Vedic Architecture – Key Principles in Building Design

The purpose for which the building will be used, e.g. domestic, commercial, civic, worship, etc. and the requirements of the occupants.

Proximity of favourable and unfavourable influences from the surrounding environment. For example, living within 1 mile of a prison, hospital or cemetery is considered unfavourable. The effects of nearby lakes, streams, etc. are also considered.

The building’s orientation: This is an extremely important factor [1]. The building is aligned with the four cardinal directions. Entrance directions are planned – East facing entrances are life enhancing, North facing are fine, but South facing ones detrimental.

The ratio and proportions for dividing up the plot and the building floor area into rooms and the geometry of features such as windows, doors, roof, plinth, etc. For example, a square floor plan divided into nine equal smaller squares (i.e. a simple three by three grid) is very beneficial, with key rooms each allocated to one smaller square – except the centre one which is left unoccupied. All building’s dimensions, perimeters, etc., are calculated according to the Vastu Formulae. The building may also be customized according to the prospective owners Vedic astrological chart.

Placement and allocation of rooms: Considerations given as to which rooms such as kitchen, bedrooms, etc. are allocated to the optimum directions and segment of the building appropriate to their specific activity e.g. kitchen in the South-east, master bedroom in South-west, no toilets in North-East.

Buildings benefit from a central ‘quiet’ Brahmasthan area where there is no activity. For two or more story buildings, light entering from roof level onto this quiet ground floor area is also beneficial.

The size, shape and slope of the building plot and how it is demarcated from its surroundings.  A Vastu designed building is always surrounded by a Vastu fence or ‘compound’ wall of designated proportions – although the materials can vary.

The use of local, sustainable building materials for the project and any national or regional architectural styles.

Building work is commenced on auspicious days according to the principles of Jyotish (Vedic Astrology). Vedic ceremonies are performed at key stages of the build: ground breaking, laying cornerstone and when first moving in.

Local planning rules, regulations and ordinances.

Footnotes

[1] The building’s orientation was considered to be an extremely important factor by the enlightened Vedic scholar Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

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Additional Information on Vastu Shastra

• • Frequently asked questions on Vastu FAQs – 1, FAQs – 2, FAQs – 3
  • A general Introduction to Vastu
  • Benefits of Good Vastu in the Home
  • A detailed article on  Vastu factors to avoid in the surrounding environment
  • There is an informative article on the Vastu Shastra (teachings on Vastu) on Wikipedia
  • A view from Australia, on the application of Sthapatya Veda
  • An application of Vedic Architecture principles to a garden village in the UK
  • Vastu Top Tips – Ideal Room Allocations