HISTORY OF VASTU

Historically the study of Vastu developed during 6000-3000 B.C. The principles of Vastu have been explained in the ancient Hindu scriptures like Skanda Purana, Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, Bruhatsamhita, Kasyapa Silpa and Viswakarma Vastushastra. Being a technical subject it was confined only to Sthapathis or architects. The teachings were handed over either verbally or in the form of hand written monographs. The knowledge of the Sun’s magnetic field, the Earth’s gravitational pull and the direction and velocity of winds, were utilized to the advantage of mankind.

Vastu a Sanskrit word means the ‘science of building structures’. It is an ancient form of architecture yet its principles are as much applicable today as they were in the ancient times. However what is noteworthy here is that the study of Vastu covers not only the technicalities required for building a structure but also teaches us how a structure built in accordance with the elements of nature {Earth / Water / Fire / Air / Space} and the four directions {North / South / East / West} can prove beneficial for the human race. Unfortunately the onslaught of foreign invasions and the corruption of cultures thereof left very little room for the growth of Vedic sciences such as the ‘Vastu Shastra’. But all is not lost yet. The reemergence of Vastu re-iterates the point that it is more than a myth and the systematic inclusion of Vastu will only help us live wisely...