HANDBOOK OF

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© B. Niranjan Babu
First Published 1997 First Reprint 2000
First Reprint 1997 Second Reprint 2000
Second Reprint 1998 Third Reprint 2001
Third Reprint 1998 Fourth Reprint 2001
Fourth Reprint 1998 Fifth Reprint 2002
Fifth Reprint 1999 Sixth Reprint 2003
Second Revised Edition 2000 Seventh Reprint 2004

B. Niranjan Babu asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this
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 Contents

Foreword
h Dr. R V. R;ll11,m ix

Preface Xl

Section I ............................... H ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1

Section II ......................................................•..... 83

Section III ............................................................ 127

Section IV ....................................... · ........ ····.··· .. ·· 143
Section V .......................................... · ...... ····........ 163
Index ................................................................... 175
 PREFACE

It gives me great pleasure to present my readers Handbook

of Vastu.
.
In the last few years. Vastu Shastra (Science of Dwellings)~

has become popular and many books have been published on

it. Many seminars and symposia have been conducted on it.
Buildings also have been modified on Vastu principles with
good results.
The awareness of the importance of Vastu Shastra can be
said to be recent though the science itself is ancient.
I have endeavoured to put before the readers the basic
principles of Vastu as expounded by classical authorities.
Relevant diagrams and tables have heen provided to enable the
reader to understand the principles better.
The book is divided into five sections. The first three sections
are further divided into chapters and each chapter hegins with
an . At a glance' paragraph. The fourth section answers some
common queries related to construction and modification of
houses. A few illustrative building plans in the fifth section
will. no doubt. enable the reader to grasp the principles better.
I hope the reader will he enahled to acquire a working
knowledge of Vastu by studying this book.
My study and research in Vastu have been solely due the
encouragement and guidance of revered parents Dr. B. V. Raman
(Editor. THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE. Bangalore.
India) and Mrs. Rajeswari Raman (Director. Sri Surya Prakash
Institute of Yoga for Women. Bangalore. India).
I express my thanks to several friends whose suggestions
have helped me in the writing of this book.

B. NIRANJAN BABU
 FOREWORD

It is with pleasure that I am writing the following words by

way of a foreword to my son B. Niranjan Babu's work
Handbook of Vastu.
In Sanskrit Vastu ordinarily means a dwelling house. It also
denotes the lot of land over which a dwelling house is built.
Silpa Sastras and astrological works deal with this subject
exhaustively.
N iranjan Babu has made a careful study of most of the extant
classical literature and appears to have a firm grip on the subject.
It is necessary that houses. factories. hotels. etc. be
constructed according to Vastu so that destructive vibrations
emanating from Nature due to the materials used arc screened
off.
The book takes the reader in a graduated form through the
essentials of Vastu and its practical application. Several
diagrams are gIven to enable one to put to practical usc. the
principles of Vastu.
The author has already made hIS mark in the field of Vastu
and bids to hold his own in the future. I am glad to say that this
work has been done with considerable skill and ability.
Today. the market is being flooded with several books on
the subject; but the present one fulfils a long-felt want for its
clarity and style of presentation. I bid my son God-speed in his
efforts to propagate and promote Vastu for the good of all those
\\'ho are interested in It.

Bangalore B. V. RAMAN
 SECTION I

1. Introduction ................................................................... 3
2. Who is the \Tastu Purusha ........................................•.. 14
3. Understanding Directions ........................................... 19
4. Selection of site ........................................................... 21
5. Veedhi Shoola .............................................................. 30
6. Corner Sites ................................................................. 33
7. Orientation ................................................................... 36
8. Offerings to the Site deity ........................................... 39
9. System of measurement .............................................. 41
10. Building Formulae (Ayadi Shadvarga) ....................... 44
11. Brahmasthana ............................................................. 56
12. Laying the Foundation ................................................ 60
13. Digging the Well .......................................................... 64
14. Compound (Fencing) 'Valls ......................................... 68
15. House ........................................................................... 71
16. The Main door (Mahadwara) ..................................... 76
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU

1. Introduction

At a glance:

Vastu is the science of architecture. It dates hack

to the Vedas, the knowledge hooks of ancient India.
Vastu, pronounced as Vaastu is an integral part
of Jyotisha or Vedic Astrology. Vastu is a practical
science that puts optimism in you and makes you
say '[ CAN' in any circumstance. Vastu will help
you achieve success in your l(fe, whether it is
education, home or business

We will be using the tenn Vastu throughout this

book. Vastu is pronounced as Vaastu. The Sanskrit
dictionary defines Vastu as a dwelling. Shastra is a
treatise. Vastu S hastra therefore means the treatise on
dwellings. Vastu relates to the Vedas or the Hindu
books of Knowledge which are said to apourusheya
or that which cannot be dated. Vastu is said to be a
minor veda of Atharva Veda, one of the four vedas. It
is also known as Sthapatya Veda or the science of
archi tecture.
Manasara, a great work on ancient architecture,
describes vastu as the ground (dhara), the building or
edifice (harmya), the conveyance (yana) and the
bedstead (paryanka) and other couches.
Vastu is an integral point of Jyotisha or Vedic
Astrology. l\layamata, another excellent work on
..
4 HA\iDBOOK OF Y ASn:
A<;CL"NDANT
11 12 1 2
10 3 optimism in you and makes you say 'I CAN' in any
IMMOVABLE
PROPERTY,
9 VEHICLES
AND
GENERAL
HAPPINESS
8 7 6 5
Vastu says: "The house is to be entered at a propitious
time which accords with the owner's horoscope after
doing the propitiatory rites," According to Dr. Raman,
editor of THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE of India, the
fourth house from the ascendant in an astrological chart
has reference to mother, immovahle property,
education, vehicles and general happiness.
While Jyotisha is said to be a vedanga or a limb of
the Vedas, Vastu is said to be a upaveda or a minor
veda.
The principles of Vastu as enumerated in classical
texts are universally applicable in-espective of religion
or place. These principles can be adapted to suit
modern conditions. Vastu's concern is not only material
prosperity but also mental peace and happiness and
harmony in the family, office etc.
Vastu is a boon to the modern world, The keys to
the ancient secrets of the sages are now available to
us. These keys presented in the following pages will
enable you to open the doors to a happy living that
H ~\iDBOOK OF YASTU 5
promotes positive thinking and elevates the general
quality of your life. Vastu will enable you to vibe with
your surroundings in and around your home and make
life worth living. Vastu is a practical science that puts
circumstance. Vastu will help you in achieving success
in your life, whether it is education,home-life or
business.
The science of Vastu takes into fundamental
consideration the energies radiating from the four
directions, viz., North, East, South and West. It
explains in simple language the selection of site, the
construction of a residence, apartment, business
complex, hospital complex or educational complex and
the placement of the various rooms in these buildings
Mon-is Schindler, a Philadelphia architect who is
said to have built houses based on Vastu principles
(Sthapatya Veda) says: "In particular, the design of a
space should actually stimulate one to feel the
quintessential qualities of its intended purposes ....
For example, the dining room should stimulate the
experience of hunger, the living room sociability, the
study alertness and the bedroom rest."
This book is intended to give YOU the fundamental
principles of Vastu and how they can be applied to
better your lives.
If you follow the general principles given in the
pages of this book while constructing your house,
industry or complex or while doing the interiors of
your residence, office, shop, clinic, hotel, etc you can
look forward to better times.

6 HANDBOOK OF
The ancient sages of India had great forethought.
They ~ew that one of the basic needs of man, viz.,
shelter If taken care of carefully in accordance with
~e principles of Vastu, man would be stronger to face
hfe's complexities.
They ~tudied. the various energies coming from the
cosmos m relatIOn to the energies coming from man
and his environment and came out with certain basic
rules that ~ent into the various aspects of construction.
They studie.d not only the various known energies like
solar, electncal, magnetic, gravitational, etc., but many
of the energies
. still unkown to modem man . The w·lse
men of IndIa. we~~ not hair-splitting philosophers but
men of great mtUItIve powers and intellectual prowess.
Many of the great temples and palaces of India are
remarkable
. legacies of ancient India and b ear
testI~ony to the greatness of this ancient science of
archItecture.
Vastu dates back to the pre-Ramayana and the
M~~bhar~ta perio~s. These Epics contain description
of CItI~S wIth multIstoreyed buildings with spacious
balcomes and porticoes.
In the. Mahabharata it is said a number of houses
were bUIlt for the kings who were invited to the city
Indraprastha for the Rajasuya Yagna of K·
YI ddh. .
u . Istrra. Sage Vyasa says that these houses were
as hI~h as the peaks of Kailasa mountains, perhaps
meamng that they stood tall and majestic. The houses
were free fro~ obstructions, had compounds with high
w~l1s and theIr doors were of uniform height and inlaid
wIth numerous metal ornaments.
7
VASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU
It is said that the site plan of Ayodhya, the city of
Lord Rama was similar to the plan found in the great
architectural text Manasara.
References are also to be found in Buddhist
literature, of buildings constructed on the basis of
Vastu. They contain references to individual buildings.
Lord Buddha is said to have delivered discourses on
architecture and even told his disciples that supervising
the construction of a building was one of the duties of
the order.
Mention is made of monasteries (Viharas) or
temples, buildings which are partly residential and
partly religious (Ardhayogas) , residential st.or~yed
buildings (Prasadas), multi-storeyed bUIldIngs
(harmyas) and Guhas or residential buildings for
middle class people.
A treatise known as Chullavagg a with a
commentary of Buddhaghosa is said to contain much
material on the science of architecture.
Many Puranas (ancient books of India) such as
Skanda, Agni, Matsya, Garuda, Narada, Vayu,
Brahmanda and Linga, deal with Vastu fairly
extensively.
For instance the Matsyapurana refers to eighteen
sages proficient in Vastu.
lng
Bhriguratri Vasishtascha Viswakarma Mayaasthatha I
Narado Nagnajichaiva Visalaakshaha Purandaraha II
Brahma Kumaro Nandeesha Shaunako Gaarga Eva Chal
Vaasudevo Anirudhascha thatha Sukro Brihaspatihi II
Ashtaadashaite Vijyaatha Vastushastropadeshakaha I I
8 HANDBOOK OF V ASTl'
(B~gu, Atrj., Vasishta, Viwakarma, Maya, Narada,
Nagnajitha, Visalaaksha, Purandhara, Brahma,
Ku~ara, Nandisa, Saunaka, Gaarga, Vaasudeva,
Amruddha, Sukra and Brihaspati are the eighteen
celebrated authors referred to as Vastu
Shastropadesakas or instructors in the Science of
Vastu.)
Brihat Samhita is an excellent work on various
aspects of natural ph~nomena like weather forecasting,
earth.quake forecastmg, transits of planets, rainfall,
archItecture, comets etc. This magnum opus is
authored by the celebrated Varahamihira who was an
astro~omer-mathematician scientist of India living in
the SIxth century A.D. Certain chapters of Brihat
Sa~hita exclusively deal with residential and temple
archItecture.
Divin~ng of, underground water is an important
chapter m Brlhat Samhita. Various methods detail
the exploration of water springs.
For instance, one stanza tells us:
.If a palm or coconut tree is found to be covered
with anthills, a southerly water-vein is present at a
depth of 20 cubits and at a distance of 6 cubits from
the tree.
Bri~at Samhita also recommends water tanks
to have theIr eastern and western sides longer than the
southern and northern sides.
It is also interesting to note the preparation and
use of an adamantine glue (akin to the modern d
cement) used in construction of residential buildin;:
HA~J)[lOOK OF VASTU
temples and idols finds a prominent place in Brihat
Samhita.
The various Agamas (vedic knowledge books)
also give much useful information on architecture.
Notable among them are Karnikagama, Karnagama,
Suprahhedag ama . Vaikhansag ama and
Amsumadhhedag ama .
Certain works on Tantra (mystical teachings) such
as Kirana Tantra and Hayaseersha Tantra are also said
to contain much information on architecture. Other
treatises like Kautilya's Arthasastra and Sukra Niti are
said to dwell on structural aspects of architecture. Some
of the more important works on the science of dwelling
are Manasara, Samarangana Sutradhara, Mayamata
and Viswakarma Prakasha. Manas ara is a
comprehensi ve treati se on arc hi tecture and
iconography. According to Prof. P. K. Acharya, the
editor of Manasara, this book is considered to be the
source of all presentations of architecture in Purana
and Agama as well as in more specialised texts such
as Brihat Samhita and Mayamata. In fact this treatise
itself is identified as a Vastu Sastra.
Manasara represents the universality of Vastu
tradition and contains also the iconography of Jain and
Buddhist images. The work is universally accepted
all over India.
Manas ara uses the term Manasara in three distinct
ways, namely, the author of an unknown time and
parentage, a class of sages or rishis who deal with the
essence of measurement or mana-sara and lastly a
treatise containing methods and rules of architectural
 11
V ASTL H \\;O[lOnK OF V ASTu
10 HAl\iDBOOK OF

is no defect in it~ but if the demerit is more than the

and sculptural construction. Prof. P.K. Acharya who
has exhaustively and painstakingly translated this merit, it would be all defective.
Samarangana Sutradhara is authored by King Bhoja
classic work into English attempts to date Manasara
(of Dhara) who ruled between 1018 AD to 1060 AD.
to a few centuries earlier to the Christian era.
He was a great patron of poets and men of letters. In
Manasara makes use of two main units of
addition to Samarangana Sutradhara, he is said to have
measurement. The angula or the breadth of a thumb
written 33 other works on a variety of subjects like
(roughly 3/4 of an inch) and hasta (24 angulas) for
astronomy, poetics, philosophy, politics, Dharma
architectural measure and taala (the span between the
Sastra, Drama, Architecture, Grammar, Medicine,
tips of a fully stretched thumb and middle finger) for
sculptural measure. Saivisim, etc.
\ Four types of architects are defined. The chief
~chitect is called Sthapathi, the designer or draftsman
Samarangana Sutradhara is a remarkable legacy of
King Bhoja. His rule was noted for splen~our and
grandeur. This great work not only deals wIt~ house
IS called Sutragrahin, the Painter is Vardhanthi and
architecture, town planning and temple archItecture
the Carpenter (Sutradhara). Just as
hut also deals with the canons of painting and
Varahamihira, in his Brihat J ataka, prescribes the
mechanical devices known as Yantras. It consists of
quali~cations of an astrologer, Manasara too prescribes
certam qualifications for an architect. An architect 83 chapters.
Mayamata of Maya (some say it is authored by a
should have novel ideas, be capable of acquiring
person called Gannamacharya) contains 36 chapters
knowledge, be a good writer, a skillful draftsman
comprising of 3300 verses. The work. deals
extensively and exhaustively with the ~ubJe~t of
versed in geometry and optics, informed in th;
?rinciples of natural and moral philosophy, not
architecture with reference to dwelling SItes,
~gnorant of the sciences of law and physics and most
examination of the soil, systems of measurement and
Important he should also be well versed in astronomy Olientation, villages and towns, the building of temples,
- astrology and mathematics. etc. It discusses the importance of doors, gateways
Manasara also evaluates merits and demerits with
and pavilions besides vehicles, beds and seats. ..
the following sloka. Mayamata has quite a few references to the positlOn
Yatra Dosho Gunadhikyam of a well. Invariably these slokas recommend the
Tatra Dosho Na Vidhyate placement of wells either in the north, north east or
Teshamadhikagunaam Vaanamyam
Sarvadoshakaram Bhavet east of the plot.
Mayamata occupies a very importa~t pla~e am~ngst
meaning when the merit is more than demerit, there the various treatises on Vastu. It IS saId to nave

HANDBOOK OF V ASTU
12
originated from South India. It is the best known
among the ancient treatises dealing with architecture
and iconography. Maya, the author was not only an
expert in Vastu but also in Jyothisha. The famous
astronomical Surya Siddhanta is also authored by
Maya.
Vishwa Karma Vastu Shastra is a treatise to which
reference is made to by Varahamihira as early as the
sixth century AD. This treatise deals systematically
with orientation of sites, men and materials to be
employed in vastu, examination of soil, town and
village planning, temple construction or prasadas,
construction of palaces, bhavanas or mansions, the
anthapura or inner chambers in a royal palace.
One of the chapters also deals with the dining hall,
the placement of seats and the directions there of.
There are other unique seen and unseen works on
this great science like the Silparatna, Aparajitha
Praccha, Manusyalaya Chandrika etc.
The classical works referred to speak of Aya. Every
plot and building is said to have life and hence has to
be built to perfect proportions based on certain
formulae. When a building is constructed based on
these formulae, it is ensured of long life and the
residents live happily with good health, wealth and
prosperity. These formulae called the Ayadi Shadvarga
are 1) Aya, Increase or profit 2) Vyaya, decrease or
loss 3) Rksa or Nakshatra 4) Yoni or source or the
orientation of the building 5) Vara (week day) or the
solar day and 6) Tithi or the lunar day.
I~
HANDBOOK OF VAST\!
.
The anCIent . h'IS 0 f India had made areat
ns strides
b .
not only in the science of architecture but also III
Jyotisha, Vedanta, Yoga, etc. .
Even today we have great monumental ~emp~es III
India like the Vidyasankara temple of ~nngen, the
Rameswaram temple, the Meenakshl, temple of
adurai the Venkateswara temple of Tlrumala, the
M , ' d an Y others
Brihadeeswara Temple of TanJore an rr: ,
which have withstood the onslaught of tIme, ~hese
, ,'t d by thousands of people WIth all
temples are VISI e
sorts of problems day in and day out who return back
to their homes with mental solace and pe~ce,
Vastu Shastra is a great science of architecture that
was founded by our ancients for a comfo:rable and
, 'd . rors and
contented society at large. Pyraml s, mIr '
vantras are not an integral part of Vastu but may onl Y
.aid in Vastu's goal of ac h"levmg a he althy , wealthy an d
prosperous life.
 14
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU V ASTU
HANDBOOK OF 15

2. Who is the Vastu Purusha

be the deity of all plots pand o~:~~:~~d to take care of
. have to be done
At a glance: to him. In return Vastu urus "
the inmates of the house.

/ NORTH
I Vastu Purusha is the diety responsible for the
strength and happiness in the site.
V3yU N3ga Mukhya Bh311ata Som3 Mrg3 Aditi Uditi 153

I~! ~
Three positions for the the Vastu Purusha are Raga Parjany3
mentioned. Bhudh3ra
r-- r--
These positions indicate the various seasonal Sosa
Rudra Apavatsa
Jayant3

changes an the permanence of the structure

Asura Mahendra

r-- r--
Jaladhipa Mitra Aryaka
BRAHMA Aditya
r-- r--
Puspa-
danta Satyaka
Brihat Samhita describes the Vastu Purusha as
follows:

'z IS
Sugnv BhLla
It is said some Being obstructed the earth and the Vlvasvant
sky with its body. The gods SUddenly caught the being Dauvan
ka Indra Antanksa
Savinrlra
and laid it face down on the ground. Whichever limbs
were held by different gods had those very gods as Pltr Mrsa
lBhrng a- Gandhal Yama
rat; rva
1 Raksasa Vitatha Pusan Agni
their presiding dieties. The creator ordered that the
Being be the god of the site (or house). SOUTH
Paramasayika diagram
The story also runs as follows: Fig 2.01

When Lord Shiva is fighting the demon called

Andhaka, his (the Lord s) perspiration falls to the The above figure names the dieties responsible to
ground. Out of this is born the Vastu Purusha. Being V t Purusha on the plot.
hungry he starts devouring everything that comes his keep the as uPurusha IS
The Vastu . .Sal
d to have three positions
way. The gods then go to Lord Brahma. He tells them viz.,
to hold the being face down. 45 deities press him 1) Nitya Vastu
down. Lord Brahma blesses him saying that he will 2) Chara Vastu and
3) Sthira Vastu.
 16

HANDBOOK OF VASTU
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 17

Nitya Vastu

in aThe
day.Vastu Purusha's gaze changes every three hours

Chara Vastu

The Vastu Purusha s gaze is directed towards South

during Bhadrapada, Ashwayuja and Karthika
corresponding to September, October, November and
December months; towards West during Margasira,
Pushya and Magha corresponding to December,
January, February and March months; towards North
during Phalguna, Chaitra and Vaishaka corresponding
to March, April, May and June months and towards
East during Jyeshta, Ashada and Shravana
corresponding to June, July, August and September
months.
It will be seen that the Vastu Purusha's change of
position are closely linked to the various seasonal
changes.

Sthira Vastu Fig 2.02

The third and most important position is the fixed 't . .f"lC a.spect of the Vastu
nd SCIent!
position of the Vastu Purusha where his position is as building or a SI e a . . with his head and
shown on next page. 1· . perfect square
Purusha who les In a . 1 d hands on the SE-
SW NE dlagona an .h
Here his feet are on the South-west, his left arm on seat
NW on the are
diagonal - hlg
. hI"19 hted in Brihat Samhita WIt
the North-west, his head on the North-east and his right a S tanza which means:
arm on the South-east. . " d
Sthira in sanskrit means fixed, stable or permanent. If the "Vastu N ara go OIl lose wealth and
1 Has no ng o h t arm, the owner WI .
Sthira Vastu is therefore concerned with the o 1 h ugh women.
construction of a house, temple, village, town, etc and 2. Iwill be miserab e t r~
f he is without the Ie t arm,
there is loss of money
their permanence. The importance of the shape of a and foodo
 18
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HA ..... DBOOK OF V ASTU 19

i
3. If his head is absent, he will fall from all virtues.
3. Understanding Directions
4. If his feet are missing male children will die, the
master becomes weak and there will be troubles At a glance:
through women.
5. On the other hand if the House god is endowed
with all the limbs in fine shape, the inmates of the Selection of the sitw involves the understanding
house will be happy and live with wealth and of the eight directions, viz., North, North-east,
honour.
East, South-east, South, South-west, West and
It is also clear from the stanza that irregular shapes North-west (Uttara, Eashanya, Poorva, Agneya,
are not recommended.
Dakshina, Nairutya,Paschima and Vayuvya) apart
from the central area (Brahmasthana)

Before we go in for selection of a site let us

understand the various directions with the help of the
following diagram. This diagram is referred to as Pitha
in Mayamata.
N

1 2 3

w
8
• 4 E

7 6 5

S
Fig 301
 20
HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HAI'DBOOK OF V ASTU 21

1 refers to North-west (vayuvya), 2 refers to

North (uttara), 3 refers to North-east (eashanya), 4
4. Selection of site
refers to East (poorva), 5 refers to South-east (agneya),
6 refers to South (dakshina), 7 refers to South-west
(nairutya), 8 refers to West (paschima) and 9 refers to Select a site that is oriented to the cardin~l
Brahmasthana (the central portion) or the space around . . nor, th east
the navel of the Vastu Purusha.
directlOns, VlZ., ".'<;outh or west.I AVOld
ther
sites that are triangular, clrclcular, ova.o.
Similarly when we talk of the sectors the foIIowing irregular shapes. Avoid proximity to. relzglO.us
diagram (Pechaka) is self explanatory. laces and sites near factories and zndustrz~s
P hich are said to he places o.ldisturbance. Avozd
N :maller sites in between two bigger plots. Square
or rectangular sites are good.

1 2
w.....____ " IS very 1m
Selection of a sIte . port ant. . Just as youe
1-----.. . E would take care to select a compatible l~fe partn~r, ~d
equally cautious while selecting your sIte too. d~o 1
4 buying plots which are not oriented to car lOa
3
directions, viz., north, east, south and west.
N

S
Fig 3.01

1 corresponds to North-west (vayuvya) sector.

2 corresponds to North-east (eashanya) sector. w
3 corresponds to South-east (agneya) sector.
4 corresponds to South-west (nairutya) sector.
• corresponds toBrahmanabhi or Brahmabindu or
the centre of gravity of the plot.
Fig ".01
 23

22 HANDBOOK OF VASTU HANDBOOK OF VASTU

that south and west facing

Select rectangular or square sites For rectangular It however does not mean . tra effort to give
. b d We have to put m ex
sites let not the length be more than twice the width. SItes are a. . t It need not be rejected.
The great treatise Mayamata, however prescribes a vastu strength to the S1 e. h N rth and/or east elevated
ratio of 1: 1.25. Suppose a site that has t ~ ;he plot can be rectified
has already been purchase .
by levelling the plot. .
Avoid plots in the shape of.

1) Triangle
2b 2b

~(--b-~ 1
Fig4.02

Sites which slope towards north and east are said to

Fig 4.03
be good for health, wealth and success in life.
Manasara says that quadrangular ground elevated
towards the south and west is suitable for gods and 2) Circle or Oval
men respectively. Perhaps this means that temples
(dwellings of the Lord) should have north sloping sites
and salas (dwellings of men) should have east sloping
sites.
However, in an earlier chapter Manasara
recommends north sloping sites for thinkers (perhaps
equating intellectuals with God) and East sloping sites
for others. Avoid sites in the proximity of temples and
near or on burial grounds. Sites near factories should
Fig 4.04
also be avoided. East and n0l1h sloping sites are good.
24
HANDBOOK OF V ASH] HASDBOOK OF V ASTU 25

3) Other irregular shapes

4) and sites whose centres are raised
1
like a tortoise shell.

o
Fig 4.06

Sites with North-East growth are good. N

Fig 4.07

But if the plot has grown on the other sides, you

can correct and use them as shown in Fig 4.08. by
constructing a wall of about 3 feet height which is at
Fig 4.05
90° to the cardinal directions.
 27
26 HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU

If you already have a site and are planning to buy

N N additional land, avoid buying land that is to south, west,
south-west, south-east or north-west of your site. Buy
any land that is to your north, east or north-east.
E

N
s s

N w E

5
Fig 4.10

s The examination of the soil is another important

Fig 4.08 aspect of Vastu. Brihat Samhita says that the soil should
Avoid purchasing smaller sites in between two be soft, of sweet smell and taste and not hollow
bigger plots. Health, wealth and happiness are said underneath.
evade the residents living in such a site. A test for finding the suitability of the soil as given
by the wise men of India for construction of your
house is given here.
Dig up a pit in the site at sunrise. Next morning
BIGGER SMALLER BIGGER again at the same time fill it up with the dug up soil.
PLOT PLOT PLOT If the pit overflows, the soil is said to be fit for
building. If the pit just fills, the site is moderate and if
the pit is insufficiently filled, the site is not fit for
Fig 4.09 construction.
 29
28 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF VASTU

Intermediary Directions
Southeast Northwest Northeast
Direction Southwest

If elevation If higher If highest.

Elevation All round
is more than than North- totally
(Slopes up) prosperity
the North- east but drains out
and health
west and less than health,
Northeast Southwest wealth and
than South- and South- happiness
Fig 4.11 east, but east, general
less than health and
Southwest contentment
Tdh e follo:ving table gives likely results of elevation will be there
financial
an d epresslOns of the site. strength
Main Directions is ohtained
Direction South North West East
Master. wife If lowest If lower than If lowest,
Depression all round
Elevation (Slopes or eldest son fires, frauds North-east
Healthy Creates Gives Unhappiness ill-health prosperity
down) becomes and extreme
(Slopes up) Wealthy miserable good from and health
weak physi- difference
Prosperous monetary children children
cally and of opinions.
situation and fame
otherwise.
Depression Severe Ill- Generally Education Keeps you Table 4.02
(Slopes health and prosperous suffers, in fit
down) monetary and healthy financial health
problems weakness, and makes
Bad repu- you
tation, prosperous
Expendi-
ture on
medical bills

Table 4.01
 31
30 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU

5. Veedhi Shoola Favourable Veedhi Shoolas

N
N Iv

E W E
Veedhi Shoola is a road which thrusts into a w
site. Some of these roads are said to give positive
energies and some negative.
While selecting the site these positive and 5 5
negative roads into the site need to be considered
N N
carefully to get the benefits of Vastu properly.

E W E
w
Veedhi means a road and Shoola is the spear. Veedhi
shoola therefore means a road that finishes as a dead
end to a site or the house on it. 5
The following table gives the favourable and
5
unfavourable Veedhi shoolas.
Fig. 5.01
Veedhi shoolas Favourable

North of northeast Yes

East of northeast Yes Unfavourable Veedhi Shoolas
South of southeast Yes
East of southeast No
North of northwest No N N
West of northwest Yes
West of southwest No
South of southwest No E W E
W
x
I
I Table 5.01
\
Figs 5.01 and 5.02 given on the next pages help in a
better understanding of this principle.
x 5 5
1
!
 32
HANDBOOK OF VASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 33

x N N
6. Corner Sites
At a glance:

w E W E

Corner sites are to be hought carefully duly

s x s considering the directions. Sites with roads on the
north and east are best.

d' W~ile selecting the site, carefully consider the

lrect.lOn from which the road juts into your site. As
explamed .above, you can settle for sites which have
the followmg Veedhi Shoola:
1. North of northeast ............... Best
2. East of northeast .................. Best
3. South of southeast ............... Moderate
4. West of northwest.. .............. Moderate
People tend to go in for corner sites so that they
have the advantage of open space on two sides. While
it is good to go in for comer sites, you need to be
careful in selecting the right vastu approved comer
site. Northeast corner sites are the best.
As far as possible avoid the other comer sites, viz.,
souteast, northwest and southwest.
The following results are normally attributed to the
comer sites.

Site North-east South-east North-west South-west

Result Generally Tensions Addictions. Master.

healthy and and monetar I; bad thoughts eldest son
prosperous problems and mercurial weakened
(contented) in thinking
34 V ASTU 35
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF

Once the selection of the site is done, the site has to

be thoroughly ploughed and levelled wherever
necessary. The ploughing should be done at an
auspicious time and due attention should be paid to
remove nails, hair, bones and other rubbish, litter etc.

However if you are already living in the corner sites

no.t r~commended, hy proper application of vastu ~
pnncl?les to your building as enunciated in the r
followmg pages, you can minimise/eliminate the flaws.
36 HANDBOOK OF V ASTI'
7. Orientation
At a glance:
Always orient your building to the cardinal
directions, viz, north, east, south and west. The
ancients oriented their buildings with the help of
a rod or shanku. Three types are mentioned -
excellent (uttama), average (madhyama) and
inferior ( adhama). They are recommendedfor use
in the months of August and September (Kanya)
or in the months of April and May (Vrishabha)
Orient your building and any walls
you may have around your building to
the four cardinal directions, viz., north,
east, south and west. The classical texts
like Mayamata and Manasara delineate
methods of orienting the building (and
the walls around the building) with the
help of a Gnomon. (The oxford
dictionary descri bes a gnomon as a rod
that shows time by shadow on marked
surface of a sun-dial) A Gnomon or
.. +
Sankhu (as it is known in Sanskrit) is
6 angulas made of ivory, sandalwood or wood.
Three types of Sankhu are mentioned:
UTTAMA 1. Uttama (Excellent):
SANKHU This is 24 angulas (18") high, 6
Fig 7.01 angulas (4.5") wide at the base and 2
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU
angulas (1 112") at the top. (An angula is reckoned as
three-fourths of an inch).
2. Madhyama (Average):
This is 18 angulas (131/2") high, 5 angulas (3 3/4")
wide at the base and one angula (3/4") wide at the top.
3. Adhama (Inferior):
This is 12 angulas (9") high, four angulas (3")
wide at the base and 1/3 angula (3/8") wide at the top.
The tip should be perfectly shaped.
Clean the center of the selected site. Level a square
of 2 cubits (36") and place a sankhu or gnomon at the
chosen place at sunrise. With twice the sanku as radius,
draw a circle around the Sankhu 28/2/98 .. In the
forenoon, mark the point at which the shadow of the
Sankhu touches the circle. Similarly mark the point at
which the shadow touches the circle in the afternoon. \
The line joining the two points is the east west line.
From each of the east and west points draw a circle
with their distance as radius. The two intersecting
points which are the head and tail of the fish are the
w E
5 Fig 7.02
38 HANDBOOK OF
north and south points. The true cardinal
(geographical) directions are thus found.
The classical works on vastu mention apachchaya
and its ommission while marking the length of the
shadow. The apachchhaya which can be interpreted
as a penumbra (a light or dim shadow) is different
from the chhaya or umbra (dark shadow). The
demarcations between the two is very thin and rarely
possible to measure.
Therefore the sankhu can be used during the months
of August and September corresponding to Kanya or
April and May corresponding to Vrishabha when the
apachhhaya is said to be nil.
N
W t-----+----I E
s (archaka) makes the offerings to the dieties by
Fig 7.03
The modem simpler method is by using the compass
which indicate the directions without much effort.
Once the directions are fixed, construct the building
and the walls around it exactly in line with the
orientation.
V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 39
8. Offerings to the Site diety
At a glance:
Clean the site and make the necessary offerings
to the diety in the prescribed manner, beginning
from Brahma. Hindu scholars (pandits) well
versed in the scriptures can guide you the ways of
making the offerings. This 1,ilill give the owner
master opulence, peace o.fmind, harmony among
family members and well-being. Om Brahmaya
Namah
The classical works of India recommend that
offerings should be made to the the various dieties
represented in the diagram (Fig.8.01 in the next page)
beginning from Brahma who is assigned the central
portion of the site.
Before the offerings are made the site is cleaned
and the plan made on the ground. The offerings are
brought by a young girl and the architect or the priest
pronouncing their names separately with the mystic
syllable Om at the beginning and N amah at the end.
For eg., Om Brahmaya Namah.
The offerings normally consist of perfumes,
garlands, incense, milk, honey, ghee, milk, boiled rice,
roasted rice, fruits, curd, durva(grass), clarified butter,
vegetables, sesame seeds, lotus flowers, etc.
40 HANDBOOK OF V ASTI' HASDHOOK OF V ASTU 41

Scholars from India well versed in the traditional 9. System of measurement

sciences will be able to guide you on how exactly the
offerings are to be made. At a glance:
The Manasara says if the offerings are not made,
there will be unhappiness. On the other hand if the
dieties are pacified by the offerings, there will always The allguia and hasta are the rnall1 units of
be opulence, peace of mind, harmony among family measurement. Six types of Ineasurement are
members and well-being. mentioned. tv1easurcment of height or length,
breadth, width or circumference, along plumblines,
of thickness and inter space.
N.E. EAST S.E.

Shikhi Parjan- Antari- Anilah8

co co
yaha co co co ..c kshaha
] ..c co
~
..c co ..c
c: co
co -0 C >,
'"2
'"
>,
.5 ..c
Ditihi Apaha co
.... '"
CI'l CI'l
a:I Savitraha Poosha

The ancients used the angula (3/4") for the

Aditihi Apa- Aryama Savitha Vithathaha measurement of idols and the hasta (24 angulas or
vatsaha
18") or cubit for measurement of residential buildings,
Bhujagaha Brihatkshataha temples and palaces. The hasta was also used to
r:'"'
..c
co
..c ~ measure conveyances (yana), couches (sayana), etc.
Somaha -0
:: BRAHMA e;< Yamaha
~
<
",.
Six types of measurements are described.
·cc.. '"
Bhalilltaha Gandharvaha M iilla Measurement of height or length
Prwnan(/ Measurement of breadth
Raja-
Mukhyaha Mitraha lndraha Bhringaraja Parimana Measurement of width or circumference
akshma
Lamhamana Measurement along plumblines
Ahihi
'"
..c
Rudraha co
'"c:
..c '"co
C -§ Jayaha Mrigah. Unmana Measurement of thickness
il
r:'"'
..c
..c
'"0
'" -0
'"E
>
'So Upamana Measurement of inter space.
Papa- ..c
«'"'" '"
~ phauvva
Rogaha
yakshma
CI'l
'"'" '"
CI'l
rikaha Pitha
~ '" The classical works also speak of the Ghanamana
N.W. WEST S.W
(exterior measurement) and aghanamdna (interior
Fig 801 measurement).
 43
42 HANDBOOK OF VASTlI HA:-;DBOOK OF V ASTU

Mana is also used generally to mean measurement. However the angula is defined as the middle phalanx
We also have adimana which means primary of the middle finger in Mayamata and the yava
measurement or comparative measurement. measurement (8 barley grains placed side by side)
Talamana is the sculptural measurement. Here the works out roughly to 3 cms.
length of the face from the top of the head is the unit.
This length can also be taken as the distance between
the tip of the middle finger and the top of the thumb of
a fully stretched palm.
Manasara mentions the following:
00000000
,. M
1 paramanu = 1 atom 8 BARLEY GRAINS
8 paramanu = 1 ratha dhooli (molecule)
8 ratha Dhooli = 1 vaalagna (hair end)
8 valagna = 1 liksha (nit or egg of a louse)
81iksha = I yooka (louse) Fig 9.01
8 yooka = I yava (barley corn)
8 yava = 1 angula or three-fourths of an inch
12 angula = I vitasti
2 vitasti I kishku hasta (small cubit) or
twenty four inches
25 angula I praajaapatya (1 cubit)
26 angula 1 dhanurmushti
4 dhanur mushti - I dhanda
8 dhanda I rajju

A rajju is the standard length of a rope and works

out to 26x4x8 angula or 832 angula or 52 feet. A
kishku cubit (24 angula or 18") also known as hasta is
normally used for measuring all objects.
The 3/4" measurement for angula is as given by
Prof. P.K.Acharya in his "Encyclopaedia of
Architecture" .

44 HANDBOOK OF V ASH!
10. Building Formulae
(Ayadi Shadvarga)
At a glance:
Certainformulae called Ayadi Shadvarga are
recommended by the ancient classical works of
India when building a residence or temple. These
formulae are said to ensure health, wealth and
prosperity to the people. These formulae are
known as aya, vyaya, rksa, yoni, vara and thithi.
Certain texts also mention vayas.
The ancients considered the dwelling as a living
organism. Whether it was a temple (prasada) or a
palace (rajagruha) or a residential dwelling (sala)
or the image (chitra) or idol of a deity (vigraha),
perfection was the word that they desired and looked
for.
The site (kshetra) and the dwelling (vastu or
avastha) were considered as having a rhythm and
beauty which vibed perfectly with Nature.
Each site and building had life and there was the
necessity of building the structure to perfect
proportions based on certain formulae. When houses
were built using these formulae, they were said to gi ve
the residents health, wealth and prosperity.
45
HA~D8()()K OF V ASTU
Evamaayadlzislzadvarge kuryathatra vichakshallowhu II
In ~his (matter of selecting the correct measure) the expert
(architect) should apply the set of six forrnulac beginning
with Aya (-Mmwsara. IX. 74)
So what are these formulae? The group of six
fonnulae to which a structure should conform is known
as Avadi Shadvarf{a. These formulae are respectively
Aya~ Vyaya, Rksa, Yoni, Vara and Tithi. .
Ayadi Shadvarga test whether the orientation of a
building is correct and whether the mea~urem~nts
conform to the orientation. A variety of dlmenSlOns
are prescribed by the ancient treatises. These shadvarga
enable the builder to select auspicious and proper
dimensions of the building.
Now let us see how these fOlmulae are calculated
with specific reference to the text Manasara.
Aya (Increase)
Vast., . 'rgunitlzam Bhaallu (bhi)
rhaanyaayamashtashishtakam II
When the length I is multiplied hy H and then divided by 12,
the remainder is known as aya.
Ix8
[remainder = aya]
12
The results attributed to the remainder are as given
on the next page.
 46
HANDBOOK OF V ASTL' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 47

Remainder Result Remainder Result

1 Becomes poor 1 Achieves Success
2 III health to wife 2 Will be victorius
3 Attraction of fortunes 3 Moderate
4 Victorius 4 Enjoys the good things of life
5 Sudden surprises (pleasant) 5 Victorius over enemies
:I
6 Righteous desires becomes fruitful 6 Problems of the eye
7 Becomes spiritually inclined 7 Acquires wealth
8 Enjoys the good things of life 8 Is happy (contented?) always
9 Acquires much wealth 9 Has good friends
10 Abundance of good
11 Name and Fame
If the remainder is zero, it is conducive to happiness.
~f .the remainder is zero, it is considered good for If the aya is greater than the vyaya it is good for all
rehgious merits. round prosperity. If the aya is less than the vyaya it is
We find that except for the remainders 1 and 2 the said to be not auspicious. If the aya is equal to vyaya it
rest indicate positive results. ' is said to have no defect.

Vyaya (Decrease) Rksa (Nakshatra)

Navabhirvardhayet panktihi (tya) hritvaa sesham vyayam Ashtm". 'vardhite rksham hrutva kshapishyate II
(yo) Bhavet II
Multiply the length (I) by g and divide by 27. The remainder

When the breadth (b) is multiplied by 9 and is divided by is called rksa or nakshatra. The odd rkshas are said to be
10, the remainder is known as vyaya. auspicious and the even. inauspicious.

1x 8
bx9 - - [remainder = rksa]
[remainder = vyaya] 27
10 [There is some ambiguity since chapter LXIV of
Manasara refers to the 2nd, 4th and the 9th and also
The results are given on the next page. the birth star under which one is born as auspicious.]
48
H ANDR()OK me V ASH' HA~[)RO()K OF V ASTU 49

Ofcourse you will do well to refer to Dr. B. V

Remainder Yoni Building to face
Raman's Muhurtha or Electional Astrology for
finding out the compatibility of the constellation 6 Khara Northwest
(nakshatra) of the building with the constellation ( Gandharva)
(nakshatra).of the master of the building. However as 7 Gaja North
an immediate tool, I summarise as follows. 8 (zero) Kaaka Northeast
Example: Count the building constellation from the birth
constellation of the master. Divide the number by nine (if Odd remainders are said to be auspicious and even
divisible). Else take it as it is. If the number or remainder remainders, bad. If there is no remainder the breadth
corresponds to 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9, the two constellations are has to he altered.
said to be compatible. The yoni which is said to be an architectural formula
has been given much importance by our ancients. The
Yoni (Source)
remainder gained through it guarantees the suitablity
Gunanaagam clza yonilzi syadvriddlzihaanya yathakramam- of the building and the well being of the master and
his surroundings. A proper yoni will ensure the
When the breadth (b) is multiplied by 3 and divided hy X.
qualitative life of a structure.
the remainder is known as yoni.
Brihat Samhita calculates the yoni in a slightly
bx3 different manner. The area (length x breadth) is divided
- - [remainder = yoni] by 8.
8 The a ... -.. . . icious yoni defines the correct orientation
The results are as gi ven below: of the building.
From the Yoni table above it is clear that the ancients
Yoni Table
wanted the buildings to face the four cardinal directions
Remainder Yoni Building to face only viz., East, West, North and South.
The ciassical texts opine that Dhwaja Yoni is the
1 Dhwaja East best of all auspicious Yonis.
2 Dhuma Southeast Manusyalaya Chandrika states that
3 Sirnha South Yoni constitutes the life and breath of a structure
4 Shwana Southwest particularly of a house.
5 Vrishabha West Yonihi Praanaa Eva Dhamnam Yadasmaad I
Grahyastatadyogyayoniprabhedaha II
 V ASTU 51
50 HANDBOOK OF V ASn! HANDBOOK OF

Vara (Solar day) Tithi (lunar day)

Nandavriddhayaa rishim (shina) hritva tacchesham Navabhirgunithe trimshata kshepecchesham

vaarameva cha I tithirbhavet I

When the circumference is multiplied by nine and then

divided by seven, the remainder is Vara (solar day). When the circumference is multiplied by 9 and then divided
by 30, the remainder is Tithi (lunar day).
cx9
[remainder = vara] cx9
7 [remainder = tithi]
Manasara refers to C as circumference or thickness 30
or height. Perhaps we can take this as the height. I
Remainder Day of the Week Result
invite scholars to throw more light on this point.
I Prathama Not favourable
Remainder Day of the Week Result Favourable
2 Dvitiya
3 Tritiya Favourable
1 Sunday Not Favourable
4 Chaturthi Not favourable
2 Monday Favourable Favourable
5 Panchami
3 Tuesday Not Favourable 6 Sashti Moderate
4 Wednesday Favourable 7 Saptami Favourable
5 Thursday Favourable 8 Ashtami Not favourable
9 Navami Not favourable
6 Friday Favourable
10 Dasami Favourable
7 (zero) Saturday Not Favourable
11 Ekadasi Not favourable
12 Dvadasi Favourable
13 Trayodasi Favourable
Of the weekdays, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
14 Chaturdasi Not favourable
and Friday are said to be auspicious for beginning the
15 Amavasya* Not favourable
construction.

* Manasara does not consider Pournima as unfavourable.

52 V ASTI·
HANDBOOK OF HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 53

This formula gives the lunar day on which to Vara

commence the construction.
cx9 8x9 72
Practical Example
= = [Remainder = 2]
Let us consider a building (not a site) of length 40
hasta (or 60 feet), breadth 27 hasta ( 40 feet and 6 7 7 7
inches) and height 13 hasta (nineteen and half feet) Tithi
Let us calculate as follows:
hx9 8x9 72

Aya = = [Remainder = 12]

30 30 30
Ix 8 40 x 8 320
Summarising, the shadvarga of the building and its
= = [Remainder =8] consequent results are as shown on next page
12 12 12
Vyaya
Aya 8 Vyaya = 3

bx9 27 x 9 243 Riskha = 23 Yoni = 1

= = [Remainder = 3] =
Vara 2 Tithi = 12
10 10 10
Rksa
For tht- LJuilding under reference:
1x 8 40 x 8 320 Aya is 8 Enjoys the good things of life.
= = [Remainder = 23] Vyaya is 3 Moderate
27 27 27 Since Aya is greater than Vyaya, all round prosperity
is indicated.
Yoni
Rksa is 23, odd, and so favourable.
bx3 27 x 3 81
Yoni is 1, Dhwaja, and is the best of all Yonis.
= = [Remainder = 1] The building has to face East.
8 8 8 Vara is 2 indicating Monday and therefore good.
Construction can begin on this day.
 55
54 HANDBOOK OF V ASTli t HANDBOOK OF V ASTU
l
I, Tesham adhikagunaam vaanamyaam
Tithi is 12 or the 12th day (Dwadasi) and hence l
,I sarvadoshakaram bhavet I
favourable. Tasmatpariharedh vidhvanjanamevam prakalpayet II
Reference to Vayas or age of the building is also
made to in certain texts. Where there is more excellence than flaw, there is
The remainder obtained by multiplying the area of no defect in it, but if the flaw is more than the
the building (1 x b) by 27 and dividing by 100 is the excellence, it would be imperfect~ therefore, ~he
Vayas or age of the building. knowledgeable (architect) should avoid the c~lculatlOn
In the example worked above, the age of the building that is imperfect and follow the practice that IS current
will be 60 years. among the people.
(40x27)x27 299160

100 100
Remainder is 60 which is Vayas or age of the
building.
Of all the Shadvarga, Aya, Vyaya, Yoni and
Nakshatra are extremely important. If the measurement
of the building conforms to these four formulae, we
can assume that the structure more or less is
proportionate.
Manasara recommends 9 different lengths, 9
different breadths and 5 different heights. Of these
different and varying measures, the right measure is
selected by applying the 6 formulae. By a verification
of the measurements with the respective formula, the
risk of selecting improper measurements will be
eliminated. The ancient structures which conformed
to these Ayadi are even today standing strong and tall.
The following slokas from Manasara are
appropriate.
Yatra dosho gunadhikyam tatra dosho na vidhyathe I
56 HANDBOOK OF V ASH 57
H ·\\;IJ!lOOK OF VAST<'

\
11. Brahmasthana I A house-owner (Yajamana) who wants happiness should
safeguard very carefully Brahman (the central nine squares).
At a glance:
Affliction in this area hy way of unclean things like
leftovers would harm the owner or the site.
The Brahmasthana (the central square ot'the
plot) is an important factor to be reckoned ~hile NORTH
constructing a building. The Brahmasthana is the
region round the navel (Nabhi) of the Vastu
Purusha (site deity). The energy lines running
through the centre of the plot are also equallv
important. .

In ancient times villages, towns, temples (Prasada),

palaces (Rajagriha) and even dwelling places (Sala)
were constructed in such a manner that the central
p.ortions either contained a temple, deity, courtyard or
SOUTH
(m the case of a village or town) a huge central hall
Fig 11.(11
for the assembly of people.
The central portion called the Brahmasthana
The Manasara unequivocally states that in the
corresponds to the nine squares of the 81 grid plan
Brahmasthana, the temple of the family deity can be built.
(also called the paramasayika padavinyasa). The
The wise men of ancient India also talked about
Brahmasthana is the region round the navel (Nabhi)
certain lines running across a site crossing the
of the Vastu Purusha (site deity).
Brahmasthana. As these lines corresponded to several
Brihat Samhita says:
body parts of the Vastu Purusha, they concluded that
Sukhamicchan brahmanaam
much care was to be taken in building a structure, so
yatnadhragrihanthaha stham I
that these parts were not 'hurt'. The points at which
Uchishtadhyupathad grihapathiroopathapyathe
these lines cut the Brahmasthana were also to be
thasmin II
guarded carefully.
 59
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU
58 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU

the squares have to be considered as vulnerable points

In fact, Mayamata also talks about vulnerable
which ought not to be hurt.
points and calls them Marma. These are the lines
Brihat Samhita (Ch.LIII, Stanza 58) says that if
joining the north with south and the east with west.
these vulnerable points are 'hurt' by nails, pillars, pegs,
The north-south line is called Nadi and the east-west
heavy objects etc., the owner will be troubled in the
line Vamsa. The diagonals running across the
corresponding limbs of his body.
Brahmasthana are called Konasutra. These are highly
It becomes clear that the Brahmasthana and the
sensitive energy lines.
energy lines have to be safeguarded.
N

s
Fig 11.02

The Brihat Samhita also talks about these

vulnerable points. It states that the meeting points of
the longer diagonals and the exact middle points of
 61
60 HAKDBOOK OF V ASn' 1 HASDBOOK OF VAST\!

12. Laying the Foundation

At a glance:
I
!
For laying the foundation the following
constellations are recommended:
1. Rohini
Aldeharan, 5 stars resemhling a chariot
2. Mrigasira
Laying the foundation should begin after proper 1 Orionis, 3 stars resembling a head of a deer
prayers in the North-east. A good muhurtha should 3. Hasta
be set by an expert astrologer. The digging and d Corvi, 5 stars resemhling a palm
laying ofthefoundation should be done in a precise 4. Chitta
manner. The astrologically auspicious lunar Virginis Spica, 1 star resemhling a pearl
months are to selected 5. Uttara
Denebola, 4 stars resembling the legs of a cot
6. Jyeshta
Antares, 3 stars resemhling an umhrella
7. Uttarashada
Once the site is selected and the site plans are ready
s Sagiltarii, 4 st(lrs resemhling a square
you have to make offerings to the dieties ruling thc
site. The prayers should be done in the North-east 8. Sravana
a Aquila, 3 stars resemhling an arrow
comer of the plot by a learned priest facing the East.
All odd lunar days except the 9th are good. The
The first digging should be done either by the master
2nd, 6th and 10th lunar days are also auspicious. Of
and! or the architect (sthapathi) or the chief mason
the weekdays Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are
(vardhaki) at an auspicious time (muhurtha) set by a
learned astrologer. recommended.
The rising sign or lagna should be a fixed sign. The
Astrologically, the auspicious lunar months are:
lagna should be strengthened by the presence of
1. Chaitra (MarchiApril)
malefics (New Moon, Sun, Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu
2. Vaisakha (AprilfMay)
and badly associated Mercury) in 3rd, 6th and 11 th
3. Sravana (July/August)
houses and benefics ( Full Moon, Jupiter, Venus, and
4. Kartika (October/November)
well associated Mercury) in quadrants (kendra-
5. Magha (January/February)
4,7,1 0) and trines (trikonas - 5,9). The eighth house
The Sun should preferably occupy a fixed sign should be vacant without the aspect of a malefic planet.
(Taurus/Leo/Scorpio/Aquarius).
 62
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU
HA\DBOOK OF V Asn: 63

Construction activity should not be started if any

The diagram below explains this better.
female member of the family is in her 6th (and above)
month of pregnancy or if any member is seriously ill.
Digging of the soil for laying the foundation should 3NW 4NE
be in the following order.
1. North-east Sector
2. North-west Sector
3. South-east Sector
4. South-west Sector
The diagram below explains this better

1 SW 2 SE
2NW 1 NE
Fig 12.02

I 4SW 3 SE

Fig 12.01

Laying of the Foundation should be in the reverse

of the above viz.,
1. South-west
2. South-east
3. North-west
4. North-east
 HA:\DBOOK OF V ASH) 65
64 HA],;DIlOOK OF VAST!'

underground water tank or a swimming pool.

13. Digging the Well Care should be taken to dig the well or tank or
At a glance: swimming pool in such a manner that the energy lines
do not cross the well or the water body. The following
diagram may be referred.
A water source should be dug as soon as the
proper prayers are peifonned. A well, boreweli, a
pond or a swimming pool should preferably be N

placed in the North of North-east. Deep wells are

good. You can also have your well, ponds and pools This zone should
in proportion to the site dimensions. ~t=.===t:=K!' be avoided while
r-------~~ digging a well

I w E

As soon as a site is selected and the appropriate

prayers are perfonned, the first thing that you have to
I
do is to dig a well, bore-well or underground water
tank.
!, S
N Fi!( 13.02

0 0 /~ The marking of
/ the lot and building The following table gives the likely results for the
/
should be done. If various placements of the water bodies.
1// 0 the water di vi ncr
/~
finds that the water Well dug East of North of West of North of
/ In North-East North-East North-West North-West
w / E is available either
/ in the north or
/ Good Increase of Moderate Litigation,
/7 north east of the Results finances finances, finances, quarrels
and and poverty, over
/ site, a well may be education.
/ prosperity. bitterness finances.
,,/
dug. Else it is better in family.
S Fig 13.111
to settle for an
66 HAI'DIlOOK OF V ASTU HA:-IDROOK OF V ASTt: 67

Well dug South/West of South/East of Brahmasthana

You will also find that these are not only very wide
in South-West South-East or Centre of in the shape of a square but also fairly deep. I feel that
Site this principle should be followed, especially while
Death of Problems to Disintegration constructing underground water tanks - he squares
eldest and from of family
and go as deep as possible.
member children.
or head of Finances You can also have your watcr tanks in proportion
Results family goes crumble and to the site dimensions. For example for a 100' x 150'
financial1y no cordiality site you can have your water tank (or swimming pool)
or otherwise in the family,
broke, quarrels danger from dug in 2:3 ratio with the depth either 2 or 3 depending
with or among fire. on your requirement of water.
women. This will enhance the benefits of vastu for the
residents.
Table 13.01
The following diagaram (? . per Mayamata) is also
The Brihat Samhita, however recommends wells self-explanatory.
or sumps in north and north east only.
NORTH-WEST NORTH NORTH-EAST
Well in Results Injuries, loss Happiness Prosperity

East Loss of children

South east Danger from fire
South Fear of enemies
South west Quarrels among women
West Weakness of women in the family BRAHMA- EAST
WEST Wealth
North west Poverty STHANA
Success and
North Increase of wealth Extremely
Bad happiness
North east Prosperity of children

Table 13.02

If you observe the huge watcr tanks (pushkarinis)

of ancient Indian temples that are prosperous and SOUTH-WEST SOUTH SOUTH-EAST
]\;1isfortune, Bad for wife, Likely loss
giving the much needed solace to the people, you will sickness untold suffering of son
notice that most of them are to the north of
north-east. Fig. 13.03
 68
HANDBOOK OF V ASH! HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 69

14. Compound (Fencing) Walls The walls have to be perfectly oriented to the
principal directions. Make use of a compass or sankhu
At a glance:
to first fix the directions, then put pegs beginning from
north-east, north-west, south-east and then south-west
All the four sides of a building should have a comers. Tie the pegs with a cord and then construct
the walls.
fencing wall. Gates have to be provided at ~pectfied
places.

The compound (walls around your house) on all North Road West Road
the four sides will create a powerful mandala and keeps
the strength of the mandala within the enclosure. Of
course consider the local by-laws before you put up
the walls. Depending on the road the gates can be
provided as per the following table.

Road in Gates to be in

North 4th part of nine parts from west

West South Road East Road
4th part of nine parts from south
South 4th part of nine parts from east Fig 14.01
East 4th part of nine parts from north
Always have your walls on the south and west
higher and thicker than the north and east walls.
The diagrams (Fig 14.01) on the next page explain
Depending on security and other local factors you can
the placements of the gates better.
study the possibility of having on the north and east
70 V AST[; 71
HANDBOOK OF HANDBOOK OF V ASTU

sides a low fencing instead of a wall. This will ensure

15. House
1
that the site is flooded with the positive energies from
the Sun. At a glance:

A general overview of a house consists of a

treasury and study in the North, prayer room in
the North-east, bath, dining in the East, kitchen in
the South-east, bedroom, dining in the South,
1/9 B U
master:~ room, store in the Jouth-west, children
room in West and granary, toilets, guest rooms in
the North west.
<::J

1/9 L We now come to the main building.

Fig 14.02
NORTH- NORTH
Stone walls on the South and West and brick walls WEST NORTH-EAST
(UTTARA) (EASHANYA)
(VAYUVYA)
on the North and East may also be thought of.if you
Granary.
are living in Dallas, Los Angeles and other areas where Toilets. Pooja.
Animal Sheds. Verandah.
brick is normally used. In other places like Chicago, Treasury
Garage. Portico.
Study room
etc. wood may be used. Guest Rooms No weights

The building to come up later may be totally Bath. Dining.

Children
independent of the walls. A space of one-ninth of the WEST Children
Court-yard Study Room EAST
(PASCHIMA) Study Room Store for (POORVA)
width or length of the site corresponding to the fluids like
Ghee. milk.
Paisacha zone may be allowed as moving space
Master
between the building and the walls round the building Bed Room. Kitchen.
Dressing Bed Room.
If a garage has to come it can be either in the north- Room. Store
Dining Garage

west or in the south-east touching the compound wall for assets

but not the main building. SOUTH- SOUTH SOUTH-EAST
WEST (DAKSHINA) (AGNEYA)
(NIRUTI)
Fig 15.01
 72 HANDBOOK OF V ASTl: HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 73

The figure on the previous page gives a general

overview of the many rooms in your house.
It is adviseable to have the edifice or building
constructed in south-west portion of the plot. More
space on the north and east may be allowed.

MORE SPACE
~

HOUSE MORE Fig 15.04

~PACt
The centre of the plot is known as brahmanabhi
and the centre of the building is known as grihanabhi.
The grihanabhi should either be to the southwest or
the northeast of the brahmanabhi. This way the
Fig 15.02 happiness in the family is greatly enhanced.

I The classical works recommend the paisacha

(which is one-ninth of the site) zone to be kept free.

PAISACHA
If the centre of the building is displaced either to
the southeast or northwest of the centre of the plot, it
is said to be bad
The ancients speak of four types of houses.
Ekasala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers
on one side.
Dwisala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers
on two sides.
Trisala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers
on three sides.
Chatussala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers
Fig 15.03 on all four sides.
 75
74 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HA\DBOOK OF V ASTU

N
Ekasala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on one U rTAKASA1\
side.
N
UTIARASALA

:?o
COURT ~ E
YARD >-r
»
f-- >--
COURT
YARD

DAKSHINASALA
S
Fig 1507

DAKSHINASALA
S Chatussala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on
Fig 15.05
all four sides.
Dwisala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on N
N
UTIARASAI f'
two sides.

l-
N
UTIARASAl
N
UTIARASA1~
ts "'0
5
:;; COURT
"'0
0
0
:; COURT g « '"
w ~
c YARD
~;;- E W
:;:

'C" YARD "

'"
»
I:;:
E

-'"«
W
~
Vl
<
::<
:;:
u
COURT
YARD
"'0
0
0
'"~
Vl EW
:5
<
Vl
<
::<
:;:
u
COURT
YARD
~
c
'"~
'">-
E
~L-~ ~ ~r- ____
PAKSHINASAL+
__
bAKSHINASAL

~ s
Vl

~ ""< ~ s
Fig IS,OS

PAKSHINASAL PAKSHINASAL
s s The Brihat Samhita absolutely disallows split level
Fig 15.06 construction. It mentions that if one wishes to have
prosperity, one has to raise the level of the floor
Trisala: Courtyard surrounded by chambers on uniformly on all sides.
three sides.
76 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASH; 77

16. The Main door (Mahadwara) wi ./ I

9 8 7 (, 5 4 3 2
SOUTH
At a glance: Fig 16.02

The placement of the main door is very

important. The four important zones for placing a On the south, the fourth part assigned to
main door beginning from East are 1 )Indra Brihatakshata is the exalted zone.
2)Brhatakshata 3 )Kusumadanta and 4 )Bhallata Result attributed by Brihat Samhita is increase of
respectively. food and children.
Divide each side into nine parts. The exalted zone
would be the fourth from your right as you face the NI I ./
I ./
I I S
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
building. Avoid doors in the middle of a building.
WEST
Fig 16.03

On the West, the exalted zones are the fourth and

We have to first decide on the placement of the main
fifth parts corresponding to the Kusumadanta and
door (Mahadwara or Mooladwara in Sanskrit). The
Varuna respectively.
following diagrams show the most favourable or
Brihat Samhita attributes the following results.
exalted positions for the main door. Each side of the
house is divided into nine parts.
Kusumadanta (4) Prosperity of sons
s I ./
I ./
I ./
I and increase of
9 8 7 6 5 4 :1 2 wealth.
EAST
Fig 16.01
Varuna (5) Increase of wealth.

On the east, the second, third and fourth parts which

are assigned to Parjanya, Jayanta and Indra
NORTH
respectively are the exalted zones. The results Fig 16.04
attributed by Brihat Samhita are:
Parjanya (2) Birth of daughters On the North, the third, fourth and fifth parts
Jayanta (3) Financial soundness represented by Mukhya, Bhallata and Soma
Indra (4) Royal favour respectively are said to be ideal for main doors.
78 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HA~DBOOK OF V ASTU 79

Brihat Samhita attributes the following results: recommend the location of the door in the Mahendra
Mukhya (3) Increase of wealth (Indra), Brihatakshata, Kusumadanta and Bhallata.
and birth of sons. The fifth grid for door shown in the north and west
Bhallata (4) Possession of all directions are recommended for temples and other
virtues. religious places.
Soma (5) Begetting of children The consolidated diagram C"1 the previous page
and wealth. shows the recommended posi'_lon of the main door.
Ideally the main building can have door on all the As we can see from the above, the ancients never
four sides in the fourth exalted zone. In fact Mayamata placed the main door by whim and fancy.
and Samarangana Sutradhara specifically The main door has to be the biggest of all doors.
Manasara suggests that the height of a door has to be
E
atleast twice its width. Brihat Samhita and
Sikhin Parj.nya Jayanta
Anila
InUr' Surya Satya Bhrsa Antanksa
Visvakarma Prakash a prescribe a height thrice the
0 n 0 width of the door.
~ The main door has to be attractive, solid and
i5 ~

massive. Mayamata suggests that the main door can

::.
'3
« "
5- be strengthened with the help of various metals.
."" ~

0::
How wonderful that the ancients foresaw the need
I
b~
"5'"
.c
CO I for solid security in the 21st century!
- .J L- The main door can be decorated by the following:
z I[ BRAHMAST ANA ~
~
1) The family deity (Kuladevata) - the image being
"
~
--,
r- ~
less than one Hasta (or cubit equal to 18")
CO
[ I I
~
c..
"" 2) The Goddess of Wealth (Lakshmi) - seated on
~
";., a lotus and being bathed by elephants.
i[
OJ
:;
~ 3) Cow and calf ornamented by flower garlands.
~
4) The sacred mystic mantra Om or the occult
s:
:2
« ~ symbol Swastika. This can be fixed on the main door
U U at the normal vision height.
U\JUl',,""
'!O'M .Bdnd usos luns" cunreJ\.
UIUUP
·cwnsn)l p',\IJ~ns .){IJ"CAnUa
2 It is always advisable to have a sill or threshold not
W only for the main door but also the other doors. The
Fig 16.05 reason could be that the threshold acts as a block for
 Rl
80 \
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HA~DBOOK OF V ASTU

I
DEYI
I \ i
I
I
2 I
NANDINI I
I
I
z
o
I
3 I
~ I
I
I
I
I
Fig 16.08

A verse from Samarangana Sutradhara s~ys that

3 in the middle indicates ruin of the Jamzly.
a d oor d d for the
A flight of steps is normally recommen e
SUNDARI
Fig 16.06 Fig 16.07 main door.
insects, etc. coming from the outside. The threshold
can perhaps also regulate the powerful ground energies
into the building and its various rooms.
Now, how many frames should the door have?
The ancient classical work Samarangana
Sutradhara does not recommend more than five
frames (shakas) for a door.
The total frames can include the fifth horizontal
frame (Nandini) to give us a ventilator at the top of
the door.
A main door in the middle of the house, residential
or commercial is normally not recommended. 1 ~
I I
Such doors are recommended only for places of worship. Fig 16.09
82 HANDBOOK OF V ASH!
Door with two leaves Door with single leaf
Fig 16.10
Most classical works stress on doors with two
(leaves) shutters but do not prohibit doors with single
leaves.
Manasara
recommends the right leaf
to be wider in breadth and
the left leaf less by one,
two or three anguias .
LESS MORE
This means that the
right leaf should be wider
than the left leaf by three-
fourths of an inch, one
and a half inches or two
and a quarter inches
Fig 16.11
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU R3
SECTION II
1. The Bathroom ............................................................ 85
2. Master Bedroom ....................................................... 87
3. Children's (Study) Rooms ......................................... 89
4. Guest Rooms ............................................................. 91
5. Kitchen ....................................................................... 93
6. Dining Room .............................................................. 96
7. Living Room ............................................................... 99
8. Prayer Room (Shrine) .............................................. 102
9. Store Rooms ............................................................ 105
10. Toilets ....................................................................... 107
11. Rooms in general ..................................................... 110
12. A Note on Agni (Fire Element) ............................... 112
13. Garages .................................................................... 114
14. Basements and Cellars ............................................ 116
15. Staircases ................................................................. 118
16. Levels of the Floor ................................................... 120
17. Verandah .................................................................. 122
18. Fencing or Compound Gates ................................... 124
HASDBOOK OF V ASH' 85

1. The Bathroom
At a glance:

At a glance:

The East sector is best suited for a bathroom

since the beneficial rays of the morning sun fall
into the room.

Manasara says: The central eastern frontage called

Aditi is the place for bathrooms. The bathroom, where
Window
E

0
Gully Trap
E
Slope Geyser
Boiler

Mirror

Tap S
~BATH
0
Shower Vi

Tub
Washing
"...,,!
Machine " , ~i.· _·01
.. -~'
,,-..,:

c::J
W

Fig 81.01
86
HANDBOOK OF V ASTl: HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 87

one has his daily bath is best in the east, as

recommended by the ancients. The morning rays of
the Sun are said to be extremely beneficial. Hence
proper windows (of course with due provision for
privacy) may be provided on the east wall of the bath
room.
The slopes within the bathroom can be towards north
and east so that water drains into the north-east of the
bathroom. The geyser or the boiler can be in the South-
east of the bathroom.
Mirrors can be on the east and north walls. Taps
and shower can be in north so that the water drains to
the north-east. Bath tub can be on the west side with
head towards south. Avoid a door on the south-west
of the bathroom. The washing machine can be in the
Northwest or Southeast.
2. Master Bedroom
At a glance:
The Southwest sector is for the master's room.
Sleep with your head to the south. Outside the
master room, a rock garden can be made. This
will provide a natural setting as you look outfrom
the window.
The master bedroom can be in the south-west of
the building. This room may be occupied by the father
or the eldest son of the family. The central south is
also recommended for the eldest son.
W

Master Bedroom
Bedroom

s BRAHMA N

E
Fig B2.01
 88 HANDBOOK OF VAS fl'
89

The beds or cots can be away from the walls but

may be towards the south-west corner of the room (1). II
3. Children's (Study) Rooms
Master cupboards to contain valuable documents, At a glance:
cash, jewellery etc. can be in the south-west of the II
room such that the cupboard opens to the north or the
region of Kubera (2). The North room of the house Children s room can he in the west, north or
can also be used to store valuables, property papers, east sector. Let them sleep with their heads to the
cash, jewellery, etc. Cupboards for clothes can be in east or west.
the north-west (3). It is adviseable to have a east or A soft green light in the night will be
north door for a master bedroom (4). The dressing table instrumental in making them study well.
can be in east or north of the room (5). The attached
bath can be to the north-west or south-east of the room
(6). The other aspects of the bath can be as described
in the previous chapter. Never have your beds in the I
\ central portions of the room (7). I
;
, Children's rooms can be in the west, north or east

~
of the building. They can have their beds to the south-
w west corner of the room with heads on the east or west
3
(1). Of course let not the beds (or cots) touch the walls.
1

Children 's
S BRAHMA 5 N Room
7

S BRAHMA Children's
4 N
Room

E
5
4 .-J Fig B2.02
Children's
Room

Fig 83.01
 ',',;;:
,
90 HANDBOOK OF V ASH] HANDBOOK OF VASTU 91

w 4. Guest Rooms
··.It. At a glance:
r~r
1
,I,
The guest room is ideal in the northwest room.
s BRAHMA Avoid children in this region, especially boys.
4
This room is also suitablefor newly wed couples
and jor those planning their baby.
2 3

E
Fig B3.02

They can have their study tables on the east or north
(2) and face east while studying. The rooms can have
an east or north door (3). Avoid loads of any kind in
the centre of the room (4). A green bulb will be
effective in enhancing the intelligence of the child.
Northwest rooms are ideal for guests. The cot/s can
be in the southwest of the room without touching the
walls and with the head towards south ( 1).
w

Guest
Room

s BRAHMA N

Fig B4.01
92 HA:-IDBOOK OF VASn' HA~DBCJOK Of' VASIl' 93

w 5. Kitchen
At a glance:

The right placefor kitchen is the southeast sector

r- (~l the building. Face the east while cookin!!,. TJ:e
S BRAHMA N
7 ovens and the electrical and gas stoves can he lf1
the southeast corner (~l the kitchen. The alternate
3 place for the kitchen, in case you are not able to
have the kitchen in the southeast is the northwest
sector of the building.
2

Fig 84.02
South-east portion of the building is the place for
The table can be on the east wall (2). The deity ruling
your kitchen. Even though some authors permit the
northwest is Vayu or the wind-god. Hence it is best to
north-west, this writer is of the firm conviction that
avoid children in a northwest room, especially in their
as south-east is ruled by Agni or the fire-god, the south-
formative years. Boys should definitely be avoided
gi ving this area. east kitchen is best.
The northwest is also recommended for newly wed w
couples and those planning to have a baby.
The entrance to the room can be in the south of
southeast (3).

s BRAHMA N

Kitchen

E Fig 85.01
,j
95
94 HANDBOOK OF VASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU

The kitchen can have an east platfonn for cooking. To stimulate appetite have your kitchen walls
The micro ovens and gas stoves can be placed more painted soft pink or orange.
to the south-east corner such that the lady of the house As good food is indicative of financial strength, a
does the cooking facing east (1). Try to have the mirror on the north of eastern wall of the kitchen will
platfonn stand on supports so that do not touch the likely help strengthen finances.
east and south walls. The sink for washing can be in Drinking water can be placed in the north-east,
the north-east comer of the kitchen (2). Big windows brooms and cleaning materials in the north-west and
stocks of rice, dal and other heavy materials can be
w kept in the south-west of the kitchen.
4
3 -- In case the south-east kitchen is not possible, you
can do with the north-west of the building. But make
5
sure that the observations made above for the south-
4 east kitchen are followed.

s BRAHMA N
7

1 2

Fig 85.02

and ventilators can be provided on the east and smaller

windows on the south. The exhaust fan can be on the
eastern wall towards the south-east corner. Have the
kitchen door either in the north of north-east or west
of north-west (3).
Lofts and almirahs for storage can be on the south
and west sides (4). Dishwashers can be to the
northwest of the room (5).
j 96
HANDBOOK OF V Asn: 97
I HA\'f)ROOK OF VAST\'

6. Dining Room The dining table, preferably a rectangular one should

At a glance:
East, south or west are for the dining rooms.
Stimulate your appetite by painting its walls with
shades ofpink or orange. The dining room can he
an independent room or a continuation of the
kitchen.
be so arranged that the master of the house, or his wife
or eldest son occupies the south of south-west or west
of south-west chair in the room (I).
Odd shapes like egg shaped or other irregular shapes
are best avoided for dining tables.
The dining table should be away from the walls.
The fridge can occupy the south-east of the room
preferably against the south wall (2).
w
4 -
1

1 I I
The suggested place is west. However I feel it is
wise to have the dining room in the east (or south) as N
s BRAHMA
it would be near the kitchen if placed in south-east.
However if the kitchen is in the north-west, you can
0
comfortably settle for a west dining room.
4
w

Dining
0 00 001
E
Fig B6.02

s Dining BRAHMA N
If a wash basin has to be placed, it can be in the
north or east of the room with the water draining to
Dining the north-east (3).
The dining room can either be an independent room
E Fig B6.01 or a continuation of the kitchen.
98 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 99

The doors can be on the north or west wells at the 7. Living Room
places marked (4).
The dining room should serve the intended purpose. At a glance:
Family members who dine here should eat well to their
heart's content. Appetite can be stimulated by painting
the walls soft pink or orange or cream and by installing Living rooms can be in the north-east of sector
a mirror on the east and/or north wall. of the building. Avoid loads in the centre of the
Wall paintings depicting the rising Sun, and the living room. An east of north-east entry is preferred
beauty of nature (without its wild inhabitants) will with good space to the right as you enter the house.
create an ambience of happiness.
As the ancients have said, all talk that excites
tempers and passions have to be avoided. Controlled
talk, better digestion should be the motto.
Let the dining room be a relaxing place for the
family members.
These can be the north, east or north-east sector of
the building. Depending on the road, living room can
be manipulated. However it is to be noted that the inner
walls of the living room do not fall on the energy lines
(konasutras) described in the earlier pages of this book.
w

s BRAHMA Living N

Living Living

E Fig B7.01
100 HANDBOOK OF Y ASTli HANDBOOK OF YASTU 101

As far as possible have an east of north-east door
(1). If the living room happens to be the direct entry
into the house, construct it in such a way that it is
more spacious to your right as you enter it. This is
necessary since the first impression one gets on
entering is one of spaciousness. The living area can
be strengthened by having wall sceneries, flower pots
and spot lights at strategic places.
The furniture can be placed in the south and west
allowing good space on the north and east (2).
Heavy indoor plants can be strategically placed on
the south or West of the living room.
Sitting beds (or light furniture) can be in the east
and north areas.
The north-east of the room can have the Lord's
photo. White, soft blue and soft green are the colours
recommended. Avoid heaviness in the centre of the
living room (5).

[i] 2
I
[2]
r-

s 2
BRAHMA 4 N
5

4
'--
I
4
I
- I
I 1
E

Fig B7.02

The master can occupy the south-west corner sofa

facing either the east or the north (3).
Sceneries and mirrors, if required can be on the north
and east walls (4).
 10.\
102 HANDBOOK OF V ASTr HASDB()OK OF V ASH!

8. Prayer Room (Shrine) \ 1. For normal houses, the north-east is the best
position. It can also be slightly to the east or north.
Let the Lord be on the east wall so that you face the
At aglance:
rising sun while paying obeisance to Him.
To enhance the intended purpose of the room, viz.,
. Prayer room or your private shrine can be either spirituality, communion with the Almighty and
In t~e North-east sector or the centre of the house meditation, a pyramid roof is recommended. The
w~ich corresponds to the Brahmasthana. Let the following types are all fine.
diety. be on the eastern side. Pyramid
_ shaned
r ,-{:
ro0s
can lmmensely strengthen the room spiritually.

De~e~ding on the size of the plot or the nature of

the bUlldmg the prayer room can either be in the north-
Fig 88.02
east sector or in the centre of the house also known as
Brahmasthana. '
Great spiritual energy is said to flow from the tip of
w
the pyramid into the room. A person doing prayer is
immensely benefitted. It is also said that a pyramid
has healing properties. An ill person can certainly
benefit by sitting in such a prayer room for about 30
minutes a day, facing east or north.
s BRAHMA N
White or soft shades of blue are recommended.
Temple
There can be a big east window above the Lord to
let in the morning rays of the sun. All cupboards in
Temple
the prayer room can be in the south and west walls.
Avoid having photos of dead people along with the
E
photos of the Lord ..
Fig 88.01
104 HANDBOOK OF V ASTr HA:-:DBOOK OF VASTI' 105

Unless you have tremendous spiritual control and 9. Store Rooms

capable of doing prayer everyday in a systematic
manner, avoid having mystic devices (yantras) like At a glance:
Srichakra, Saligramas and idols of ancient temples in
the prayer room.
Keep the puja room absolutely clean. The granaries can be in the North-west sector.
If you are forced to have your prayer in the kitchen, Lofts and attics can be on the south and west ~alls.
have your deity in the North-east of the kitchen, facing Grains that are neededfor daily use can be In the
west. north-west corner of the granary.
Never have the prayer area in the bedroom.
If it is a very big plot the prayer room can be
constructed in the centre of the plot or centre of the
building. A skylight can be fixed above prayer room.
The Lord can be placed in such a way that you face
East while worshipping Him.
Similarly this concept can be adopted while The north-west sector can have the room meant for
planning a shrine for an industry or a factory or a group storing grains, provisions. It is said by having the store
of houses or flats. The north east sector can also have in the north-west there will always be a good and
your private shrine.

Granary

s BRAHMA N

E Fig 98.01
106 HANDBOOK OF V."STC H":>iDBOOK OF VASTC 1()7

continued supply of grains and provisions into the 10. Toilets

house! The lofts and attics can be on the south and
west walls (l). Heavy provisions can be stored in the At a glance:
this region.
w
Toilets are to be in the North-west of the seclOl:
I
,---
1
I
ITJG Avoid them in the cenrre «l the building and the
North-east ql the building. \Vhen it has to be an
attached toilet, let it be to lhe NorTh-west (~l the
.-i concerned room .
s BRAHMA N The second alternative is the South-east of the
building or the room.
'---

8 E
4
Suppose you have separate hath cum toilets. These
again can be in the north-west sector. The ancients
had the excellent practice of having the toilets out of
Fig 89.02
the main building to the corner of the plot in the north-
Oil, butter, milk, etc. can be kept in the south-east w
of the room (2). Grains that are needed for daily use
can be in the north-west corner (3). I Tuikts
The door for the store can be on the east of the room
(4).
There can be windows both on the north and west s N
I3RAHMA I
walls, but let those on the north be larger. , I
Toilets
( second
al tcrnati ve)

E
Fig BI0.01
 109
108 HANDBOOK OF VAST(' HANDBOOK OF V ASTli

west sector. Added to this they kept these toilets totally Have the bigger window on the north and a smaller
clear of the main building. Even today there are man y one in the west after providing for privacy (1).
houses in India having their toilets outside the main Toilet seats from south to north or west to east are
building. However taking due note of the security approved (2).
problems of today as also the limitations of space, we Mirrors in the toilet may be on the north and east
can, if it is not possible to have it outside the building, walls (3).
have the toilet inside the building - in the north-west Doors can be on the east of the north-east (4).
sector. The alternate place is the south-east, but avoid Let the walls be coloured using light shades.
having the toilet either in the north-east or south-west.
As North-east (eashanya) is the junction of Kubera
and Indra, it is said that toilet in the north-east will
gradually weaken the finances and the general
prosperity of the master of the house.
Toilets in the south-west make the master indecisive
and his health may suffer.
Toilets in the centre of the building are also totally
prohibited.
w
1
0
s
0 BRAHMA
1~ N

3 3
4
E
Fig BIO.02
 III
110 HANDBOOK OF VASTI: HANDBOOK OF V ASTU

1
Get a good night's sleep by burning a true blue zero
11. Rooms in general watts bulb in your room.
\

At a glance:
South-east bedrooms may be avoided. Blue colour
induces sleep. Green is goodfor study.
Almirahs and lofts can be in the south or west (~l
the rooms.
Avoid beds in the centre of the room and under
beams. Do not sleep with your head to the north.
For a study room, have your walls painted soft green
to encourage intelligent thinking and concentration.
The master rooms and rooms for guests and couples
can be painted in different shades of blue (of your
liking) to give you good sleep and prevent you from
consuming sleeping pills!
Let heavy furniture, lofts and almirahs be on the
south and west sides of your room.

Avoid bedrooms in the South-east. A South-east

bedroom if occupied by couples can mean constant
quarrels between them over insignificant matters.
Such a room also encourages excessive expenditure.
Generally speaking avoid beds in the centre of the
room and under beams.
Avoid a door in the South-west sector of the room.
Do not sleep with your head to the north.

1'1
 I

113
\
112 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU
\
Note: Whichever room you have your fire places,
12. A note on Agni (Fire Element)
see that they are to the South-east of the room.
At a glance:

You can take care of the south-east corners of all

your rooms and aim for:
Happiness in the family, good health, sound
finances and a nice married life.
Keep all your electronic and electrical gadets in
the south east corners of your rooms.

As South-east belongs to agni he can create enough

trouble for the inmates! The South -east corners of
every room should be taken care of. It is to be noted
that if proper propitiation of Agni is made, thc
following positive results are indicated.
1. Happiness in the family
2. Good health to the inmates
3. Financial strength
4. Marital happiness.
You can keep Agni cheerful by:
a. Having a spotlight or lantern or the traditional wick
lamp in the South-east comer with light or burning
flame pointing to the roof.
b. Having electrical gadgets like television, VCR.
fridge, computer, fire places, micro-ovens, radio,
etc., placed in the South-east comer.
114 HANDBOOK OF V ASn: HANDBOOK OF VAsn: 115

w
13. Garages
At a glance:

Inde-
pcndenlof
Garages can be in the northwest sector. Main
A second choice for garages is the southeast. s Building N

Avoid your garages or portico in south-west.

Let not the garage touch the main building.
Avoid your garages or portico in south-west.
Let the car face north or east.

E Fig B13.02

If the portico is used for parking let it be on the

Garages can be in the north-west or as a second
north or east of the plot. Let the car face north or east,
choice in the south-east. Let the garage be a
as the case may be when parked.
independent unit without touching the main building.
Let the portico be one or two feet below the roof
level without touching the main building. Avoid your
w
garages or portico in south-west.

Garages

s BRAHMA

Garages
(second
alternative)

E
Fig B13.01
 HANDBOOK OF V ASTlJ 117
116 HANDBOOK OF V ASH'

Avoid basements and cellars in the south-west. It

14. Basements and Cellars may render the master or the eldest son weak physically
At a glance: and financially. Accidents are likely to occur in the
family.
If a basement is required for the entire space of the
The north, east and north-east are ideal for building, see that the f100r level of the basement is
basements and cellars. uniform.
Avoid basements and cellars in the south-west. A height equal to or less than the ground floor height
A height equal to or less than the ground floor is generally recommended.
height is generally recommended.

If there is the need for a cellar, the best place is the

north and east of the site. Of course, the basement is
not meant for residing.
w

s BRAHMA N
c'"
~
E
~

'"
~
a:l

and Cellars

Fig B14.01
118 HANDBOOK OF V ASn' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 119

15. Staircases The last step should be towards south or west.

If it is an internal staircase avoid the staircase just
At a glance: opposite the entrance. Similarly for outside staircases
avoid crossing the main door.

Staircases may be anywhere except in the north-

east and the centre of the place, viz., brahmasthana. South
f---f-..L....L..L...L-L.J.~ or West
However as much as possible prefer them in the
south, west or southwest. ClockwIse
The space beneath the staircase should not be upwards
occupied by anyone.
North
or East

Fig B15.02

The staircase can be placed in the south, west and
south-west. Avoid staircases in the north-east as they
can cause problems with your finance.
The step should begin either from the north or east.
The turning of the staircase has to be clockwise only.
w
The space beneath the staircase should not be
occupied by anyone. It can be used to function like a
lumhar or storage room.
Avoid placing the staircase in the centre of the house
(in the Brahmasthana).
If staircases in the north-west or south-east are
imperative, have the staircases as light as possible.
However, the heginning step and ending step, and the
rotation of the stairs should be as suggested above.

s N

Fig nt5.01
E
120 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 121

16. Levels of the Floor Brihat Samhita, for instance says that if one wishes
for the prosperity of one's household, one ought to
At a glance: raise the level of the floor uniformly on all sides.
However some scholars opine that to strengthen the
niruti, the south-west rooms can be higher. I do not
Split levels inside the building are not
subscribe to this veiw.
recommended by the ancient works.
Brihat Samhita makes it clear that one who wants
prosperity in his house, one has to raise his house
uniformly on all sides.

The ancient texts of Inida do not approve of

different levels in the structure itself.

UNIFORM LEVEL SPLIT LEVELS

•... N..
i
..~
i
~ .1;: . . ........ S .' W
sw
\
\
NE

ANCIENT VIEW MODERN VIEW

Fig 16.01 Fig 16.02

 V .. SH: HA~OBOOK OF VASH! 123
122 HA:"OBOOK OF

w
17. Verandah or the
first room into the structure
r-
1L
1 i III 2
I

~-+-
I
At a glance:

s !I3RAHM;\ N
Verandahs or the jlrst roOll1S into the structure -
can be in the east or north. Have a proper main
door or mahadwara as advised in an earlie r chapte r.
Mirrors can be placed on the east and/or north
walls to reflect the spaciousness a/the verandah. E

Fig 1317.02

expanse on to your right, as you enter, than to your

left. Let the east or north walls (to your left) have a
mirror to reflect the spaciousness of the verandah. You
This room is preferred in the east or north of the can have the heavy furniture and heavy plants arranged
bUilding. The general emphasis should be on more in the south and west( 1) and light furniture and flower
plants to the north and cast.
w Let the shoe-rack (2) be in the north-west of the
verandah. Have large windows on the north and east
walls. Of course have a main door (mahadwara), as
discussed in an earlier chapter.

s BRAHMA ~ N
"0
C

~
;;>

Verandah

Fig BI701
 125
124 HANDBOOK OF V AS rl HANDBOOK OF V ASTC

As for a south facing site have your gate on the

18. Fencing or Compound Gates south of south-east.
At a glance: As a rule never have your gates on the south or west
of south-west, north of north-west and east of south-
east.
You can have your gates for the fencing or The likely results of the placement of gates are as
compound in the exalted grids described in an given on the previous page.
earlier chapter.

Have your gates placed depending on the direction

the plot is. For instance, the north facing site can have
its gate on the north of north-east.
The East facing site can have the gate on the east of
north-east. Let the gate for the west facing site be on
the west of north-west.

East or East of South or West

Gate in
North of North-East South-East of South-West

Result Generally healthy Ill-health Accidents.

and prosperous and burning financial
problems hardships and
setbacks in
health. especially
for the masler \
I
 SECTION ill

1. Generally speaking ................................................... 129

2. Apartments & Multistoreyed Buildings ................... 135
3. On Landscaping ......................................................... 139
HA~DBOOK OF Y ASTl] 12<)

10 Generally speaking...
At a glance:

Open spaces corresponding to paisacha zone or

the negative energy area are to be leftfree all round
the building. Leaf bearing trees can be grown in the
southwest of the compound.
Darbhe grass can be grown for its healing
properties in the North east portion.

Open spaces all around the building are always

good.
The zone marked paisacha in the diagram below
may be avoided.

.•.. PA SA ~HA .;9 liE ....

.: .·,H

.:/:.! •••••••
...•.:
,.\ i>
'::
!S:i .

...•........

1"\ I:
·>r. :'.
...
:<:')'

... (; I::' I·· . .• ;\ '/" r':t.: h'· . ...•.•...... .. ,;;.

Fig C1.0l
1 130
More open space on the north and east are
HANDBOOK OF
recommended.
It is always advisable to have the main building
independent of the fencing walls.
Leaf bearing trees like ashoka, neem, guava coconut,
banana can be planted on the South and west of the
building. During summer the trees prevent the hot
afternoon air from directly coming into the southwest
bedroom, thus keeping the room cool. During winter
the same trees work as a filter and the extremely cold
air gets warmed up as it enters the room thus making
the room comfortable for the inmates.
Be prudent to plant the trees, especially taking care
that their roots do not filter into the foundation and
damage the building. You can have herbal and flower
plants in the northeast sector of the plot. Plants like
w Else you can have them in south of southeast and
1I
1111111 N
s etc. See that the surface area of northeast openings is
11111111
E
Fig Cl.02
V ASTl: HA"DBOOK OF V ASTLT
J3J
tulsi, thumbe, darbhe grass for the lawns and other
herbal plants are good. Keep the northeast corner free.
Avoid having thorny plants like cactus, etc., inside
the house. I would personally recommend that they
be totally done with.
If you have a north or east facing house, you can
have a beautiful pathway from your gate to the main
door, with tulsi grown on the sides.
Darbhe grass that is known to have potent healing
powers can be grown in the pathway.
Avoid planting of trees in front of the main door.
This amounts to a dwara vedha, which amounts to
being an obstruction.
Mezzanine floors if required should be in the south
or west. For rooms within the house try to have doors
as far as possible in the east or north of northeast.
west of northwest.
Avoid doors in the south or west of southwest, north
of northwest and east of southeast.
As for windows many scholars recommend even
number of windows, preferably not being ten, twenty,
greater than surface area of southwest openings. As
for the arrangement of the furniture inside the house ,
have the seating arrangements on the south and west
as much as possible.
Guests can be seated in the northwest sector of the rooms.
The master of the house can always occupy the south
or west if the furniture is placed on the south/west
side facing either north or east.
132 HANDBOOK OF VASTL' HANDBOOK OF V ASH) 133

Almirahs, wardrobes, treasure chests can be in the members, irritation and tensions over trivial issues are
south or west of the rooms. This is the opinion of the generally indicated.
modern scholars. The ancient texts opine that the Heights of the rooms in the upper storeys can
treasury room is in the north. progressively decrease.
If almirahs and wardrobes are not possible in the
south or west for any reason, only light articles like 4 E
...
4
oj.
your clothes, etc., have to be kept in them. ~ 3
.!2
Never put any loads in the northeast comers of the 3
1-
rooms. As already suggested cupboards containing
property papers, profession documents, valuables, cast,
""
.!2
~

2
1- I-------t
""
etc., should be in the southwest corner of the master's
room so that the closets or cupboards open to the north. ""1:
o 1 1
E
The northern room can be used to store cash,
jewelry, etc. Have your cots and beds in the southwest ""
of the rooms, of course not touching the wall. Adults
Fig Cl.03
can have their heads to the south and the children to
the east or west.
Lofts and attics in the various rooms can be on the It is not advisable to share a well or swimming pool
south and west between two houses.
Balconies can preferably be for the north and east
rooms. Avoid south and west especially the southwest N N

balconies. If you are residing in a house which already

has southwest balcony, get it covered with grills and
cover it with curtains. o
Terraces are always preferred on the north and east. w E

If you plan to have a part construction on the second

floor, have it on the southwest sector.
Never have it in the northeast or southeast sector.
By having a northeast construction come up first health s
and finances are likely to suffer. If the southeast room
is constructed first bitterness among the family Fig Cl.04
 134 HANDB(X)K OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASHI 135

Depending in the placements of the well or pool or 2. Apartments &

pond, it mayor may not be all right.
For example in the figure on the previous page, A Multistoried Buildings
is likely to have a water area properly placed whereas
B has it an undesirable position. At a glance:
Let's take another case. Here the water area is in
the northeast of both the areas and hence is properly
The dwelling is a living organism.
placed with respect to the two areas.
A multistoreyed building has rhythm and grace
N and can be compared to a musical instrument.
o Select an apartment carefully and strengthen the
interiors by suitable placements offurniture.

w E

s Our ancients considered the dwelling to be a living

organization with rhythm in it. Proportion was of prime
Fig Cl.OS
importance. \
I
7/8 of I
Second Floor
Second Floor
!"
I
I
I
I
\
617 of
First Floor First Floor
I I
I I
5/6 of 1112 less than
ieJround Floor Ground Floo
I I

FigC2.0l
136 HANDBOOK Of- V ASn'
HA:'lDBOOK OF VASn; 1:17

Temples with several stories were built in such a
way that the height of each story decreased as it went
up. The building is compared to a musical instrument
whose distance between the strings reduces as they go
up. Such a building is said to vibrate with rhythm and
grace.
A multistoried building can be compared to a veena
The second option is the selection of the flat. This
is free will and we have the choiqe,
Rememberi ng the Manas~t.r~l sloka, which
interprets (partly) that if the merit; d,f Vastu) are more
W
I

(a stringed musical instrument) in which the distance ,~

Master Illchen
between the consecutive rods of the shaft reduces
Bedroom

\
gradually to give the most melodious music. The
following heights for the various floors can be
s BRAHMA N
followed.
First floor 5/6 of Ground Floor
Second floor 617 of First Floor Kitchen
Third floor 7/8 of Second Floor and so on.
This gradual and rhythmic reduction in each floor E
will create a harmonious and uniform energy level in
Fig C2.02
the entire building.
Brihat Samhita and Matsyapurana recommend
a gradual reduction by 11l2th in each floor. than the demerits. it is said to be pod, we can consider
the following in order of priorit) (See figure C2.02)
As the need for dwelling in the cities grows, more
1. Southwest Master Bedrodl
and more high rise buildings are coming up. The land
2. Southeast or northwest Kit,len
developers are busy investing on others land (in the
3. An east of northeast entry
city) and jointly developing the properties. The main
4. More openings on the nortland east.
criterion is to make maximum use of land and vertical
. O~ce the selection is madej1ext strengthen the
space and build as many apartments as possible. Many
people wonder how vastu can be applied to already
mtenors as follows: C
1. Sleep to the southwest cO,'nefwithout touching
built apartments.
the walls) with the head to the sout.
The first option is we have to go for a flat. Let us 2. Arrange the furniture suph that \e north and east
say this is fate. as well as the Brahmasthan~of the l)ms are free.
r l38 HANDBOOK OF
3. If wall sceneries are \ sed have such ones that
V ASTli
depict depth, distant sea~, eep gardens, bubbling
infants etc. on the n02,h nd east walls. Avoid
beautifying your liviny areas with scenes depicting
violence, terror, cru ty, star~ poverty, death etc. -
to put it simply av6 d paintin~s and sceneries which
depict the negative spects 0 life.
This ~?the va, tu stren th can be enhanced to
impr07 the general quality f one's life.
/ !
\ if he plants fruit and flower bearing trees.
"
HANDBOOK OF V ASTU
3. On Landscaping
139
At a glance:
Landscaping is closely related to house building.
North west is ideal to raise a garden.
Sofi soil is suitablefor trees.
Gardens give delight and happiness to the
residents and visitors.
Gardening or landscaping has been connected
closely with town planning and house building.
Ancient sages have laid down certain rules for planting
trees.
They always saw to it that houses were surrounded
by gardens containing a variety of trees and plants
decorative and herbal.
It is said that the goddess of wealth lives for
generations in the house in which the bilva (Aegle
Marmelos) tree is planted.
It is also said that a man enjoys the fruits of virtue
\
A garden is normally recommended in the north-
west sector of the house.
Trees can he planted in the months of Rohini,
Uttaraphalguna, Uttarashada, Uttarabhadrapada,
140 HANDBOOK OF V ASn
Chitra, Anuradha, Mrigasira, Revati, Moola, Visakha,
Pushya, Sravana, Aswini and Hasta.
Saplings can be planted at a fair distance from each
other - about 4 cubits (6ft.) apart. The distance between
the saplings should neither be too close or too far off.
ashoka (Saraca Indica), nimbaa (lemon), champaka
(Micheli a) are some of the recommended trees.
Just as houses should have compounds, the ancients
recommend that the trees be protected with walls.
Heavy leaf bearing trees can be planted in the
southwest with fruit trees in between them. Rock
gardens if required can be in the southwest region.
Herbal plants like tulsi, tumbe (a flower sacred to
Lord Shiva) can be grown in the northeast region.
Brihat Samhita has much to say about gardens. It
states that soft soil is suitable for growth of trees. It
mentions substance having properties of manure like
dung of cows, buffaloes, sheep etc., sesamum, honey,
milk, various types of cereals like green gram, black
gram, barley, rice, etc.
Gardens (public gardens) are recommended on the
banks of rivers and lakes. Margosa (neem), ashoka
(Saraca Indica), punnaga (Calophyllum isophyllum),
sirisa (Albizzia lebbeck) are recommended in one's
garden and rear houses.
Smearing a branch with cow dung and transplanting
it on the branch of another tree does grafting. The
junction of the transplant is covered with a coating of
mud.
Grafting is recommended for plants yet to grow
branches in Sirisa (February-March), for plants that
HANDBOOK OF VAST,' 1,,(1
have grown branches in Hemanta (December-January)
and for these that have large branches in Varsha
(August-September).
"Export" grafting is also mentioned. Plants can be
sent to other countries and grafted there. The plant to
be exported should be smeared with a mixture of ghee,
sesamum, andropogon honey, Vidanga (L."1belia
Ribes), milk and cow dung.
Tree diseases are treated as follows.
The "ulcer" parts should be cleared with a knife.
Then these parts should be applied with a paste of
Vidanga, ghee and mud and then sprinkled with milk
and water.
When fruit bearing trees do not yield fruits and when
fruits are destroyed prematurely, the trees should be
watered with cooled milk which has bcen boiled with
horse gram, black gram, green gram, barley and
sesame.
This way the trees are said to regain their flower \
and fruit bearing strength.
The ancients gave much importance to laying of
gardens and maintaining them. Gardens not only
enhance the vastu strength of a building but also make
it a delightful experience for the residents and the
visitors to the house.
In fact Vrkshayurveda recommends artificially
made caves adorned with branches of trees, leaves and
creepers, artificial peaks etc!
 SECTION IV

Your Questions Answered .......................................... 145

HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 145

Your Questions Answered

A.t a glance:

Can trees hefelled?

Are irregular shaped lots or huildings
recommended
Is there a relationship hetween the length and
breadth of a building?
Should we apply Ayadi Shadvarga to our homes
already constructed?
- Find out the answers for yourself.

Can trees be felled?

This is a question that is causing much unhappiness
to many people who have already planted their trees
in the north and east of the northeast sector.
Personally speaking I do not feel that one or two
trees planted in this region could disturb the Vastu
balance.
Effective steps to strengthen the southwest sector
by planting one or two additional trees can be taken.
Of course if the Vedha or obstruction is caused to the
mahadwara, we may perhaps have to think of a
solution.
The ancients have prescribed a way of doing this.
Pooja to the tree has to be performed the previous night
and offerings made. Next morning, after pooja again,
146 HANDBOOK OF V ASTl! HANDBOOK OF VASTU 147

the tree is ready to be felled. The tree may be so cut 5. On the other hand if all the angles are right the
that it falls to its east or north. inmates of the house will be happy and live with wealth
Are irregularly shaped pots or structures and honor.
recommended? Is there a relationship between the length and
w breadth of a building?
Yes, the best is a square structure where you have
SOUTH NORTH both the length and breadth equal. However this may
WEST
WEST WEST not be possible in many cases. The rectangular
structure is the choice.
Brihat Samhita states that the length of a king's
s SOUTH BRAHMA NORTH N
dwelling should be greater than its breadth by a quarter.
For example the following table gives the lengths and
SOUTH
EAST
NORTH breadth which can be used by you for your house.
EAST EAST

E
BREADTH LENGTH
Fig Dl.Ol
In Feet

No. The classical works are very clear in stating

18 22.5
that the structure should be a perfect square or a
20 25
rectangle. In fact stanzas 67 & 68 of Chapter LUI of
25 31.25
Brihat Samhita gives the following results.
30 37.50
1. When southeast is cut, the owner will lose wealth
40 50
and will be miserable through women.
45 56.2
2. When the northwest is cut there is loss of money
50 62.50
and food. 80 100
3. When northeast is cut he will fall from virtues.
100 125
4. When the southwest is cut there is death of male
children, troubles through women and the master
It is to be noted that the maximum length of the
becomes servile.
building should be twice the breadth and no more.
 148 HANDBOOK OF V ASH' HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 149

What is the height recommended for buildings? Can purchasing the adjacent land extend a plot?
The Brihat Samhita recommends the height to be Yes, of course as long as the adjacent land is towards
equal to its breadth. the east, north or northeast of th~ ~Iriginal property
and is an extension to the property. Avoid buying land
to the south, west, southwest, northwest or southeast
of your property.
N
T
1
1
1
1
j w 1- --7 E
1
~ b-- 1
Fig Dl.02
1
1
I
Should we apply Ayadi Shadvarga to our homes ~
already constructed? :1
s I
I do not think it is necessary to scratch your head Fig Dl.03
over a finished construction as far as the ayadi is
concerned. In fact I would recommend the application Can a portion of the house be rented out?
of ayadi shad varga for mansions, huge bungalows and Retain the southwest portion of the house and rent
public places. out the rest. Avoid letting out part of the house at the
Manasara is clear when it says that if the merits cost of retaining the northwest portion which could
are more than the demeri ts (of vas tu) it c an be bitter your relationship with the tenant to your
considered as not having any defect. detriment. If it is an independent house rent out the
Do you recommend any specific measurement total portion.
while using mirrors? Which is the suitable site iin a hill station for
Always go in for square or rectangular (l=2b) building a house?
mirrors. They can be hung on east and north walls of Select a site where you have all elevations, rocks,
the house. mounds, and heavy trees to the south and the west.
150 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF VASTU 151

South find that they are built on a higher level than the
ground.
Taking the life of a building as about fifty years,
there is always the possibility of the height of the road
slowly increasing over a period of time. It is therefore
all the more necessary that the structure is built at a
or East Fig D 1.04 higher height to avoid flow of rain water, etc., from
the road into the building or compound.
Let the slope be towards the north and east. If there is The placement of main doors is so confusing. Some
a stream or river running on the north, east or northeast
say it should be as given in the classical works, some
of your site, it is a good bargain.
say it differently. How do we decide on the correct
Can houses be built on road level? placement?
It is always better to build both the compound floor As I have earlier said, I prefer to rely on the classical
and the structure above the road level. Let the works as far as the main door is concerned. (See
foundation for the compound floor be at least two feet chapter on doors for details)
above road level. Let the house (structure) itself be at
least two or three feet above the ground level. Favourable in N-NE E-NE S-SE W-NW
Generally speaking if you observe temples, you will
Unfavourable in E-SE W-SW S-SW N-NW

However, in cases where it may not be possible to

Building Level
stick to this because of building constraints modern
scholars suggest the above guidelines.
Is it advisable to have a pillar on the northeast
Compound Floor Level
corner to support a portico?
A cantilever roof which is slightly lower than the
main roof is recommended. The northeast corner
Road Level
corresponds to the Vastu Purusha's head. It also refers
to the konasutras (energy lines running diagonally
Fig D 1.05 across the Brahmasthana from southwest to northeast
~ ... ...."
,

152 HANDBOOK OF V ASHI HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 153

,.....;;;:;:===;::;;JClockwise
and northwest to southeast - please refer to chapter From
Inside
on Brahmasthana). A pillar or a load therefore in this
comer is better avoided.
It is always better not to touch the roof of the portico
to the compound walls.
Is a peephole through the main door advisable?
As a rule have a small window between the main
door and the wall. This will enable the lady of the
house to have a clear view of strangers pressing the
doorbell. (See diagram.)

Fig 01.08

Is it adviseable to have a pillar on the northeast

corner to support a portico?
A cantilever roof which is slightly lower than the
main roof is recommended. the northeast coner
Window
corresponds to the Vastu Purushua's head. It also refers

Fig D 1.06

Is a particular direction for opening the door

recommended? Portico Portico

Yes. The traditional way of pradakshina or

circumambulating round the deity is always in the
clockwise direction.
Similarly when you stand inside the house, the main
door should open towards your left, in the clockwise NE
direction. As far as possible apply this principle for
l"ig D 1.07
the other doors inside the house too.
154 HANDBOOK OF
to the konasutras (energy lines running diagonally
across the Brahmasthana from southwest to northeast
and northwest to southeast -- please refer to chapter
on Brahmasthana). A pillar or a load therefore in this
corner is better avoided ..
It is always better not to touch the roof of the portico
to the compound walls.
As master of the house, which place do you
recommend for me to sit?
Always occupy the south or west of the southwest
of any room-living, kitchen or drawing for your
seating. You can face east or north. Other members of
N
w E
s Tilt the plan to the direction the site is facing. Put
Master's sitting place
Fig D 1.09
the family also can seat themselves such that they also
face east or north only (see diagram on next page).
What pictures are suitable in my drawing room?
You can have natural sceneries which are pleasing
V ASTU HANDBOOK OF VASTU 155
to the eye on your north and east walls. Pictures of
smiling children etc. can also decorate your house.
Avoid pictures depicting violence, wild beasts,
sickly people, burning forests, fires etc.
Photos of departed souls can be hung on the south
walls.
How do you define a door when the site and
building is tilted 20° to the cardinal directions?
N~--+- __+-__+-~4,~~__4-__4-__~__~S
Fi~ DUO
Let us suppose you have a slightly east facing site
on which you construct a house. Find out the centre
point of the eastern wall on the plan.
your compass on it and draw a north-south line passing
through the center of the eastern wall.
Divide the north south line into 9 parts. Draw lines
on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grids to cut the eastern wall.
These are the places at which you can have your main
door.
156 HANDBOOK OF
What should the thickness of the walls of a
building be?
Brihat Samhita categorically mentions that the wall
thickness should be 111 6th ofthe breadth of a building
if it is made out of bricks. For wooden houses no
restriction is mentioned.
b
Fig D 1.11
Let us suppose that the breadth of a building in 32
feet. The thickness of the wall (inclusive of plastering)
recommended is
1 separate one. It has three doors except on the west.
32 x 2'
16
Perhaps they considered this formula necessary to
safeguard the building from thieves, gangsters, etc.
Are pathways round the house good?
Brihat Samhita the great work of Varahamihira
recommends a pathway around the house and
V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 157
prescribes its breadth as equal to one-third of the
breadth of the living room (hall).
It speaks of Sosnisa-pathway in front of the house;
Saayaasraya - pathway behind the house;
Saavastamba - pathway on two sides; and Susthita -
pathway laid on all four sides, and concludes that all
the pathways are approved by the architects.
Many houses in the villages of India have
verandahs round the house. Are they
recommended?
Yes, the classical works recommend an unbroken
verandah all round the house provided they have 4
doors on all the sides.
1. The Sarvatobhadra as the house is called is said
be beneficial in all respects.
2. A house is called Nandyaavarta when it has
verandahs on all sides going from left to right, each a
3. A house is called Vardhamana when the front
verandah extends from left to right. Another verandah
from there is from left to right and there is a third one
again from left to right. There is no entrance on the
south for a Vardhamana building.
4. A house is called Swastika when the western
verandah extends from the left to the right. The other
two verandahs (southern and northern), originating
from the western verandah should touch the ends in
the east. The eastern verandah is held between them.
The entrance should be in the east.
158 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASTU 159

.. N
•
N
5. A house is called Ruchaka when the eastern
and western verandahs touch the ends in the south and
the north. There are two more verandahs touching these
. House E
internally. Entrances in all the directions except north
W
. House E W are recommended.
l-
The Nandyavarta and Vardhamana are said to be
the best apart from Sarvatobhadra.

.
I Can you suggest a general placement of the
S S
Sarvatobhadra Nandyavarta rooms?
Entrance on all four sides Doors on all sides except on the West
FigDl.lla
The central south is for dining; the central north is
Fig D 1.Ilb
for storing money; the southeast corner for the kitchen
. N N
and the northwest for granary; the northeast corner 1

for the prayer room as also the well; the East for baths;
\
southwest for the master and west for children. \

. ~
W House E
W
. House E
NORTH-WEST NORTH
(UTTARA)
NORTH-EAST
(VAYUVYA) (EASHANYA)

Granary.
Toilets. Pooja.
Animal Sheds. Verandah.
Treasury
S S Garage. Portico.
Study room
Vardhamana Swastika Guest Rooms No weights
Doors on all sides except on the south. Doors on the East.
, l:!ath. vlnmg.
Fig D !.llc Fig D 1.lld Children
N WEST Children Study Room EAST
Court-yard
(PASCHIMA) Study Room ~tore for fluids (POORVA)
like Ghee.
milk.
Ruchaka Master
Bed Room.
An entrance in all Bed Room. Kitchen.
Dressing
quarters except Dining Garage
W E Room. Store
North is said to be for assets
.~ I- good.
SOUTH-WEST SOUTH SOUTH-EAST
(NIRUTI) (DAKSHINA) (AGNEYA)

Fig D1.12
S
 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU HANDBOOK OF V ASH) 161
160

Mahendra E Conclusion
~ Vastu Shastra is intended to ensure the building up
of a contented, prosperous and a happy society.
RakshasQ
The ancients designed a set of dos and don'ts while
~ s
N constructing buildings or townships taking into
consideration the interplay of various fonns of energies
Bhallata
~ radiated by man.
In a plot of land these energies, either positive or
~ negative, are at perpetual play. The fields of energy
W Pushpadanta get distorted when a building is constructed on the
plot. The ancient sages in India after a great deal of
Fig 01.13
contemplation and experimentation arrived at a certain
way of construction such that the building worked in
The main entrance of the house, to be auspicious,
harmony with the energy fields rather than against
should be on the square of Rakshasa, Pushpadanta,
them, in the process, making man a compatible part
Bhallata and Mahendra. of the area/environment.
. ?
Can the cots and other furniture have any sl~es. The human body has layers of aura or subtle energy
The classical works prescribe certain proportIOnate levels. The strength or weakness of these energy levels
measurements. The ancients felt that Vastu was an depends on the evolution of the concerned individual.
important as the Vaastu. The ratio recomm~nde? for a When the energy fields of the human body interact
cot is 3:5. Suppose the Width of the cot IS 4 ft., the with the energy fields of the building, good and bad
ideal length will be 6.6 ft. results follow.
The length of the legs is prescribed as m~re than Hence the ancients felt that it was all the more
one hasta and less than one and a half hasta. ThIS works necessary to build a house such that the two energy
out to 18" and 27" respectively. . levels, one of the animate and the other of the inanimate
The legs have to be straight and can have feet 10 the worked in harmony or resonance.
shape of a tiger foot or a deer foot. The science of Vastu also takes into consideration
the pancha mahabhootas, viz., Prithvi (Earth), Apa
(water), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Air) and Akasha (sky or

, space).
162 HANDBOOK OF V ASTU

In Ayurveda when these pancha mahabhootas are

well balanced the body and mind are said to be in good
health. Similarly when selecting a site and constructing
a house, if these pancha mahabhootas are balanced
the building and the people residing in it will be in
good health and contented. SECTION V
This way the ancients developed a methodology of
construction, which ensured the happiness and peace SOME PLANS
of mind to the residents of the building.
The whole world will be a happier place to live in
if Vastu is applied not only to construction of
residences but also educational institutions, public
buildings, religious places, layouts, complexes and
satellite towns.
Town planning and development authorities would
do well to consider the Vastu aspect before trying to
expand the townships disproportionately.
164 HANDBOOK or V ASTU
HANDBOOK OF YASTU
165

I I
I I I I This is a house in a 120' x 90' plot. The plot
I I I
-..J...-....J--L-l.._ faces the East Road.
I I I
--L-l..--l-
I I I I
The building area is divided into 81 cells or
IMASTER BEDROOM ROOM
grids. The central nine grids are called the
I I I I I I I B rahmasthana.
-T--1--t--t"- --1--1---1-
I I I I I I I The main entry in the east is given on the
I I I I I I I third and fourth grids from the north side.
I I An exit door that is essential for cross
ventilation may be provided in the fourth grid
I I I I on the north side from the west side.
I I I I I
--BATH~-- 'rl--~-+-~- The house is so designed that the
I '>, I I I Brahmasthana is used as a general lounge area.
I I I I No beams or pillars should come in the central
I 'I I I I nine grids.
'~--r-T-l-
. . . I The plan may be used with suitable
W.C
LIVING CUM DINING I modifications depending on whether the road
L..-.....l-_L._..L_.J_ is south, east or west.
I I I I
I I I I I I
I I I I I
-+--1----..-............ --1- ........-
I I I I I

KITCHEN DINING II I PRAYER

I
-t-j- -t- --, - ROOM'
I I I I
I I I
ENTRY

120 feet x 90 feet east facing lot

166 HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU
HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU
167

, ,I PRAYER
This is a house in a 80' x 120' plot. The plot
BATH w.e. --l--t-- faces the south road.
ROOM
I All round the building a minimum of 13 feet
I ROOM
4 inches on the north and south sides and 8
__ I__ L_ ............
feet 9 inches on the east and west are left free.
I I I
I I J This free space comes under the Paisacha

-,-,-
I I I 1
zone.
The building area is divided into 81 cells or

-0--4
I , o , grids. The central nine grids are called the
I
I
I
,
I I I ~ I I Brahmasthana.
I a -+-~--
~ I I The plan is designed to give two bedrooms
,B I I and two toilets.
--1 0z____
, I _ The main entry in the east falls in the fourth
f- BATH CUM w.e. --I I I;; I I
grid from the north side. A corresponding exit
I I I:J I I
door which is essential for cross ventilation is
I I I I I
T I T r-- provided on the western wall exactly opposite
I I I' I I J
the entry.
I I " I I I The house is so designed that the
~_L_~-~-_L_~_~_J_~ __ Brahmasthana is used as a general lounge area.
I I I' "I
No beams or pillars should come in the central
r MAS~R B~DROO~ KITCHEN nine grids.
~-r-T-~--r-~-T-~-~-- A utility area is provided next to the prayer
, I I I 'I' room.
I I 'I I I I The plan may be used with suitable
modifications depending on whether the road
is north, east or west.
80 feet x 120 feet south facing plot

I
168 HANDBOOK Of· V ASTIJ
HANDBOOK OF V AST\' 169

,
I
-
in Rock Garden

6' - I

MA~::lf
!

DINING
CUM
KITCHEN STORE

BEDROOM ~
I
I
This house is designed in a lot of 33' x 50'
with a north road. A minimum of 1/9th space
(3' 9"x5' 6") corresponding to the Paisacha or
l.U--_ _ _ 14' --+----+1 iI
I
,
negati ve zone is left open all around.
5'5
~t The centre of the building has a skylight to
LIVING
(0
~
.W3'9
BATH/w.e.j 'f-- allow sunlight into the living area .
I,
Skylight 11,1
The entrance to the house is on the eastern
wall in the north east portion. A circular
staircase is provided in the north west.
The car parking is in the cellar in the north-
7'--'
<Xl
east sector (below the verandah and living).
, (0
The house has two bedrooms with attached
I POOJA I
toilets and a small sitout facing the road.
VERANDAH Ii
Lower than liVing I?:i- (0 SITOUT
iPI I
I

~~~~~~~1~8'~§;~~~;;~6'6 ------!-'-
This and the next plan
BASEMEN I Y .. ucan
This can have your car Pilrki~;~ve
relates to smaller lots. Once
artificial the concept is understood, the
Walcri.,lIs
I)ere reader may extend the
..... .......... ........... .. . ..... C ' =:::J.. . principles to larger lots.
.....-'i'lc.....;- - - - - 33' -----~----------I
I . - - - - ..-

i __
170 HANDBOOK OF Y ASTli HANDBOOK OF Y ASTU 171

LEAF E'EARING .lIND SHf\DE -wr,:3H!NG

GIVING TREES .A.[)D!TIO~";AL
GROUND i TOIl.FT-S
A~~O
LEVEL VEGE 1 ABLE l!::t:::-:~
HIGHER N::;ARDEN

I
'r
~-+-12'

!}n ~e f.~s: !':oor, !bi! ;:>Om N

Clin :;'11 rO>\.lIT~ .. ,t 11 I''''''~''\~.
ove~Oiilj
Tht

oj:sl~r.C<:l
tt.',K ca:" b"

c! L :e~: ·'c·n-· p--,,;.

This house is designed in a plot of 30' x 60'
~:.J:~1""r·ws)1 'It"; 1",,(.: .. 41
fro~ the we".:.:·""'. v,;::.:i with an east road. A minimum of 1I9th space
MASTER BEDROOM
is left open all around.
The entrance to the house is on the eastern
wall in the north east portion. As the owner
'm= : FAMILY LIVING

~ .. 1[_ ..;._.__..__._._._. ___ . AND DINING

needed only one room more area for lawn
,.... ._ : Cifi(;ULAri space was provided.
, STAIRS. GET

'/ '\
/;:-~ DOWN TO THE
: NORTi-: OR
An internal staircase is provided in the south
(.1. . . ' \ EAST AS 'yOU

~//
'::-o'LANU'l
/:'\ ----/i east. The car parking is in the south-east sector.
",---( . ';~
..:::::-.:.~=;/ A sump (a water body) in the north of north-
5'
east is provided.
 172 HANDBOOK OF VASTl'
HANDBOOK OF V ASTLI 173

This house is designed in a plot of 100' x

100' with a north road. A minimum of 1/9th
space is left open all around. The entrance to
the house is on the northern wall in the
prescribed zone viz., Bhallata.
The outer dimensions of the house are
63'x72'. The prayer room is situated in the
centre (in the Brahmasthana).
The master bedroom is in south-west
(20'x26'). Close to the master bedroom is the
child room (15'x12') and the closet (8'x12')
is common to both the rooms. The north-east
has the study-room (l5'x 14').
The kitchen (l4'x 17'6") has a dining hall
(l4'6"xI3'). The exit to the backyard is
, !
through the Brhatakshata. The staircase room
(12' 6"x 14') is next to the kitchen.
The north-west has the garage (l5'x20')
which has a door into the verandah (l5'xI4').
',.\,,-'; ~~;·r, .... -

14'------
-- 12' ~-

-- 20'
... - - fl.' ----_
The garage has a store(8'xl0') which has a
door into the open space where a flower garden
can be grown .. The front of the house has a
porch-cum-sitout (17'x 15').
Behind the prayer room is a six-feet high
holed decorative wall which conceals the
staircase and other rooms.
 HANDBOOK OF VASTU 175

Index
Adhama 37 Foundation 60
Apachchaya 38 Fndge 97
Angula 37,41.42 Furniture 100,131.160
Aya 44.45.52 Garage 70
Ayadl Shad varga 12.44.145 Garages 114.115
Agni 112 Gas stove 93.94
Almirahs 94. 107. D5 Gates 68
Attics 105.106.1:12 Geyser 86
Apartments 135 Guest Room 91
Ashoka DO Gardening 139
Hrahmansthana 56.57.67 Grafting 140
Hrihat lataka 10 Guava 130
Hrihat Samhita 8.9.75.76.77.79 Guests l:ll
Basement 116 Harmya 3
Bath tub Rei Hasta 41
Bathroom 75,85.86.88 Heavy provisions 106
Beds 88.89 Healing DI
Bhallata 76.77.lflO Herbal 130
Brihatakshata 77 Hill station 149
Balconies 132 House 75
Chara 15 Indra 76
Chhaya 38 Introduction 3
Corner Plots 33 Jayanta 76
Car 114 Jewellery 132
) Cellar I 16 Kitchen 93
Chaturssala n.75 Konasutra 58.76

/
I
Children's rool11
Clockwise
89
118
Kuladevata
Kusumadanta
79
77
I Compound Walls 70 Living Room 99
Constellations 61 Lofts 105.106.132
Cots 9 I. 160 Landscaping 139
Cupboard 74.88 Legs 160
Cash 132 Level I~O
Circumambulation 152 Madhyama n
Coconut 130 Mahabharata 6
Directions 19 Mana 41
Dining Room 96 Manasara 3.7.9.40.45.47.50.54.57.
Dining table 97 79.82.137.148
Dressing Table 88 Manusyalaya Chandrika 49
Dwisala 73.74 Manna 58
Edifice -' Matstapurana 7.112
Ekasala 73.74 Mayamata 3.9.22.78
Exhaust fan 94 Measurement 41
Floor 120 Muhurtha 48
 HANDBOOK OF V ASHr

Mahadwara 76 Slopes k6
Mahendra 79 Sofa 100
Master Bedroom 87 Soma 77
Mirrors 90 Staircase 118
Mukhya 77 Step I IR
Mahendra 160 Store Room 10)
Main door 151 Study Room III
Mezzanine 131 Study Table 90
Mirrors 148 Saplings 14()
Multistoreyed Buildings 135,136 Sarvotobhadra 1)7
Nitya 15 Swastika 157
Nandyaavarta 159 Tantra I.)
Neem 130 Tithi :; I ,53,54
Offerings 39 Taps 76
Orientation 36 Toilet seats 109
Oil 106 Trisala 7:1,74
Penumbra 38 Temples 136
Plots 21 Terraces 132
Puranas 7 Thickness 156
Parjanya 76 Thorny 131
Portico 115,153 Trees 130,139,145
Pushkarinis 66 Umbra 38
Pathways 156,157 Uttama 3h
Peephole 152 Vamsa 5R
Pictures 154 Vara 50.53
Pillars 151 Vastu
Plans 16 I Vastu Purusha 14, '-'I
Pooja 145 Vastu Shastra .<
Pradakshina. See Circumambulation Vastu Shastropadesakas 7
Profession documents 132 Veedhi Shoola 30
Pushpadanta 160 Vishwa Karma Vastu Shastra 12
Questions 145 Vyaya 44.45.46
Ramayana and the Mahabharata 6 Varuna 77
Rksa 44,45.47 Ventilators 94
Rakshasa 160 Verandah 122. I 23
Rent 149 Valueables 132
Ruchaka 159 Vardhamana 157
Samarangana Sutradhara 9,80 Verandahs 157
Sankhu 36 Vrkshayurveda 141
Shadvarga 44,45,53,55 Wash basin 97
Site 21 Washing machine 8h
Soil 27 Well h4,65,h6
Sthira 15 Windows 87.131
Surya Siddhanta 12 Wall sceneries 13k
Sankhu 69 Wardrobes D2
Sink 94 Yoni 44,4S.48