Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural science, fundamentally relies on the precise understanding of directions and their influences on living beings. The subject emphasizes that all calculations and analyses pertaining to a property's energy flow are contingent upon identifying exact geometric dimensions and orientations. Without determining the correct direction, it is considered impossible to accurately calculate the Vastu of a property. To ascertain these directions, the use of a specific instrument known as the Vastu compass is essential. In the contemporary age of technology, specialized digital tools have been developed to facilitate this process, allowing for enhanced accuracy and ease of use.
The AppliedVastu application, for instance, offers a digital solution for determining accurate Vastu directions. This application allows users to grid any floor plan with 16 zonal divisions using its capturing facility, a feature designed to increase the effectiveness of Vastu analysis. The application is based on the decoding of ancient manuscripts, specifically the Viswakarma Prakash, which indicates the presence of 16 directions. While traditional Vastu manuscripts reference eight main directions, the Viswakarma Prakash provides the foundation for the 16-zone system utilized in this digital tool.
The foundation of Vastu Shastra is built upon the consequences of directions and their impact on earthly beings. It is a subject where the influences of directions are deeply analyzed. In essence, Vastu Shastra can be described as the science of directions. Ancient manuscripts reference eight main directions, which are categorized as cardinal and inter-cardinal. The four cardinal directions are North, East, South, and West. The inter-cardinal directions, located between the cardinal points, are Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest.
According to ancient Vastu manuscripts, each of the eight directions is ruled by a specific deity or Dikpala. These deities serve as guardians of their respective directions, each possessing unique characteristics. The names of the Dikpalas associated with the directions are as follows:
- North: Kubera
- North-East: Ishaan
- East: Indra
- South-East: Agni
- South: Yama
- South-West: Nairuti
- West: Varun
- North-West: Vayu
The understanding of these directional attributes and the precise application of Vastu principles are central to the practice. The use of a Vastu compass, whether digital or physical, is the primary step in this analytical process, ensuring that subsequent corrections and alignments are based on accurate spatial data.