RESEARCH THESIS

IMPACT OF VAASTU SHASTRA IN MODERN

ARCHITECTURE

SUBMITTED TO
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

SUBMITTED BY
PRASHANT THAKER
ROLL NO : 32

RESEARCH THESIS CO-ORDINATORS

AR. NIRAV SHAH AR. BIRVA GANDHI

GCPIA, VNSGU, SURAT GCPIA, VNSGU, SURAT
 TABLE OF CONTENTS:-

ABSTRACT :-
 AIM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 KEY WORDS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 1

1. INTRODUCTION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.1 Background -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.2 Objectives ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.3 Scope and methodology ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.4 Case study --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 2

2. Historical root and principal of Vaastu Shastra -----------------------------------------------------

2.1 Origins and Evolution --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.2 Fundamental Concepts and Philosophy ---------------------------------------------------------
2.3 Key Principles of Vaastu Shastra ------------------------------------------------------------------
 CHAPTER 3
3. Application of Vaastu Shastra in Modern Architecture and Urban Planning -----------------
3.1 Incorporation of Vaastu Principles in Building Design ----------------------------------------
3.2 Vaastu Shastra in Real Estate Development ----------------------------------------------------
3.3 Vaastu Considerations in Interior Decoration --------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 4
4. Perceived Benefits and Limitations of Vaastu Shastra --------------------------------------------
4.1 Positive Impacts on Human Well-being ---------------------------------------------------------
4.2 Enhancement of Energy Flow and Harmony ---------------------------------------------------
4.3 Cultural and Traditional Significance -------------------------------------------------------------
4.4 Criticisms and Challenges ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 5
5. Social, Cultural, and Psychological Aspects of Vaastu Shastra ---------------------------------

5.1 Influence on Cultural Identity and Heritage Preservation -----------------------------------

5.2 Societal Beliefs and Perceptions ------------------------------------------------------------------
5.3 Psychological Effects on Occupants --------------------------------------------------------------
 CHAPTER 6
6. Scientific Validity and Empirical Evidence of Vaastu Shastra ------------------------------------
6.1 Analysis of Research Studies -----------------------------------------------------------------------
6.2 Alternative Explanations and Skepticism --------------------------------------------------------
6.3 Case Study Examples --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 7
7. Future Trajectory of Vaastu Shastra in the Built Environment ----------------------------------
7.1 Current Trends and Popularization ---------------------------------------------------------------
7.2 Integration with Sustainable Design Principles -----------------------------------------------
7.3 Balancing Tradition and Innovation --------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 8
8. Recommendations and Critical Engagement --------------------------------------------------------
8.1 Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations ------------------------------------------------------
8.2 Standardization and Evaluation Frameworks --------------------------------------------------
8.3 Education and Awareness --------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CHAPTER 9
9. Conclusion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.1 Summary of Findings --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.2 Implications for Architecture and Urban Planning --------------------------------------------
9.3 Future Research Directions ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ABSTRACT :
Vaastu is believed in Indian thought to have been passed down orally over thousands of years. Shastra is an ancient Indian
knowledge of the art and science of architecture as formulated in prehistoric times through the early modern period. Knowledge of
Vaastu-Shastra Human beings have passed this knowledge down through the generations, with some modifications along the
way to make it consistent with the needs of the time. Originally Vaastu-Shastra was conceived of as art only, but in more recent
decades (since 1960) it has been viewed as a philosophy with some key insights that are consistent with modern science and
technology. Vaastu-Shastra can be thought of as a technological hermeneutic that seeks to understand technical action within the
context of cultural traditions related to the ritual context of constructing houses and cities. Vaastu-Shastra serves as both an
indicator of the tradition of technical action and epistemologically, guides technical praxis. Within Indian thought, Vaastu-Shastra is
a particular way of thinking and engaging in the practice of architecture.

AIM :
TO CLASSIFY AND STUDY HOW VASTU SHASHTRA INFLUENCES MODERN DESIGN TERMINOLOGIES.

KEY WORDS :
VASTU PURUSHMANDALA , ORIENTATION , CONNECTIVITY , NATURE , SUN PATH
 CHAPTER :- 01

1. INTRODUCTION :
The principal source for Vaastu-Shastra within the Vedas is the Sthapatya Veda
which deals explicitly with architecture in subordination to the larger Atharva
Veda. Vedic knowledge such as that contained within the Vaastu was preserved
through hearing, memorizing, and through the written texts themselves.
VaastuShastra can be considered to be an applied science approach that
evolved continuously over a period of at least 2500 years, producing a large
number of texts like “Kashyapa Shilpa Shastra, Brihat Samhita, Viswakarma
Vaastu Shastra, Samarangana Sutradhara, VishuDharm_odhare, Purana
Manjari, Mayamata, Aparajitapccha, Silparatna Vaastu Shastra, etc. Some of
the great sages, originators, teachers and preachers of Vaastu Shastra are
Brahma, Narada, Brihaspati, Bhrigu, Vasistha, Vishwakarma, Maya, Kumara,
Anirudha, Bhoja, Sukra and others” . The classic epics of Ramayana and
Mahabharata have ample evidence of Vaastu-Shastra. In the Mahabharata,
Mayasabha was built by Maya and Indraprastha and Dwarka were built by
Viswakarma. The references to these two great traditional architects,
Viswakarma of the Aryans and Maya of the Dravidians are found in both epics.
The rituals associated with architecture as th described in the later Vedas and
its compilations until the 15 century AD, are still practiced as a part of the
construction process in India.
1.1 BACKGROUND:
The Ramayana is a good starting point. Probably one of the most powerful stories in the life of a
people, this epic has lived in the minds and hearts of Indians for over a thousand years. The spiritual
teachings, ethical and moral values put forth by it have not only molded generations of people but
also influenced other Asian cultures for hundreds of years, besides forming part of art forms such as
poetry, dance, drama, music, and harikatha.

The Ramayana is the story of an Avatara Purusha or exemplary man with divine qualities. This is a
story of heroism, duty, banishment, abiding love, loyalty, of a savior and a redeemer, of the tragedy of
greatness that is undone by arrogance, of parental love that defies time, of a man-woman relationship
that is eternal. and so on. One can speak endlessly of the varieties of themes and richness of
meanings that the Ramayana contains. A conversation between Narada and Valmiki brings out the
quintessence of the divine qualities of Rama.

1.2 OBJECTIVES:

1. to analyse how Vaastu is important in modern architecture

2 . To understand Vaastu and it's principal
3. To observe impact of Vaastu on built form
4 .To get knowledge regarding micro and macro climate
5.To understand the importance of site orientation zoning and planing in terms of Vaastu.
1.3 METHODOLOGY:

Research and Study: The first step is to conduct extensive research and study on
vastu shastra Contextual Analysis: Analyze the contextual factors of the project site,
such as climate, geography, local culture, and materials.

Material Selection and Technology: Select appropriate materials and construction

techniques that align Collaboration and Expertise: Collaborate with experts, such as
historians, archaeologists, and to ensure the accuracy and feasibility of the design.
Their insights can help refine the design and address vastu aspects, ensuring the
successful implementation of the project.Implementation and Work closely with
vastu consultant and expertise teams to ensure the accurate execution of the design.
Provide detailed documentation, drawings, and specifications to guide the
construction process and ensure that the design vision is realized in the built form.
 1.4 CASE STUDY

 Janamashtami ISKCON Temple:-

• Designed and built by achyut kanvinde who in 1993 agreed to accept a pro-bono
commission to build this temple complex for the followers of srila prabhupada is
one of the largest temple complexes in india .

• It comprises numerous rooms for priests and for service renders. The temple also
has a 375-seater auditorium which is used for cultural and religious functions. It
has many halls that are used for its administration purposes and various seminars.

• It is divided into four broad sections. Glory of india vedic cultural centreeditthe
temple complex houses the glory of india vedic cultural centre, a popular
destination for visitors and tourists to learn about major hindu texts which are
presented using various multimedia technologies, these include: bhagavad gita
animatronics - using a blend of dramatic narration, lasers and projects, this show
allows the visitors to learn the five major concepts of bhagavad gita, the three
modes of nature and the yoga systems presented therein.Mahabharat experience.

• A light and sound show which presents the story line of mahabharat which span
over thousands of verses in a concise manner.Ramayana art gallery - A collection
of over 30 original oil paintings painted by iskcon's members from USA, russia,
india, UK.Bhagavat puran exhibit - this exhibit presents one of the most important
text in the vaishnava tradition in a visual format.
 The Tanjore Big Temple:-

• The Tanjore Big Temple is a stunning monument built by Raja Raja

Cholan, greatest king of Chola Dynasty. It was constructed between the
year AD 985 and 1014, completed around 1010 AD. The temple is
popularly known as the Big Temple, Rajarajesvaram Temple or
Peruvudaiyār Kōvil temple.

• It highlights the architectural mastery of the Chola era. The Thanjavur

temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva because the Raja Raja Cholan
is the ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. The great temple was built to signify
the Chola’s brilliant achievements in architecture, painting, bronze casting
and sculpture. Brihadeeswarar temple is one of the few temples that have
Ashta-dikpalakas (dik – direction & palakas – ruler.

• Dikpalakas – ruler of the directions). Brihadeeswarar temple Thanjavur, is

the first complete granite temple in the world with more than 130,000
tons.Another stunning architectural feat is the Vimanam (temple tower) is
200 ft high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumba of the temple is
carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons & managed to
hoist it up to a 212 feet tower back in the 11th century without heavy
cranes and modern equipment. It shows the Engineering mastermind of
king Raja Raja Cholan. It is hard to imagine but it is not the imagination
but the unavoidable truth.