Diknirnaya - Principle of orientation

The site or the Vastu is regarded as the body of the Demi God, i.e., the "Vastu Purusha", whose every part is held down by a God. It is important to satisfy both the Vastu Purusha and the Gods. The sthapatis draws uniform grids of the 'mandalas' on the ground to determine the relative proportions of the different parts of the building. The house is planned according to the divinity associated with the 'padas'. The house is usually located on the North-East or South-West of the site while the animal sheds are situated on the North-East or South-East. Figuratively, the house is at the Head or Feet of the Vastu Purusha, the holiest corners of the site, which are climatically most suitable.

SITE SELECTION:

Vastu shastra among many other things contains Guidelines on the following:

Site selection. Where and when to commence excavation. Location and extent of open spaces. Location of a well. Laying of a foundation stone. Orientation of the entrance door. Number and placement of windows. Direction and location of stairs. Position of the Puja room. Placement of the kitchen. Location of rooms. Position of the grain store and a safe. Latrines and wash rooms . Types of vegetation around the house, etc.

ORIENTATION AND ZONING:

The Vastu tradition gives the following codes of orientation and zoning of activities:

East (Poorva) Pitrusthan: It should be open, being the source of male issues. South-East (Agneya): Source of health, place of fire, cooking and food . South (Dakshin): Source of wealth, crops and hapiness. South-West (Nairutya): Source of character, behaviour, cause of longevity and death. West (Paschim): Source of name, fame and prosperity. North-West (Vayavy): Source of change in course of business, friendship and enmity. North (Uttar) Mthrusthan: This should not be blocked, being the source of female issues. North-East (Eshanya) : Source of health, wealth, prosperity and male issues.

Vastu shastra follows a mystic astrological approach and lays stress on orientation principles and the defects in the building.

Vastu-Pad-Vinyasa: Site Planning. Man-Hastalakshana: Measurement & proportion. Ayadi-Shadvarga: The six limbs of Vastu. Patakadi-Sadaschand: The character of the building.

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