Since the main objective of Vaastu Shastra is to enable you to live in
harmony with nature and the environment, building homes according to the
principles of Vaastu requires a basic understanding of its many components,
such as elements and directions. Their influence begins from the time of
selection of the plot, continues through the construction phase and ends with
the arrangements inside. The time-tested principles of Vaastu Shastra are
simple to follow. Without taking up each component individually, we would just
touch upon the main attributes of a plot and a building. The scope of this
article does not allow the how or why of these principles.
The plot in general
When selecting a plot for construction of a building, look for these
features:
Go for a
plot that faces the east or the north. An east-facing plot receives the
benefit of the morning sun bringing with it inspiration and enlightenment,
while a north-facing plot receives the benefit of the pre-dawn hour, the
best time for meditation.
As far as
possible, the four sides of the plot should be exactly aligned to the
cardinal directions of north, south, east and west. A variation of fifteen
to twenty degrees is acceptable.
Go in for
a square or rectangular shaped plot, as these are most auspicious. The
plot should not have any cut corners.
A plot
that is wider in front and narrows in the rear is good for commercial
purposes and a plot with a narrow frontage and a wide rear is best for
residence. So, don’t go wrong in this.
The plot
should be elevated at the southwest corner and depressed at the northeast
corner.
As a
general principle, a plot located at the junction of two roads is better
than the one located by the side of a single road. Similarly, a plot
located at the junction three roads is better than the one with two roads
and a plot surrounded by roads on all four sides is considered the most
suitable.
The soil
of the plot should be fertile and not mixed with refuse or waste material.