Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural science, provides comprehensive guidelines for designing living and working spaces that align with natural energies. A critical aspect of this discipline is the shape of the building and the plot on which it stands. The provided source materials emphasize that the shape of a house or building significantly influences the energy flow, impacting the prosperity, health, and harmony of its occupants. While square and rectangular shapes are traditionally considered ideal, irregular shapes are not necessarily prohibitive if addressed with appropriate remedies. This article explores the Vastu implications of various building shapes and outlines the principles for ensuring a balanced environment.
Understanding Ideal Plot and Building Shapes
The foundation of a Vastu-compliant structure begins with the plot itself. The sources highlight that the geometry of the land sets the stage for the energy field of the built environment.
Square and Rectangular Plots
According to Vastu principles, square and rectangular plots are considered the most auspicious. * Square Plots: A plot with equal sides is highly auspicious. It is believed to bring prosperity to the dwellers, ensuring success in all their endeavors. * Rectangular Plots: Plots where the length is double the width, or where two lengths and two breadths are equal, are also classified as rectangular. These shapes are conducive to providing all benefits and success to the residents.
Irregular and Inauspicious Plots
The sources explicitly warn against several irregular shapes due to their potential to create negative impacts. * Triangular Plots: These are associated with enmity among residents and neighbors. People residing in such houses may develop immoral characters. * Dustpan-Shaped Plots: Plots resembling a dustpan are said to create misery for the occupants. * Uneven Plots: If a plot is uneven on its diagonals or sides (North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West), it can lead to losses, sudden accidents, theft, continuous agency issues, and difficulties, including loss of property and money. * T-Shaped or H-Shaped Plots: These shapes yield bad results, such as quarrels between brothers and divorce between husband and wife. They may also result in the loss of property and reputation. * Circular Shapes: A land in a circular shape is said to cause both profits and losses. * Extremely Long Plots: A plot that is too long in length with an adjacent plot cutting across can also lead to negative outcomes.
Classification of Building Shapes
Beyond the plot, the shape of the building itself is a major factor. The sources introduce specific terminology to classify building shapes, which helps in applying the correct Vastu remedies.
- Eka Shaala: This refers to buildings with a square or rectangular shape. These are the standard designs found in most online articles and are generally easier to make Vastu compliant. Approximately 80% of houses in the USA fall into this category.
- Dwi Shaala: These are "L-shaped" buildings, which are considered to face two directions.
- Thri Shaala: These are "U-shaped" or "C-shaped" buildings, facing three directions.
- Chathur Shaala (Chatush Shala): These buildings have an open courtyard in the middle portion, effectively creating four sides.
While Eka Shaala designs are the norm, the sources clarify that Dwi Shaala and Thri Shaala designs are also feasible and can be harmonized with expert guidance.
The Science and Logic Behind Shape Principles
Vastu Shastra is not merely a set of superstitious rules; it is deeply rooted in scientific reasoning and environmental logic. The sources provide a clear example regarding the elevation of the building.
- South-West Elevation: In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is hottest in the South-West direction during the afternoon. Vastu recommends a higher elevation in the South-West corner of a house to provide shade to the rest of the building. This simple architectural feature reduces heat gain, keeping the interior cooler and more comfortable.
- Practical Application: Understanding the science behind these principles prevents one from engaging in expensive or useless "tricks" to correct Vastu defects. It emphasizes the importance of structural and design-based solutions over mere symbolic remedies.
Remedial Measures for Irregular Shapes
The sources repeatedly emphasize that if a house shape is not a square or rectangle, it does not mean one must reject the property. An expert Vastu consultant can assist with practical Vastu shape remedies to alleviate the negative effects of bad design or construction.
The process for evaluating a house shape involves a comprehensive review of: * Direction and topography of the plot. * Shape of the building. * Nature of building use (residential or commercial). * Occupants. * Overall design factors.
Based on this evaluation, a consultant calculates the positive benefits or negative effects on the occupants. The goal is to achieve a satisfactory level of Vastu compliance. If the negative effects cannot be remedied satisfactorily, the consultant may advise looking for another property. However, for most irregular shapes, practical remedies exist. These remedies are based on Vastu engineering principles tailored to the specific type of building. It is important to note that these corrections should be implemented under the guidance of a local Vastu expert, as they require a deep understanding of the property's specific characteristics.
Standard Room Sizes and Placement
In addition to overall shape, the sources provide specific guidelines for room dimensions and placement to enhance functionality and Vastu compliance.
Recommended Room Sizes
For standard Indian homes (and applicable elsewhere), the following sizes are recommended: * Bedroom: 10×12 ft to 14×16 ft * Kitchen: 7×10 ft to 10×12 ft * Bathroom/Toilet: Minimum 4×7 ft * Living Room: 12×14 ft to 14×16 ft * Dining Room: Minimum 10×8 ft
Optimal Room Placement
- Master Bedroom: Should ideally be located in the South-West or West direction of the house.
- Kitchen: The best placement is in the South-East (Agni Kon). South-South-East and North-West are also acceptable options.
- Living Room: Should be clutter-free, well-lit, and ideally located based on the overall orientation of the house.
- Staircase: The best zones for a staircase are South, South-West, or West. The North-East zone should be strictly avoided for staircases.
Ayadi Calculation in House Design
For a more precise and personalized approach to house design, the sources mention the use of Ayadi calculations. This is a sophisticated process that determines the ideal length-to-breadth ratio of a building. Ayadi calculations go beyond simple geometry and incorporate factors such as astrology, the profession of the occupants, and Ayurvedic principles to ensure the structure resonates harmoniously with the residents.
Conclusion
The shape of a building is a fundamental element in Vastu Shastra that holds significant power over the energy and well-being of its occupants. While square and rectangular plots and buildings are universally recognized as the most beneficial, the science provides a robust framework for understanding and correcting irregular shapes. By classifying buildings into types such as Eka Shaala, Dwi Shaala, and Thri Shaala, and by applying scientific principles like proper elevation for shade, Vastu offers practical solutions rather than rigid prohibitions. The key to navigating complex shapes lies in seeking expert consultation, which can provide a customized evaluation and tailored remedies. Ultimately, the goal of Vastu Shastra is to create a balanced, harmonious, and prosperous living environment, regardless of the initial architectural challenges.