Vastu (also known as Vaastu) is a traditional Hindu science of architecture. According to modern historians Ferguson, Havell and Cunningham, this science developed during the period of 6000 BC and 3000 BC. The Sanskrit word Vastu means a dwelling or house with a corresponding plot of land. These are concepts that describe principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement and spatial geometry for home, gardens, buildings and land. Vastu intends to integrate architecture with nature, the relative functions of various parts of the structure, and ancient beliefs utilising geometric patterns, symmetry and directional alignments.
According to Vastu, the shape of the plot of land, its orientation, as well as each room and every part of a home, has a designated place so that you are in harmony with the elements, thereby creating positive vibrations and thus attracting abundance in life.
Shapes of land for building your home and their effects as per Vastu:
Square plots with equal length and width are considered as ideal sites for construction; ensuring all round growth, prosperity and happiness. In ancient times, houses were designed around a central square open courtyard. For better ventilation, a square plot was considered the most suitable.
Rectangular plots with a length and width ratio of 2:1 are considered good; bestowing good health, wealth and prosperity upon the residents. Like a square site, it is easy to build a home on a rectangular shaped plot without wasting space unnecessarily.
Triangular plots are not considered good. According to Vastu there will always be fear of fire in such sites.
Circular/ Elliptical/ Oval Plots are not considered good for construction of houses, and according to Vastu bring bad luck to the owners.
Plots with more than four sides such as pentagons, hexagons, octagons, etc. should be avoided for construction of a house, as according to Vastu, people in such plots always live in fear.
Cow shaped (Gou-mukhi) plots are narrow in the front and wide at the back. Such plots are considered auspicious for residential purpose; bringing prosperity to the house owners.
Lion shaped (Simha-mukhi) plots are wide in the front or entrance and narrow at the back. Such plots are considered inauspicious for residential purpose, but are considered suitable for commercial purpose.
Plots with cut corners are considered inauspicious and should be avoided.
Plots with projections or extensions in the North or East or North-East are considered good, while extensions in other directions are considered inauspicious. Plots with extensions in other directions like North-West, South-East or South-West are not considered good; bringing bad luck to the owners.
In order to be in harmony with five elements and eight directions, if some consideration is given to Vastu during the selection of land for building a home, including shape of plot, extension to plot, angle of plot, slope of plot, arrangement of roads, planning and directional placement of different components of the building, placement of entrance, structural layout and orientation of house, it will bless the people living in such houses, apartments, bungalows etc. with good health, peace of mind and prosperity.