In the previous issue our Vaastu Alerts article spoke about the various shapes of plots and their repercussions. This article deals with the tricky issue of handling of odd shaped plots. Ideally one must avoid any odd shaped plot and instead go only for a four cornered rectangular or square shaped plot. Number of Corners Given below is a rating of Vaastu potency of a plot depending on the number of its...

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Selection of a site is very important. Just as you would take care to select a compatible life partner, be equally cautious while selecting your site too. Avoid sites that are triangular, circular, oval other irregular shapes. Avoid proximity to religious places and sites near factories and industries which are said to be places of disturbance. Over and above this, one must avoid buying a plot if the adjacent plots are bigger than the plot you are buying. Right from...

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This article of Vaastu Alerts is in continuation of the one carried in the previous month’s issue. It is to be read as broadly applying to all built space, not merely residential flats in a modern urban environment. It deals with Vaastu provisions that apply prior to the construction of the house as well as those that apply during the construction process. Few Factors like hard work, determination, confidence, tact and health makes one highly successful in life. The lack of these factors, coupled with certain...

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The Indian structures that have survived for hundreds of years are the palaces and temples. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the Vaastu traditions that are responsible for the culture and civilization which nurtured the construction of these structures for which we feel proud even today. There is a narrow view that Vaastu principles apply only to constructions of home and that too of the traditional style. The Smriti...

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The current article I deal with a some aspects of a flat and the building over which the reader does not really have any control. However, I am stating the facts to help those of you who are in the process of buying a new flat. Science can be shared by all men because of its ability to rise above any kind of dogmatism, personal prejudices or beliefs. An experience of any kind is a subjective process but science manages to convert this subjective...

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Though Mumbai city has over 1.75 lakh residential Ganeshas and over 10,000 Ganesh pandals, no discussion on Lord Ganesha can be complete without the mention of Lalbaugcha Raja. Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the most popular Ganesh Pandals in Mumbai. Located at Lalbaug in Mumbai, the Ganesha idol erected here during Ganeshotsav is popularly known as Lalbaugcha Raja. It is said that Lalbaugcha Raja has a majestic divinity to him. Any wish you make of Lalbaugcha Raja will be fulfilled. Reportedly over 20 lakh devotees visited Lalbaugcha...

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This essay delves into the placement of doors, windows for flats. Vaastu is a science of common understanding based on experiment and experience. Both theoretical and practical knowledge are blended together with a strong personal stamp of the consultant. Rather than resorting to individual and insulated practice, in the Vaastu Alert series I work out the theory behind the practice to support design efficient systems for flats and urban housing. I do this because I see phony scientific rational...

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A Place for Everything and Every Thing in its Place The Vaastu Alert series is meant for people staying in flats and in multi-storied structures. As a note of caution, please consult a reliable Vaastu Shastri before making any changes to your room and homes. In this essay, we talk about the appropriate places for keeping various objects in a flat. Since several occupants of flats are tenants, I want to make one point very clear. Whether one lives in one’s own house or in a rented one, it must be borne in...

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Town Planning Ahmedabad City – Part 2 This article is a researched article and borrows heavily from printed and electronic encyclopedias as well as material provided by our panel of research scholars, astrologers, academics and pundits. This article is in continuation of Ahmedabad City – Part one published last month. Colonial Influence In the period just after Independence and there were prior to the phase of economic liberalization Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai and Ahmedabad were the five premiere cities of the...

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Vaastu Alerts: Water Bodies Man is the subject, object and cause of Vaastu. He perceives Vaastu in relation to his experiences with the surrounding world and its influence. Through the act of design, man alters and moulds the elements of the natural environment. Vaastu is a science combing the five elements of nature and the direction that provides the correct combination for it. Vaastu Shastra is all about creating a harmonious place to live in. The five elements that are spoken about in Vaastu are...

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This article touches the somewhat controversial subject of basements and cellars. When I use the word controversial I am referring to the multiplicity of opinion on the subject within the Vaastu fraternity. Also, I use the word controversial because much of the general public believes that since basements and dead ends were non-existent in the ancient times when Vaastu was formulated, the current Vaastu advisory on these subjects is weak. This is not so. Though it is true that not everything is spelt out explicitly in the ancient Vaastu texts,...

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Since the late nineties India is passing through a phase of economic upturn resulting in burgeoning demand for housing. This is indeed a good sign, but my worry is the totally unplanned and haphazard housing that has mushroomed. Most of the housing schemes that we see are merely money making vehicles for the builder and land grabber nexus. All caution has been thrown to the winds. Whilst there are no doubt islands of prosperity, the cases of bankruptcy, illness, family disputes, marital disharmony are all on a rise. It is my contention that...

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“One of the most untruthful things possible, you know, is a collection of facts, because they can be made to appear so many different ways.” -Karl A. Menninger I state it here categorically that nothing bad will happen to the Earth in 2012. The earth has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012. The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of rumors and proposals, which predict cataclysmic events occurring on or around...

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Structural Engineer Bipin Shah is busy enabling Ahmedabad’s IT revolution The “Ahmedabad 2010” series will meet architects, builders, town-planners, engineers and historians to examine what Ahmedabad is transforming into. For,there is no doubt about it anybody’s mind that the transformation Ahmedabad is going through now will catapult it into the club of major cities of Asia. Vaastuyogam spoke to Mr. Bipin Shah of Pyramid Associates about his upcoming IT park and other projects. Established in 1993, “PYRAMID ASSOCIATES” is one of the leading firms in the field of Structural designing in varied aspects and...

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Vaastuyogam spoke to Nishit Shah of  IN IT Design  at his Ahmedabad office. IN IT Design is  in to servicing real estate companies in and around Ahmedabad by providing them savvy marketing collaterals, launch events as well as their road shows across the country and abroad. There are varied ways and means in which the real estate industry is being promoted worldwide. In Ahmedabad the real estate industry has been making rapid advances and obviously it requires the right kind of promotion and projection. Go Bananas and In It Design studios having their...

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One incident I recall very clearly. It is almost magical. It involves Dr. Rao’s favorite hobby – cricket. In the early days he would play cricket with us on Sundays on the AEC grounds. These were casual tournament between friends, almost like home cricket. Of course, now time doesn’t permit him, but I am talking about a period eight or nine years ago. On one such day we were all playing and our team was batting. We were coming closer and closer to the winning target score. All of a sudden...

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The Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) that occurred on July 22, 2009 provided yet another opportunity to the so called Indian intelligentsia to make a mockery of our age old customs and traditions. This has now become a routine affair. The reason for picking a discussion on this issue arises out of my concern that by blindly opposing sensible guidelines that have stood the test of time, people are needlessly putting themselves and the future of their dear ones in harm’s way. Our ancient Vedic sciences have pronounced solar eclipses to have sinister...

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Why should one implement Vaastu Shastra in any structure? — Jignesh Patel Well, Vaastu Shastra is a time-tested science. It provides correct and perceptible results when you implement it appropriately. When you plan any structure home, office, factory, hospital and hostel or for that matter different rooms and spaces in a structure, adhering to Vaastu norms can benefit all the occupants. Vaastu allows you to live in harmony with Nature. Vaastu stipulates the right direction and size of kitchen, water tank, bedroom(s), staircase, height of roofs, entry points, doors, windows, walls...

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Khajuraho Temple This article draws generously from ‘Mayamatam’, Vaastu Shastra’s most venerated treatise, as well as research papers (published and unpublished) on the subject.If there is anything great and concrete that has survived the rigors of time in India, it is the ancient temples. These magnificent temples, some of which are albeit in ruins speak of the golden time when India was at the vanguard of civilization. In fact, they are much more than symbols of architectural genius; they are the living embodiment of a passionately espoused way of life that...

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What is the total number of ‘Asanas’ or Yoga poses? In Sanskrit, the term ‘Asana’ means “to sit”. In Yoga, it involves performing different poses using the body parts in a precise way to enhance mind-body coordination. There are basically 608 Asanas but with modifications in some poses over the years, the total number of poses is approximately 1300. Is Yoga dangerous? No, Yoga is not dangerous if it is done properly. Like any game in sports, there is risk of damaging your body if the activity is improper. Yoga poses have to be done stepwise. There are three stages of performing...

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Buildings, too, are children of Earth and Sun. (Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect, interior designer, writer and educator, who designed more than 1,000 projects and in 1991 was named “the greatest American architect of all time” by the American Institute of Architects.) When I design buildings, I think of the overall composition, much as the parts of a body would fit together. On top of that, I think about how people will approach the building and experience that space. (Tadao Ando, a Japanese architect who won the 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize.) The...

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INTRODUCTION This article draws generously from ‘Mayamatam’, Vaastu Shastra’s most venerated treatise, as well as research papers (published and unpublished) on the subject. Since the sixth century, especially after the decline of Buddhism as the focus of religious patronage, temples obtained generous donations from kings, nobles and the wealthy. The result: a huge number of shrines throughout the country, many of which date back to hundreds of years. Most of them, albeit in ruins speak of the golden time when India was at the vanguard of civilization. Lavishly built and aesthetically...

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What is the total number of ‘Asanas’ or Yoga poses? In Sanskrit, the term ‘Asana’ means “to sit”. In Yoga, it involves performing different poses using the body parts in a precise way to enhance mind-body coordination. There are basically 608 Asanas but with modifications in some poses over the years, the total number of poses is approximately 1300. Is Yoga dangerous? No, Yoga is not dangerous if it is done properly. Like any game in sports, there is risk of damaging your body if the activity is improper. Yoga poses have to be done stepwise. There are three stages of...

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Tulsi Basil or Tulsi is a common plant, whose name signifies purity and spirituality in Hinduism. It has been designated a special place in the courtyard of Hindu households and its leaves are used in several rituals during religious ceremonies. The scientific name of Tulsi is Oscimum sanctum and it is a plant of herbaceous or non-woody nature. It is also an aromatic plant with a peculiar fragrance. Two of its varieties are Ram Tulsi and Shyam Tulsi. The difference lies in the color of the leaves;...

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What the stars foretell? Barack Obama History was made when Mr Barack Obama was sworn in as the first non-white president of US on January 20, 2009. A detailed study of the astrological charts of Mr Obama indicates that under him the US economy will improve gradually, especially with the employment scenario looking up and job cuts reducing dramatically. On the foreign policy front, much as America might wish to avoid it, it will not be able to extract itself from a war. The US Administration will be busy with matters...

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What the stars foretell? Vibrant Gujarat The Vibrant Gujarat event that commenced on January 12, 2009 bodes well for Gujarat. Studying the astrological charts makes it clear that the massive investments pledged at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor’ Summit 2009 will fructify into a growth engine not only for Gujarat but for the rest of India as well. In fact, after this, Gujarat will position itself as the most preferred investment destination at the global level. On the law enforcement front as well as that of Infrastructure development and Administrative reforms,...

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Sun salutation, popularly known as Surya Namsakar, is one of the important and best components of Yoga. Men, women and children of any educational and financial background can perform this simple and highly effectual series of poses to increase the fitness level. By performing Sun salutation, you can experience better mind-body synchronization. Surya Namaskar is a Sanskrit term and it means salutation to the Sun. The yogis who propagated this ‘Asana’ believed that Sun is the only visible symbol of immense strength, potency and vitality. Therefore, one who performs Sun salutation properly would get vital energy from the Sun. The...

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The term Vaastuyogam, it is absolutely clear, takes its origin from two words,Vaastu and Yoga. While Vaastu refers to a dwelling or structure, Yoga, derived from ‘Yuj’, means to link or unite. Both Vaastu and Yoga are ancient sciences that provide immense benefit to human beings when followed appropriately. On the surface level, perhaps, one is inclined to say that the two systems appear to be dissimilar. But it is easy to understand that both are integral when you think about your external well-being (structure) and physical fitness. What is the significance...

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Plants with medicinal values help people to get relief from several diseases and maintain good health. In one form or another, such plants gain almost everyone on the earth. Most of the plants grown for medicinal purpose are not ‘ornamental’. These plants have healing properties. Aloe Vera:- Aloe is a widely liked houseplant with history as a resourceful remedy. Normally known as Aloe Vera, the leaves of this plant can be used on cuts and burns for instant relief. Aloe Vera is an acaulescent or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing approx....

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In the recent times ever since I know the practice of Vaastu, lot of things I tend to observe. In the process I come across many facets of buildings under construction – Commercial complexes, Industries, Hotels, hospitals so on. I find that the Mankind is unkind to natural elements. For instance I come across many commercial buildings. The builder / developer hands over the property with proper frame made up of cement concrete, brick walls and flooring finished in ceramic tiles or any such material.

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Can you explain the basic difference between Feng Shui and Vaastu? As compared to Feng Shui, the scale of Vaastu is far larger and all encompassing. Around 300 BC, during the time of the Mauryan Empire and expansion of Buddhism, many scholars from China visited India and were impressed by Vaastu principles. They then adapted these principles in their way to the Chinese environment. Feng Shui is a Chinese system of keeping a balance of forces in the land or surroundings. In Feng Shui (Mandarin, Chinese word meaning “wind-water”), the land is regarded as living and as reflecting the pattern...

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* The main entrance of the house is the key to happiness. * People entering from main entrance should be welcome with good Symbolic idols or themes not Shoes, Toilets and Staircase * Lion, Elephants, Eagle, Horse, are good symbols * Ganesh, Hanuman, Buddha, Jain Gantakaran Mahavir are also good symbols, * Good quote or statement or any symbolic religion or religious themes are good at the entrance. Never have the following in front of the main door. 1. Shoes 2. Toilets 3. Staircase

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On the colour of helmets What will be the colour of helmet you would prefer to buy? Or you already have a helmet and want to learn more about the right colour? Are you aware thatthe colour of helmet has an Astro connection? As you know, helmets are used as a head gear by people who ride two-wheelers or work on construction sites, mines etc. Helmets are mostly made of metal. In recent times, helmets made from resin or plastic and typically reinforced with Aramid fibre (Twaron or Kevlar) are popular. So...

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Zardari may loose sheen soon Mr Asif Ali Zardari, who was sworn in as President of Pakistan, on September 9, 2008 has won both bouquets and brickbats in his country. On his election as the titular head of a fragmented country (remember Bangladesh was born out Pakistan after war with India in 1971), many people congratulated him. But his reputation had been tarnished much before. When his wife Benazir Bhutto became the prime minister, he is reported to have amassed huge amount of money through allegedly illegal ways. Consequently, he was imprisoned for...

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Obama’s stars show meteoric rise By the time you read this article in Vaastuyogam, a lot has already been written about the US President-elect Mr Barack Hussein Obama and yet more will be published or telecast. This Democratic Party presidential nominee defeated the Republican candidate, Mr John McCain, by more than double the votes; Mr Obama got 364 votes while his rival received only 163. Mr Obama has now become one of the most powerful men in the world. He has created a record not just in the United...

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Bharat Ratna award for Bhimsen Joshi Pt. Bhimsen Joshi is the recipient of Bharat Ratna, the highest national award instituted by the Government of India. Born on February 4, 1922 at Gadag in Karnataka, Bhimsen has regaled the laymen as well as cognoscenti the world over with his musical prowess in the last seven decades. A doyen of the Kirana tradition (gharana), Bhimsen had run away from his home at a tender age to learn music. He learnt under the tutelage of Sawai Gandharva (Rambhau Kundagolkar). Bhimsen is adept in singing ‘Khayals’, ‘thumris’...

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What Vaastu shastra is called science? Vaastu Shastra is known as ‘genuine science’ as it deals with the correct positioning of anything and everything as per Nature’s laws. For example, East stands for the Sun, West for Saturn, North for Mercury and South for Mars. The Panchbhutas — space, air, fire, water and earth — and the Ashtadigpalaks — keepers of the eight directions — are in perfect coordination with Nature. Where can we find reference to Vaastu in ancient texts? Many Puranas such as Skanda, Agni, Matsya, Garuda, Narada, Vayu, Bramhananda and Linga deal with the Vaastu Shastra...

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Navratri is one of the greatest festivals of India which displays massive devotion, fun and invigoration. From the mega city of Kolkata in the East to Ahmedabad in the West of the country, the nine days are celebrated with delight and dedication. It is a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. The two words Nav (nine) and Ratri (night) when combined signify that it is a ‘festival of night’ rather than the customary festival...

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