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Vaasthu in Sanskrit means to dwell. Architecture and Vaasthu are the
spin off of ancient creative arts concerning the construction of buildings, suitable for human beings to live in, peacefully and happily.
Vaasthu is an ancient divine science followed by the divine knowledge of
people all over the world having different names. This science deals about
how to construct merit-full houses, temples, business centres etc.. This
is purely an astrological science based on the happenings of cosmic rays
illuminated by 9 major planets of the globe. The merits and demerits of
the structure fully based on the Vaasthu Science in connection with
creation of the built-up body. The Vaasthu science deals about the
measurement details, shape details, nature of earth details, in
construction of buildings in order to strengthen the health of the
structure.
The growth of Indian cities and towns has been unplanned and haphazard. Due to this and
other factors, the city-dwellers environment has become rather unhealthy. Offering an effective and
not so expensive solution is the ancient science of Vaasthu. It might not be the complete answer to all problems, but people are more and more convinced that it provides some answers.
The first and foremost link by which Vaasthu came into this world is through the Yajurveda. It contains information on design of houses, temples and other buildings. In the ancient times Maya and Vishwakarma were the two chief architects known for their intelligent creations of palaces, temples, forts etc. Maya built palaces, forts, temples, Agni Vedikas, etc., for
Rakshasas. Vishwakarma who lived during the Mahabharata times, created wonderful buildings for the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Many ancient cities like Dwaraka, and Indraprasta are believed to be built by him.
In ancient texts based in the tenets of Viswakarma and Maya, the science dealing with the effect of the earth and other planets on building construction and design are discussed in detail. Great sages like Angisara, Rubu, Ahabooa and Kashyapa, through their words, have actually acted as
divine links, in the transfer of architectural and Vaasthu principles down to the Modern ages. There are two types of principles. One is applied in the construction of buildings for human beings and is used for construction of buildings for divine occupation! Huge temples, Yakshaganas, Yagnakutiras, Chariots, Gopuras come under
divine Vaasthu under the Agama Shastra whereas buildings, forts, palaces and houses etc., used to house human beings are categorised under
non-divine Vaasthu.
Whether it is a palace, dwelling or chariot, strict adherence to Vaasthu principles was observed during ancient days. Maya, who was the father-in-law of Ravana, built forts and palaces in Sri Lanka with cusped arches, which are seen in Indian temples today. Thus there is a strong architectural linkage between temples of yore and temples of today. The technology of building construction can be likened to the two faces of a coin. The obverse side representing architectural principles, a side, which will go on show for the world, and the reverse side, which represents Vaasthu principles, brought to us by erudite ancient sages.
The combination of these two principles brings out beautifully designed buildings fit for human habitation, assuring prosperity and peace. Therefore Vaasthu principles should be kept in mind while designing buildings no matter how complicated the structure or what purpose it is supposed to serve.
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