Blog posts of '2014' 'April'

Vaastu is the ancient Indian science of architecture man-made structures. A part of the Vedas, the word 'Vaastu' in Sanskrit means 'dwelling', and in the modern context it covers all buildings. Vaastu pertains to the physical, psychological and spiritual order of the built environment, in consonance with the cosmic energies. It is a study of planetary influences on buildings and the people who live in them, and aims at providing guidelines for proper construction. Hindus believe that for peace, happiness, health and wealth one should abide by the guidelines of Vaastu while building a dwelling. It tells us how to avoid diseases, depression and disasters by living in structures, which allow the presence of a positive cosmic field. Since Vedic wisdom is considered to be synonymous with divine knowledge of the cosmic mind obtained by sages in deep states of meditation, Vaastu Shastra or the science of Vaastu is thought to contain the guidelines given by the Supreme Being. Delving into history, we find that Vaastu developed during the period of 6000 BC and 3000 BC (Ferguson, Havell and Cunningham) and was handed over by ancient architects through word of mouth or hand-written monographs. The principles of Vaastu had been explained in ancient Hindu scriptures like Skanda Purana, Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Bruhatsamhita, Kasyapa Shilpa, Agama Sastra and Viswakarma Vaastushastra. The fundamental premise of Vaastu rests on the assumption that the earth is a living organism, out of which other living creatures and organic forms emerge, and so every particle on earth and space possesses 'live energy'. According to Vaastushastra five elements - Earth, Fire, Water, Air or atmosphere and Sky or space - govern the principles of creation. These forces act for or against each other to create harmony and disharmony. It also says that everything on earth - in some form or other - is influenced by the nine planets, and each of these planets guards a direction. So our dwellings are under the influence of the five elements and the nine planets. Vaastushastra says that if the structure of your house is so designed that the positive forces override the negative forces then there is a beneficial release of bio-energy, which helps you and your family members to live a happy and healthy life. A positive cosmic field prevails in a Vaastulogically constructed house, where the atmosphere is congenial for a smooth and happy life. Contrary to this, if the same structure is built in a manner that the negative forces override the positive, the overbearing negative field makes your actions, efforts and thoughts negative. Herein comes the benefits of Vaastu, which guides you to have a positive atmosphere at home. Evidently, Vaastu is akin to the science of geopathy, the study of the diseases of the earth. In both these two disciplines, for instance, the presence of dampness, dressed stones, beehives and anthills are considered harmful for human habitation. Geopathy recognizes that electromagnetic radiations that are cosmic in origin surrounds the globe, and those radiation distortions can make a site unsafe for construction. In some parts of Austria, children are moved in school, to a different desk, at least once each week, so that learning difficulties are not increased because they may be sitting in a stressed area. Geopathic stress may also attack the immune system and cause conditions like asthma, eczema, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome. There are also a lot of similarities between Vaastu and its Chinese counterpart Feng Shui, in that they recognize the existence of positive and negative forces (Yin and Yang) except for the fact that the latter attaches too much importance to gadgets, like fish tanks, flutes, mirrors and lanterns. This is one reason why Fend Shui is gaining rapid popularity in India. Did you know that for the hit Hindi film Pardes, Indian movie moghul Subhash Ghai directed that each position of the shoot had to be compatible with rules Feng Shui? In yet another Bollywood blockbuster Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, the colors used were in tune with the perceptions of Feng Shui. So, does Vaastu make any sense? While many people still strongly believe in Vaastu, the common consensus is that it's an ancient science, which was useful in conditions prevailing in ancient times, but makes little sense today. It has become obsolete with the rise of modern cities with sewage systems, multi-storied buildings with air-conditioners, exhaust fans in kitchens, advanced water systems and so on.

The human race has been running after happiness from the very beginning of civilization. As time passes by the exploitations to find happiness gradually increases. According to Hindu mythology as well as from modern point of view, happiness of the entire family or a society depends on their habitat to a greater extent. If a family gets up in a sunny, healthy morning instead of damp & gloomy one, they feel that everything in their lives is perfect & positive. Because people always crave for natural nourishment as it provides them a healthy mind as well as strength to overcome all the obstacles in their lives.

Generally, people believe that North facing and East facing plots or flats are perfect whereas South facing should be totally avoided. For this reason, people sometimes pay extra money to buy a North or East facing plot. But, this is actually a misconception. Plots facing South or West need not be avoided as they are by no means bad. Another misconception among people is that since according to Hindu mythology North is the direction for Lord Kuber (God of wealth) & South is the direction for Yama (God of death), North facing plot would be influenced by Kuber & South facing plot would be influenced by Yama. Because of this misconception people prefer North facing plot instead of a South facing one.

But, those who posses plot or flat facing south & West directions need not panic. Vaastu reinforces the fact that all directions will have more or less same effects as long as the inner layout of the plot or flat is designed as per Vaastu principles. North or East directions are still preferred by Vaastu because designing the layout of the flat or plot-according Vaastu becomes easier if the plot is a North or East facing one. For instance, Vaastu says bedrooms should be in South or West directions. If the plot or flat is South facing or West facing, then bedroom can not be put in South or West i.e., near the entrance. Designing the house according to Vaastu becomes a difficult in such cases.

However, the most important thing that needs to be remembered is that the design of the inner layout is more important than the directions in which the plot or flat is facing. A properly designed house in a South or West-facing plot would yield more positive results than an improperly designed house in a North or East facing plot. Again, a North facing plot with a service lane towards South or a South facing plot with a service lane towards.

North would result the same, the only important thing being the internal layout of the house. In any case, in Vaastu ratings, only 10% goes to the direction that the plot is facing and the rest goes to layout, size, surroundings, inclination of directions, slopes etc.

The preference for directions depends on the size of the plot. In a bigger plot the preference is according to NEWS (North, East, West, and South) and in smaller plot the preference is ENWS. This is because, in bigger plots, we can leave open area for drive away and setbacks. So, it can accommodate the positive energy by the desired directions. But in small plots one can not leave such open areas, so East facing is preferred for direct accommodation of sunlight in the house. Another important thing to consider regarding the size of the plot is its length - breadth ratio which should be 1:2 or up to maximum of 1:2.

As far as the entrance of the house is concerned, there are good and bad directions in all the four sides i.e. North, South, East and West. In North direction, North - East from North is good for entrance and not North - West from North. In East direction, too, entrance should be in North - East from East. Other good directions for entrance are South - East from South and North - West from West. Openings in the form of windows & doors should be more towards North & East. The surface area of the opening should be given important as positive energy comes from North & East. There is no point having large openings towards South or West directions especially South - West corner Should be closed.

According to Vaastu the slope of the plot should be towards North & East. South & West areas should be high.

Usually, with the help of a properly designed layout, one can have a perfect habitat instead of giving preference just to the facing of the plot or the house. Vaastu makes it crystal clear that the things that can bring happiness in a house are internal as well as external. So, people can design their house properly by giving importance to its internal layout as well as its external surroundings for maintaining healthy & peaceful atmosphere in the house as well as earning prosperity, wealth & wisdom.

Aging is inevitable, but its most negative effects can be minimized and turned into a graceful progression. Exercise and proper diet are key factors. But, when your living or working environment is in harmony with nature, it has a positive influence on your well being, slowing the aging process.

In nature, all five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) are in perfect symmetry. As a building is erected, that equilibrium is disrupted. Vastu Shastra is an ancient architectural science that balances the five elements and supports stress free living or working spaces. As an integral part of this earth, we live in a sea of electromagnetic and stellar influences. Every particle of energy is linked to the next particle. Every shift occurring in this atmosphere has the potential to affect our lives and actions. According to Vastu Shastra, the sun produces different qualities of energy on its path from east to west and can influence our existence.

Each of the five elements is associated with a compass point and each point has a specific impact on our health. Different aspects of positive aging are optimally supported by a specific direction. Aging is also affected by environmental stress, which is the cause of most human disease.

The earth is a magnetic force and is composed of the five elements, as is our brain. The thalamus is the relay center for all sensory and motor skills in the brain. Neurological research has shown that the firing patterns of neurons in the thalamus function differently depending on which direction one is facing. Our mind is then the interactive result of the affect of the magnetic field on our brain cells. By placing our bodies and environments in alignment with the magnetic axis, we can think and act more compatibly with nature. Our actions will be more attuned to the five elements, much like swimming with the stream as opposed to swimming against it. For example, studies have shown that sleeping with ones head to the south or east puts one in accord with the powerful forces of nature.

The northeast area of your residence is associated with the water element. This direction is the source of favorable magnetic energy from the north and positive solar energy from the east. Our residence needs to be very open in the northeast to receive these benefits. The northeast influences growth of the physical body. The northeast is good for home entrances. If this region has proper Vastu Shastra, good health will be supported. If there is a kitchen, clutter, a toilet, heating system or blockage in the northeast the water element will be decreased which will cause congestion.

The southeast area of your residence coincides with the fire element. The southeast influences the energy required for good health. Kitchens, heating and electrical systems work well in the southeast. If this area is in accordance with Vastu Shastra health will be better. If there is a cut or blockage, there will be a lack of energy and health will suffer.

The southwest area of your residence is aligned with the earth element. The southwest contributes to the strength of your body. If your bed is in the south, or southwest area of your residence with your head to the south or east, you will be vigorous. If there is a cut, toilet or heating source, there will be some health and back problems.

The northwest area of your residence is linked with the air element. The northwest influences mental stability. Toilets and guest bedrooms work well in the northwest. If there is a cut or blockage there will be mental instability, stomach problems and an inability to learn effectively. The central area of a residence is related with the space element. When this area is open there will be good emotional health. If there is clutter, toilets, a kitchen or no open space in the center of a home or office emotional imbalance can take place.

Unfortunately most modern architecture is based on function alone and is not designed to obey the forces of nature; sun, wind, water, climate and the planets. All ingredients of good health are enhanced when all areas of a residence are carefully positioned according to Vastu Shastra. When our environment is aligned with nature we gain its divine support, and our desire for health, wealth and happiness is manifested. We realize we are connected to every living thing and our willingness to harm that connection diminishes. However, when our environments are designed to conquer nature, we will feel the burden of stress, which contributes to unnecessary symptoms of aging.

Great importance is given for the decoration of the house with the paintings, idols and especially the main door decoration. The main door was considered very important in ancient days and even today as the people used to think that all the prosperity and money comes from the main door.

Main door decoration: Care should be taken to decorate the main door. The objects of the main door as prescribed in the text are:

Kula Devata: The image of the family deity. Its dimension should not be more than one hasta (18") of length.

Two Prathiharis (Sentinels or guards): Well decorated in ornaments bearing staff and swords in their hands, well clothed, glowing with youth and beauty, along with lady Prathiharinis and placed on both the sides of the door.

Dhaatri (a dwarfish nurse): her maid companions should follow it, the happy jesters i.e. Vidhushakas.

Shanka and Padmanidhi emitting coins.

- The Asthamangala: on the seat of lotus wearing a sacred garland of eight auspicious symbols.

- Lakshmi: lotus seated and well decorated and being bathed by elephants.

- Cow with her calf and well ornamented with flower garlands etc.

- Motifs of serpents, giants, owl, wild animals, elephants, daityas, nudes, fight between God and demons, hunting, house on fire, trees devoid of flowers should not be placed on the main door.

- Nowadays people in their over enthusiasm to decorate the house use figures of Gods like Krishna, Ganesh, Vishnu etc. and also many other prohibited motifs.

The following shloka explains the rules relating the above things:

"Grahe Na Ramayan bhatatha hawan chitram kurupanahvamindra jalikam .
Shilocha yaarnyamayam sadhasuram bheeshmam kurutha krindhanaram thvanambaram.
Vaarah shaardhul shiva prudhakavo grudhabi golukapothavayasaa
Sashye nagothadhi vakadhi patrino vichitratha no sharane shubhavaha."

Meaning - To display the following in a house is not good - War scenes from Ramayan and Mahabharata, Fight scenes using swords, Inderjall (magic) scenes, Stone or wooden statues of terrifying giants or demons, Scenes of weeping and crying people in tears. Paintings, potraits, statues: Decorative lights, chandeliers, bookshelf, vases, flower pots and furniture etc. should be meticulously and tastefully selected and placed in appropriate settings so that they look attractive and follow vaastu principles etc.

The pictures, painting or models of the animals like pigs, snake and birds like eagle, owl, crow, pigeons, vultures should not be placed in a house.

All pictures or wooden or metal figures of wild beasts like tigers, lions, wolves, bears, jackals, and wild asses, hounds etc. should be avoided.

The heavy furniture should be placed in the SouthWest side of the room and the light furniture can accommodate in any corner.

Symbols like Swastik, Om, Rangoli decorations stop the entry of evil spirits and evil influences in the house.

The photographs of the ancestors should be placed on the south western side of the house.

The clock should be placed on the Eastern, Western or Northern wall.

Installation of Idols in homes and other buildings: A pooja or worship place is a must in a home; it is better to have one in office, factory, schools, colleges and other buildings too. The appropriate place is the north-east corner of the building and if not then the north-east corner of the room in house and central chowk or garden or lawn of other buildings. The deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwar, Surya, Inder should face east or West and four-headed Brahma, six-headed kartikeya, five faced Shiv can be placed facing any direction. Hanuman ji should face southwest.

Whatever is exhibited should be pleasing to the eyes and mind bringing joy and cheer to those who view them; aesthetic and cultural aspects also should be borne in mind, while selecting decorative pieces or paintings and pictures and placing them in our home.

Colors are most powerful in influencing the human mind and body. It is also the least expensive, easiest and quickest to use, to change and to create a decorating scheme. In Vedic periods, all colors were taken out from vegetables and flowers, which were more permanent in shade, soothing to eye and natural tint. At an early period in human history the symbolic use of colors was made. During early period Heart, which was the seat of life and the blood was identified with life and consciousness and was colored red. Yellows were possibly the color of fire and white that of the day. Vaastu Shastra provides vital guidelines as to how to decorate our homes etc. in decent manner to derive maximum delight with dignity and décor.

According to some Vaastukars, the color schemes should conform to the raashi (constellation / zodiac sign) of the owner to bring good luck and happiness.

Zodiac sign Colors suggested Aries Coral Red
Taurus Milky white
Gemini Green
Cancer Rose red,pearl
Leo Ruby red, dim white
Virgo Emerald green
Libra Cement color, milky white
Scorpio Pink, coral red
Sagittarius Golden yellow
Capricon Dim red
Aquarius Pink, blue
Pisces Yellow, pure white

If a room has poor daylight, it should be painted in light color and if a room gets good amount of natural light throughout the day, it can be painted in some deep color. If a room has only a North window, which admits cold light, we should not use blue on the walls. If a room gets much direct sunlight, it is not advisable to paint the walls yellow or peach. It is nearly better to have ceilings white and the ceiling temperature should be less than the human body temperature. Some scholars suggest different color to the direction the building faces. They are really the colors of the planets governing these directions.

Direction Color suggested
East (Sun) Shining White
West (Saturn) Blue
North (Mercury) All Greens
South (Mars) Pink,Coral Red
North-East (Jupiter) Golden Red
South-West (Rahu) All Greens
South-East (Venus) Silver White
North-West (Moon) White
Color contrast in value is perhaps the most important factor in a composition or a design. Maximum contrast is obtained by the use of colors of extremely strong chromes. A strong yellow on a black field is an excellent example of maximum visibility. A bright strong yellowish red would be considered as a powerful color. The color of an object depends upon the light it emits or sends back to an eye. Opposite contrast colors are quickly changed when it mixed as for black which makes colors both brighter and lighter in looks. Surrounding an intense color with a Grey increase the apparent colorfulness of the intense color making. It appears even brighter or brilliant. Surrounded by yellow, a Grey color may appear slightly blue. Surrounded by red, it may appear slightly green and surrounding by Grey with a bright color on other hand may influence the eye to discern in the greying of the complementary of the bright colors.

One must always bear in mind that no individual is completely white (good) or black (bad), but is an amalgam of the two Grey. A sensible good blending can create a forceful creation. A particular color can activate or can control human glands by different bodily functions. Such as for good appetizer or to give excitement for the low blood pressure patient, a light limited soothing color atmosphere is recommended. Similarly Blue color is to stop overeating habits. For a high blood pressure patient, a light limited soothing color atmosphere is recommended. For quicker healing, green color is used in hospitals. For a good healthy, tasty food, golden yellow or tinted brown color is recommended.

Colors effect our body and mind very much. The purest and most thoughtful minds are those, which love, colors the most. The cool colors are blue sea or mainly blue in cast. The warm colors are red or mainly blue in cast. The warm colors are red and yellow in cast. Red make you feel gay while man can work best when surrounded by blue, but too strong blue or red cause depression. People often feel cold in blue room and warm in a red room. It is the color that makes them feel that way.

Since the times immemorial, gemstones have reflected their absolute metaphysical properties and their lasting impact on human life.

Spirituality and peace of mind are assured to the wearers of strikingly pretty Amethyst gemstone. The range of purple shades in this semi precious stone is enviable for its beauty and this is a gemstone with strong metaphysical properties. As a variety of Quartz mineral, Amethyst is an ancient gemstone known for its ability to protect from all the negativities and bring about spiritual well being. It helps to reduce the drunkenness in the wearer and control all types of addictions. In fact, the name of Amethyst is derived from a Greek term Amethystos referring to cure of drunkenness. The beautiful color of this gemstone is attributed to presence of iron and manganese oxides in its composition. It is mined largely in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Canada, India, US, and Siberia.

As an ancient gemstone, Amethyst has quite interesting stories behind its formation and evolution for mankind. Since then, Amethyst rings are widely used by the royals and commoners as a symbol of pure love and protection. The earliest story of Amethyst gemstone dates back to Greek history. Goddess Diana converted a beautiful nymph into this precious gemstone for protecting her from attention of God Bacchus who was the Roman god for intoxication. He gave this name and color to amethyst and assured to protect the wearers of Amethyst from intoxication of wine.

By Egyptians, Amethyst was considered an excellent stone to protect the soldiers in war. They used this gemstone in amulets and believed that it has the power to protect the wearer from evils of all kinds.

Amethyst rings were also used as Episcopal rings describing it as the stone of Bishop. It was used in rosaries to soothe the mind and give patience to the wearer in times of distress.

Amethyst gemstone has always allured the man with its exceptional powers to change color as well. It was believed in middle ages that wearing Amethyst not only protects but also warns against the upcoming dangers by changing its color. As a stone to induce romanticism, Amethyst was also the gemstone of St. Valentine. The Amethyst rings set in heart shape in silver, if presented by a woman to her husband, were believed to bring good fortunes in their lives forever. Amethyst is also regarded as a sacred gemstone to Buddha in Tibet.

Since ages, this splendid gemstone has allured humans and been used as Amethyst rings to shower its strong properties upon them. It is cut in various shapes and used as cabochons as well. As a symbol of royalty in ancient times and the interesting stories of its past makes Amethyst gemstone a revered stone for even the current generations.

Gemstones are the precious treasures encrusted in the core of earth. They amaze us not only with their beauty but also with the exceptional metaphysical properties that they

possess. Since the prehistoric eras, they have been alluring the royals who adorned their jewelries with these masterpieces of nature. Gemstones are believed to have strong

position in vedic astrology and highly recommended for warding off the negativities caused by misalignment of the planets in horoscope. Each gemstone has distinctive

properties and benefits caused by its relation to a planet. While Red coral gemstone represents Mars, ruby gemstone is associated with sun. Their benefits are highly affected

by this association.

Benefits of Red Coral gemstone:

This bright red colored gemstone flourishing in the deep seas represents energy, courage, self confidence, and prosperity. A person adversely inflicted by Mars, often faces

problems related to anger, extravagance, and health issues affecting muscles, kidneys, bladder, and bones.

• Red coral gemstone controls the anger and pacifies the wearer.

• It assures a successful and prosperous life by making one extremely self confident and composed.

• To heal the complex diseases related to bone marrow, blood, head, and muscles, Red Coral gemstone is quite effective.

• It also cures ailments like fever, chicken pox, piles, bronchitis, and cough.

• Red coral gemstone beings marital harmony and enhances the social status of its wearer.

• It is most beneficial for politicians, surgeons, industrialists, soldiers, and artists.

Benefits of Ruby gemstone:

This powerful and precious gemstone of sun has always attracted humans with its charm. The red color of ruby gemstone emanates absolute cosmic powers with infra red

radiation which lays positive effects on wearer.

• It instills confidence and optimism in the person wearing ruby gemstone.

• Being associated with sun, it confers attributes of power, courage, command, generosity, and warmth in the possessor.

• Ruby gemstone can make significant transformations in the life of wearer by enhancing the will power and smartness to attain the cherished goals.

• It has healing properties to cure ailments of eyes, heart, bones, and blood pressure. It is an excellent gemstone to control diseases like indigestion, diabetes, and jaundice.

• It brings about the good luck, name, and also prestige to the life of wearer.

• It is believed to ward off the evil intentions of enemies and nightmares.

• For professionals like politicians, sculptors, engineers, diplomats, artists, and judges, it is a great gemstone to wear for attaining the higher positions that they desire for.