed in southwest and west side. The safe should never be kept without money. Keep a murti of Lakshmi and Ganesha or Vishnu always in it. The safe should not hav...

Cactus lives in extremely dry environments. It is found even in the driest places on earth. The remarkable capacity of it to conserve water is a miracle. Cactus has nothing to do with Hindu religion or Vaastu Shastra. So is it bad or good to keep Cactus at home as per Vastu. As per Vastu Shastra it is bad but if we use logic the tree should be kept at home. Cactus should be kept at home because it teaches us not to give up hope. Cactus survives in the Atacama Desert in South America – believed to be the driest place on earth. It is a plant that teaches us resilience, optimism, liveliness and vigor. The plant should be respected and should be made a part of our life. Why Do Some People Consider Cactus Bad for Vastu? Some people believe that as the thorn on Cactuss symbolize negative energy and accidents. This is not true. If we take this logic, then people should not keep rose plant. Rose is found in many Hindu homes. Some of the things that appear in print media a...

Is keeping lion sculpture in home good or bad as per Vastu in Hindu religion?. As per Hindu astrologers keeping lion idol made using brass metal is good. Keeping lion sculpture made from cement and plaster-of-paris is not good. Where To Keep Lion Sculpture In Home? As per Vastu shastra followed by Hindus, the lion is to be kept in the eastern side of the plot or house. The lion should be facing the main portion of the house. Benefits It is believed that keeping the sculpture of lion will help in improving confidence. People in the house will develop self confidence and self belief. There will be success in business and job related matters.

There is a widespread belief among many Hindus that a pinch of salt can solve many problems in life especially those associated with Vastu. Please note that such beliefs are based on oral tradition in a particular region and are not based on any scriptures associated with Hinduism. Majority of such small process using salt is to change bad luck, to get more money and to solve financial problems. Take a glass bowl and put salt crystal (not the powder salt) but sea salt, which has big pieces. Put unbroken clove along with it. Keep it in a safe place in the house. Keep changing the salt when it changes color. This will help in solving all financial problems in the house. Such house will never be afflicted with poverty. Peace and prosperity will return to the house. This small process will spread a good fragrance at home. It will flush out all kinds of negative energy. It is also believed that this helps in keeping out harmful germs and thereby all kinds of diseases will keep...

As per Hinduism and vastu, lemon tree in house is good. The belief is that all kinds of negative energy will not enter the house if there is a lemon tree in the compound or in the balcony of the house. It is also believed that lemon tree removes all kinds of vastu dosh. It is believed that negative forces and energy in the universe get attracted to lemon and do not bother to disturb the peace of the house. This is one reason why lemon is hung in front of shops and houses. Bad luck and evil forces will consume the lemon and will leave.

As per Hindu astrology and vastu, the best option to get rid of Vastu dosh is to have a Ganesh idol at home. All kinds of vastu defects will be removed after having a Ganesha murti. Here is a brief idea on how to keep the Ganesh idol to get rid of Vastu dosh. The Ganesh murti should made of metal or pure clay. Murti made of other materials will not be effective. The murti can be place in house, shop, godown (warehouse) and other business establishments. The murti of Ganesha will help in keeping out all kinds of negative forces, evil eye, Alakshmi (misfortune), accidents, and other kinds of negative energy. Dancing form of Ganesha in home will help in spreading positive energy. This is ideal for home. When keeping Ganesha at home or shop one should make sure that, he is constantly looking at the main door or main entrance. Shops, business establishments and warehouse should have Ganesha in blessing posture. The picture or murti should always be kept neat. T...