Vedic Principles in Architectural Design- Group Seminar Report

VEDIC PRINCIPLES IN

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN By: AVNI GARG Enrollment No.: A1904018060 Batch: 2018-2023

By: KASHISH NIGAM Enrollment No.: A1904018014 Batch: 2018-2023

(2020) Amity School of Architecture and Planning Amity University, Noida Uttar Pradesh

Table of Contents Acknowledgement........................................................................................................................................................ 3 Faculty Guide Certificate ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Aim Of Study ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 Objectives Of The Study .............................................................................................................................................. 2 Keywords: .................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Background .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 4 Principles Of Vaastu Shastra .................................................................................................................................... 6 Vastu Shastra Is Based Upon Two Important Scientific Facts .................................................................................... 8 Nine Divisions Of A Land ......................................................................................................................................... 10 Source Of Energy ....................................................................................................................................................... 11 Levels And Heights .................................................................................................................................................... 11 The Legend Of Vastu Purusha ................................................................................................................................... 11 The Advantages Of Designing A House Based On The ‘Vastu Purusha Mandala .................................................... 12 The Positioning Of Different Rooms According To The Vastu Purusha Mandala .................................................... 12 Nature And Vastu....................................................................................................................................................... 13 Why Is It Advised, Not To Sleep With The Head In North Direction? ..................................................................... 14 Structures And Its Relation To Vastu ........................................................................................................................ 15 Temple Architecture According To Vastu: ................................................................................................................ 16 Meenakshi Temple, Madhuria: .................................................................................................................................. 19 Chandigarh ................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................................. 22

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Table of Figures Figure 1 Elements of Vastu Shastra ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 2 Vastu Purush Mandala ................................................................................................................................... 7 Figure 3 Earth's Magnetic Field ................................................................................................................................... 8 Figure 4 Rotation of the Earth ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Figure 5 Nine divisions of land .................................................................................................................................. 10 Figure 6 VastuPurush Mandala .................................................................................................................................. 12 Figure 7 Positioning of rooms according to Vastu Purush Mandala .......................................................................... 13 Figure 8 Sleeping postion according to Vastu Shastra ............................................................................................... 14 Figure 9 Nagara style of architecture ......................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 10 Dravidian style of architechture ................................................................................................................. 16 Figure 11 Temple architecture according to Vastu Shastra ....................................................................................... 17 Figure 12Temple architecture according to Vastu Shastra ........................................................................................ 17 Figure 13 Lateral positioning of temple ..................................................................................................................... 18 Figure 14 Plan of Meenakshi Temple,Madurai .......................................................................................................... 19 Figure 15 Plan of Chandigarh .................................................................................................................................... 20 Figure 16 Sector planning of Chandigarh .................................................................................................................. 21

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our gratitude to Ar. Anurita Bhatnagar ma’am and Ar. Rekha Jindal ma’am, my seminar research supervisors, for their patient guidance, enthusiastic encouragement and useful critiques of this research work.

Name of the Student AVNI GARG Signature

Name of the Student KASHISH NIGAM Signature

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FACULTY GUIDE CERTIFICATE This is to certify that AVNI GARG bearing enrolment no A1904018060 and KASHISH NIGAM bearing enrolment no A1904018014 have prepared the report for Architectural Seminar on “VEDIC PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN” under my guidance.

___________________ Faculty Guide Signature Ar. ANURITA BHATNAGAR

___________________ Faculty Guide Signature Ar. REKHA JINDAL

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Aim of study: To identify Vedic principles of architectural design and understand their applications in built form/ structure/ environment.

Objectives of the study: 1. To understand the Vedic principles of design.

2. To study the interpretation of Vedic design principles.

3. To study the applications of Vedic principles through built forms.

Keywords: Vedic principles, Vaastu, Vaastu Shastra, Vaastu purusha mandala.

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Methodology:

Need of the study

Understanding

Vaastu

Collection of data from articles, blogs

Research on the existing cities, temples according to Vaastu

Study from books & research papers

Compilation & analysis of data

Affect of energies and sun

What is vastu purush mandala

Scientific explanation

Design considerations

CONCLUSION

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Background VASTU SHASTRA is the traditional Indian system of architecture and design of Vedic origin. 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.

Vaastu is a logical explanation of scientific truths and facts.

Introduction The Vaastu Principles are related with the properties (Natural Energies) of our Mother Earth. It simply says that the sources of energies are to be open and the flow of energies is not to be disturbed.

Vaastu Shastra prescribes desirable characteristics for sites and buildings based on flow of energy. Many of the rules are attributed to cosmological considerations; the Sun’s path, the rotation of the Earth, magnetic field, etc.

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According to Vaastu Shastra five elements i.e., Earth, Fire, Water, Air (or atmosphere) and Sky or Space, govern the Principles of Creation.

SPACE

FIRE

WATER

AIR EARTH Figure 1: Elements of Vaastu Shastra

Vaastu believes that there are essentially two types of forces, which are equal and opposite in nature. The interaction of these two forces is cosmic ordained and produces a third type of force, which is called ‘Bio-Force’, needed for life to exist. One type of force is subtle and fine. The other is dark and dense.

These forces act for or against each other to create harmony and disharmony.

Over the surface of the globe, these forces continuously interact, releasing bio-energy. When a structure is built over the surface of the Earth, it comes in the way of a natural interaction. Both the forces enter the structure where the interaction continues. However, the intensity of forces that enter the structure need not be the same. Depending on various factors like levels, water bodies, door placement etc., either the positive or the negative can have stronger presence.

If the structure is designed in a manner that the positive forces override the negative forces then there is a beneficial release of bio-energy, which helps all the inmates to be healthy. Even after such reaction with the negative forces, a positive Cosmic surplus is always present in such a structure, which is the ‘Supreme Being Himself’. In such an atmosphere, life is smooth and happy with everything in life coming your way without any great struggle. It is a happy and healthy life for all the inhabitants.

If on the other hand the structure is built in such a way that the negative forces override the positive then you have a weak bio-energy field which manifests as diseases in the occupants. The over bearing negative field makes your actions, efforts, thinking negative.

The science of Vaastu guides you about the rules you have to follow so that the structure has a positive atmosphere.

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Principles Of Vaastu Shastra (Department of Philosophy, Interdisciplinary Centre for Swami Vivekananda Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh., 2017)

The guidelines and rules of Vaastu Shastra have been laid down clearly in several ancient texts, but the principles upon which they have been formulated are steeped deep in the Indian philosophy of Vedas.

The importance of Vaastu Shastra lies in understanding the basic principles as it analyses the blueprint which provides for a design system (Patra, 2006).

Vaastu Shastra is essentially an art of correct setting whereby one can optimize maximum benefits of the Panchbhutas (five elements) of nature, earth’s magnetic field and the rotational influence of the sun, moon and the other planets surrounding the earth, it has laid down several principles for constructing buildings. The fundamental principles of Vaastu Shastra are applied in constructing buildings such as houses, commercial complexes, industry layouts, towns, temples etc. There are five basic principles on which the great edifice of the Vaastu science of architecture stands. They are: 1. the doctrine of orientation; 2. site planning; 3. the proportionate measurement of building; 4. the six canons of Vedic architecture; 5. the aesthetics of the building.

THE DOCTRINE OF ORIENTATION: In Indian thought, the cardinal directions hold a particular significance. The various associations given to the eight cardinal directions (northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest and north) help elucidate the orientation principles of Vaastu Shastra (Chakrabarti, 1998, pp. 101–102). The theory of orientation of buildings is secular as well as ecclesiastical, as laid down by Indian designers of structures, which consists in setting them in such a way that they may get maximum benefits from solar radiation.

The fixing of cardinal points thus occupies a prominent place in Vaastu Shastra.

SITE PLANNING (VAASTU -PURUSHA-MANDALA): Vaastu Shastra lays down various guidelines for choosing the proper site (Patra, 2007). It emphasizes strongly the examination of the soil, size, shape, taste, color, smell and vegetation features of the land. If the plot of land is found to be satisfactory on all these criteria, then it is selected for the purpose of building a house, village, industry, town, fort etc. After the selection of land, the blueprint of VaastuPurusha-Mandala is provided for the grid that facilitates the inception of the design, and in addition to being the 'architect's square pad', where the concepts crystallize, each of its lines and divisions holds within it layers of meaning within which the intricacies of design unfold (Figure 1). The Vaastu-PurushaMandala adopts the shape of the site, and this functional attribute of the Mandala active in the mind of the designer in its ideal form of a square, acquiring a different shape in reality, is a primary example of its inherent flexibility. Not only does it adapt to the site constraints, but also it adopts the parameters of design requirements of contexts as diverse as the hot and- arid state of Rajasthan and the wet-and-humid state of Kerala, as well as the variations in building materials, functional requirements and the social and political context in which it is used.

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Figure 3 Vaastu Purush Mandala

THE PROPORTIONATE MEASUREMENT OF BUILDING (MAANA): The third basic principle of Vedic architecture is Maana, the proportionate measurements. The measurements are divided into six categories – measurement of height, breadth, width or circumference, measurement along plumb lines, measurement of thickness and measurement of inter-space. The role of Vaastu Shastra in the system of measurement is to achieve harmony between the absolute and the quantifiable. Measurement mediates finality to an architectural concept, similar to the spoken word, which provides a frame over which the canvas of thought is stretched. Measure 'fixes' as well as 'evaluates'.

THE SIX CANONS OF VEDIC ARCHITECTURE (AAYAADI -SADVARGA): There are six main components of a building, base (Aadhistaana), column (Paada or Stambha), entablature (Prastaara), ear or wings (Karna), roof (Shikara) and dome (Stupi). The Ayaadi formulas1 are some of the aspects analyzed to assess the qualities of the house (Guna). In short, Aaya means measurement of building = length × breadth.

THE AESTHETICS OF THE BUILDING: Aesthetics as a branch of philosophy deals with the nature of beauty. Applying aesthetic considerations to buildings and related architectural structures is complex, as factors extrinsic to spatial design (such as structural integrity, cost, the nature of building materials and the functional utility of the building) contribute to the design process. Notwithstanding, architects can still apply the aesthetic principles of ornamentation, texture, flow, solemnity, symmetry, color, granularity, the interaction of sunlight and shadows, transcendence, and harmony. In Indian tradition, beauty is considered as Chanda (moon); the structural aspect of building and its rhythmical disposition is like that of poetry.

These traditional principles contour buildings in multifarious forms, structures varied from one another to suit the different classes of buildings, to satisfy different functions, and they never present an identical view. As a result, Vaastu Shastra has been described as a body of knowledge, which has been sustained, developed and modified by successive generations of architects through many centuries. It implies a tradition of knowledge that has, at various times, been ordered and expressed (and so is handed down to us) in a range of texts, with a variety of titles.

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VASTU SHASTRA IS BASED UPON TWO IMPORTANT SCIENTIFIC FACTS: 1. Magnetic Property of the Earth and the gravitational and magnetic forces created by the materials inside the Earth.

2. Rotation of the Earth on its axis, and the centrifugal and other forces created by its movements.

1. MAGNETIC PROPERTY OF THE EA RTH (lo g ic al an d s ci en tif ic v a s tu ) Due to the large content of iron particles present in the form of solid and molten state in our Earth, it has a magnificent magnetic property. The North Pole emits the positive magnetic energy and the South Pole performs the Negative part receiving this energy. Hence, our Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field all over its mass.

As the buildings are constructed with the materials containing iron particles as well, this magnetic effect is further magnified.

Vaastu Shastra applies certain principles to gain from this magnetic force.

In order to maintain uninterrupted flow in the Earth’s magnetic field, it is essential that no pillars are erected in the middle part of the building and the number of the windows in the North should be double of that in the South, thus ensuring maximum utilization of positive magnetic flow coming from the North.

Figure 4 Earth's Magnetic Field

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2. ROTATION OF THE EARTH: The main logic behind almost all the rules of Vaastu Shastra depends on these principles: We are traveling along with the Earth with all our belongings towards North-East direction constantly at a speed of 1070 miles or 1670 kilometers per hour. The forward direction is North-East due to the inclination of the Earth. The division of the Earth, constructions buildings and utilization of the buildings shall not be against this motion.

Our Earth is rotating inclined about 23.5 degrees towards North-East direction and rotates on its own axis without any rest since more than 4.54 billion years and also rotates the Sun without any axles, bearings or motors. The weight we keep in our place should not hinder its movement.

• Since the Earth spins from West to East and the North Pole is inclined by 23.5°, the actual North point of the Earth is situated at North-East and South point at South-West.

• The Cosmic Energy coming from North-East provides positive energy to the structures whereas South-West gives rise to negative energy. Hence, efforts must be made to conserve the positive energy coming from North-East and also to arrest the flow of negative energy

•

arising from the South-West. By keeping the potential high at North-East and low in the South-West, we can ensure uninterrupted strong flow of positive energy in each and every nook and corner of the structures.

This can be accomplished by keeping maximum open spaces and doors in North and East of the plot and the least in the South and West. To keep the level of positive energy high, the height of the building will have to be kept low in the North-East, East and North side as compared to the SouthWest, South and West Side. This stems the inward flow of negative energy.

Figure 5 Rotation of the Earth

( lo g ica l a nd s ci ent ifi c v a st u)

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NINE DIVISIONS OF A LAND (KUMAR, 2014) Vaastu Shastra divides a place mainly into nine parts aligning with the directions: North, East, South, West, North-East Corner, South-East Corner, South-West Corner, North-West Corner and the Center.

– North-East: In morning, from 3:00 am to 6:00 am, Sun is in the North-East part of house. This patch of time between 3:00 am to 6:00 am is called as Brahma Mahurat and is best for meditation, yoga, exercise or study. Hence North-East part of a home is best suited for a pooja/prayer room, living room or even study room.

– East: The Sun remains from 6:00 am to 9:00 am in East portion of a home, this time is best to get ready for the day ahead and hence East is best suitable for a bathroom (only bathroom, not toilet).

However, this portion can also be used for living room, unmarried children’s bedroom, guest bedroom, dining room, pooja room and even study room.

– South-East: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon is the time when Sun is in the South-East part of home and this time is best for preparing food and going to job. Hence this location is best suited to place a kitchen, office or unmarried son’s bedroom in a home.

South: The time between 12 noon and 3:00 pm is time to work, during this time the Sun is in southern portion of a building and hence this location is good for office. In this portion, the intensity of sunlight is very high and hence South can also be used as a store room, staircase and even toilets.

– South-West: Post lunch is the time to rest i.e., from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. During this time the sun is in South-West portion of a home and hence this location is best for master bedroom. Also, a staircase or strong room can be located here.

– West: The time between 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm is best time to relax and dine. That’s why this is the best location to have dining room in a home. One can also use this portion to locate children’s bedroom, prayer room, study room or a staircase.

– North-West: The time between 9:00 pm to 12:00 am is the time to relax and sleep. Hence this location is best suited for a bedroom. However, this portion can also be used as living room.

– North: The time between 12:00 am and 3:00 am is the time of secrecy and darkness; hence this portion of home is best suitable for cash room or strong room. However, this portion is also used as living room or dining room.

Figure 6 Nine divisions of land

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SOURCE OF ENERGY Energy is primarily considered as emanating from the North-East corner and many site and building characteristics are derived from this. Sites sloping down towards North or East from higher levels of South and West are considered good. Open spaces in site and openings in the building are to be more in the North and East than in the South and the West. No obstacles are to be present in the North and the East.

LEVELS AND HEIGHTS Levels and height of buildings are to be higher in the South and West when compared to the North and East. The South-West corner is to be the highest, followed by South-East, then by North-West and finally

by North-East.

The triangle formed by joining the South-West, South-East and the North-West corner of the site is attributed to the Moon and the triangle formed by joining the North-East, North-West and South-East corner of the site is attributed to the Sun. The former is prescribed to be heavier and higher and the latter lighter and lower. Sites having a longer East-West axis are considered better. The diagonal connecting South-West and North-East is to be longer than the diagonal connecting South-East and North-West. An extended North-East corner is considered beneficial.

THE LEGEND OF VASTU PURUSHA:

(CHESS)

According to Hindu mythology, in the beginning, Brahma, the creator of the Universe, experimented with the creation of a new creature. He created a large cosmic man, who grew rapidly as he began to devour everything in his path to satisfy his insatiable hunger. When he became so big that his shadow fell on the Earth creating a permanent eclipse, the gods Shiva and Vishnu begged Brahma to do something before everything was destroyed by this Creature Brahma realized his mistake and called the AsthaDikapalakas, the Gods of the eight cardinal directions.

Together, they overpowered the monster and held it flat against the earth. Then Brahma jumped in the middle and held the monster down. Then the Monster cried You created me like this. So why am I being punished? Brahma offered him a compromise and made the Monster immortal with the boon that he would be worshiped by any mortal that builds a structure on earth. He was named Vaastu Purusha.

Vaastu Shastra gives the directive principles regarding construction of buildings so as not to displease the Vaastu Purusha. These principles are explained with the help of the diagram called the Vaastu Purusha Mandala.

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Figure 7 VastuPurush Mandala (CHESS)

THE ADVANTAGES OF DESIGNING A HOUSE BASED ON THE ‘VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA According to Vaastu Shastra, if the house is designed as per the Vaastu Purusha Mandala, a perfectly balanced environment which ensures enhanced health, wealth and happiness is created. The Scientific Explanation: This is actually based on scientific principles wherein, the Sun, the five basic elements (panchabhutaas), the Earth’s magnetic field, Earth’s energy fields, and the eight directions are manipulated to create an atmosphere beneficial to man. The Vaastu pundits figured out that, when the different rooms were placed according to the Vaastu Mandala created by them, good disposition to the Sun, proper ventilation and lighting and privacy would be ensured in the building.

THE POSITIONING OF DIFFERENT ROOMS ACCORDING TO THE VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA? (architecture ideas) The Sun emits two types of rays; Ultra-Violate and Infra-Red. These rays have various effects on the human body and environment. This is one of the basic principles of the Vaastu Shastra. Because of the importance of sunlight to humans, the main aim of Vaastu Shastra is to ensure that the inmates of a house

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are inadvertently exposed to the useful rays of sunlight, even if they are inside the house the whole day.

However, during a day, people perform different activities in different rooms at different times and the Sun’s position keeps changing from sunrise to sunset. So, to ensure that the inmates are exposed to sunlight constantly, each room should be positioned so that it faces the Sun at the time of the day when it is most likely to be used.

The 24 hours of 1 solar day are divided into eight parts, which are associated with the eight cardinal directions. In each of these eight periods, the Sun is positioned in one of the cardinal directions.

Therefore, the room which is most likely to be used during that period is located in this direction.

Figure 8 Positioning of rooms according to Vaastu Purush Mandala

(KUMAR, 2014)

NATURE AND VASTU The whole Universe is combination of five basic elements. While making or constructing a building if all five basic elements of nature are considered, then creative energy, electrical energy, magnetic energy is produced.

In addition, it gives good health, wealth and prosperity to human beings. This human body too is a unique example of these five basic elements, e.g., a ‘Water’ element is present in foot, ‘Earth’ element in knee, ‘Air’ element in naval, ‘Fire’ element in both the shoulders and ‘Space’ element in brain. If there is no co-ordination among these fire elements then our energies weaken and it results into tension, ill health, and disturbs the peace of mind. All the five basic elements have their respective results. A human being cannot survive in the absence of even a single element. By adopting Vaastu shastra all the five basic elements can be brought into your favor or be conducive to you.

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Vaastu combines all the five elements of nature called ‘Panchbhootas’ and balance them with the men and the material. Indian Sages and Seers found the following secrets of this universe and evolved methods and systems and confined them over the years as VASTU SHASTRA. 1. The magnetic field, gravitational effect etc. of Earth.

2. The Galaxy in the sky, stars and planets around the Earth and their effects.

3. Light and Heat of the Sun including the effects of its Ultra-Violet and Infra-Red rays.

4. The volume and intensity of rainfall and source of Water inside our Mother Earth etc.

5. The directions and velocity of the Wind and seasonal changes of our world.

WHY IS IT ADVISED, NOT TO SLEEP WITH THE HEAD IN NORTH DIRECTION? Human body itself acts as a magnet with the head, the heaviest and important part of the body. If the head is directed towards the North while sleeping, the south of the Earth and that of the Human Body attract each other affecting the blood circulation, causing disturbed sleep, tension and other connected problems.

It is well-established fact that nervous system of the human body communicates with the help of electric impulses, thus producing electro-magnetic field around the part of the body. Muscles also produce electrical potential. Activities of human body are primarily controlled by the electrical and chemical reactions inside the body. Any movement of charge, howsoever small, will produce electrical field around the direction of movement. Again, any surrounding magnetic field will, thus have an effect on the electrical activities of parts of human body. Thus, the entire Human body is the net result of these tiny magnetic fields distributed within the human body, which is equivalent to a magnet matching the size of a human body.

Figure 9 Sleeping position according to Vaastu Shastra

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STRUCTURES AND ITS RELATION TO VASTU Earth is a huge magnet. In addition, the Solar energy is playing a vital role on each corner, different structures on Earth. We also see different plant leaves have different structures and they produce different types of fruits or grains (cereals). They have different taste, color and frequencies. On observing the movement of the Sunflower, one can understand what energy makes the Sunflower to rotate towards Sun’s direction. Apart from it, we have Earth’s magnetic field, which also plays a big role. The dense magnetic lines are extended up to 40,000 miles above the surface of the Earth. They generate from the North Pole and reach South Pole with greater velocity.

Our body (bones) is also magnetic in nature. Our blood containing hemoglobin, containing Iron, cuts these magnetic lines and produce sufficient electric power to our body similar to the principle of a dynamo. This electrical power reaches ‘Hypothalamus’ (motor control center of our brain or MCB) and helps the brain to function with electrical signals to all the limbs of the body resembling the way how a computer does numerous things which cannot be visualized by us.

Some studies were made on colors, related to planets, ‘nava-ratnas’,’ nava-dhanyas’, ‘nava-moolikas’ (Herbs) and the human character related with diseases for understanding the provisions gifted by Nature to us for better survival. So also, houses, offices, places of worshipping bear different structures and they shall have different energy fields. Based on that structure, location, environment the fruits of prosperity also vary depending on individual frequency levels. Further, the energy relations are based on longitude and latitude linear with gravity at that place, and on environmental position like. Sea shore, lakes, mountains, rivers, drains, meat processing units, burial grounds etc. also play (natural energy) influences on the building, constructed close to them due to the ‘Aura field’.

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TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE ACCORDING TO VASTU:

Figure 10 Nagara style of architecture

Figure 11 Dravidian style of architecture

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Figure 12 Temple architecture according to Vaastu Shastra

Figure 13Temple architecture according to Vaastu Shastra

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Figure 14 Lateral positioning of temple

The Vaastu Purusha Mandala of the temple projects the temple in two main sections: the ground plan and the vertical alignment. The square, the rectangle, the octagon and the pentagon patterns drawn in the Mandala relate to the horizontal section or the ground plan. The subdivisions of the ground plan detail the Brahmasthana (the main shrine and smaller shrines) and the Mantapas (pavilions). The vertical alignment consisting the pyramid, the circle and the curve are meant for designing the Gopura (entrance ways), the Vimana (the structure above the main shrine) and the prakara (the walls).

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MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, MADHURIA: An example of a perfect Vaastu shastra following temple.

Figure 15 Plan of Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

The old city of Madurai is considered to be designed according to the Rajdhani Plan, described in MANASARA. It has five-fold concentric rectangular formation with Meenakshi Sundareswaran Temple at the very center.

The city was well planned one with bazaar and many board streets with high and luxurious mansions on both sides. The street concentric to the temple complex formed the major streets. The next order of streets is perpendicular to the above street. A definite hierarchy of street pattern was adopted with the width of the street decreasing as it branched out ending up in stone paved streets and lane of width 0.6m.

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CHANDIGARH: (Rayjada) In 1950 French architect Le Corbusier was appointed architectural counselor to the government of Punjab for the construction of new capital Chandigarh. Although Le Corbusier followed his own architectural philosophy of the Five Points Architecture, his Chandigarh Master plan corresponds to Vaastu Purusha Mandala.

Figure 16 Plan of Chandigarh

(Reena Patra)

Le Corbusier conceived the master plan of Chandigarh as analogous to human body, with a clearly defined head (the Capitol Complex, Sector 1), heart (the City Centre Sector-17), lungs (the leisure valley, innumerable open spaces and sector greens), the intellect (the cultural and educational institutions), the circulatory system (the network of roads, the 7Vs) and the viscera (the Industrial Area). The concept of the city is based on four major functions: living, working, care of the body and spirit and circulation.

Residential sectors constitute the living part whereas the Capitol Complex, City Centre, Educational Zone (Post Graduate Institute, Punjab Engineering College, and Punjab University) and the Industrial Area constitute the working part. The Leisure Valley, Gardens, Sector Greens and Open Courtyards etc. are for the care of body and spirit. The circulation system comprises of 7 different types of roads known as 7Vs. 1. Capital Complex symbolizes head which is in the North- Eastern direction – coincides with the head of macrocosmic Purusha.

2. According to Vaastu, water place should be in North or East direction. Thus, Sukhna Lake occupies East or North-East corner. It is a sacred place for water and also for meditation. It is because the morning Sun rays which is rich in ultraviolet rays kills germs and disease-causing bacteria in water.

3. According to Vaastu principle, studies or worship should be placed in North direction. Here in the map the PGI (hospital) and (4) Punjab University – located in the North direction where the

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4.

5.

6.

7.

causative planet is Mercury (Budha) rules the north direction and this planet Mercury attributed health (treasure of health and knowledge).

According to Vaastu Lord Brahma occupies the center of the place. Thus, the City Center, Sector 17 - is the heart of the city occupying the center of the city. It is a recognized place for administration/assembly and temple of Lord Brahma in an ancient city. According to principle this place is known as Brahmasthan.

According to Vaastu Northwest is known as the darker side of the plot. So, Cremation Ground is placed in Northwest direction, which was marked for the same purpose and Chandalikas in an ancient city.

Industrial Area according to Vaastu is suitably located in South-East belt governed by Agni.

Lastly, according to Vaastu, South and West direction is favorable place for living purpose (sleeping, eating etc.). Thus, residential buildings are located in Southwest, South and West zones of the city.

Figure 17 Sector planning of Chandigarh

(chakrabarti, 1998)

The above picture shows a Residential Sector plan of Chandigarh. The primary module of city’s design is a Sector with a neighborhood unit of size 800 meters x 1200 meters. Each sector is a self-sufficient unit having shops, school, health centers and places of recreations and worship. It was conceived as a Garden City wherein vertical and high-rise buildings were ruled out.

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CONCLUSION Vaastu Shastra, meaning science – is part of the Vedas. Vedas, or the Vedic texts, are believed to be four to five thousand years old and include knowledge of spirituality, astrology, yoga, nutrition, etc. The word ‘Vaastu’ means ‘dwelling’, and the term ‘Shastra’ can be summed up as ‘teaching’. Vaastu Shastra is also based on the harmony of 5 elements Vaastu Shastra defines and shapes spaces for designing dwellings that are in harmony with the Earth/ Nature, and are beneficial to the mind and body of the persons occupying these houses.

Modern research has proved that the ancient science Vaastu has a firm scientific basis. As modern science developed, it began to probe to the deeper levels of Natural Law. Shelter is one of the basic needs for Human beings. People spend much of their time in their homes.

Therefore, comfort and environmental conditions are important aspects of a house.

However, in contemporary India this ancient practice is being termed as “myth” or “occult” by the majority.

The main purpose of building science is to lay down some guidelines for the architects to design building in harmony with the nature and taking advantage of the prevailing natural gifts of sunlight, wind, cosmic energy to make a habitat which is beneficial to the inmates and make their life happy and prosperous.

The rules of Vaastu Shastra and environmental reflections in residential buildings were established considering the cosmic influence of the Sun, wind direction, magnetic field of the earth and the impact of cosmos on the ‘Earth’. House building design, including its internal and external environment, has customarily been the duty of the architects.

Deep and serious thinking reveals that the logic and the reasoning of Vaastu shastra is not only remarkable but its symbolism with stands the scrutiny of modern science. The application of Vaastu shastra can cover wider areas of life if efforts are made to understand its principles. It is the matter of time before the mystic science of Vaastu shastra is decoded and its all-encompassing principles are found to reflect the insights of natural sciences.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY • • • • • • • • •

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