While constructing a house, the principles of Vaastu are based on a set pattern. This, in turn, is based on the convenience of those living and certain basic rules of direction. It is believed that a slight deviation from the pattern might have an adverse effect on our lives.

Three principles of design have been put forth which cover the entire field of design, whether it is a building, a craft item or an article of daily use.

Bhogadyam: The designed product must be useful and lend itself to easy application.

Sukha Darsham: The designed product must be aesthetically pleasing. This principle covers the exterior of a building as well as the interior.

Ramya: The designed product must be capable of evoking a feeling of well-being and contentment.

In Vaastu there are multiple ways in which the designer and occupant can create a space for experience. If the space has a specific activity, then gathering all energies in a single centre proves to be very powerful.

Though the science of Vaastu follows generic rules, certain specific principles are followed:

• Vaastu practitioners believe that rooms in the eastern and northern part of the house must have a smaller carpet area than those located in the western and southern parts. This principle is followed due to the belief that the eastern parts of the house are sensitive to heavy loads. There must be an equal distribution of heavy and light rooms in the house for a free flow of positive energy.
• The North-eastern part of the house is very sensitive, and care must be taken to see that no heavy object is placed in that part of the house. Heavy objects like tables and refrigerators must be arranged in the southern or western direction. These principles are followed to maintain a sense of balance, and are universally applicable.

Vaastu Philosophies

Vaastu Shastra is an integral part of Vedic culture and philosophy. The five elements of nature, namely: earth (stability) water (purity); fire (energy and power); air (pervasiveness) and space (creativity and dynamism) In this way, the five elements of nature are co-related with everything that goes on in the Universe.

The relationship between Vaastu and Astrology

Vaastu and astrology have both originated from the Vedas, and are inter-dependent on each other. In fact, both are derived from each other and complement each other as well. Vaastu Shastra, while trying to find out muhurta (auspicious moments) depends on astrology to find out the right time. An astrologer, while performing yagnas, must depend on Vaastu to get an idea of the location. While both the sciences are independent and complete in themselves, a joint study helps for a better understanding.

The Vaastu Philosophies are:

Jivatman: Some locations are sacred in their very character. In such places, the building also imbibes power, which can bestow siddhi or spiritual powers to the occupants. The physical abode is the resting place for the body, psyche, spirit of the individual and the smaller unit of a family or group. This is the shape wherein the jivatman of the individual can achieve spiritual harmony and contentment, during their sojourn in earthly life.

Panchabhoota: In an act of creation, the objects formed become subservient to the cosmic order of Panchabhoota. In other words, the five elements, namely space, air, fire, water and earth play a subtle part in the emanated form and each has its location and role, meaning and power.

Dvaitam/ Advaitam: To achieve the sublimation of the jivatman with paramatman, two paths have been recommended, one known as Dvaitam and the other as Advaitam.

In the field of architecture, the philosophies of Dvaitam and Advaitam have had great impact, particularly in the realm of religious buildings. All temple precincts are built around the concept of form and space, which articulate the Search for the Divine either within the self or outside of the self.

Purusha: Vaastu Purusha is the body on which every aspect of human activity is carried out. Whether we build a house or playground, we place it upon the sacred body of the cosmic, in order for it to reside with us. The manifestation of energy in the universe of reality, or prapancha is the movement of purusha/prakriti.

Shivam/Shakti

This movement from stillness and bliss into manifestation is the secret of creation. The still centre is known as Shivam, and the energy which is the energy of creation is Shakti, the former the male principle and the latter the female.

In the Indian tradition the male/female is inextricably linked as the Ardhanareeshwara (half male and half female) and the Srivatsam (the mole) on the body of Vishnu. (The feminine principle exists in the form of a mole on the body of the male).

Triguna: Each physical form is perceived as a composition of three: Gunas or characteristics known as Satvika, Rajasa, Tamasa. When one of these Gunas is predominant, then the nature of the material objects takes on the dominant character.

In Vaastu, the three Gunas are characterised by the three shapes of a circle, octagon and square respectively.

The energy contained within the square and rectangle is the most stable, restful and in equilibrium. This is considered suitable for residences and places of learning.

The energy contained in a polygon is a suitable centre of energetic activities, such as offices.

The energy contained in the circle is very high, and is suitable for entertainment centres, amphitheatres, council chambers, and sometimes for religious centres such as prayer halls and temples.

Karma Bandhanam: It is the confinement of each individual to repeated births as a consequence of action accrued in each birth. The delusion of a trouble-free existence must be effaced, so that the spirit can accept and live through the travails and the highs and the lows with equanimity and grace.