Vaastu Shaastra is the Indian science of space and architecture — of how the environment supports physical, spiritual and mental prosperity. Vaastu evolved during Vedic times in India. The concept of Vaastu was transferred to Tibet, South East Asia and finally to China and Japan, where it provided the base for the development of what is now known as Feng Shui. Like feng shui, Vaastu is based on an octagon with the four directions being the anchors. Vaastu is an inherent energy concept of science. It uses the forces of natural energies and aims to restore the balance between the home (the microcosm) and the cosmos (the macrocosm). “Vaastu has been in vogue from the Vedic times. It is relevant as it deals with the 5 elements — water, fire, air, earth and space, the sun and its effect, the earth and its magnetic field, Vaastu Purusha Mandala and the eight cardinal directions,” says J C Hegde, practising Interior designer and Vaastu enthusiast.

Cosmetic treatment

“It is not advisable to effect major structural corrections in existing old buildings as it would disturb the equilibrium.

It is better to go for cosmetic corrective treatments. Wherever it is not practical to create openings in the northeastern portion of the buildings, you can have the mirror treatment as though creating a window. Relocation of doors and the windows can be tried out. Ideal door locations for existing buildings could be central-east, south-west and north directions as applicable in individual cases,” says Hegde. It is ideal to prefer north and eastern blocks. The higher the floor, the better are the benefits. Even numbered floors are preferred.
However, if the flat is in the west or southern blocks and if it is Vaastu compliant, and well ventilated on the east and northern sides then it can be considered, but in lower floors (even number). It will act as an added benefit if common facilities like swimming pools, water bodies, open play areas, parks, jogging tracks, etc, are located as per Vaastu.

Vaastu is not an independent science. It  is a science of vibrations and it is not enough to build a house as per vaastu and sleep over the matter. Ideally, the plot should be square or rectangle without any extension or notch outs. Northeast being the lowest and to increase level gradually to north west then to south east and finally highest level at South west.

Major furniture can be located in the south and west of the living area. The Puja room is to be located in the northeast and you can face east or west and pray. In the bedrooms, keep the head facing the south, west or east and never on the north. Wardrobes should be on the south or west. In the dining area, the cutlery and storage units should be either in the south or west. Dining tables should preferably be located at the centre.
 In the study rooms, face east and study. Bookshelves and storage should be on the south and west and try and keep the east free from furniture.

In the toilets, the water closets should be on the south wall while the washbasin and mirrors should be on the north/east wall. The number of doors should be even, ideally eight. The underground water tank, water bodies and wells should be located in the east-north east or north- north east.

Try and avoid the diagonal line running between northeast and south west of the plot. The overhead water tank should be located in the south or southwestern portion. The staircase block is ideal in the south or southwest. North, east and northeast corners are good for cellars. J C Hegde is contactable on jchegde@rediffmail.com.