Vastu Shastra is a part of the Vedas and the first draft of the scripture is believed to date back to nearly four to five thousand years ago. The principles and elements of Vastu Shastra were laid down by literates during those days and were purely based on the effect of sunrays during different times of the day. The observations were recorded and only after thorough screening of the situation and observations the guidelines were drafted.
Vastu means ‘the art of building one’s living and working spaces around and in harmony with Nature and Purusha refers to a cosmic man, the divine energy, power, or the soul. There are two major legendary stories narrating and defining the existence and importance of Vastu Purusha in Vastu Shastra.
In the Vastu Purusha Mandala, the Vastu Purusha lies with his back up. The concept focuses on the burden that is carried on the back. This rule tries to imply that pillars are not to be raised on the sensitive points of Vastu Purusha. The sensitive points according to the construction science today deal with the inlets and outlets. It is said that the Vastu Purusha would suffocate if inlets and outlets are blocked with pillars of construction. The sensitive points exist also on the folds of the arms and legs. Pillars, if raised on those points, would not find enough base and support. Hence, as per Vastu, these points are to be avoided for pillars.
Image source: RedRubble
Vastu Purusha Mandala
As per traditional Vastu if any building is constructed as per the guidelines of Vastu Purusha Mandala then prosperity prevails in the house and amongst all inhabitants of the space. It is said that the residents will be are always happy, healthy, wealthy, and overall satisfied.
As per traditional Vastu,
· The Vastu purusha mandala is a 9*9 grid (81 parts)
· As a mythological belief, it is said that the Vastu Purusha is pinned down by the collective efforts of 45 gods (Brahma being one of them).
· In the Vastu Purusha mandala, the face faces downwards, and his head falls in the North East; whereas his foot falls in the South West direction.
· The 45 gods have prepositioned and allocated grids, which generically we can specify as 32 gods on the outer part and 13 gods on the inner part.
· It is said that the presence of each god in each grid has its own benefits which can influence different parts of a human life as per their qualities.
Image source: vastuenergetics
Over time, the use and influence of Vastu while designing has not declined and still holds a very strong influence for many house owners today. Even with ever-changing styles and design considerations, people still remain true to following the fundamentals of Vastu while designing to date, especially in India.
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