What is Vastu Shastra?

Vastu Shastra, also known as the “Science of Architecture,” is a traditional Indian sacred system of architecture. It is based on the principles of balancing the five elements of nature – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space – within a structure. For thousands of years, people have used Vastu Shastra to design and construct sacred spaces like temples. They believe that the design and orientation of a sacred space can profoundly impact the physical and mental well-being of the worshippers.

Importance of Vastu Shastra in designing sacred spaces

Vast Shastra plays a significant role in designing and constructing sacred spaces such as temples. Here are some reasons why:

1. Energy Flow: Vast principles ensure the smooth flow of energy within a sacred space, which is essential for the worshipper’s mental and physical well-being.

2. Harmonious Design: Vastu Shastra emphasizes the importance of balancing the five elements of nature in a structure in a way that creates harmony and balance. This balance is crucial in creating a peaceful and tranquil environment within a sacred space.

3. Positive Vibes: The correct use of Vastu principles in designing and constructing a sacred space generates positive vibrations that can profoundly impact the worshipper’s spiritual journey.

4. Cosmic Connect: Vast Shastra teaches that the correct orientation and placement of a sacred space such as a temple connects the worshipper with the cosmos.
This connection plays a vital role in enhancing the spiritual experience of the worshipper.

5. Holistic Approach: Vast Shastra takes a holistic approach to designing a sacred space, focusing not only on the physical building but also on the environment, energy, and cosmic connections. This approach ensures the worshipper’s complete well-being.

Overall, people have regarded Vastu Shastra as a time-tested and well-respected architectural system utilized for thousands of years in the design and construction of sacred spaces, including temples.Its principles have tremendous power to positively impact the worshipper’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being

Vast principles for temple design and construction

According to Vast Shastra, temples serve as a gateway between the human and the divine. The principles of Vast Shastra are designed to create a sacred space that not only connects us with the divine but also promotes inner peace and well-being.
Here are some critical Vast principles for designing and constructing temples:

1. Site Selection: The site of the temple must be chosen carefully, considering factors such as location, topography, and surrounding environment. Architects should construct the temple on an elevated site, ensuring it faces either the east or north direction.

2. Orientation: The orientation of the temple is essential in Vastu Shastra. Architects should orient the temple in a manner where the main entrance faces either east or north. This alignment ensures that the first rays of the sun fall on the temple, infusing it with positive energy.

3. Proportions: Vast Shastra lays emphasis on the proportions of the temple.
Architects base the construction of the temple on the measurements of the human body, referred to as the Vastu Purusha. Maintaining the proportions ensures that the temple becomes a space of harmony and balance.

4. Building Materials:

The choice of building materials is crucial in Vastu Shastra. Architects recommend building the temple using natural and eco-friendly materials such as stone, wood, or marble.Such materials promote the natural flow of energy and create a peaceful environment.

5. Interior Design: The interior of the temple should be designed in such a way that it facilitates the movement of energy and promotes concentration. Architects and practitioners follow Vastu principles when placing the deity or idols, altars, and other ritual items in the temple.

6. Color Scheme: The color scheme of the temple should be chosen carefully, considering its effect on the human psyche. Vastu Shastra prefers warm and soothing colors such as yellow, orange, and red, as they promote positivity and energy.

Overall, Vast principles play a significant role in designing and constructing sacred spaces such as temples. Following these principles ensures that the temple becomes a space of great peace, harmony, and positive energy.

4. Orientation, location, and positioning of the temple

Orientation, Location, and Positioning of the Temple According to Vastu When it comes to designing and constructing a temple according to Vastu Shastra, the orientation, location, and positioning of the temple hold great significance. Here are some important guidelines to consider:

1. Direction: As per Vastu, the ideal direction for building a temple is either east or north, with the entrance or main gate facing towards the east.The east is considered the most auspicious direction as it is associated with the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings and positivity. People consider north as a favorable direction as it is associated with prosperity.

2. Land Form: The land on which the temple is to be built should be of a square or rectangular shape. The slope of the land should also be gentle and not steep.

3. Location: The location of the temple should be such that it is easily accessible to the devotees. Architects should situate the temple in a peaceful environment, ensuring it is free from any negative energy. It should also be free from any obstructions such as trees, buildings, or power lines that may interfere with the flow of energy.

4. Positioning:

The placement of the temple within the designated square or rectangle is also important. Architects mark the central point of the land and place the temple in such a way that the idol or deity faces east or north.

5. Entrance: The entrance of the temple should be well-lit and attractive, with a beautiful archway or foyer. The main gate should have a threshold or “sill,” which represents the boundary between the outside world and the sacred space within.

6. Water Source: According to Vastu Shastra, a temple should have a water source nearby, such as a well or a natural spring. People believe that this enhances the positive energy and vibrations of the temple.

By following these guidelines, architects design and construct a temple according to Vastu, which can help create a space that not only connects with the divine but also promotes positivity and inner peace.

Materials used in temple construction

Materials Used in Temple Construction
According to Vastu

In addition to following guidelines for orientation, location, and positioning, Vastu also recommends specific materials to be used in temple construction. Here are some important materials and their significance:

1. Stone: Stone is considered to be the most auspicious material for constructing a temple. People believe that stone has the ability to absorb and radiate positive energy, making it an ideal material for a place of worship.

2. Wood: Wood is also a significant material used in temple construction, particularly for intricately carved doors, pillars, and ceilings. People believe that it represents natural beauty and harmony.

3. Brass: Brass is commonly used to create temple bells, which are considered to be an essential part of the temple. People believe that the sound of the bell creates a positive energy that dispels negative energy and purifies the temple space.

4. Marble: Marble is a popular material used in temple construction, particularly for flooring and idols. People believe that it represents purity and whiteness and also provides a cooling effect, making it a comfortable material for barefoot walking.

5. Copper: Copper is used to create roofing, lamps, and other decorative elements in the temple. People believe that it promotes healing and purification and possesses anti-bacterial properties, making it a hygienic material for temple usage. By utilizing these recommended materials in temple construction, people believe that the temple space will radiate positive energy and elevate the spiritual experience of the devotees.

Importance of symbolism in Vastu Shastra

Symbolism plays a vital role in Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and design. Believers attribute the use of symbolic elements in temple construction to enhancing the spiritual energy of the temple and creating a conducive environment for worship. Vastu Shastra incorporates symbolism in designing and constructing sacred spaces like temples. Here are some examples:

1. Yantras: Yantras are geometrical designs used for meditation and worship in Hinduism. Incorporating them into temple designs serves to energize the space and enhance the spiritual vibrations. The shape and colors of the yantras are based on specific geometric principles and have specific meaning and significance.

2. Vedic Elements:

In Hinduism, people consider Vedic elements like fire, water, earth, air, and space as sacrosanct, and they often represent them in temple designs.
People usually construct the altar (havan kund), where offerings are made to the deity, using fire-resistant materials like brick or stone. Additionally, they incorporate water bodies like ponds and fountains into temple designs to create a calming and serene atmosphere.

3. Deity Sculptures:

Sculptures and idols of deities are an integral part of Hindu temple designs. The placement and orientation of these sculptures are based on specific Vastu principles and symbolic considerations.

The main deity faces east/north in the sanctum sanctorum, while other deities face west/south in the outer sanctum.

4. Colors: Colors are an important aspect of temple design and are used to create a vibrant and harmonious space. Each color possesses its symbolic significance and is believed to influence the energy and mood of the space. For instance, white symbolizes purity and peace, whereas red is associated with energy and passion.

Incorporating symbolic elements in temple design elevates energy, aiding devotees’ connection with the divine and fostering peace and harmony.

Conclusion: Incorporating Vastu principles into sacred space design ensures harmony and positivity

In conclusion, incorporating Vastu principles in temple design creates harmonious and positive environments for worship. Utilizing symbolic elements elevates spiritual energy, enabling devotees to connect with the divine in sacred spaces.

Adhering to Vastu principles ensures balanced energy flow in temple design, following specific Vast guidelines. The orientation and placement of deities, the use of fire-resistant materials, and the incorporation of water bodies are some of the Vast principles that can promote a more serene and calming atmosphere in the sacred space.