STHAAPATYA

Understanding Science behind Vastu Shastra – An Architect’s Experience

In my previous article I had mentioned that there is a constant relationship between the elements outside and the people residing in the space. If a building and the universe were in a constant harmony i.e. the cosmic energies were balanced, then they were healthy and happy. But if the harmony between them were disturbed, the energies got in different directions leading to stress, illness, tension etc. 

 

This is what the Vastu principles help us to achieve, the balance between structure, surrounding factors and the cosmic energies. This equilibrium between the internal and external energies help us to achieve healthy mind and body thus leading to health and prosperity. For example, the moment we enter a temple we feel completely relaxed and peaceful. This is because the structure of the temples are built in complete harmony with the cosmic energies and hence in consonance with the Vastu guidelines.  



As a practicing architect, sometimes I have been instructed by my clients to incorporate Vastu principles to the design of their house. Initially, I was a bit sceptical and at times frustrated, as it brought a lot of constraints and challenges to my design. At some point I tried to convince them that blindly following it without understanding the reasoning behind it was superstitious. It was leading to exploitation of the people’s fear, to make money by some pseudo Vastu pandits. But the clients were adamant and wanted to construct a Vastu compliant house.  


This flamed my curiosity to have an in-depth understanding of it, which made me realise that it is a science and has reasons behind its principles. The ancient people who formulated Vastu Shastra, knew that unless they enforced the principles of planning very strictly, people would build according to their whims and create aesthetically unpleasant, badly ventilated and badly lit structures. I think these principles were made necessary to avoid such situations. Probably this was the reason that an especially important science became a superstition.   


After having a formal education in Architecture, I have realised that both architecture and Vastu Shastra lead to almost the similar principals of design which helps us to achieve an aesthetically good, well ventilated and lit, proper circulation, hygienic and comfortable structure, hence making a positive difference in my buildings. 





I am an Architect, Interior Designer and a Vastu Consultant, with more than a decade of experience in conceptualization, designing and construction of diverse architectural projects. An alumnus of IIT-Roorkee, I have a thorough background in architecture and interior designing with expertise in directing all project phases. My passion towards architecture inspires me to keep learning about various new trends yet following the age old traditions.