Vastu: Five Elements Of Vastu

By Suman Pandit

 Fundamentals Of Vastu 

 The whole universe is made up of five basic elements, the earth, water, fire, air and space. Our body is also made up of these five basic elements of nature. The  pancha-mahabhootas  are related to our five senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight. Any imbalance in our external and internal Vastu translates into unhappy situations. Vastu teaches the individual to live in balance and harmony with the panchamahabhootas.

 Prithvi (Earth) 

 Human beings have a natural and emotional affinity with the Earth. The Earth revolves around the Sun and has gravitational and magnetic force. Scientists have proved that earth is a huge magnet with two poles-North pole and South pole.

 It has also been proved that the human body is a ÔmagenetisableÕ object with a large percentage of iron in the blood. As all know, opposite poles of a magnet attract each other and same magnetic poles repel each other. The Vastu principle of placing the head in South direction while sleeping is based on earthÕs magnetic property.

 Our ancients have found that sleeping with the head towards the South  enables one to go with the nature and draw maximum positive energies from the cosmos to keep fit and healthy. Vastu also deals in detail about inspection of soil, selection of site, shape, shape and size of plot to land.

 Earth is the only element linked to all five senses  of taste, sound, touch, smell and sight and sight and thus exerts the maximum influence on us.

 Jal (Water) 

 After earth, water is the most important element. It is linked to our senses of taste, touch, sight and hearing. It is quantitatively the largest of the five elements, as more than 80% of our body and two-third of earthÕs surface is water. Most ancient civilisations came up close to rivers and water sources.

 Vastu provides important information about the placement of water sources like wells, boring, underground water tank, overhead water tank etc, while planning the house. Positions for drainage of water, septic tanks, sewerage, drains etc. are decided carefully to optimize the benefits of water element.

 Agni (Fire) 

 Sun is the most vital source of energy and light. It is the soul of the universe. Formation of day and night, charge in seasons is brought about by the movement of Sun in relation to the movement of earth. Fire element is related to our sense of sound, touch and sight. It is difficult to imagine life on earth without Sun.

 The SunÕs rays can be split into 7 plus 2 colours. Beginning from the very beneficial ultra-violet rays in the Eastern side corresponding to North-East, the SunÕs rays further split into violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red (VIBGYOR) and intra-red in South-East. Violet and cold colours of the spectrum have a beneficial and soothing effect on the body and hence it is recommended to keep open space in the North-East.

 When these rays combine with water, they get additional benefits. it is, therefore, recommended to have a water source in North-East direction. To block North-East by building a toilet there is depriving yourself of most beneficial rays of Sun and has adverse results. The ultra-violet rays normalize the metabolism of the body.

 The supreme wisdom of our sages is reflected in the ancient ritual of ÔSurty NamaskaarÓ wherein the beneficial rays of Sun become more potent when seen through fresh water offered to Sun god.

 The late afternoon and evening Sun with the harmful infrared rays should be avoided. It is recommended by Vastu to have tall and big trees in the South so that harmful rays of Sun are blocked. In case light is needed from afternoon or evening Sun, make sure it is diffused.

 Vayu (Air) 

 The Air or Vayu is vital for our survival. Our sense of sound, touch and feel are related to Air. The air on earth is a mixture of various gases like nitrogen, oxygen, helium, hydrogen etc.

 Oxygen is vital for human beings and nitrogen is essential for the growth of plant life which in turn provides oxygen. Correct percentage of different gases, atmospheric pressure and humidity level is important for life forms on earth.

 Vastu recommends proper placement of doors, windows, ventilators, balconies, height of structure and placement of trees and plants for balancing the Air element within the structure.

 Aakash (Space) 

 Vastu is the only body of thought that gives Space the status of a natural fundamental element. Architecture in Eutope did not even recognize the importance of space till modern times. Vastu Shastra is, therefore, superior to any modern or traditional school of architecture in the world.

 Aakash or the space is infinite and limitless.  It is related to our sense of hearing, in a house, space element is related to the centre portion or the brahmasthan. It is important that brahmasthan be kept open and light. Any disturbances in the space element are detrimental to your growth.

 When you keep your office, home or factory in a mess  , you spoil the space element around you. Extra construction, unutilized rooms or floors, homes stuffed with possessions, too big extravagant and opulent houses collect a lot of negative energy.

 It is recommended to build only the required area and no more. People intending to buy or build a house concentrate on fancy fittings and latest gadgets totally ignoring how much natural light or air the structure is permitting. Fancy fittings in a house can never compensate for a large open window.

 A house is your sanctum-sanctorum.  It is a place where you should be able to unwind and rejuvenate yourself. A balance of the primary elements in the house brings you closer to nature and creates balance and harmony leading to peace and