Vaasthu- A Brief Introduction:
“Vaasthu Vidya”:- science of construction of a building.
“Vaasthu Shastra”:- Norms and rules of Vastu Vidya.
“Vaasthu Shanthi”:- the rites performed while entering a newly constructed building.
“Vaasthu Shilpa” :- Rules and regulations pertaining to the construction of a building.
Questions which arise whenever Vaasthu shastra comes up for discussion:
- Who or what is Vastu?
- Is it a divine being or a demon?
- What is the relationship between Vastu – the building and the Planets?
- How did this concept come into
- Is there a scientific basis to this?
- When and how did it become a part of the Indian tradition?
- Is it just a superstition or a set of beliefs with no scientific basis, passed down through the ages?
Let us look back through the mists of time and try to imagine, how and why the concept of a roof over one’s head must have come into being. Early man sheltered himself from the fury of nature in caves and led a nomadic existence. Later he learnt to make small weapons and tools for himself and was successful in putting up a small hut to protect himself from the elements. Groups of people began to live together and formed a small village.
Thus, man became a social animal.Despite all this, the many fierce moods of nature like floods, typhoons, cyclones, droughts etc., created a fear (bhaya) in him which probably got metamorphosed into devotion (bhakthi) over a period of time. He then began to worship nature in all its forms (the mountains, rivers, trees etc.,) in order to placate it. By paying obeisance to the mighty elements he believed that he would be saved from their fury.
“Symbolism” – that is, the usage of symbols or signs to indicate something, is very heavily relied upon in Indian culture. Many of the traditional rituals in practice today make use of symbolism, for example, an areca nut is considered lo be the symbol of Ganesha and worshipped. Most ancient civilization like those in Greece, Rome, Africa, Mexico etc., used the language of symbols.
The earliest dwelling constructed by man was made of wood. Tree trunks or Bamboo was used to make frame work of the house and the roof was made of palm leaves etc. Later he learnt to make planks out of logs of wood and used the same to make doors, windows and roofs. “Tree worship” must have started around the same time. Man worshipped trees because he believed that a spirit inhabited each tree and it gave him shade, fruits and rains. Felling a tree was thus considered an insult to the tree spirit. Thus various rituals were performed prior to felling the tree to placate the tree spirit and beg his forgiveness.
Even when a tree has been felled, sawn into planks, and used to build a house, it is possible that the Woodland spirit may still be lurking in the timber, and accordingly some people seek to propitiate him before or after they occupy the new house. Hence, when a new dwelling is ready the Toradjas of Celebes kill a goat, a pig or a buffalo and smear all the wood work with its blood. The intention is to propitiate the forest spirits who may still be in the timber; they are thus put in good humour and will do the inmates of the house no harm.” (Quote : Frazer “The Golden Bough”)These beliefs which have been prevalent from times immemorial have made a deep impression in the minds of most people. To be able to reject them, one needs to have logic, an analytical bent of mind and scientific knowledge.
People, especially city dwellers had largely given up these beliefs. Of late, however, one notices a resurgence of interest in Vastu Shasthra.The ruins of Mahenjodaro and Harappa civilization (2500-1500 B.C.) show a certain format of Vastu Shilpa Shasthra. In the Mauryan age, the Ashokan rock pillars were an architectural wonder. Rock pillars of 30 to 40 feet in height were polished in such a way that till today their splendour has not diminished. Each weighed at least 50 tons. In those days, without the help of any machinery, they were erected in such a way that they have withstood the ravages of the ages.
The invasions of the Greeks, Moghuls (Persian influence) and others left an impact on our intrinsic architecture.The rules for Temple construction has been laid down in great detail in Vastu shasthra. Volumes have been dedicated to the details of ‘Garudagambha’; ‘Vimana’, ‘Kalasha’ and ‘Padavinyasa’. Is it possible to abide by the rules of Vastu shasthra when inhabiting flats in multi-storeyed apartments and complexes? There is a loop hole – of course. A few alterations can be made according to Vastu wherever possible and then a Vastu shanthi can be done to take care of the rest!Ultimately, what I think is important is “peace of mind”.
If one feels that Vastu shasthra is relevant, follow it. If one feels that there is nothing in it, ignore it. These beliefs are very personal. So one should listen to one’s inner self. A house is usually built once in a lifetime. So plenty of planning, some basic knowledge of construction, a rough idea of the Rules of Vastu (if one believes in them) go a long way in helping one to build a house of one’s dreams.
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