Vastu Shastra – The Ancient science of architecture

Cosmic and Mythological view

Vastu Shastra has captured more interest because of its logical application. It’s not a modern-day science but has deeper impact in the modern lifestyle. Deep rooted to Vedic period, there is a famous story about the Vastu Purush – Vastudev. During a war between Lord Shiv and Demon Andhikasur, a giant body appeared who was named as Vastu Purush by Lord Brahma. Vastu Purush was laid down on earth and was blessed by Lord Brahma. Vastu Purush was blessed to bless the residents if a plot is constructed as per the principles and to curse the residents if it's not constructed as per the Vastu principles.

At that point of time, there were 45 devatas and demons present along with Brahma in the Centre that is famously known as Vastu Purush Mandal. This combination of the Vastu Purush and the 45 gods which referred to as the Vastu Purush Mandal. is a fixed and balanced system. The Mandal comprises 81 parts, each of which symbolizes the name of a god that holds the Vastu Purush to the earth in its designated area. Out of the 45 gods, 32 are located in the outer portion and 13 in the inner portion of the Vastu Purusha Mandal. Each god governs a different aspect of human life based on their attributes, which is why each direction and part holds importance in the Vastu Shastra. The distribution of the gods in the Mandal is unique, and the significance of each direction is reflective of the god associated with it.

When we talk about human life, it goes in a cycle. For e.g. Cycle of day and night, cycle of water, cycle of food, cycle of desire to gain. If we corelate it with the mythological story of Vastu Purush Mandal, the first four energy fields that around the Brahma are known as Bhudhar, Aryama, Viviswan, Mitra. It is an amazing cycle of Manifestation, Connection, Controller and Motivator.

Whenever construction starts in a plot, the energies take their place. As we know creation starts with lord brahma, so when the creation of building starts, lord brahma is the primary deity that takes its place. Then the four devatas Bhudhar, Aryama, Vivaswan and Mitra take their place. Then as the procedure of construction proceeds, further deities take their place.

Interestingly, the deities with their fixed position as per the Vastu Purush Mandal have their impact on the entrance /entry point also.