The ancient science of Vastu Shastra relies heavily on the application of sacred geometry to create harmonious living and spiritual environments. Among the most fundamental concepts in this discipline are the Pada systems, specifically the 81 Pada and 64 Pada arrangements. These grid systems serve as the foundation for determining the energetic layout of structures, dictating the placement of rooms, sanctums, and utility spaces. The distinction between these two systems is not arbitrary; rather, it is rooted in the specific function of the building and the type of energy flow required to support its occupants. While the 81 Pada system is designated for residential architecture to support worldly activities and family well-being, the 64 Pada system is reserved for sacred structures to facilitate spiritual perfection and divine order.
Understanding the correct traditional applications of these Pada systems is crucial for proper Vastu implementation. The 81 Pada is the choice for residential architecture, while the 64 Pada is designated for temple construction. Each system serves its specific purpose in creating harmonious spaces, and the traditional wisdom behind these assignments continues to be relevant in modern applications.
The 81 Pada System: Residential Architecture and Material Well-being
The 81 Pada system, characterized by a 9 x 9 grid, is traditionally prescribed for residential buildings. This system provides optimal division for living spaces, creating balanced energy flow for daily life activities. The primary application of the 81 Pada system is in residential architecture because it supports family well-being and prosperity, allows for the proper segregation of different living areas, and is better suited for the various functions within a home.
Characteristics of the 81 Pada System
The 81 Pada system is divided into 9 × 9 = 81 equal squares. The central Brahma Pada is essential for energy distribution. This system provides appropriate zoning for: - Living areas - Sleeping quarters - Kitchen - Storage - Utility spaces
Traditional Principles of Application for Residential Design
When applying the 81 Pada system to residential design, specific traditional principles guide the placement of essential areas: - Central area (Brahmasthana) remains open: The center of the grid is kept free of heavy structures to allow the free flow of energy. - Kitchen placement follows cardinal directions: The kitchen is positioned according to specific directional energies to support health and nourishment. - Bedroom locations support rest and recovery: Bedrooms are placed in zones that promote relaxation and physical restoration. - Storage areas align with wealth zones: Areas designated for storage are aligned with directions associated with abundance and prosperity. - Entry points respect directional energies: Main entrances are placed in auspicious zones to welcome positive energy.
Significance of the Number 81
In Vastu numerology, the number 81 represents material completion. It supports worldly activities, is associated with family life, and is connected to physical well-being. The energy of this number helps balance domestic energies, making it ideal for spaces where people live, eat, sleep, and interact on a daily basis.
Modern Applications of the 81 Pada System
The 81 Pada system is applied to various contemporary living spaces, including: - Contemporary homes - Apartments - Family dwellings - Residential complexes - Living spaces
The 64 Pada System: Sacred Architecture and Spiritual Perfection
The 64 Pada system, characterized by an 8 x 8 grid, is traditionally prescribed for temples and sacred structures. This system represents the perfect cosmic order and aligns with sacred geometric principles that support spiritual energy flow. It creates appropriate spaces for ritual activities and maintains divine proportions essential for religious institutions.
Characteristics of the 64 Pada System
The 64 Pada system is divided into 8 × 8 = 64 equal squares. Unlike the residential system, the central space in the 64 Pada is dedicated to the deity. This arrangement facilitates circumambulatory paths (pradakshina) and supports the proper placement of: - Sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) - Assembly areas (mandapa) - Ritual spaces - Supporting shrines
Traditional Principles of Application for Temple Design
The application of the 64 Pada system follows strict traditional guidelines: - Garbhagriha (sanctum) placement is precise: The inner sanctum where the deity resides is placed with exactitude to maximize spiritual vibrations. - Mandapa (assembly hall) proportions are defined: The space for devotees to gather follows specific dimensional ratios. - Pradakshina path (circumambulation route) is established: The path around the sanctum is clearly defined to facilitate ritual circumambulation. - Supporting shrine locations are determined: Secondary shrines are placed in specific zones to complement the main sanctum. - Entry oriented to proper direction: The main entrance to the temple is oriented to specific auspicious directions.
Significance of the Number 64
The number 64 symbolizes spiritual perfection and represents divine order. It is connected to cosmic harmony, supports meditation and worship, and enhances spiritual energies. This numerical vibration is essential for spaces dedicated to religious practices and spiritual elevation.
Modern Applications of the 64 Pada System
The 64 Pada system is applied to various sacred structures, including: - Modern temples - Meditation centers - Prayer halls - Spiritual retreats - Religious institutions
The Vastu Purusha Mandala and Directional Grids
The Vastu Purusha Mandala is a sacred grid that represents the energy fields of a home or plot. This concept is fundamental to understanding how directional energies interact with physical space. In Vastu Shastra, the orientation of a structure affects the flow of energy and influences the well-being of its occupants.
Directional Considerations
When applying Vastu principles, direction is a cornerstone of planning: - North and East-Facing Homes: These are considered highly auspicious as they allow maximum sunlight and positive energy. - South and West-Facing Homes: With proper Vastu adjustments, these can also be designed to attract positive energy. - Using a Magnetic Compass: To determine the exact direction, a magnetic compass is used. However, caution must be exercised to avoid interference from electric lines or metal objects.
Understanding the 32 Main Entrances
The main entrance of a home is the gateway for energy. According to Vastu, there are 32 possible entrances, with nine pada on each side (North, South, East, West). Each entrance spans the length of the side divided by nine.
Auspicious Entrances by Direction
- North-Facing House Plan: Soma, Bhallat, and Mukhya pada are auspicious.
- East-Facing House Plan: Jayant and Mahendra pada are auspicious.
- South-Facing House Plan: Vitatha and Grihakhat pada are auspicious.
- West-Facing House Plan: Pushadant and Varun pada are auspicious.
Correct Gridding Methodology: Avoiding Common Errors
In contemporary Vastu practice, there is a significant concern regarding the incorrect application of zone division. Many practitioners use an angular methodology that divides the entire circle of 360 degrees into 16 equal zones (360/16 = 22.5 degrees), and further divides these to get 32 entrances (22.5/2 = 11.25 degrees). However, this method is considered incorrect as it will never give perfect results, resulting in some zones having lowered or excessive energy flow.
The Problem with Equal Division
When using equal angular division, even for a square plot with exact 0-degree North orientation, some zones will fall below the minimum energy line and some will exceed the maximum energy line. This contradicts the principles of Vastu described in classical texts, which suggest that in a perfect house, all zones should be within the given energy range. However, with the equal division method, this balance is never achieved.
The Vedic Method of Gridding
Ancient texts describe a different approach. For a square plot, the 0-degree North line should divide the N5 (Soma) zone into two parts. In the correct Vedic method, four zones come on the right side of North, four zones on the left side of North, and one center cell is divided in half. This unequal division methodology ensures accurate division of zones and maintains the energy flow grid within proper parameters.
The Correct Way of Gridding
The correct methodology for gridding a house, plot, or factory uses the 81 cell division (81 padvinyaas). This provides unequal division methodology with accurate division of zones. Professional Vastu consultants are advised to follow this correct method to provide accurate consultation to their clients.
Tools and Resources for Correct Implementation
To support the correct application of Vastu principles, various tools and resources are available: - AutoCAD Files: These provide accurate zone division templates. - Transparent PNG Files: Visual aids for understanding grid layouts. - 81 Padvinyaas Tools: Digital tools for calculating correct zone divisions. - Classical Texts: References such as The Brihat Samhita of Varaha Mihira provide foundational knowledge.
Practitioners and general masses are encouraged to use these resources to ensure they are following the correct method and benefiting from the ancient science of Vastu Shastra.
Conclusion
The understanding and correct application of the 64 and 81 Pada systems are fundamental to authentic Vastu Shastra practice. The 81 Pada system provides the framework for residential architecture that supports material well-being, family life, and physical health, while the 64 Pada system creates sacred spaces that facilitate spiritual growth and divine connection. The significance of these numbers—81 representing material completion and 64 symbolizing spiritual perfection—guides the energetic purpose of each structure.
Furthermore, the methodology of grid division is critical. The traditional unequal division approach, particularly the 81 padvinyaas system, ensures that all zones remain within proper energy parameters, unlike the modern equal angular division method which creates imbalances. By adhering to these traditional principles and utilizing available tools for accurate implementation, practitioners can create spaces that truly harmonize with natural energies and support the intended purpose of the structure, whether for residential living or spiritual practice.