The ancient science of Vastu Shastra emphasizes the profound connection between our living environments and our overall well-being. Central to this practice are Vastu mantras, sacred chants designed to invoke positive energies and create a harmonious atmosphere within a building or home. These mantras are not merely words but powerful vibrations believed to resonate with cosmic energy, bringing balance and prosperity to the occupants. By reciting these sacred sounds, individuals aim to purify their surroundings, remove negative forces, and foster a space conducive to health, wealth, and peace of mind. The practice of chanting Vastu mantras is a cornerstone of Vastu corrections, offering a spiritual approach to harmonizing the energies of a space.
The efficacy of these mantras is rooted in their ability to create an aura of peace, security, and happiness. According to traditional wisdom, the mere japa (repetition) of a Vastu mantra generates powerful positive forces, aligning the premises with the benevolent energies of nature. This spiritual practice is believed to protect residential and business places from evil spirits, black magic, and other negative forces. Furthermore, the vibrations produced by the mantras are thought to have a purifying effect, removing stress and creating a peaceful ambience for the occupants. Whether for a new beginning, overcoming obstacles, or ensuring long-term prosperity, these chants are an integral part of Vastu Shastra for creating a supportive and flourishing environment.
The Central Role of Vastu Purusha
In Vastu Shastra, the foundational principle is the presence of a divine consciousness known as Vastu Purusha, the deity who presides over the land and the structures built upon it. Appeasing this entity is considered essential for ensuring harmony and removing Vastu Dosha, which are architectural or energetic imbalances. The Vastu Purusha Mantra is a primary chant dedicated to this lord of the abode. Its recitation is believed to bring peace and harmony to the house while simultaneously removing Vastu Dosha.
A widely revered version of this mantra is:
नमस्ते वास्तु पुरुषाय भूशय्या भिरत प्रभो | मद्गृहं धन धान्यादि समृद्धं कुरु सर्वदा ||
Transliteration: Namaste Vaastu Purushaay Bhooshayyaa Bhirat Prabho | Madgriham Dhan Dhaanyaadi Samriddham Kuru Sarvada ||
The meaning of this powerful invocation is a humble salutation to the Lord of Vastu, requesting him to make the home rich in wealth and grains at all times. By honoring Vastu Purusha, the chant seeks his blessings for continuous prosperity and abundance for the inhabitants.
Another powerful mantra dedicated to Vastu Purusha, often referred to as the Vastu Jaap Mantra, emphasizes a gentle and benevolent existence for all beings. It is chanted as follows:
|| ॐ वास्तोषपते प्रतरणो न एधि गयास्फानो गोभी रश्वे भीरिदो अजरासस्ते सख्ये स्याम् पीतेव पुत्राणप्रतिन्नो जुशाश्य शन्नो भव द्विपदे शं चतुष्पदे स्वाहा ||
Transliteration: Om Vaastoshpate Pratarano Na Edhi Gayasphaano Gobhi Rashve Bhirido Ajaraasaste Sakhye Syaam Pitev Putraanpratinno Jushashya Shanno Bhav Dvipade Sham Chatushpade Swaahaa ||
This mantra is a prayer to the Lord of Vastu to be gentle and benevolent, protecting both bipeds (humans) and quadrupeds (animals). Chanting this mantra is believed to promote harmony, compassion, and a spirit of coexistence, ensuring that the space is not only prosperous but also peaceful and kind to all inhabitants. Another variation carries a similar protective meaning, praying for the removal of obstacles and the restoration of overall well-being. This version is:
|| ॐ वस्तोष्पते सगमाय स ग्वाग सदाते साक्षिमा हिरन्याय गतु मण्डा चभिक्षेम उथयोगे वरन्नो युयं पतस्वस्तिभिहा सदनः स्वाहा ||
Transliteration: Om Vaastoshpate Shagmayaa Sa Gvag Sadaate Saksheem Hiranyayaa Gaatu Mandhaa Chahikshem Utayoge Varanno Yooyam Paatasvastibhiha Sadaanah Swaahaa ||
The meaning of this chant is an appeal to the Lord of the Abode to come together with wealth, prosperity, and longevity, and to bestow blessings and protection upon the occupants.
Mantras for Specific Directions and Purposes
Vastu Shastra associates different energies with the cardinal directions, and specific mantras are chanted to align with and activate these energies. The southeast direction, for instance, is governed by the element of fire (Agni) and is crucial for financial stability and relationship harmony. The Agni Gayatri Mantra is specifically recommended for this zone.
The mantra for the southeast direction is:
|| ँ महाज्वालाय विद्महे अग्नि मध्याय धीमहि | तन्नो: अग्नि प्रचोदयात ||
Transliteration: Om Mahajwalay Vidmahe Agni Madhyay Dhimahi | Tanno Agnih Prachodayat ||
This chant is a prayer to the God of Fire, asking for higher intellect and an illuminated mind. The benefits of chanting the Agni Gayatri mantra are multifaceted. It is believed to improve domestic life, aid in overcoming financial losses, and ensure a bright future. For those in debt, chanting this mantra in the southeast direction can facilitate faster repayment. It also positively impacts romantic life, helping couples argue less and share more happy moments together. The best times to chant this mantra are during sunrise and sunset, and it can be repeated 11, 108, or 1008 times for maximum effect.
Beyond the Agni Gayatri, other Gayatri mantras are also utilized in Vastu for their unique benefits. The Vastu Gayatri Mantra for Lord Shiva is chanted to inspire and bless individuals with excellent spiritual knowledge and is considered beneficial when starting something new, believed to bring luck. It is chanted as:
|| ं पवन पुरुषाय विद्मह सहस्र मूर्तये च धीमही थानो वायु प्रचोदयात् ||
Transliteration: Aum Pavanapurushaay Vidmahe Sahasra Murthaye Cha Dheemahe Thanno Vaayu Prachodayat ||
This mantra invokes the lord of Wind, Vayu, to bless the chanter with a powerful mind and high intelligence. Its benefits include bringing positive thoughts, motivation to achieve goals, and warding off health issues.
Another important directional mantra is for the southwest, which is associated with stability and relationships. This mantra is chanted to remove Pitru Dosh (ancestral defects) and avoid problems in relationships. It is as follows:
|| ॐ निसासाराय विद्महे कल्गः मन्दः भवति नैरुततः तन्नो प्रचोदयात् ||
Transliteration: Om Nisaasaraaya Vidmahe Kadga Hastaya Dheemahi Tanno Nairuthi Prachodayat ||
The meaning of this mantra is a prayer to the one who holds a sword, asking for the guidance of Nairuthi. The southwest direction is said to bestow luxury, and this chant helps in resolving relationship challenges.
The Broader Pantheon of Vastu Deities
Vastu Shastra acknowledges a vast pantheon of deities, each governing specific energies and aspects of life. To please these deities and earn their blessings, specific mantras are recited. These mantras are believed to create a harmonious flow of energy by invoking the grace of these divine forces. The following are the mantras for various deities associated with Vastu:
- Om Shikhye Namah (for Shikhi)
- Om Parjanye Namah (for Parjanya)
- Om Jayantaya Namah (for Jayanta)
- Om Kulishyudhaya Namah (for Indra)
- Om Suryaya Namah (for Surya)
- Om Satyaya Namah (for Satya)
- Om Bhrashase Namah (for Bhrasha)
- Om Akashaye Namah (for Akash)
- Om Vayave Namah (for Vayu)
- Om Pushaya Namah (for Pusha)
- Om Vitathaya Namah (for Vitatha)
- Om Brihatkshtaya Namah (for Brihatkshta)
- Om Yamaya Namah (for Yama)
- Om Gandharvaya Namah (for Gandharva)
- Om Bhringarajaya Namah (for Bhringaraj)
- Om Mrigaya Namah (for Mriga)
- Om Pitre Namah (for Pitra)
- Om Dauvarikaya Namah (for Dauvarika)
- Om Sugreevaya Namah (for Sugreeva)
- Om Pushpadantaya Namah (for Pushpadanta)
- Om Varunaya Namah (for Varuna)
- Om Asuraya Namah (for Asura)
- Om Sheshaya Namah (for Shesha)
- Om Papa Haraya Namah (for Papa Yakshma)
- Om Rogaharaya Namaha (for Roga)
- Om Ahiye Namah (for Aahi)
- Om Mukhye Namah (for Mukhya)
- Om Bhallataya Namah (for Bhallat)
- Om Somaya Namah (for Soma)
- Om Sarpaya Namah (for Sarpa)
- Om Aditaye Namah (for Aditi)
- Om Ditiye Namah (for Diti)
- Om Aapye Namah (for Aap)
- Om Savitre Namah (for Savitri)
- Om Jayaya Namah (for Jaya)
- Om Rudraya Namah (for Rudra)
- Om Ayarmaya Namah (for Ayarma)
By chanting these mantras, one can address specific energetic needs within the space, from removing obstacles and diseases (Rogaharaya, Papa Haraya) to ensuring protection from negative forces (Rudraya, Varunaya) and fostering prosperity (Soma, Pushpadanta).
The Practice and Timing of Chanting
The practice of chanting Vastu mantras is a disciplined one, with specific timings considered most effective. Traditionally, the early morning hours, known as "Brahma muhurta," which is approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise, are considered highly auspicious for all spiritual practices, including the recitation of mantras. This period is believed to be saturated with sattvic (pure and serene) energy, making it ideal for connecting with cosmic vibrations and deities.
While the Brahma muhurta is universally recommended, specific mantras like the Agni Gayatri are also effective at sunrise and sunset, aligning with the transition periods of the day when the energies of fire are prominent. The number of repetitions also plays a role in the mantra's efficacy. For the Agni Gayatri mantra, chanting 11, 108, or 1008 times is suggested. The number 108 is particularly sacred in spiritual traditions and is believed to create a powerful resonance.
The intention behind the chant is paramount. It is not merely a mechanical repetition but a heartfelt prayer. A focused mind and pure intentions are essential for the mantra to yield its purported benefits, which include physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, overcoming obstacles, and restoring overall well-being. The vibrations produced are thought to calm the mind, reduce stress, and create a peaceful ambience, making the practice beneficial not just for the space but for the mental state of the occupants as well.
Conclusion
Vastu mantras are a profound and integral component of Vastu Shastra, offering a spiritual and vibrational method for harmonizing living and working spaces. From the foundational Vastu Purusha Mantra, which seeks the blessings of the presiding deity for prosperity and peace, to directional chants like the Agni Gayatri Mantra for financial and relational stability, these sacred sounds are designed to align human habitats with cosmic energies. The practice is believed to purify the environment, remove Vastu Dosha, protect from negative forces, and foster an atmosphere of health, wealth, and happiness. By understanding the meanings, purposes, and proper practice of these mantras, individuals can actively participate in creating a more balanced, positive, and supportive environment for themselves and their families, in accordance with the timeless wisdom of Vastu Shastra.