Vastu Science Described in the Puranas: Relevance in the Present Times

Abstract

The ancient tradition of Vastu Vidya (the science of architecture) is found in Sanskrit literature. The foundational principles of this science appear in the most ancient texts of the world—the Vedas. The Rigveda symbolically describes the process of house construction. References to architectural principles are also found in the Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda Samhitas, the Shatapatha Brahmana, Aranyakas, Chandogya Upanishad, Kaushitaki Upanishad, as well as in the Paraskara Grihyasutra, Vaikhanasa Dharmasutra, and Manusmriti. The Puranas are the foundational pillars of Indian culture and civilization, upon which the modern world’s development stands. Post-Vedic literature provides a detailed exposition of Vastu science. Within the eighteen Puranas, many chapters contain in-depth discussions and elaborate accounts of this discipline. For thousands of years, the acharya tradition has worked tirelessly for the systematic development of this science. The term Vastu derives from the root “vas” (to dwell) with the suffix “tun,” meaning a dwelling place, land, or house. In the Yajurveda Samhita, Vastu refers to Yajnavastu (a sacred dwelling for rituals). In texts such as the Apastamba Shrautasutra and the Paraskara Grihyasutra, the word generally denotes “residence.” In the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the word Vastu indicates house construction. In the Puranas, particularly in the Matsya Purana, the term is used in the sense of the abode of the gods. In today’s materialistic age, individuals need houses that are imbued with positive energy. Unplanned construction of buildings and residences, however, often results in adverse effects. Although the term Vastu Shastra has become highly popular in modern times, there is an urgent need for deeper inquiry into its subtle principles. This research paper aims to present the Puranic Vastu science to scholars at both national and international levels, with the objective of exploring appropriate solutions to the challenges of contemporary building and housing construction. Today, limited financial resources and restricted space make housing construction a significant challenge. In the absence of knowledge of Vastu principles, construction errors frequently occur, often leading to serious consequences.