Neha Shah is an expert in Vaastu Shastra, an ancient Indian system that involves the design, layout, and construction of buildings to promote the well-being, prosperity, and happiness of the inhabitants. Vastu (also spelled Vaastu) Shastra originated during Vedic times in India and is based on the principles of Sthapatyaveda, a part of the Atharvaveda

Vastu Shastra

For a house to become a dream home, it needs to radiate the right kind of energy that can bring prosperity. According to Vastu Shastra, every home receives some amount of cosmic energy whether good or bad. These energies influence in one way or another, thus impacting the life of dwellers. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the link between this art of science Vastu, and our homes. Vastu for home channels positive vibrations and remove the negative ones. 

Vastu Shastra is an ancient term that translates to “the science of architecture”. It incorporates the constituents of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, arrangement, and spatial geometry, which are then applied in the construction of buildings to promote the peace, well-being, and prosperity of the inhabitants. 

It unifies science, art, astronomy, and astrology, providing ideas and concepts for making a living space harmonious with nature while integrating geometric patterns, symmetry, and directional alignments.

1. What are the origins of Vaastu?

The origin of Vastu Shastra evolved during Vedic times in India. The art of Vastu originates in Sthapatyaveda, a part of the Atharvaveda, which emerged as a system of knowledge involving the connection between man and his buildings – in other words – architecture. 

Here, Vastu Shastra arises to teach the art of living, designing, and building in harmony with nature and stimulating positive energy. Sthapatya Veda could be the theory while Vaastu Shastra is the application of this knowledge, the “science of architecture”. 

There is an ancient story on Vastu Purush.

Once in the Vedic period, there lived a demon called Andhakasura, who killed sages and seers. Lord Shiva had to fight with the demon to protect the world and killed him after a long war that had continued for years. While fighting with the demon, Lord Shiva was very much tired and began to sweat profusely. When the sweat fell on the earth, a child was born of the drops of Shiva’s sweat.

The child looked very cruel and horrifying and consumed all the blood from the body of the demon Andhakasura. His hunger was still not satisfied and felt very hungry. He began to grow steadily, eating all that came near his mouth. He occupied almost all the surface of the earth, killing all the inhabitants and destroying nature. All the Five Elements of the galaxy namely Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Sky suffered from the growth of this child and could not carry on their functions.

This terrified even the Gods in heaven. All of the Gods in heaven grouped planned to kill the child that was grown up so largely. But they understood that he had become too huge that they can’t kill him. So they even took the help of demons. This was the only time when gods and demons worked together. They attacked him from all sides, laid it face down and they then sat on different parts of its body and pressed it inside the earth. 

To mollify the child the Gods bestowed the child with a boon that: “Henceforth you will be known as ‘VASTUPURUSHA’ or “VASTHUDEVTA “. You will occupy any piece of earth with boundaries made on four sides. The people will offer you prayers and worship you. You can curse or favor the people who own or occupies any place on earth. If they make you feel happy and comfortable as you lay down on the earth you may favor them with boons. If not you are allowed to curse and make them suffer.”

Then the Vastu Purusha was quite satisfied. Since then the worship of Vastu-Purusha has been in practice and it has become compulsory to follow certain rules to make the Vasthu Purush happy and comfortable. The Almighty ordered the Gods of heaven, who sat at key positions over the child, to safeguard the child and protect him from the people.

2-Can you give us a brief overview of the scope of Vaastu as a science, like its central practices, purposes, and goals?

• Vastu - An ancient science 

Vaastu Shastra, a part of the Atharvaveda, lays down some scientific rules for any building. Vaastu means the dwelling of Gods and Humans, in Sanskrit literature. Nature in its infinite wisdom works relentlessly to achieve balance and harmony in the sum of all its energies.

Vaastu Shastra is a set of rules laid down to achieve a balance in the energies that are associated with any human settlement or habitat. Building a house in ancient India was not only a house craft but also a sacred ceremony and the house was considered a living organism. The spirit of the house was called the Vaastu-Purusha and different cardinal directions and sectors were assigned to different Gods like Brahma, Ishwara, Agni, and Varun. Wind, Yama, and Demon, since the waves flowing in a particular direction, have a specific influence. These rules when followed, balance your energies and help you lead a happy and contended life.

Pulls and pushes of modern life play a significant role in disturbing the balance of energies in humans and their dwellings. When the harmony between these elements gets disturbed our energies get dissipated in different directions leading to stress, tension, and ill health, and our peace of mind is destroyed.

Vastu shastra redirects energies subjectively and objectively, to achieve an equilibrium between internal or external energies, to help you attain a healthy body and a happy mind leading to health, wealth, happiness, prosperity, and success.

The scope of Vastu Shastra, also known as Sthapatya-Veda extends to temple design, iconometry, town planning, industry, businesses,& civil engineering as well.

Purpose of Vastu 

The basic ideology behind the use of Vastu Shastra is to have a better life and to boost your luck. The whole purpose of Vastu Shastra is to create and attract positive cosmic energy. And this energy helps us to do better in our work and live a fuller life. People living or working at a Vastu-compliant place are said to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. With its effect, they can harness the benefits of cosmic forces, solar energy, lunar energy, etc. to their advantage.

Goals of Vastu 

The main goal of Vastushastra is to provide us the peace and tranquility in our lives. Vastushastra is an ancient Indian Metaphysical Science, which has been proven for its efficacy in removing the defects in an incidental acquisition of an abode of any kind.

Vastushastra depends upon the home you are living in and with the remedial measures provided under its umbrella it takes care of even the most negative features of your house which may be bothering you with disturbance in peace and harmony.

3. What is the most profound thing about Vaastu to you?

Vastu shastra or Vastu is the ancient science of balancing the forces of nature and its directions. It combines the five elements and maintains balance in the cosmos by keeping them all in unison. This unification of the five elements is the core idea of understanding Vastu shastra. In my opinion, Vastu's tips for houses are something that a dweller needs to follow to ensure that his or her five senses are aligned with the five elements of nature. 

The whole universe including the earth and the human body is considered to be made out of these five elements that affect the cosmic forces and the forms of energies. Hence, there are parameters for people who are settling into new homes to ensure that the Vastu in their home is correct. 

According to Vastu Shastra for home, there are five Vastu elements in the universe. 

1. Fire, 
2. Water, 
3. Air, 
4. Earth and 
5. Space. 

The balance of these five elements brings prosperity to living beings. That is why there is so much emphasis on Vastu. Let’s look at these Vastu elements in detail to understand their importance in vastu and learn how to ensure they are aligned properly when designing your home.

Fire 

All the spaces dominated by fire should be in the southeast corner of the home

I feel that fire is one of the important elements, as it is the force that is a provider for the universe. The element resonates with the sun that provides the entire world with warmth and light, and similarly fire as an element is the provider of food in a household. It aids in cooking, keeping us warm and safe, and much more. Fire represents stronger emotions such as passion, determination, courage, and devotion.

According to Vastu Shastra, the fire element should be placed in the southeast part of the house. Therefore, places dominated by the fire element such as the kitchen, the fireplaces, and major electrical devices should be placed in the southeast direction. Moreover, a house should be properly ventilated to invite the fire element into the home through the sunlight. The sunlight brings positive energy into the home as a reflection of the fire element.

Water

Create a water body in your home in the north

Water is considered to be one of the largest elements as 75 percent of our body is made up of water. Even two-thirds of the earth is made up of water. According to Vedic tradition, water is supposed to represent consciousness and purity. As water reflects what is against it, the metaphor of consciousness falls into place. This is why according to vastu shastra, it is suggested that a water body should be placed north of the house. Since the north of the house is where all the energy waves collect, the water will exert positivity. In my opinion, the house also emphasized the body. Thus it is essential to make sure your body has enough of this vastu element, which is why staying hydrated is imperative to the human body.

Air 

Add a wind chime on your window to invite the element of air in

According to Vastu shastra, it is very important to understand, the art of maintaining a good and healthy home. It emphasizes the need for good ventilation across the rooms of the house and for this, it has precise directions for the length, heights, and breadth of windows, doors, and even their exact positioning. The air element is very important. Without it, life as we know it would come to an end. 

The air element, according to vastu directions, should enter from the northeast direction. To complement the element of air, one can use metal bells in your home or wind chimes for pleasant sounds exerting positivity.

Earth

Bring home the earth element by potting some plants in your home

Earth is a vital element in Vastu shastra for home, which not only influences human life but also has great complementary significance to the other elements. Earth is associated with things like soil, mud, trees, and plants. It resonates with trust and groundedness and represents a solid foundation for the universe. According to Vastu shastra, the southwest area of the house is perfect for the earth element. Here you can maintain plants, grow a few trees, and invite the balance of the universe into your home. The greenery also adds to the domesticated aesthetic of your household.

Space 

The center of the house should always be vacant and open

Space is considered to be the most important Vastu element, as it is quite limitless. It represents the sky and the universe alike. The vastness of space influences daily life for humans and it is important to maintain a balance of this element inside the home. According to vastu shastra, the space center in the home should be centered and well-ventilated. There should be no obstructing objects in and around this space, and if the space is open to the sky this is quite beneficial for a household. Direct entry into space invites air, sunlight, and even water. This unison of elements can bring positivity into the home, and bring along prosperity for the dweller of the home well.

4. How do you work with people during a Vaastu consultation?

1. Analysis of blueprint (drawing of Vastu)

When it comes to Vastu consultation, we first ask them for a blueprint. We do an in-depth study of the blueprints of Vastu (house/office/place) first. We take into consideration the direction of Vastu as well as we do a thorough analysis of ‘Vastu purush mandal’ which includes 81 padas in it. We also go through the horoscope of the owner of the house to give them a proper solution. We select a proper date to visit Vastu according to our availability and which is favorable to the horoscope of the owner.

2. Meditation

Meditation plays a very important role when it comes to Vastu shastra. Meditation helps in getting the right answers. So we practice meditation as it gives us a boost of positive energy before we enter any Vastu.

3. On the day of the Vastu visit, we check the energies in the Vastu with the help of a pendulum, L-roads, and many other Vastu tools to understand the energy of Vastu. We also check geopolitical stress in the house. In the above analysis, We discuss necessary things with clients on-site and after that, we make a detailed report and also suggest necessary remedies, to balance the energy of Vastu and help them attain desired results and peace.

5. What has been your (own) most positive experience with Vaastu? What has been the most positive experience you’ve had with a consultation or a client?

There are a lot of positive experiences. But I would like to share one experience where we had gone to see the horoscope of an individual. And the question was regarding marriage. As soon as I checked the horoscope, I understood it has a connection with Vastu Dosha also. Once the consultation was done, they asked from the front to have a look at their Vastu. 

When we checked the Vastu, we understood SE was harmed by 70%. The southeast direction is ruled by Venus. And Venus is very important when it comes to marriage.

We gave them a detailed report of vastu along with the remedies. ( we follow ancient remedies which are given in the books mascara and mayamataV. Mayamata and Manasara Shilpa texts are estimated to be in circulation by the 5th to 7th century AD.) 

They were very supportive and gave us the liberty of doing everything that was needed. We did Pooja and also all the remedies on an auspicious day according to his horoscope. He did everything with a whole heart and followed everything as guided by us. And the result was, he got engaged within 30 days from the date we conducted Pooja and remedies.

So it is very necessary for us as vastu experts, to get a client who will have complete faith in us and trust our work completely. And thus It helps us to work effectively and efficiently.

6. How soon can one expect results in one's life after making Vaastu-related changes?

People do Vastu correction and expect good results the next day. That may only happen sometimes. It differs from person to pet. it could take time to see effects from a minimum of 1 month to 6 months for someone and in a few cases even 12-15 months. It will also help if you are patient to avoid bad effects. 

In cases where the difficulties are purely financial and related to industries and other businesses, immediate improvement can be expected once reforms are made. Wherever the pranic sheath is affected, resulting in health problems, youth behavioral problems, marriages on the rocks, etc., recovery is slow. 

Now it also depends on the belief of a person. If you are getting your vastu remedies done in your house under someone’s influence or pressure, but you don’t believe in it, then the results are going to be slow. But if u have a belief in Vastu shastra and as well as in Vastu expert then you can expect results faster.

7. Some people dismiss Vaastu as junk science. What do you have to say to the skeptics about the value it can add to one’s life?

Now, some of you might still argue that you don’t believe in Vastu and that you don’t have to look for a Vastu-compliant place. 

I want to draw your attention to one simple thing.

In your house or office is there one place, where u feel the most comfortable? 

Or is there any place where you feel most positive, relaxed, or a Hyde out place? 

Have you ever thought, why that one place gives you peace or comfort?

And there must be one corner or area of the house or office, where u don’t like sitting much. Or you don’t feel you are more productive there. Sometimes we go to visit somebody’s house or property and we don’t get a good vibe.

Have u ever thought about why you feel that way? 

Because VASTU IS ALL ABOUT ENERGY. And these energies just don’t have an impact on your mood but also your health, prosperity, and abundance.

However think about it, you might not be a believer but to increase the value of the property, whether you decide to rent or resell it, Vastu would be essential because the buyer might be a believer. Even if you plan on living there, your successor might be a believer in Vastu. In recent times, many people are showing considerable interest in the concept of Vastu, not just in India but all around the globe. So, why not give them the benefit?

8. Can you share with us some starting tips to enhance life using Vaastu?

i. For improved success at work

A horse is a symbol of strength, power, family, loyalty, and achievements. Putting up a painting of a horse is considered lucky for businesses. If you are starting a business or looking forward to some growth, and success then you must put a painting of a running horse (in the forward direction). But there are some precautions you must take while selecting a horse painting-

• Always place horses in odd numbers
• Avoid if any horse is displayed in a sad posture 
• NEVER put that painting up in your bedroom.

ii. For enhanced prosperity and alleviation of financial troubles

Lord Kuber symbolizes affluence and prosperity and rules the northeast corner of your home. Therefore, it is the northeast zone where you should place a Kuber Yantra.  One of the most important Vastu tips for money to keep in mind is to remove all things that accumulate negative energy from the northeast area of your home. This means you should not have toilets, heavy furniture, and shoe rack in your home's northeast zone.  

iii. For better romantic relationships, and to attract love in your life

• For a better romantic relationship, try and keep fresh flowers in your bedroom and study. Flowers like roses, hibiscus, and, lilies symbolize love and fertility. Incorporate candles and fairy lights in the romantic corner of your home.
• To attract love in your life, incorporate red color in your life. Wear red clothes, a phone case, a little artifact, or even a handkerchief. The red color symbolizes love.

iv. For improved relationships with others - such as friends, family members, a child?

i. Friends

• We all click selfies with friends, right? 

But don’t just put it on social media but also make a collage of these pictures and put it on the south corner of your house 

ii. Family membeers

• Money plants can strengthen your family bond. North east direction is good to place the money plant. This will not only help in creating a positive aura and bond with family but also make you financially strong.

iii. Child 

• You should spend quality time with your child in the east or northeast direction to improve your bond with them.  

9. There are many starting guidelines for Vaastu (placement of plants, types of plants, mirrors, and so forth), what are your top 3-5 tips that work for everyone? What are some of the reasons behind these choices?

Plants 

It is a well-known fact that green plants and trees add beauty and elegance to the houses they are kept in. They also help to cleanse the air we breathe.

However, did you know that certain plants are highly compatible with Vastu and would do wonders for the overall positivity of your home?

But only, the right Vastu plants for home need to be chosen to avail the maximum benefits along with positive vibes.

If they don’t comply with the principles of Vastu shastra. and are placed in the wrong direction then they can bring forth inauspicious luck for the inhabitants of the house.

Here is a list of a few plants and trees along with the directions that can bring positivity and harmony to your house. 

Following are must-have plants in your house 

• Tulsi is a must-plant in the house 

It is also known as Holy Basil. It is well-known for its medicinal properties. It is an air purifier, produces oxygen, and consuming its leaves removes toxins from the body. Tulsi leaves are extensively used in preparing Ayurvedic medicines. The extracts obtained from Tulsi might be helpful for various ailments like the common cold, heart diseases, headaches, stomach disorders, kidney stones, and many more. The Tulsi plant also protects against mosquitoes, flies, and insects.

• Money plant 

It is also known as golden pothos The plant spreads positive vibes in the house, brings wealth, and destroys negative energy in its surroundings. Also, a natural air purifier provides adequate oxygen, and its green leaves are useful for curing stress and anxiety.

• Lotus 

Lotus is known to be a symbol of divine perfection. Lotus Flowers attract Goddess Lakshmi. It is also symbolic of spiritual awakening. A lotus carries the divine energy of the beautiful fragrant flower. It symbolizes wealth, prosperity, clarity, success, and calmness.

Plants to be avoided according to Vastu

• Remove dead or dying plants at home. Even dry flowers are unlucky.
• Myrtle tree (Genus Lagerstroemia) is said to be a favorite among evil spirits! Therefore be careful while constructing your home.
• Tall trees in the northeastern east directions bring out negative energy.
• Certain plants such as the cotton plant, Silky cotton plan, and Palmyra tree are considered to be unlucky.
• Babool/Kikar and other thorny plants around the home create chaos and disharmony, avoid such as they are not Vastu plants for money.
• Huge trees are best planted in the South or West direction & should get enough sunlight. Whereas small ones can be in the North and East!
• Milky sap plants are a big no! As well as milk-bearing trees like Mahua, and Banyan.
• Peepal -The Peepal tree is also supposed to be home to the Gods, but keep in mind that the Peepal tree should always be kept at a safe distance from the house, as Peepal shade falling on the house is considered a bad omen by Vastu Shastra.
• Fruit-bearing trees should not be planted indoors! Especially Mango & Jamun! 

Mirrors 

A mirror is crucial as it holds tremendous power to captivate the energy flow. Vastu Shastra says that a mirror is an essential decor element, as it brings positive energy to your home.

Properly positioned mirrors welcome growth and prosperity at home. While sucking up the negative energy, it also helps promote good health for the residents. If the position of the mirror is wrong, it can inject negative energy into the surrounding environment.

Mirror placement in the bedroom:

For peace and good health, it is recommended that you avoid placing mirrors in the bedroom. You can use a mirror which gets hidden in your dressing shelf. And If you have a dressing table in your bedroom, you should place it so that it doesn’t face the north or east side. Covering the mirror while sleeping is also recommended.

Mirror Placement for dining room As Per Vastu shastra: placing a mirror in the dining room is auspicious. Doing so can double up your health and wealth and make you more prosperous.

Mirror Placement in Kids' Bedroom :

Ideally, you should not place a mirror in the kid's bedroom. However, if you have to place one, ensure that the reflection of the bed is not present in the mirror. Correct placement of the mirror is very crucial in a kid's room. Incorrect placement can cause weird illusions for the kids and will eventually eliminate the positivity from the room. 

Do’s and Don’t of mirrors

• Mirrors should not be used in the kitchen. 
• Don’t place Mirror opposite, the front door of your house 
• Keeping a mirror near the study table can negatively impact concentration, which is one of the most crucial factors to consider when designing a study room according to Vastu.
• A mirror in the southwest might promote conflict among family members and lead to numerous arguments. Mirrors here can double your costs, generally unnecessary expenses because this direction also governs the safekeeping of money.
• Ensure that the mirrors are positioned in such a way that they reflect positive things.
• Do use mirrors to showcase a beautiful view.
• Keep mirrors clean 
• Don’t keep mirrors in the house which have cracks on it