Vaastu Shastra: Utilisation of Ancient

Indian Science in Modern Architecture

 
The art and science of designing spaces, called “Architecture” have 
always been an integral part of humanity’s progress and 
development. No culture is untouched by the beauty of architecture 
and its evolution along with the civilisation. Structures and buildings 
that seem like wonder to our eyes today date back to several 
centuries! The modern architects can never cease to be surprised by 
the beautiful and enduring architectural miracles that stand tall in 
different cultures, be it the magnificent Taj Mahal or the Leaning Pisa 
Tower.  

Designing spaces in today’s world is more than just planning the 

placement of structures and columns to facilitate longer durability. It 
goes way beyond that where architects look at ideas and 
inspirations to design spaces that focus towards the overall 
well-being of the people who live in the spaces. One such biggest 
source of inspiration for modern architects from across the world is 
the Vaastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science that lays principles 
and guidelines for planning and designing spaces, laying the 
foundation of mindful architecture that fits the best interests of the 
people living in.  

Your space defines your lifestyle and ultimately the innate you​, and 
hence you should leave no stone unturned in planning your spaces 
mindfully that brings out the best in you. Vaastu Shastra is primarily 
aimed at creating congenial and comfortable living conditions, 
taking in a more holistic picture into account. Modern architects 
across the world are turning towards Vaastu Shastra as a guiding 
science to layout the architecture plan of buildings. Furthermore, the 
interior designers too are using Vaastu Shastra to effectively manage 
the interior spaces in the most optimal ways.  

The foundation principles of Vaastu Shastra 

Understanding the key foundation principles on which Vaastu 

Shastra is based is important before knowing its applications. Ancient 
Indian sages like Rishi Kashyap, Maya, Agastya and others have 
written various books on this science and the foundation principles 
laid out in their books are the following:  

● Man is a cosmic being who must live in harmony with the other 
cosmic elements of the universe.  
● The five basic elements of nature which are Vaayu (Air), Jal 
(Water), Agni (Fire), Ambar (Ether or Sky) and Prithvi (Earth) 
which are the natural forces that have a direct impact on our 
living. The harmonious flow of these natural cosmic forces in 
 any space is essential for ensuring the holistic well-being of the 
occupants. The lives of the occupants can get out of balance 
when the synchrony amongst such forces is tampered or 
disturbed.  

These are the two guiding principles on which the application of 
Vaastu Shastra is based upon. The following is a brief overview on 
how Vaastu Shastra has been or can be utilized by interior designers 
or architects in the light of modern-day architecture.  

Vaastu Shastra and Directions… 

Vaastu Shastra is majorly influenced by the sunrise and the sunset, 

governing the eight directions, each covering a 35-degree area of 
space. These directions define what part of houses are best planned 
in what directions, keeping in mind the holistic overall well-being of 
the residents.  

● The main entrance of the home must face the eastern side. 
Any construction that concerns the main entrance area like the 
veranda, garden, store-house, water-fountain etc must be 
planned on the eastern front of the house.  
● The central segment of the house which is called as 
“Brahmastan” is best kept lightly occupied or vacant. In 
modern-day architecture, this is the central part of the living 
room area which is generally the carpet area surrounded by 
sofas or seating furniture around. ​Home interior decoration 
items ​like large mirrors, comfy seatings like bean bags and the 
various throw pillows etc must be planned around the main 
sofa or recliner sets instead of being randomly tossed around 
the carpet area.  
 ● The South-East corner of the home is the best place to plan the 
kitchen. It must also be planned at a higher level, meaning it is 
recommended to have large compartments and drawers for 
storing cooking utensils, groceries and more. Interesting and 
trendy kitchen home interior decoration items like antique 
copper finish utensils can be hung around to add more 
character to space, and to guide new users to the utensil 
storing section of the kitchen.  
● The work area of the home should best be planned on the 
South-West side. In modern-day contexts, this means that study 
rooms for children and home-office sections of your home must 
be planned in the South-West, ensuring enough ventilation and 
just enough sunlight.  
● The Master bedroom of the house should face the Southern 
direction with the attached bathroom occupying the 
South-West direction. Since the Master bedroom is the place 
where the head of the family and the spouse reside in, it should 
be planned as a resting and recreational place, with enough 
natural sunlight and air passing through.  
● The Dining Room must occupy the Western end of the home, 
facilitating an easier movement of food from the kitchen to the 
dining room with less barriers in between.  
● The Pooja room or the place of worship must be planned in the 
North-Eastern direction. Additionally, the idol of God, 
photographs of Gods and Goddesses, and any home interior 
decoration items concerning the worship must be placed in the 
West or North directions. Rest of the place must be left vacant 
or lightly occupied, allowing the person worshipping to feel 
comfortable while being seated for prayers.  

 
Vaastu Shastra and colours… 

The second most important factor to consider while applying Vaastu 

Shastra to modern architecture, after directions are the colours. The 
colours regulate the thinking patterns and an overall emotional state 
of the residents and thus it is a defining factor to consider before 
planning your space.  

● The colour white represents peace, grace and purity. It shows a 

sense of expansion and thus is most suitable to be used in the 
living room and to paint the ceilings of all the rooms. 
Additionally, ​home interior decoration items​ follow any theme 
from the modern and minimalistic styles to the retro and 
wooden styles or the antique and metal-finish styles, the colour 
white acts as the best neutral palette that will highlight and 
draw attention to any piece of home interior decoration items.  
● The colour Blue signifies the depth of emotions, inspiration, 
devotion, new beginnings and the truth. It is most suitable to be 
used in the bedroom and the guest rooms to ensure peace of 
mind.  
● The colour Green represents prosperity, hope and offers a 
harmonious and positive ambience, making it best suitable for 
study rooms or home-offices. Different shades of greens can be 
mixed and used to create a beautiful palette of patterns. 
Additionally, home interior decoration items like ​indoor plants​, 
rich in green colour can be used in study or workrooms.  
● The colour Orange represents power, spirituality, optimism, 
health and happiness. Orange is a colour that is appropriate to 
be used in any room of the house according to Vaastu Shastra.  
● The colour Purple signifies royalty, trust, richness and gratitude. 
Light shades of purple can be used in the living room or any 
area where members of the house gather around to create an 
uplifting mood and ambience. Several ​home interior 
decoration items​ sync well with the various hues of purples and 
can best be used to create peppy and perky spaces at home.