All the religious, spiritual, cultural & social guidelines provided by our Gurus, Acharyas, Saints, Rishies and other great people in olden times are one or the other way based on logical reasons essentially required for the existence, survival, growth and welfare of human beings. It also aims at defining and ensuring proper social system so that a balance between natural powers & earthly environment may be kept intact forever. It is true that during Vaidic times our ancestors were greatly benefited by the advanced scientific boons prevailing during that period. Definitely science was at its peak and human being was well in a position to utilise and harness most of the cosmic energies in the manner he desired. Needless to say that Vaastu Shastra is also the knowledge of that time which speaks about the Panch Mahabhuta (five fundamental elements of body), building structure, components of human life, directions, placement & positioning of inmates etc. that can influence the formation, growth & development of Srishti, the nature. Varied combinations & permutations of the above cited elements possess the power to define the comfort & agonies of mankind living in a particular building.

Each principle provided by Vaastu is strongly backed by the scientific causes. The features, usage & advantages of cellular phones (present mode of communication) is quite similar to those being defined in Vaidic, Ramayan & Mahabharat times when one could speak to others staying too far, even across continents (Saat Samunder Paar). Similarly, aeroplane of those times was known as Udan Khatola. Likewise all the guidelines and vivid impacts of natural powers were explained through Vaastu Shastra, in its own terminology per se.

Though old literature in Sanskrit language is the ocean of directives best suited to that periods social needs but in present era, no much work on academic or laboratory level has taken place on our age-old mystic sciences including Vaastu. Practitioners data, information and analysis are the only basis and major tools to explain the nature of negative or positive vibrations. Even there are less means available to detect the Anti-Vaastu vibrations moving in and around critical areas like Pooja place, kitchen, study, living area or Bramha Sthan etc. So far as the human being is concerned, most of the times he finds himself helpless to show or prove the different supportive or antagonist effects of negativities on the inmates living in the abode, looking after a business premises or working in an industrial organisation. The more easy way to understand the human incapability to sensor the super sensitive and ultra minute natural powers can be seen in locating directions in absence of sun, however a small compass is always capable of indicating directions without any complication.

Determination of all the ten directions
It is said that “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” or in Hindi language- “Neem Hakim Khatra-e-Jaan”. The very crucial first step to start with the determination of Vastu factors & study Vaastu status is to determine the directions correctly. Making even a minute mistake in demarcation may render us with wrong readings or faulty Vaastu audits, which may result into lot of negativities inside and outside the premises.

Shloka
Shastrenanen sarvasya lokasaya param sukham,
Chaturvarg-phal prapti shlokashch bhavedhyuvam,
Shilp shastra parigyan mrityo-api sujetaam vrajet,
Parmanand janak devanamidimiritam,
Shilp vina nahi jagatishu lokeshu vidyate,
Jagad vina na shilpach vartate vasav-prabho. (Vishwakarma)

What is vastu shastra?
In Sanskrit, Vastu means to build environment and a surrounding. The word Vastu came from the Vastva, means anything which provides shelter such as a premises made as a house, shelter, building etc. In Sanskrit, Shastra means a perfect system or a by-laws. Vastu shastra finds its origin in the Sthapatya Veda, which is a part of Atharv Veda. Vastu Shastra, in fact, is nothing but creating a congenital environment by taking advantages of the benefits bestowed by the five elements called Panch Bhootas of the nature thus paving way for enhanced health, wealth, prosperity and happiness in an enlightened environment. The human being is made of these five elements. The origination begins from the earth, then one enjoys other elements like air, space, fire (sun light and sun rays), attains the young age, then enters old age and at last merges with the earth either though ashes or through burial. The distinction between the eternal spirit soul and the changing material body is the cycle of life shown in the picture. The embodied soul continuously passes though material body from childhood to young and then to old age. The death is the last episode in one life cycle. The soul similarly passes it to other body at the death because we are conditioned by material nature (earth, water, fire, air and space). Vastu Shastra in short can also be defined as harmonious and positive interaction of all matters encompassing human life. As described in the Vedas, Vaastu shastra is a confluence of two streams, which are artistic viewpoint and aesthetic outlook.

History Of Vastu-Shastra
Definition of Vastu:Vastu is nothing but living in harmony with nature. All the religious, spiritual, cultural and social guidelines provided by our Gurus, Acharyas, Saints, Rishies and other great people in olden times are one or the other way based on logical reasons essentially required for the existence, surviving, growth and welfare of human being. It also aims at defining and ensuring proper Samajik Vyavastha so that a balance between natural powers and earthly environment may be kept intact forever. Its true that during Vaidic times our ancestors were greatly benefited by the advanced scientific boons prevailing during that period also called the subhavaastu. Definitely science was at its peak and human being was well in a position to utilise and harness most of the cosmic energies in the manner he desired. Needless to say that Vastu Shastra is also the knowledge of that time which speaks about the Panch Mahabhuta, building structure, components of human life, directions, placement and positioning of inmates etc. that can influence the formation, growth and development of Srishti and the nature. Varied combinations and permutations of above cited elements possess the power to define the comfort and agonies of mankind.

Vastu Principles:
The five elements described in Vastu are secular, universal and applicable to all. It works on the principles of attaining the natural and positive cosmic vibrations and energy from the surroundings. We know that only a healthy body, healthy house and healthy mind can bless us with good decisions and a right decision at right place and on right time may yield us the basis to rise in the life.

Introduction Of Vastu-Shastra And Its Importance
The Dharam-granthas of Indian culture prove that our Gurus, Saints and other spiritual great people were very curious, research-oriented, clear and descriptive on all the phases of human life. They also cared about the living area, house and environment needed for the better health, wealth and harmony.

Astoma Sad Gamaya,
Tamsoma Jyotirgamaya,
Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya, (Shatpath Shloka)

Meaning: Oh God, lead me from dark to light, false to truth and death to life. and Jeevem Shardah Shatam means I pray almighty to live hundred health years etc. are very common Shloka and sayings in Indian culture.

Vastu Purush- The Demi God :
In India, Vastu science has been described by our ancient great learned people through various epics, but the essence and logics are the same.

According to the theory of Brihat Samhita, an imaginary person in the form of God called Vastu Purush or Demi God governs each house. Therefore it should to be appeased for the betterment of house and its inmates both.

To appease him one should follow the sacred ceremonies at every step religiously. According to text 'Mayamatam' "It should be known that the spirit of the building (Vastu Purusha) has six bones, a single heart, four vulnerable points and four vessels and that he lies upon the ground, his head towards the North-East". He, who, is present in every human dwelling, is responsible for good and for bad fortune, that is why the wise human must avoid tormenting his limbs with the limbs of the owner of the house. Thus, the sage must always spare the body of the spirit in the course of construction through ignorance of the architects, if any of its several parts were rendered defective; the master himself becomes completely ruined.

Importance Of Vastu Shastra :
Vastu Mandala: Mandala means configuration, enclosure or network. Energy networks of desired objectives are also expressed graphically in the matrix form in square, triangular, hexagonal or octagonal grids. The square grid is the most common. (Astrological matrix of the donor or deity, the number combinations, the Yantra and also Mantra symbols are inscribed in specific configurations responding to respective network). Mandala is particular to time, place, person and purpose. It is a composite operative programme chart of all necessary overlays as explained below.

To sum up, the Mantra, Yantra and Mandala are science, technology and management techniques for discipline of mind for specific persons. They are in the holistic tradition of Vedic science and thought Purusha and Mandala are associated with Vasto. Vasto means site, the site for building a house, or a dwelling, Vastu encompasses the house with site and its environment. According to the Vedic thought Purusha is not only the cause and life behind all Prakriti, but also behind all creations of man. Since mind in its state and form represents purusha and mind is the Lord or author of all creations.

Vastu Shastra Is Universal :
If we consider the world map we can deduce that Vastu Shastra is a science, which is secular and universal; hence it is applicable to the whole world. When we consider the map of India, we find that it is tapering in the east, west, north, and south sides. In the northeast side of India, instead of water, stands the giant Himalayan range. Due to Kashmir problem our northeast corner has shrunken which is against the rules of Vastu Shastra. To the east of India, lies the Bay of Bengal, to the west, lies the Arabian Sea and to the South, lies the Indian Ocean

Vastu Impact on Different Geographical Regions :
Very few cities in India have made praiseworthy progress. Mumbai and Trombay for Bhabha Atomic Research Center being two of them. In spite of its small area Japan has progressed a lot, this is because the Pacific Ocean lies on its northeast side. But since the south and west sides are also covered with water there are frequent earthquakes in Japan. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki may be the result of this situation. The progress of Japan has always being tremendous and baffling to other countries because of its eastern direction. Japan is titled towards the northeast. Tokyo the capital of Japan is, on the eastern side of the Pacific Ocean. This is an important property of Vastu Shastra. However, some parts of Japan are titled towards the southwest and the southeast corner thus experiencing a danger of earthquakes on a regular basis.

Theory Of Five Elements In Vastu Shastra
The Concept Of Cosmic Energies :
There are different Indian Granthas on Vastu Shastra on living in harmony with nature like Mansar, Vishwakarma Prakash, Samrangan Sutradhar, Vastu-Ratnavali, Sthapatya Veda etc. All of them are based on the principle of cosmic energies, which aim at giving the heavenly comfort to mankind. Our Sages and saints who wrote down the texts on the subject had kept in mind the influence of the sun; the soul of this Universe, the moon, the effect of other planets and their light and heat on the earth and its living beings, the earth's atmosphere, wind, its directions, earth's magnetic field, gravitational forces, Electro magnetic field and various planets like Moon, Jupiter, Mars and other natural factors.

The Five Great Elements – Panch Maha Bhootas:
Panch Maha Bhootas greatly influences life on earth. They are as follows:

• Space (Aakash)
• Fire (Agni)
• Air (Vayu)
• Water (Jal)
• Earth (Prithvi)

Space (Aakash)
Space is very minute in its nature but the most expanded in term of its spread and volume. The unending part of the universe beyond the earth’s atmosphere in which all other planets and stars exist is known as space- to be precise, outer space.

Fire (Agni)
Agni Tatva contains the heat and fire related energy. Agni is the basis of all energy including solar energy, earth’s inner energy, atomic energy, thermal energy and above all animal and human energy.

Air (Vayu)
Very light in nature but heavier than sun. Air around earth extends up to 400 kms. and mainly consists of oxygen (21%), nitrogen (78%) and the rest other gases like helium, carbon dioxide, hydrogen etc. As a life - supporting element, air is a very powerful life source.

Water (Jal)
Rain, river, seas and oceans all represent water. Our blood is nothing but water with hemoglobin and oxygen. There can be no life form without water (H20). The physical life is not possible without water.

Earth (Prithvi)
Earth is said to be a part of sun. Thousands of years ago, a piece of melting sun broke away that cooled down over a period of time and become solid -Earth. It is spherical in shape with a diameter of 13000 kms.

Application Of Five Elements In Vastu Shastra
We can see nature as well as experience the Panch Maha Bhootas. The five elements have a close relationship with man and his environment. Nature has given them their proper place according to merit. Going against them would lead us to destruction. For example, many a times a man purchases a place or premises because it is cheap. He does not pay any attention to its usefulness or harmfulness. Indeed if the plot is purchased using the principles of Vastu Shastra, the economic front definitely improves and one gets peace and prosperity. However if the selection goes wrong, it leads to health wealth and financial losses. We cannot deny the fact that mental peace is definitely derived if we build our house or any commercial building using Vastu Shastra.

Various Contemporary Methods To Explain Vastu Science
The importance and value of Vastu science was well recognised by the people of olden time. During that era, most of the houses, temples, Haat, Vyapar Kendra, palaces, recreation halls were made on the basis of one or the other principles either honored religiously or on the ground of Vastu Vidya. Old masons were well versed on fixing the number of wooden girders or beams (Kari) by the series like Indra, Yama and Raj. They never put them ending on Yama i.e. total number did not end on 2, 5, 8, 11.and so on. Even in modern time, after the commercialization of most of the business activities, the property dealers have been appreciated the east facing plots or houses the most.

Traditional Ways to follow Vastu: In village culture also the Buzurg people always preferred the east facing premises. These evidences reveal that Vastu has always been in the culture since times immemorable. The morning sun rays have always been called a boon of lord Sun. it was the general saying those olden days in traditional India that a house which can receive the first morning sunray, is blessed with manifold comforts that includes good health and family all round growth. Therefore the sun is worshipped in Hindu religion by praying in the morning hours and by offering water at the break of day. The open space can be very prominently seen left in the middle of Hawelies in Rajasthan state of India.

Muhurat have Their own Logic And Significance In Shastra:
All the days, dates & time narrated in Shastras are based on one or the other logic. They guide us to move according to the useful and useless impacts of periods. If one tries to peep into the logical reasoning, there are certainly basics to follow. Here I shall discuss few of them.

Logic behind the Dev-shayan period: In common parlance, Dev-Shayan period means the period or months when the Deities take their rest and willing to be calm, quite and undisturbed. Therefore most of the Muhurats or starting of digging of land to build a building is not advised in Shastras. The Muhurat have their own logics. For example practically the four months of rainy season are not very comfortable to start with a new construction related project work. In Muhurat, the four months period is thought to be the DEV SHAYAN period, which means during this particular period the Gods use to take rest on the earth, therefore it is not recommended to start excavation work. This Dev-shayan period starts on the eleventh Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Ashadha month, which lies tentatively during the second fortnight of June. Certainly this is the period when the Monsoon rains normally cover most of the parts of India. Weather wise this period is filled with moisture (high Humidity) and heat etc. On the other hand, one may feel problems in construction because there remains each possibility of delayed work due to floods, muddy ways and water logging. The brick kilns are also not operative during this period. Perhaps during olden times too the brick-makers (they used to make very small bricks) used to follow the same.

Application Of Vastu Principles In Built-Up Area
Applying Vastu Principles Are Feasible Without Demolition Too: There is a general opinion that Vastu correction cannot take place without demolition, but in my opinion and research study, Vastu philosophy is absolutely easy and a practically feasible concept. If the project is at a planning stage then the application is extremely user friendly. Vastu can be easily practiced in any given area. Most people feel that to implement Vastu principles, one needs to bring in complete structural changes and break downs in the particular restaurant.

Use Of Colour Combinations In Vastu
Colours play a vital role in the interior and / or exteriors of a building. Colour combination either too glossy or dark eat up more energy from the surrounding. Now a days I have seen houses in which all the four walls are painted with four different and very dark colours. This is very common in children room.

Limitations Of Vastu Shastra
Vastu is nothing but living in harmony with nature. It always suggests to intake enough sunlight, proper air and space required to attain life charm, hygiene, health, wealth and family harmony. Scientifically it adds the natural cosmic energies in our life through the building structure we live-in, in a positive way to make the life comfortable. Thus it cushions manifolds the inmates living in a house. Many examples could be cited in support to Vastu science, if followed in constructing one house, business place or industry when one could be prosperous and satisfied.