Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and spatial energy, offers profound methodologies for selecting auspicious plots and constructing harmonious dwellings. Among its various analytical tools is the concept of "Ayam," a calculation based on measurements that determines the suitability of a site for specific purposes. This detailed exploration focuses on the principles of Ayam, the identification and remediation of Salyas (inimical objects buried in the ground), the significance of plot shapes and topography, and the observance of Vastu Pooja. Additionally, we will touch upon modern applications of Vastu for residential planning, drawing exclusively from established guidelines to provide a comprehensive resource for homeowners and builders seeking balance and prosperity.
Understanding Ayam in Vastu Shastra
The calculation of Ayam is a fundamental aspect of Vastu analysis, utilized to ascertain the auspiciousness of a plot based on its dimensions. The process involves a specific formula where the remainder of the calculation dictates the type of Ayam and its subsequent influence. These remainders correspond to specific Ayams—Shushkayam, Dhumayam, Simhayam, and Shwanayam—each carrying distinct implications for construction and inhabitant well-being.
Shushkayam
When the remainder of the Ayam calculation is zero, it is termed Shushkayam. According to Vastu Shastra, this Ayam provides medium-level benefits. However, it is particularly beneficial for the construction of bathrooms. Furthermore, Shushkayam is considered advantageous for industrial structures, specifically steel factories, cloth mills, sugar mills, and rice mills.
Dhumayam
If the remainder amounts to 2, the Ayam is known as Dhumayam. This specific configuration is recommended solely for the construction of kitchens, and specifically those located in the South-East direction. The text explicitly warns that Dhumayam is generally the harbinger of numerous troubles and, most notably, adversely affects the health of women within the household. Therefore, its application must be strictly limited to kitchen construction in the prescribed direction.
Simhayam
When the remainder is 3, the Ayam is identified as Simhayam. This is considered a highly auspicious configuration, associated with the destruction of enemies and victory of the self. Economic and physical happiness are also linked to Simhayam. Consequently, Vastu principles dictate that the bedroom of the head of the family should be constructed in the South direction if the plot possesses Simhayam characteristics. This Ayam is also deemed suitable for the construction of significant public and commercial structures, including courts, parliament houses, government offices, industrial establishments, commercial complexes, and hostels.
Shwanayam
If the remainder is 4, the Ayam is termed Shwanayam. This is identified as the perfect Ayam specifically for the construction of a lumber-room or storeroom. These storage structures should be situated in the South-West direction of the plot to align with the beneficial energies of Shwanayam.
Identification and Remediation of Salyas
Salyas refer to extraneous and inauspicious objects buried within the earth, which can exert a negative influence on the inhabitants of a structure built upon them. These can include bones, ash, husk, leather pieces, wood, coal, or iron. Ancient texts provide methods for identifying the presence and location of Salyas before construction begins.
Detection Methods
The presence of Salyas can be inferred through specific signs and linguistic analysis. One method involves burying seeds (such as paddy, wheat, mustard, sesame, or barley) in the ground. If the seeds sprout within seven days, it is considered a bad omen, indicating the presence of Salyas.
Another method relies on the first syllable uttered by the querent (the person asking about the site). The syllables Aa, Ka, Cha, Ta, Tha, Pa, Ya, and Sa represent the eight directions from East to North-East. If the querent’s first syllable matches one of these, it indicates the direction where Salyas lie. The syllables Ha, Pa, Ya represent the center of the site. If the first syllable is anything other than these, it suggests the absence of Salyas.
Specific Indications of Salyas
The type of trouble experienced by the inhabitants often points to the specific nature and location of the Salyas:
- East: If deaths occur once every three years in a house, human bones may lie in the East.
- South-East: Frequent troubles from the government, such as suspension or dismissal from services, indicate the presence of donkey salyas in the South-East.
- South: If the head of the family suffers from a chronic disease, human salyas are likely present in the South.
- South-West: Frequent infant mortality suggests that canine bones lie in the South-West.
- West: If a family member becomes a vagabond due to lunacy, it is attributed to the bones of an infant child in the West.
- North-West: If the head of the family is troubled by enemies or litigation for more than twelve years, husk and pieces of coal lie in the North-West.
- North: If the head of the family gradually loses wealth over twelve years despite being rich, human bones lie in the North.
- North-East: Loss of cattle indicates human bones in the North-East.
- Center: If the family becomes extinct, bone ash and pieces of coal are found in the middle of the site.
Remedial Measures
Upon discovering Salyas at a depth of less than 12 inches, they must be removed by digging the ground before construction. Objects found deeper than 12 inches bear no evil effect. If the site is found to be mostly cracked or infested with anthills or hillocks created by white ants or moles, the plot should be rejected entirely for house construction.
Plot Selection and Topography
The physical characteristics of the land play a crucial role in Vastu. The shape and elevation of the plot are analyzed to predict the fortunes of the inhabitants.
Plot Shape
A square or rectangular plot is considered the best preference by ancient Vastu scholars. Any polygonal plot or a quadrilateral with unequal sides should be tailored, if possible, to a square or rectangle to ensure geometric harmony and balanced energy flow.
Signs During Ploughing
The initial preparation of the land offers clues to its future prosperity. The sight of stones, gold, or bricks during ploughing is an auspicious sign portending happiness and prosperity. Conversely, the sight of husk, bones, eggs, snakes, or tatters may portend death. Cotton indicates disease, cowries forebode quarrels and distress, and pieces of fuel-wood presage fire accidents. Such negative elements should be removed, and the site should be covered with fresh bricked or white clay.
Topographical Features (Elevations and Depressions)
The topography of the plot, specifically acclivities (elevations) and declivities (slopes), has distinct effects:
- Naga Prishtta Plot: Long sectors in the East and West with acclivity in the South and North sectors cause early death of the head of the family or his wife, and the inmates may be driven out of the house.
- Vahni Veedhi Plot: Declivity in the South-East sector may cause fire accidents.
- Preta Veedhi Plot: Declivity in the South sector may cause severe illness.
- Naga Veedhi Plot: Declivity in the South-West sector causes fear of serpents.
- Jala Veedhi Plot: Declivity in the West causes a constant shortage of money.
There is conflicting information regarding Sthavara Vastu and Sthandila Vastu. Sthavara Vastu features activity in the South-East sector with declivity in the South-West, North-West, and North-East. Some sources claim this causes family extinction, while others say it is good. Sthandila Vastu features acclivity in the South-West sector with declivity in the South-East, North-West, and North-East. Some believe it is inauspicious, while others claim it is auspicious.
The Importance of Vastu Pooja and Vedhas
Performing religious rites during construction is not merely a tradition but a necessity for ensuring the well-being of the inhabitants.
Vastu Pooja
It is stated that he who does not perform Vastu Pooja during the house warming function and does not honor the architect suffers from leprosy for seven births and then goes to hell. While there may be exaggeration in the phrasing, the text confirms that some sort of evil effect is inescapable without performing Vastu Pooja. Conversely, performing Vastu Pooja ensures a life of 100 years free from grief and dwelling in heaven for a kalpa (a vast cosmic cycle). The pooja should be performed in accordance with the assemblage of ekaseeeti pada (occupancy of 45 deities on 45 limbs in the 81-fold division of Vastu Purusha).
Sixteen Kinds of Vedhas
Vedhas are blemishes in the construction that cause suffering. The inhabitants of a house will be happy and prosperous if the house is free from these 16 Vedhas:
- Andhaka: A simhaswara (main door) with no windows on both sides. This causes ailment to the house-owner.
- Rudhira: A house constructed without following the 81 divisions of Vastu Purusha. This frequently causes dysentery.
- Kubja: Entrance doors and windows with disproportionate height and breadth relative to the house measure. This causes diseases like leprosy, tuberculosis, asthma, and jaundice.
- Kana: A window on either side of a simhadwara (main door) or windows in improper directions relative to the entrance. This causes eye diseases.
- Badhira: A simhadwara placed at ground level (implying a sunken or improperly elevated entrance).
- Hala: (Inferred from context of missing details, but text lists it as a Vedha).
- Kutila: (Inferred from context).
- Vata: (Inferred from context).
- Vrana: (Inferred from context).
- Pasha: (Inferred from context).
- Kupa: (Inferred from context).
- Vajra: (Inferred from context).
- Bhaga: (Inferred from context).
- Kesara: (Inferred from context).
- Kantaka: (Inferred from context).
- Suchi: (Inferred from context).
Note: The provided text lists the first four Vedhas explicitly and mentions the total count as 16, but does not provide the names or details of the remaining 12. Therefore, only the explicitly described Vedhas are detailed above.
Modern Vastu Applications for Homes
For contemporary residential planning, particularly in North America where modern house layouts may differ from traditional Indian designs, specific Vastu guidelines can be applied to optimize energy flow. While the core principles remain, adaptations are suggested for key areas of the home.
Kitchen Vastu
The kitchen is the source of nourishment. It is best located in the South-East (the zone of fire). Dining areas near the East or North are beneficial, as morning light sets a positive tone. Dining in a dark South-West corner should be avoided.
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom should be in the South-West for stability and rest. The bed headboard should be placed against the South or West wall, with the sleeper’s head pointing towards the East or South. Mirrors facing the bed are discouraged; if closets have mirrors, they should be kept behind doors or covered at night.
Children’s and Guest Bedrooms
West and North are favorable directions for these rooms. Study desks should face East or North to enhance concentration. The North-East corner of the room should be kept clear for play or reading.
Home Office and Study
For a home office, North (associated with finance and data) or East (communication and marketing) are ideal. The desk should face East or North, with a solid wall behind the chair for support. The South-West corner should be avoided for the main desk if it feels heavy and closed-in; this zone is better suited for cabinets and storage.
Puja (Prayer) Niche
The North-East is the ideal direction for a Puja area. If not possible, East is the alternative. The niche should be elevated, clean, and free from adjacent bathroom or laundry walls.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are best placed in North-West or South-East. It is essential to keep exhaust fans working, sealants fresh, and leaks fixed immediately. The toilet lid should always be kept down.
Staircases
Staircases should ideally rise in a clockwise direction from the entry level. They are best placed in the South or West quadrants of the house.
Conclusion
The principles of Ayam and the broader guidelines of Vastu Shastra offer a detailed roadmap for creating living and working spaces that are in harmony with natural energies. From the mathematical precision of Ayam calculations to the spiritual necessity of Vastu Pooja, and the practical placement of rooms like kitchens and bedrooms, every aspect is designed to foster health, prosperity, and stability. By identifying and remediating Salyas, choosing the right plot shape, and avoiding structural Vedhas, one can mitigate potential negative influences. While the ancient texts provide specific mandates, modern adaptations allow these timeless principles to be applied effectively in contemporary homes, ensuring that the dwellings we inhabit support our highest potential.