Vedic Astrology And Associated Studies

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<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Vastu Shastra: An Established Science-II</b>
The importance of northeast angle in Vastu Shastra

           It is said that even though we may not have control over the astrological effects of the stars but Vastu certainly plays a role in positively modifying these effects provided we make wise use of the teachings of Vastu Shastra. Astrology emphasizes the importance of the positions and motions of planets and stars whereas Vastu Shastra is founded on the significance of directions. It is said that the state or condition (of a system) can’t affect a direction but the directions (because of the geomagnetic, electromagnetic and subtler effects) do influence the state or condition. This is how vastu is believed to have relation with one’s horoscope and influences one’s stars to some extent. Thus, apart from the scientific basis –– in terms of optimizing the favorable geographical impact and energy fields of natural powers and minimizing the negative or harmful effects –– the significant role of vastu also emanates from the deeper mathematics of astrology.

         Experts of Vastu Shastra affirm that if the house one lives in is constructed in concordance with the principles and guidelines of this vedic science of architecture, one would be able to live without falling a victim to adversities and tensions even in this age of materialistic rat-race, loan based possessions, stressful competitions and struggles.  With a little care in the relative positioning and arrangement of the living room, dining room, study room, bed room, office, clinic, shop, etc, one could expect to live, by and large, a peaceful, happy and prosperous life of goodness and nobility.

Let us look at some excerpts to get an idea of what exactly the scriptures say in the above context. Vishwarkarma, the founder of architectural knowledge, instructs that a plot selected for the construction of a house should be first divided into sixteen parts (to get the segments and angles on both sides of the eight principal directions). The map of the house should take into account the directions, which are auspicious or inauspicious for specific purposes. The different rooms, location of doors and windows in each should be planned accordingly.  For example, the second chapter of “Vishwkarma Prakash” – a masterpiece of Indian architectural heritage, cites ––

Ishanyam Devatageham Purvasyam Snanamandiram |
Âgneyam Pakasadanam Bhandaragaramuttare ||
Âgneyapurvayormadhyeda Dhimanthanamandiram |
Agnipreteshayormadhye Âjyageham Prashasyate ||
Yamyanai—atayormadhye Purishatyaga Mandiram |
Nai—atyambupayormadhye Vidyabhyasasyamandiram ||
Pashchimanilyormadhye Rodanartha G—ahamasm—atam |
Vayavyottararmadhye Ratigeham Prashasyate ||
Uttareshanayormadhye ushadharthantukarayet |
Naiatyam Sutikageham Napanam Bhumimichchitam ||

         Meaning: The worship and meditation chamber or temple should be constructed in the ishana angle (corner of the plot/house in the northeast direction); bathroom in the eastern direction, kitchen in the agneya angle (corner in the southeast direction), strong room or locker (safe for money and jewellery etc) should be made in the vayavya (northwest) direction and storeroom in the north.  The portion between the northeast and eastern direction should be used for storage of dairy produce: milk, curd, buttermilk, butter, ghee etc. The sector of the plot/house between the south and the southwest (nai—atya) direction should be used for toilets and septic tank. Study room should be in the west or between the southwest and the west directions. The portion between the west and the northwest (vayavya) direction is best suited for constructing the solitude chamber (where one could sit in the moments of sadness and grief) and/or the family conference room (where people in the joint family could discuss family matter of mutual concern). The entertainment space should be provided nearby or in the northwest direction. Living rooms for the married couples should be made somewhere between the northwest and north direction.

         The portion (of the plot or the house) between the north and the northeast (ishana) direction is best suited for the construction of clinics, hospitals or the room for patient-care. The corner in the southwest direction should be used for labor room (for the birth and nursing of infants). The dining hall should be placed in the west; bedroom in the south, the reception or drawing room should lie between the east and northeast and the grocery store and cattle shed (if any) in the northwest direction. The weapons’ room (or room for security guard’s duty), if any, should be in the southwest angle. The northwest direction is also suitable for garage (parking space for vehicles, if any). The garage could be made in the southeast direction as well, but the northeast direction should be avoided for this purpose. The well or water-tanks should be made in the east, west or north directions.

         The above scriptural description is a broad classification that could be used as per the rooms or the utilities required in the house (or any building) being constructed. If felt necessary, one can also make minor alterations or modifications in the existing settings of the house or building already built and in use, in order to minimize the adverse effects or to gain extra benefits of vastu. The scriptures unequivocally affirm the favorable and auspicious effects of architecture and interior designs as per the guidelines of Vastu Shastra. The houses constructed in contravention of these guidelines are often found attracting adversities such as theft, disputes, court-cases, severe losses, poverty, acute illness, etc.

         The treatises like “Vishwakarma Prakash” attribute special importance to the ishana angle (the northeast direction) in the selection and architectural map of the plot, construction of the house (building) and even the exterior and interior structure and settings of the rooms. This direction is regarded as highly surcharged with divine energies. This is why the scriptures guide – “Ishanyam Devatageham” (temples, shrines and devotional meditation centers/rooms should be constructed in the northeast corner….). As the Sun rises from the East, one naturally gets maximum (vital) energy from it in this direction. The northeast direction is enriched with the confluence of this energy pool with the magnetic and subtler energy currents of the earth and the etheric hole. The rishis, the Indian sages of Vedic Age had mastered this knowledge. This is why the sacred pilgrimage centers and ashrams of spiritual training in the ancient times were established in this direction near the holy rivers. We can still feel the distinctly enchanting, energizing and enlightening ambience at such sites. 

         Modern scientists are well aware of the vital role of the heat, light and enormous kinds of energy radiations sent by the Sun on the earth.  These are the determinants of the atmospheric and other changes, energy balances and natural phenomena on the earth. Although under a different approach and in a different language, the principles and theories of Vastu Shastra thoroughly take into account these interconnected effects together with the geological and geophysical aspects. The manifestations of God or the divine powers described in the vastucakra and invited and worshipped during the sacraments of Vastu Pooja are mostly the invocations of the energy currents and forces emanating/radiating from the Sun.

         India is the land instinct with sanctity and religious rituals. Spiritual energy is actively pervading in its sublime environment, in every aspect of its culture.  This is why the Vedic knowledge of vastu is also associated with religious rituals here. Thus adoption of the principles and disciplines of Vastu Shastra also helps in spiritual endeavors and growth. The views of Vastu-expert Shri Gauru Tirupati are worth noting here. This scholar from Andhra Pradesh has written in “Vastu Sandesh” that the secret of Vastu Shastra lies in ideal and harmonious utilization of the five basic elements (the panca tatvas) and the hidden powers of Nature in the house. This is why enlightened persons prefer designing and constructing their houses according to the guidelines of Vastu Shastra.

         Shri Gauru also cites the examples of the great shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, etc in the Himalayas and those of the historic temples of Jagannath in Puri and Balaji at Tirupati etc, whose construction is in tune with the Vedic principles of Vastu Shastra.  This is why these pilgrimage have been the source of attraction and uplifting experiences for millions of devotees and visitors from different parts of the globe since immemorial times. The shrines built as per the Vastu-instructions are said to work like (small or big) reservoirs of cosmic energy. This explains the emphasis laid in the Indian cultural customs upon preserving at least one room or corner of the house (in appropriate direction) for home-temple. Idols or pictures of Gods are also enshrined and worshipped in some hospitals, trade centers, etc owned by the believer in Vastu Shastra.

         As the home-temples or worship-chambers happen to be given paramount importance in a building according to Vastu Shastra, the ishana angle (northeast direction) being the principle axis of the location of the former also gets a prominent role in archeology.  The east and the north directions are of significance in the Indian culture. The Vedic literature refers to the sun as the “soul of the world” and it is also regarded as the source of vital power and health. The sun rises in the east, therefore meditating on the soothing radiance of the rising Sun in this direction in the early hours of the dawn is of great devotional and spiritual significance.  The vedic scriptures on yoga describe the extrasensory energy centers like the sahastrar cakra, brahmrandhra and agya cakra to be subtly located in the north pole (cerebrum region) of our brain. Meditating on the rising sun activates these centers and thus awakens supernatural talents and powers.

         The idols of deities are enjoined to be kept so that the devotee faces the north or the east direction during worship. The Shastras recommend specific devotional practices for specific attainments. The directions, which the devotee faces during such sadhana are also of deep significance–– it is said that the devotees praying for wealth should face the north, those aspiring for knowledge should face the east and those searching for peace and happiness should face the west.

         Whatever directions are prescribed in Vastu Shastra for the palaces, big buildings or major constructions, are equally applicable for small flats or rooms. For example, in a two room flat, one may place the idol or picture of the ishta devata1 in the northeast corner of the house or any one of the rooms. The size of the worship spot should be such that it does not occupy excessive space. For example, in small rooms, it could provide just enough space for one person to sit for devotional practice at a time. In case it is not possible to find a corner in the northeast direction, it will be most suitable to keep the idol or picture of deity facing the west so that the devotee would face the east while sitting or standing in front of it. Facing the east helps in rapid progress in mental concentration and is of special significance for the devotees of Gayatri Meditation,     

         There should be only one place of worship and devotion in a house. This being the focus of reverence for every member of the family becomes surcharged in its holy ambience and also helps in maintaining understanding, peace, harmony and love, in the family. 

         The northeast direction is referred as a sacred direction in Vastu Shastra. We should also maintain a state of cleanliness and purity in this direction in our house and workplace. No heavy item (e.g, almirah, and table) should be kept in this direction; and should also avoid keeping a broomstick or any other sanitary item there. If not used for any devotional purposes, this corner (direction in the house) may be left clean and empty even if it happens to be located in the living room or the bedroom. Keeping dirt and debris in this corner of the house is said to attract malevolent effects such as difficulties, losses, tensions in personal (familial) relationships etc. However, the readers of Akhand Jyoti should be well aware that the Vastu principles and effects, like effects of any other forces in the gross manifestation of Nature, are only secondary to one’s inner strength and dedicated endeavors towards soul growth. One need not panic if it is not possible to follow some or even none of the guidelines provided in the Vastu shastra..

         We should not forget that our rishis had taken full measure of the dimensions and limitations of human life and had provided humanly practical remedies against challenges of destiny or circumstances. Likewise they have also laid down guidelines to minimize or eliminate the negative effects, if any, of having a house designed against the Vastu principles.   We shall endeavour to discuss these in the succeeding installments..
Notes:
1.    Ishta devata: Divine manifestation that is the focus of one’s devotion
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