In traditional Indian architecture, the concept of VastuShastra plays a pivotal role, serving as the ancient science of architecture and space arrangement to promote harmony and prosperity. Central to Vastu Shastra is the intriguing mythological figure known as Vastu Purusha, the "spirit of the site," believed to reside in every plot of land. According to legend, Vastu Purusha was a formidable demon who obstructed the cosmic forces, leading to his suppression by the gods in a collective effort. They pinned him face down onto the Earth, with his body now representing the various energies and elements of the land. Architects and builders consult the Vastu Purusha Mandala, a metaphysical square plan that divides the plot into specific parts, each correlating with certain aspects of Vastu Purusha's body and associated celestial influences.
The orientation and planning of a structure according to Vastu principles involve aligning with the cardinal directions and respecting the placement of Vastu Purusha. Each part of his body corresponds to different qualities of life, influencing the spatial arrangement within the building. For instance, the head of Vastu Purusha lies in the Northeastern part, considered auspicious for spaces meant for meditation, prayer, or introspection. Conversely, the lower parts, representing the feet, lie in the Southeast and should be used for less significant functions, like storage or utility rooms. This alignment is believed to harness cosmic energy efficiently, promoting spiritual and material well-being.
Vastu Shastra emphasizes the importance of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—known as PanchaBhoota, and how they interact with the human dwellings. Each segment of the Vastu Purusha Mandala is imbued with these elements, influencing the activities that are best suited for each part of the home or building. For example, the kitchen, which involves the element of fire, is ideally located in the Southeast, the area representing the hands of Vastu Purusha, signifying cooking and transformation of energy from raw to consumable forms.
Adherence to Vastu principles while designing and constructing buildings is believed to bring not only structural integrity but also spiritual harmony. Practitioners of Vastu Shastra claim that a building designed in concordance with the Vastu Purusha Mandala ensures the inhabitants' health, happiness, and prosperity. While modern architecture often prioritizes functionality and aesthetics, the traditional Indian approach incorporates these spiritual dimensions, believing that our living spaces significantly impact our lives' quality. In essence, Vastu Shastra and the concept of Vastu Purusha remind us of the deep connections between environment, energy, and humanity, an interplay that goes beyond the mere physical structure of buildings.