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For a change, it was one of the few interesting talks from the not-so interesting ones. The talk was given by a well-known Vastu expert and consultant which evoked great interest among my fellow students. The approach was different from usual; this time it was a scientific approach rather than a mere constructional one.
Vastu is considered mainly as a art rather than a science. The reason being not much strong arguments or evidences are available to prove the hypotheses set forth by the Vastu Shastra. But research in this area is bearing fruits. More results are forthcoming in favour of the Vastu Shastra.
As the general perception goes, Vastu Shastra is an art of architecture. But it is a mix of both architecture and science. It constitutes a part of Vedic Philosophy, which has a great historical background in India.
As living beings, we are continuously exposed to the environment around us. The nature plays an important role in shaping our lives. The five elements that have a direct influence are: Earth (Bhoomi), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal), Air (Vayu) and Space (Akash). Vastu emphasizes on the role of Space in relation with other four elements.
Previously, design engineers or consultants were aptly called as sthapathis. Their creations resulted in temples. Other forms of such creations are the mosques, the churches etc. Each of these are said to have sacred dimensions – Geomancy or Divination. The beauty of these creations lies in the fact that many of these were prior to the discovery of Electromagnetism.
The relation between Magnetism and Vastu Shastra is important. Many ancient structures in Rome or the Pink city – Jaipur are based on this theory.
We know that earth possesses a Magnetic field. We experience these fields implicitly. Today’s biggest pollution causing elements other than air, water and noise is Electromagnetism. While Earth’s magnetism is 0.5mG (milliGuass), human body is exposed to higher magnetism as a result of Cellphones (200mG), computers or even a battery run Quartz watch.
As previously mentioned, Vastu focuses on the role of Space. Electromagnetism can be decreased by more space. For e.g., Electromagnetism pollution from the computer can be reduced by designing the furniture such that computer can be operated from a distance of a feet or two.
Earth is a Magnet; it has a North Pole and a South Pole. The surface of the earth has magnetic grids called Hartman grids. If we can recollect from our trigonometry, the value of
Sin q = 1 when q = 90 degrees
Sin q = 0 when q = 0 degrees
So the bottom line is that any structure, which is in alignment with, North-South pole of the earth is said to have a maximum advantage over any other structure having a slightest deviation; this is because for any other deviation, Sin q <1, where q is the angle of deviation.
Residence
Vastu Shastra explains its guidelines really well for independent plots considered for construction. However the subject becomes quite vague for multi-storied buildings.
A plot is divided logically into a number of grids, approximately 5 ft X 5 ft. The reason being that if earth’s surface is considered to be a plane, then any vibrations which may occur will be along these grid lines. The figure below depicts the forces of five elements.
North
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Water |
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Space |
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| Earth |
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Fire |
South
Earth represents stability of mind and body, which implies health of inhabitants of the plot. Fire represents energy and productivity. Air stands for movement or dynamism. Water stands for purity and Space symbolizes creativity.
A residence to conform to the Vastu guidelines should have Bedroom in South West direction, Living room in North West direction, Dining area in West/East direction, Kitchen in South East direction, Prayer room/Study room in North East direction.
The rising rays of the sun are rich in Vitamin D while the rays of a setting sun contain Ultra-violet radiations, which are not healthy for the human body. Hence Vastu prefers thick walls in South West direction and thin walls or more openings in North East direction.
The most interesting part is the way the doors and open. It has been observed using a Lecher Antenna that a room with doors and windows opening inwards has higher energy by way of resonance patterns, than those, which open outwards. Even today, we find most of our villages have this concept followed since ages.
The layout should be such that the
building is more towards South West direction as depicted below:
North
Here a<b & c<d and there should be a slope towards North East direction. This is ensured by elevating South West corner by about 3”, North West corner by 1” and South East corner by 2” with respect to North East corner.
It has also been observed using Kirlian Photograph – wherein a person’s energy level is gauged by keeping his finger on a photographic plate, that a person may become sick very soon if the dimensions of the room is in the ratio 2:1 or greater. The lesser the ratio, the better it is.
Office
Many of the Vastu guidelines apply to Office structures too. To give an idea, a typical office is considered. The Director’s office must be situated in South West direction, Engineering & accounts division should be located in South East direction, Marketing Division in North West direction and Reception should be in the North East direction to gain maximum advantage.
Many of the Vastu Shastra guidelines have worked wonders; it has drawn attention of medical practitioners, healers etc. It can be said without doubt that if an Egyptian pyramid can store mummies for ages or 300-year old temples in Puri
(Orissa) can withstand cyclones, floods etc, Vastu is definitely here to stay.
Temples and other holy shrines are built in such a way that energize the body and mind. As a devotee enters a holy shrine slowly, each part of his body is energized. This is soothing effect a sensitive individual experiences when he enters the holy shrine.
In scientific terms, this energy is referred to as Bovis – Bio-electromagnetic fields. Nobody can live in a holy shrine for years; the reason being - the energy levels in the Central part of any holy shrine are too high for a human body to withstand.
This article tries to provide with a scientific approach to Vastu Shastra. It should be clearly noted that Vastu is not panacea to all human problems. It will enable us to a faster solution but may not be the solution itself.
Yatish
Shivaprasad is a student in Indian
Institute of Management Calcutta in Kolkutta and is also involved in other OKC
work.
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