The science of Vastu Shastra encompasses comprehensive guidelines for the height and elevation of structures, recognizing these dimensions as critical factors influencing the flow of energy within a building. Vastu Shastra has very well-defined and clear-cut rules and regulations on the correct proportion of the height and elevation of buildings. The height of a building has a major impact on its Vastu and contributes significantly to its attractiveness and stature. According to established principles, the height is another criterion related to weight, and specific directional rules must be followed to harness positive energy and mitigate negative influences.
Proportional Guidelines for Building Height
Vastu Shastra emphasizes specific ratios between the height and width of a building to determine the quality of Vastu it possesses. These proportions are considered foundational in determining the auspiciousness of a structure.
- Double Height: A building whose height is double its width possesses superb Vastu. This proportion is considered the best in Vastu and is believed to bring overall health and prosperity to the structure’s residents.
- One and a Half Times Height: A building whose height is one and a half times more than its width possesses perfect Vastu. These structures provide prosperity to their occupants.
- Three-Fourth Height: A building whose height is three-fourth more than the width is believed to possess excellent Vastu.
- One-Fourth Height: A building whose height is one-fourth more than its width is said to possess good Vastu and bring peace in the lives of its residents.
- Equal Height and Width: A building whose height is equivalent to its width is said to possess medium Vastu qualities, neither very good nor very bad.
Directional Elevation and Weight Distribution
The distribution of height and weight across the four cardinal directions is a critical aspect of Vastu planning. The general rule is to keep the South and West sides of a building higher than the North and East. This configuration ensures that the South and West sides are automatically heavier, which is considered very auspicious. Conversely, it is strictly advised never to keep the North and East sides at greater heights than the South and West.
The elevation of a building should be adjusted based on its orientation to balance the energies effectively:
- South-Facing Buildings: The elevation should be very heavy with lesser openings in the form of windows and doors. Construction should ideally be done in the front portion of south-facing plots.
- North-Facing Buildings: The elevation should be very light. The maximum number of openings and doors should be provided to ensure that the magnetic energy of the North-Pole enters the building structure.
- West-Facing Structures: The elevation should be a little heavy, similar to the south direction, with lesser windows and doors. This heaviness can be achieved through heavy pillars, covering the area with the roof, or utilizing landscaping such as planting bushes, shrubs, and trees.
Impact of Height Configuration on Occupants
Adhering to or neglecting these principles regarding height and elevation has distinct consequences for the occupants of a building. The following outcomes are associated with specific directional height configurations:
- South, West, and South-East Height: When the height of the building is increased in the South, West, and South-East directions, it leads to all-round prosperity. A building with this configuration, where the North-East and North-West are open, is considered the best shaped building.
- South and West Height: When the height is increased in the South and West directions, it leads to an increase in health, wealth, and all-round prosperity. This type of building should have the North and North-East open.
- North Height: A building with increased height in the North direction leads to loss of wealth. This is considered an inauspicious building, particularly if the North-East and East are closed.
- North and East Height: A building with increased height in the North and East directions leads to loss of fame, quarrels, and death of offspring.
The Principle of Aayadi (Dimensions)
Beyond simple ratios, Vastu Shastra incorporates the principle of 'Aayadi' to guide the design of buildings with correct measurements. Aayadi is one of the five fundamental Vastu principles and prescribes six formulae to work out the correct dimensions—length, breadth, and height—of a building. This system is based on logic and scientific reasoning to ensure a proportionate, aesthetic, and beautiful building.
The application of Aayadi involves calculating specific ratios and perimeters that must be maintained or avoided based on the direction and shape of the building. For instance, the building design for homes often follows the “Vastu Purusha Mandala (Parama Saayika Mandala or Nava Varga 9x9) Nava Paada Scale.” While following these exact ratios can be challenging in standard builder plans, consultation and proper planning can help maintain the necessary length-to-width ratios and shapes.
Considerations for Multistoried Buildings
The principles of Vastu measurements apply similarly to multistoried buildings. Calculations are based on direction, ground footprint, and the number of levels. The compliance of a property with Vastu Shastra depends on a holistic evaluation of various factors, including the direction of the plot and building, shape of the plot and building, length-to-width ratio, perimeter, and the design and allocation of doors, rooms, and features both inside and outside the building. To achieve a 100% compliant property, all these intricate elements must be taken into consideration.
Conclusion
Vastu Shastra provides a detailed framework for determining the height and elevation of buildings to foster harmony, health, and prosperity. By adhering to specific proportional guidelines and directional weight distribution, occupants can align their living and working spaces with positive cosmic energies. The principles of Aayadi further refine these dimensions, ensuring that structures are not only aesthetically pleasing but also energetically balanced. Whether for a single-story residence or a multistoried complex, integrating these timeless guidelines into the design and construction process is essential for creating spaces that support overall well-being and success.