PTIA DHARANI NOTES (1).docx

8/10/2019 PTIA DHARANI NOTES (1).docx

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PRINCIPLES OF TRADITIONAL INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

UNIT I INTRODUCTION

Vastu and Vaastu - its definition and classification - Relationship to earth.

Features of good building site - good building shapes - macro, micro, enclosed and material

spaces - relationship between built space, living organism and universe - impact of built

space on human psyche.

UNIT II MEASUREMENT AND RESONANCE TO VIBRATION

Units of measurement - Tala system and Hasta system of measures Theory of vibration -

vibration as time, equation of time and space - Time space relationship and measurement

of the same.

UNIT III SITE PLANNING AND COSMOGRAM

Orientation of building, site, layout and settlement - positive and negative energies -

importance of cardinal and ordinal directions - The celestial grid or mandala and its types.

The Vaastu Pursha Mandala and its significance in creation of patterns, and lay-outs, Types

of lay-outs. Simple design of residential buildings.

UNIT IV COMPONENTS AND DETAILING

Building heights -Base and basement - wall and roof specifications - column and beam

designs - Pitched roof and domical roofs - significance of pyramid.

UNIT V MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

Use of wood, stone, metal, brick and time - marking technology, corbelling technology,

jointing technology - foundations for heavy and light structures - Landscaping in and

around buildings - Aesthetics in Indian Architecture.


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UNIT-1:

VASTU:VASTU SHASTRA is the traditional Indian system of architecture and design of Vedicorigin. Vastu means the dwelling of humans and Gods. Many Vastu rules are derived from 'Vastu

Purusha Mandala' which is depicted as a man lying with his head pointing north east, in a grid of

usually 64 squares. The different directions and sectors are assigned to different Gods andGuardians. It aims at providing guidelines for proper construction. Vastu orientates, places and

dictates the proportions of every detail in building lines, skylines, elongations, levels, slopes, water

(underground and overhead), kitchen, bedrooms, toilets, staircase, heights of ceilings and roofs,

entrances, loci of doors and windows, compound walls and so on. Vastu is affected with positive

power of three elements: the earth, the water, the fire (the sun).

1. Earth: was formed about 460 crore years ago and it was a fiery ball. In due course of time,the rocks melted and the surface has formed and acquired magnetism due to the magnetic

particles embedded within. It has two poles, north pole and south pole.

2. Sky: is the endless space surrounding the universe. The universal concept of sky is beyondthe imagination and reach of human beings as it is never ending and eternal.

3. Air (Atmosphere): is a composition of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, carbon-dioxide, helium,neon, crypton and vapor. Oxygen is life saving gas indispensable to living organism.

4. Water: due to rainfall from clouds, water flowed into low lying area of earth's surface andoceans were formed. The eternal water cycle is mystery of nature.

5. Sun: sun plays a vital role in Vastu Shastra. It is a source of life on earth and this is thereason why Sun is worshipped as an incarnation of god or the potential source of creation

on the earth.

VAASTU:Vaastu means the dwelling of humans & Gods. Vaastu shastra is an ancient science which helps one

to get the natural benefits freely offered by the five basic elements of the universe in which we all

live. These basic elements are Akash (SKY), Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni (FIRE), and Vayu

(WIND). Vastu Shastra can be applied by keeping in harmony with these basic five elements of

nature. Vaastu Shastra is an edifice science that was developed by our learned people thousands of

years ago. Its application today is purely architectural and its principles are based on becoming one

with nature.

Many Vaastu rules are derived from 'Vaastu Purusha Mandala' which is depicted as a man lying

with his head pointing north east, in a grid of usually 64 squares. The different directions andsectors are assigned to different Gods and Guardians.

In doing Vastu of any place , home, work place, building, factory, land or plot we try to harmonize

the place with respect to the five basic elements called as Panchbhootanamely Air, Water, Fire,

Earth and Space. We shall discuss about importance of each of this element and how well we can

harmonize them to relieve a stressful life, bringing 3 P's viz peace, protection and prosperity in our

lives.


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RETATIONSHIP TO EARTH:

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 also known as panch-mahabhootas.

The panch-mahabhootas are related to our five senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight. Any

imbalance in our external and internal Vaastu translates into unhappy situations. Vaastu teaches

the individual to live in balance and harmony with the panch-mahabhootas.

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 'magnetisable' object with a large percentage of

iron in the blood. As we 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 earth's magnetic property.

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 earth's surface is water. Most ancient civilizations 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. Fire

element "SUN" is related to our sense of sound, touch and sight. It is difficult to imagine life on earth

without Sun.When the Sun 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 corner of your building is depriving yourself of most beneficial rays of Sun and

has adverse results. The ultra-violet rays normalize the metabolism of the body.

The ancient ritual of "Surya Namaskaar" 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 isrecommended by Vastu to have tall and big trees in the South so that harmful rays of Sun are

blocked.

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


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provides oxygen.

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 naturalfundamental element. Vastu Shastra is, therefore, superior to any modern or traditional school of

architecture in the world.

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 affects your growth.

FEATURES OF A GOOD BUILDING SITE:

The technology of Vaastu architecture lays enormous emphasis on the selection of the building sitefor human habitation. Vastu science looks upon the Earth as a living organism with its origin in the

primordial energy. The Vaastu Shastras address the energy contained in the Earth as "Vaastu

Purusha" where "Purusha" means the subtle energy that permeates the Earth and "Vaastu " is the

material body of the Earth that evolved out of that energy. In abstraction "Purusha" is but a subtle

substance "Vastu" or essence of the subtle universe which, in other words, means "universal

consciousness". Earth is a conscious living being suspended in space and existing as an extension of

the universal being. Earth is evoked and poojas are offered to it before excavation for construction.

This is called "vaastu Shanti" or the "appeasement" of Earth. A prayer is made to the Earth before

starting the earthwork:

All animate objects including human beings are tied to the Earth, with no scope for escape, and

therefore, they should try to live in harmony with its subtle and physical qualities. This is an

emotional integration that the Vaastu science establishes between man and Earth and finally

between man and the built space. The built space is created by man in accordance with a formula by

which the Universal Being has created the material objects of nature. This integration is

indispensable for peaceful life on Earth and in built environments.

How is this kind of emotional integration (ecological friendliness) achieved? There are two streams

of approach. One is gross and the other is subtle. The subtle approach to emotional integration has

to do with the harmonizing of the building energy frequency with that of the Earth's energy

frequency. This involves a mathematical process called the Ayadi calculations.

On the gross side, the Vaastu texts prescribe a set of physical but significant tests for selecting a

good site in view of the fact that the physical properties of the Earth are not uniform throughout its

surface. Various forces of the material universe affect the Earth and the Earth affects the bodies

present on it. Also, the study of the contour of the land and the flora and fauna present is a concern


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to the vaastu designer. The color, texture, odor and taste of the soil are another set of

considerations.

A site where water is found at the depth of a "man's height with upraised arms" is know as

"Purushanjali matra" and is said to be good for human habitation. Water flow underneath the land

should be in a clock-wise direction, along with the motion of the Earth. A way to test for this is todig a pit three feet deep, fill it with water, throw flowers on the surface and watch whether they

move in a clockwise direction.

While defining the physical characteristics of a good soil and site one of the Vaastu texts

says:

"The soil of the habitable ground should be soft and close grained (hard and well consolidated) and

be overgrown with fragrant flowers, creepers and shrubs. Further it should be of good odor,

spacious in extent and of even level. Also with sub-soil water flowing in clockwise direction. "

The evenness of grains and compactness of the soil are tested by digging a pit of 3 hastas (8'-3" x 8'-

3" x 8'-3") and refilling the pit with the excavated soil. The soil is good if a part of the earth remains

after refill, bad if there is insufficient soil to refill the pit and fair if no earth is left over after refilling.

The fertility of the soil is verified though a test because it is a reflection of the fertility and

prosperity available to human life inhabiting the land. This is ascertained by sowing seeds on the

site and observing the duration of germination, ranging form three to seven days.

There is a very sensitive test for ascertaining the quality of the ambience prevailing in the particular

area to be taken over for residential purposes. For this test, a certain number of cows and calves

along with bulls are left free on the site, over grown with seedlings and saplings, to graze. Thepurpose is to ascertain the sensitivity of the soil conducive to procreational tendencies of human

beings. If the bulls raise affectionate and alluring sounds and run towards the cows to mate with

them, this is good. This is considered to be a very good sign. It foretells affectionate and intimate

relationship between master and mistress of the house to be built on that site. The spiritual

ambience that prevails in the area accounts for such behavioral overtones.

Vaastu designers adopt a practical way of identifying the quality of the building site from the very

sight of the vegetation that grows there. If the leaves are thick, green and of dense growth, the soil is

considered to be the best one for human habitation. Such a feature ensures the presence of water

underneath and on that account the fertility of the soil is recognized.

Living near big factories that pollute the air is objected to by the Shastras. Even the factories of the

shilpis were kept away from the towns or cities in the olden days. Also, temple complexes are

recommended to be located in far flung areas such as mountain tops, forests, riverbanks or

seashores.


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Marshy lands, slushy sites, clayey soils are disallowed by the Shastras.No improvement of defective

soil or site is recommended in the shastras. Outright rejection is advised. This is because such an

improvement would be partial and of a temporary nature and not a permanent solution.

Lands containing skulls of animals and human beings, broken stones, tiles, scraps of iron, nails

spikes, hair, husks, charred wood or charcoal, white ants (termites?), serpents, rats and frogs arestoutly objected to. They are considered to be cancerous. This aspect of keeping the earth free from

impurities is covered very elaborately by Vaastu sciences under the title "Bhugarbha". The concept

in this context is that the life-long association with bad earth is harmful to physical and spiritual

well being.

The natural lie of the ground is also to be studied. This aspect is known as "declivity of the ground"

or "plavanam". In general, the ground with its southern and western parts raised and inclined

respectively towards north and east is recommended. This ensures the flow of underground water

in the clockwise direction throughout the year. This trait is noticeable in the temple buildings with

the water chute directed either to the north or to the east. Wells should only be in the Northeast

quarter or corner of the site. The energy starts moving from this point of northeast of an enclosed

space. It is common that every building, village or town should be enclosed by a compound wall to

be vibrant. The walls form the cup that contains the energy. Every plot of land that is demarcated

into a habitable Vaastu moves clockwise with its axis situated at the center of the built space. This

axis, though invisible to the physical eyes does exist, just as there also runs a thread of

consciousness in the human body from the center of the skull, down below and between the legs,

which is called Brahma Sutra. This thread of consciousness is also established very consciously in a

house built according to Vaastu principles. This thread or plumb of consciousness introduced in a

built space ensures not only stability, but also mobility (growth) of the energy enclosed and it is

expended to the dwellers to experience harmony and develop physically and spiritually.

Slope of land:

1. West elevated - sloping towards the east: promotes material growth and prosperity.

2. South elevated - sloping to north: brings in wealth

3. East elevated - sloping towards west: loss of wealth

4. North elevated - sloping towards south: loss of inhabitants

5. Northeast elevated - sloping towards southwest is bad.

6. Southeast elevated - sloping towards northwest is good.

7. Northwest elevated - sloping towards southeast is bad.

8. Southwest elevated - sloping towards northeast is good.9. South east and east elevated - west and northwest are low-lying is good for human beings

10.South and Southeast elevated - north and northwest low lying brings name and fame in all

activities.

11.Southwest and south elevated - north and northeast low-lying, the family of the indweller

will multiply and be long lived. Added to this such a plot is blessed with long life.

12.West and southwest elevated - northeast and east low-lying brings welfare and comfort to

the occupant.


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13.West and northwest high - east and southeast low, is said to create commotion and enmity.

14.North and northwest high - south and southeast low creates disease.

15.North and northeast high - low from south to southwest leads to annihilation.

16.East to northeast elevated - west to southwest low-lying causes decay of family.

There is a sloka in a text called Vaastu Vidya, which can be memorized by practitioners:The plotwith its

East side high -- death of children

South east high -- brings in wealth

Southeast low -- loss of wealth

South high -- free from illness

South west high -- brings in wealth

West high -- blessed with progeny

North west high -- loss of property

North high -- generates disease

North east high -- excessive grief

There is also an indication of high or low ground with respect to profession. For individuals

involved in physical labor--declivity on the west, commercial activities -- declivity on the South,

political leaders and rulers -- declivity on the East, intellectuals and professionals -- declivity on the

North.

There is a general description of an ideal building plot in the Mayamata and Mansara for human and

Divine habitation. Brahmarishi Maya recommends a square or rectangular plot. (I have seen

Sthapati take an irregular plot and create a square plot within it, defining it with a fence and letting

the rest of the odd shaped area be just left over for landscaping only.) The ground should have rise

on the West or South side.

The sound of the ground, when tapped with an instrument (a spade or pickaxe) should be that of a

horse, elephant, bamboo, veena (stringed instrument), sea or dundubi (percussion instrument).The

land should have the odor of lotus or padiri flowers or grains or cows.Land possessing the colors

white, red, yellow, black or gray, tastes such as bitter, acrid, astringent, saline, sour or sweet, such a

site brings in wealth and prosperity.

Land possessing the smell of curd, ghee, honey, oil, blood, corpse, fish or birds are rejected due to

negative effects on the health.Water should be reached at a depth of 7'-6".The location of thebuilding should not be close to public institutions or monasteries, temples or palaces.Sites where

thorny trees grow should be avoided. Graveyards should be avoided.

Shapes of the building site to be avoided are circular, triangular, polygonal with irregular sides,

serpentine, curved like the back of a tortoise, ground with rise in the center, shapes of bird, fish,

drum, willow, conch, chameleon, lizard, monkey, pig, python, chisel, pickaxe or cat.Location of a


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building at a place not easily accessible or at the junction of 2, 3 or 4 roads, or opposite to a road

(perpendicular) should be avoided.Places with heavy and giant trees should not be selected.

In general, it is indeed the spirit that favorably responds to order in the material world. Spirit is

order incarnate. The Vaastu Vedins call it "Vaastu Dharma". Anything disorderly is alien to its

nature. Perpetual association with any kind of disorder is rejected and thus physical disturbancesavoided. The selection of a site surrounded by a healthy environment of physical and spiritual

nature is the keynote of Vaastu technology.

GOOD BUILDING SHAPES:

Shape and size of the plot:The best shapes for plots of land are square or rectangular, facing

squarely on the four cardinal directions.

It is good if the plot is narrower at the entrance and wider at its rear, but the opposite is not good.

Round, oval, and triangular plots should be avoided. The house should not be built in the shape of a

diamond, with the corner facing north. L-shaped plots are also inauspicious and should not be

purchased. If the land is cut in the corner this is not good. If possible the land to fill in the missing

corner should be purchased. If the land is cut short on the northeast side it is very bad and is not

auspicious; do not purchase it. It is like a headless body.

A land tilt of 20 degrees, off square by 20 degrees, is acceptable. If the plot is rectangular, it is better

that the longer sides run north to south rather than west to east. The best properties are either

square or rectangular. If the plot is not a perfect rectangle, it is best if at least the southwest and

southeast sides of the land are at 90 angles from one another. The southwest side of the

quadrilateral should definitely not be extended past the southeast side, even if that means giving

away a portion of the plot. Land that extends past the northeast side of the quadrilateral, however,

brings wealth, happiness, and good name. Land extending on the northeast side is very good.

Extensions on any other side are inauspicious. Extensions of the northwest side will cause you to

lose money and peace.

ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, WHAT IS THE BEST SHAPE OF A SITE AND

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SHAPED SITES?

Square shaped site is the best shape:According to Vastu, it ensures the

inmates all round prosperity and happiness. The Reasoning-In earlier times, since

most houses were designed around a central square courtyard, for good cross-

ventilation and protection from the hot summer heat, a square Site was considered

the best, as the Site could be used fully, without any wastage.


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Rectangle shaped Site is also considered good:especially if the longer sides

runNorth to South, rather than West to East. It bestows good health, wealth and

prosperity. The Reasoning- Like in a square site, it is easy to design a square or

rectangle shaped house in a rectangle site even though there will be some extra

land around the house. But this space can be used for trees, outhouse etc andhence is not wasted.

Today, in the modern context, as an Architect, I also subscribe to this view. I find

the rectangle shape the best for Sites- It is easier to design a house on rectangular

lines since this allows for a good flow of interior spaces and the proportion of the

rectangles sides are most suitable in designing rooms. It may be for this reason

that Sites in cities are usually available in rectangular shapes such as 30x40,

40x60, 50x80 etc.

Triangle shaped Site is not considered good:However, if the site is very big,

then it can be used by constructing a Vaastu compound wall so that it appears to be

a square shaped site and then designing the house within it. The Reasoning-In a

triangular site, it is difficult to design a square or rectangular house, which is the

preferred shape for an efficient plan. There will be a lot of wastage of land on all

three corners and very little space on the periphery of the house. Also, the plinth

area of the house will be much less than, if the same plan is drawn on a square or

rectangular site of the same area.

Circular/Elliptical/Oval shaped Sites are not considered good

for houses: According to Vastu, such Sites are only good for constructing

circular/elliptical shaped buildings, like public buildings.The Reasoning- Just like in a

triangle shaped site, it is difficult to construct a rectangle or square house and there

will be a lot of odd-shaped waste land around and hence is not considered worth

buying for a house.

Pentagon, Hexagon, Octagon shaped Sites are not considered

good: However, if these shapes are made rectangular or square by building a Vastu

compound wall, so that it appears to be a square or rectangular Site, it can be

used. The Reasoning-Just like in a triangle shaped site there will be lot of wastage

of land around the building and so is not considered worth the money you spend

for the land.

L-Shaped Site is not good for a house:However, if it is possible to buy the site

on the inside of the L-shaped site to form a rectangle site, then it is fine. Or if the


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arms are wide enough then the site can be fenced off into a rectangle and the

remaining portion can be used for a garden or some other structure. The

Reasoning- It will be difficult to design a square or rectangle shaped house in a L-

shaped plot, unless the arms are very wide.

Gou-mukh (Cow faced) site is considered auspicious:According to Vastu, if

the plot is narrow in the front and wide at the back, like the face of a cow, it is

auspicious. The Reasoning-A square or rectangle shaped house can be designed in

this plot with some excess land in the back which can be used for various things

like a kitchen garden, outhouse etc.

Simha-mukh (Lion faced) Site is considered inauspicious:According to Vastu,

if the plot is wide in the front or entrance and narrow at the back, like the face of a

lion, it is inauspicious. The Reasoning- In this plot, though a rectangle or square

shaped house can be designed, the excess land will be in the front, and an

outhouse or kitchen garden cannot be placed here. So the excess space will be

wasted and hence not considered worth the money spent.

Sites with cut corners are not good: If possible, you should be able to purchase

the cut part as well, so that the site looks whole. The Reasoning-It will be difficult

to design a house if any of the corners are cut, as some parts of the house will not

have proper ventilation.

Sites with cut-corners in the North-East are not good and should not be

purchased.It is like a headless body, because as perVastu Purusha

Mandalathe Vastu Purushas head lies in the North-East. The Reasoning- The

North-East is the direction from which the sun light engulfs the house in the

morning and hence should be kept open without any obstructions. So, if it belongs

to someone else, that portion cannot be kept open to the useful sunlight.

Sites with projections/extensions in the North or East are considered

good:The Reasoning-The North-East is the direction from which thesun

lightengulfs the house in the morning and so if this corner is projected, there canbe a lot more open space that will ensure more unobstructed sunlight.

Sites with projections/extensions in the North-West, South-East or South-

West are not considered good:but can be used after corrections by building a

Vaastu compound wall. The ReasoningHaving open spaces to the South and West
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of a site are not preferred, as the hot sunrays projected towards these directions,

will heat up the house.

Irregular shaped sites have a negative effect on the human psyche, but can

be used after building a square or rectangular compound wall aroundit:The Reasoning: The compound wall protects the building and the space

surrounding it from negative energies and so, in irregular shaped properties, square

or rectangular shaped compound walls can be built and the remaining area should

be left for growing trees and plants.

This post was about the importance of Site Shapein theSelection of a

Site.Read about another important Vastu Shastra consideration when Selecting a

Site, namely:

UNIT-3:

Introduction

Orientation of the building generally used to refer to solar orientation which is the siting of

building with respect to solar access. Although any building will have different orientations

for its different sides, the orientation can refer to a particular room, or to the most

important facade of the building.

The building orientation can have an impact on heating, lighting and cooling costs. By

maximizing southern exposure, for example, one can take optimal advantage of the sun fordaylight and passive solar heating. This will result in lower cooling costs by minimizing

western exposures, where it's most difficult to provide shade from the sun.

ORIENTATION OF BUILDING

Orientation of building is a very important factor which is directly connected to the

standards of thermal comfort and ventilation within building. It is guided by natural

elements like sunlight and its intensity, direction of the wind, seasons of the year and

temperature variations. Orientation is determined by climatic factors of wind and solarradiation.

Radiation + Temperature = Heat experienced

Optimum orientation reduces the radiation to the minimum.As per IS code No.SP-41 (S&T)

1987, four types of climatic conditions are mainly found in India:

(i) Hot and dry
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(ii) Hot and humid

(iii) Warm and humid

(iv) Cold

Orientation principles with respect to the various climatic conditions are listed below along

with building features and(11) can be used as guidelines:

i) Hot and dry climatic zones:

This climatic condition generally occurs at latitude between 15 degrees to 30 degrees on

both the hemispheres. Maximum day time summer temperature goes as high as 45 degree

centigrade and relative humidity as low as 20 %. Major areas falling in this climatic zone

are Delhi, U.P., Bihar, Rajasthan, parts of Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. These areas are far

away from coast and do no experience very heavy rainfall. Desirable features of building in

this zone are:

1. Orientation: The buildings should be oriented from solar point of view so that as a

whole it should receive the maximum solar radiation in winter and the minimum in

summer. Longer walls of building should face north & south. Non-habitat rooms can be

located on outer faces to act as thermal barrier. Preferably, the kitchen should be located

on leeward side of the building to avoid circulation of hot air and smell from the kitchen.

2. Windows and fenestration: Large openings with heavy shutters should be provided on

northern and western faces as light coming from north is always diffused and indirect. Also

direction of breeze, which is from west at most of the places enters from opening on west

side. Windows area should be 15 to 20 percent of floor area. Internal courtyard caters forcross ventilation & thermal buffer. Suitable radiation barriers in the form of canopies,

chhajjas, long verandahs etc. should be provided on the west side of the building. Sufficientnumber of ventilators close to the bottom of slab should be provided.

3. Walls: Thick walls are preferred to act as insulatingbarrier. Walls with light and shining

paints on outer surface have good reflective quality and do not absorb heat. The surface of

walls should be smooth and non-dust catching type. Cavity walls also can be provided as

they provide very good thermal insulation. Hollow bricks available in the(12) market can

also be used for making hollow insulated walls.

4. Roofs: Should be built up with good insulating material having slope in windwarddirection. False ceiling can be used to improve thermal performance of building. Terracing

should be provided on the flat roof with mudphuska, lime concrete, foamed concrete or

burnt clay block paving over roof slab. Top roof surface should be made reflective by

providing whitewashing or any reflective paint.

5. Vegetation: Large shady trees whose roots do not strain foundation and basementshould be planted near external walls to provide shade


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6. Special needs: Outdoor sleeping area for summer nights preferably be provided. Desert

coolers and fans can be used during summer months. Therefore, proper space to providecoolers should be planned in the building.

ii) Hot and humid climatic zone: In these regions the climate is hot and air contains

moisture. Suns glare is more and undesirable. Relativehumidity is above 40% andtemperature is above 32 degree centigrade. Mostly interior peninsular region fall under

this(13) category. Interiors should be protected from hot Sun and dusty winds. The thermal

characteristics are almost identical to hot & dry zone except that desert coolers are not

suitable for hot & humid zone. The orientation and other features of the building would

remain the same as in hot and dry climatic zone.

iii) Warm and humid climatic zone: This type of climate is normally found in the coastal

areas. Mean maximum temperature during summer does not rise beyond 32 degree

centigrade and relative humidity ranges between 70% and 90%. Because of less diurnal

variation of temperatures along with high humidity, the emphasis should be on prevailing

winds. Coastal regions of Gujrat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, AndhraPradesh, Orrissa and West Bengal fall under this category. Desirable features of buildings in

this zone are

CARDINAL DIRECTIONS:

The four cardinal directionsor cardinal pointsare the directions ofnorth,east,south,

andwest,commonly denoted by their initials: N, E, S, W. East and west are at right anglesto

north and south, with east being in theclockwisedirection of rotation from north and west being

directly opposite east. Intermediate points between the four cardinal directions form thepoints of

the compass.The intermediate (intercardinal, or ordinal) directions are northeast (NE),

southeast (SE), southwest (SW), and northwest (NW). Further, the intermediate direction ofevery set of intercardinal and cardinal direction is called a secondary-intercardinal direction, the

eight shortest points in the compass rose to the right, i.e. NNE, ENE, ESE, and so on.

On Earth, upright observers facing north will have south behind them, east on theirright,and

west on their left. Most devices and methods for orientation therefore operate by finding north

first, although any other direction is equally valid, if it can be reliably located. Several of these

devices and methods are described below.

NORTH-EAST (Eeshanya), the direction of the supreme being is suitable for open

space,Water source andPuja Room/meditation room:The Logic Just before dawn,

between 3am and 6am, the Sun is in the North-Eastern part of the house and as these hours

are ideal for yoga, meditation or prayer, this is t he right direction for the Puja/meditation

room. Since the North-East corner gets constant sunlight (through the year) from the North

and morning sunlight from the East, it is preferable to have lots of open space to allow

unobstructed sunlight into the house. In addition, because of the available open space and

the Suns germicidal UV rays, the Water source (in ancient times an open well) can be

located here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_anglehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_anglehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_anglehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clockwisehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clockwisehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clockwisehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_the_compasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_the_compasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_the_compasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_the_compasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_directionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_directionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_directionhttp://architectureideas.info/2008/10/2009/05/vastu-guidelines-before-construction/http://architectureideas.info/2008/10/2009/01/vastu-shastra-guidelines-puja-room/http://architectureideas.info/2008/10/2009/01/vastu-shastra-guidelines-puja-room/http://architectureideas.info/2008/10/2009/05/vastu-guidelines-before-construction/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_directionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_the_compasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_the_compasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clockwisehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_anglehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North


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EAST (Purva) ruled by the Sun god, Surya is the ideal direction forMain doors and

windows,Bathrooms:The Logic-The rising Sun is in the East between 6am and 7.30am and

as this is the right time for bathing etc, this is the ideal position for Bathrooms. Since the

rising Sun represents the essence of all beginnings, having the main door here is a sign of

veneration to the Sun. Lots of openings in the East will ensure that the UV rays of the

morning sunlight can engulf the interior of the house and destroy the bacteria that would

have multiplied during the night.

SOUTH-EAST (Aagneya) the direction of Agni, the god of fire is best for theKitchen:The

Logic- The Sun is in the South-East from 7.30am to 9am and as this is the best time for

preparing and cooking food, the Kitchen can be located here. The germicidal UV rays of the

Sun will keep the kitchen counter free from germs that spoil the food.

SOUTH(Dakshina), the direction of Yama is suitable forOffice,Childrens bedrooms,Store

rooms:The Logic

The Sun is in the South between 9am and noon and is the right time todo work. Therefore this is the best direction for an office and Childrens bedrooms . By

noon, the intensity of the heat is high and so the South is also ideal for store rooms which

need to be moisture proof.

SOUTH-WEST (Nairutya) the direction of Pitru, the ancestors is suitable forMaster

bedroom,safe, wardrobes, library : The Logic -The Sun is in the South-West section of the

house between noon and 3pm and this period is called Vishranti (resting period). Hence,

this is the best position for the Master bedroom. Since the owner sleeps here it also makes

sense to have his safe here. However, the South-West tends to get heated up by the sunlight

reflected from the West and so it is advisable to have a library or wardrobes on the West

wall of the room to reduce the heat.

WEST(Paschima) governed by the water God, Varuna is the best direction forChildrens

bedrooms,study room,Bathrooms, Toilets,Trees:The Logic The Sun is in the West

between 3pm and 6pm and since this is the ideal time for children to study, the Childrens

Bedrooms and study room can be located here. The West gets heated up more than the

other directions beacuse of the hot afternoon Sun and the re-reflection of its infra red rays

from the ground. Therefore, less used rooms likeToilets, Bathrooms and Store rooms can

be placed here as they will serve as a buffer and prevent the rest of the house from gettingheated up. Also, they will remain dry and hygienic due to the heat.

NORTH-WEST(Vaayavya) the direction of the wind God, Vaayu is right for theDining

room,Childrens bedrooms,Toilets,garages:The Logic -The Sun (though not visible) is in

the North-West after 6pm and this is the time to eat, relax and go to bed. So this is the best

position for a dining room and bedroom. The North-West too gets heated up by the evening
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Sun. So, the less used rooms like Toilets, Store rooms, garage can be placed here as they will

serve as buffers and prevent the rest of the house from getting heated up.

NORTH(Uttara) ruled by the god of wealth, Kubera is the ideal direction forLiving

room,open spaces: The North is the direction of the Pole star, the fixed point in the sky that

denotes stability and security. Hence, this is the direction to transact all business. The Logic

In India, (being in the northern hemisphere near the equator), there is constant light form

the North, through the year. Hence it makes sense to have open spaces in the North, so that

the light is not obstructed and can permeate into the House. Similarly, the Main entrance

door can be here as it can be easily accessed from the open spaces. The Living room too,

can be on this side as it is close to the main door and is convenient for business

transactions, since the outsiders will be entertained here.

This post was about the Eight Cardinal directions and their effects on living beings, in Vastu

Shastra. Read about another important Vastu Shastra Factor that affects us and ourbuildings, namely:

CELESTIAL GRID/MANDALA:

The Celestial Grid is an equatorial coordinate grid that shows position and direction in

space. The grid is set up in right ascension and declination, both of which are used in

Astronomy. The grid is helpful because an object can be located on Celestia with given

coordinates and then located in real space with a telescope.

Inastronomy, a celestial coordinate systemis a system for specifying positions ofcelestial objects: satellites, planets, stars, galaxies, and so on. Coordinate systemscan

specify a position in3-dimensional space, or merely the direction of the object on

thecelestial sphere,if its distance is not known or not important.

The coordinate systems are implemented in eitherspherical coordinatesorrectangular

coordinates.Spherical coordinates, projected on thecelestial sphere, are analogous to

thegeographic coordinate systemused on the surface of theEarth. These differ in their

choice offundamental plane, which divides thecelestial sphereinto two

equalhemispheresalong agreat circle.Rectangular coordinates, in appropriateunits, are

simply thecartesianequivalent of the spherical coordinates, with the same fundamental(x,y) plane and primary (x-axis) direction. Each coordinate system is named for its choice of

fundamental plane.

MANDALA:A mandala is a sacred space, often a circle, which reveals some inner truth

about you or the world around you. In Sanskrit mandala means both circle and center,
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implying that it represents both the visible world outside of us (the circle- whole world)

and the invisible one deep inside our minds and bodies (the center- healing circle)

Mandala is the Sanskrit word for circle and symbolises wholeness. It is normally two-

dimensional. There is a central point of focus from which the design radiates, often in a

symmetrical fashion. Mandalas are frequently rich in religious, traditional and personal

symbolism.

Longchen-pa, the non-sectarian Tibetan Buddhist Teacher, defines it as: "An integrated

structure organised around a unifying centre". Khyil-Khor, the Tibetan word for mandala

refers to the centre of the universe, that place where a fully awakened being resides.

To me mandalas are organic, starting from a central core and growing in an often

unpredictable fashion, reflecting obstacles and victories on the Soul's journey. Mother

Nature herself must like mandalas, as she has created many - from the beautiful simplicityof a daisy to the compelling intricacies of the eye's iris. Is it any wonder that we call the

eyes the "windows to the soul", being as they are our own, unique, God-given mandalas?

From our cellular structure, with protons and electrons revolving around a nucleus, to our

very solar system, we are in many ways mandalas incarnate.

Being so archetypal an expression, mandalas span across human cultures. Although they

are commonly associated with Eastern traditions, they have for centuries been used in

healing by the Navajo people. St Hildebrand von Bingen, a 12thcentury Christian nun, also

created many mandalas as an expression of her faith. Labyrinths (not to be confused with

mazes) have mandala-like properties, as do formally laid out herb gardens.

In the sciences mandalas could be associated with fractals, which are images based on

numerical sets and which consist of repetitive patterns in literally infinite detail.

Carl Jung became interested in the psychological application of mandalas. As well as

making his own, he incorporated mandalas into his therapy. He believed that mandalas are

an outward projection of the psyche, representing a safe refuge and movement towards

psychological growth and healing.

Some projects involving group construction of mandalas indicate their suitability to bridge

personal differences and encourage co-operation. As group projects they holistically

encourage individual expression incorporated in a collective representation. Imagine what

would happen if Arafat and Sharon made a mandala before sitting down to discuss politics...

Mandalas can be represented on paper, or as in Navajo and Tibetan tradition, sand. Sand

mandalas are often group projects constructed in staggering detail and beauty, using dyed


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sand or crushed semi-precious stones. After completion Tibetan sand mandalas are

ceremonially dismantled to demonstrate the impermanence of life. The sand, which is

blessed in the process of creating the mandala, is swept into a jar to the deep sounds of

tonal chanting. The jar is then emptied in a nearby body of water to symbolise the cycle of

life. The blessed sand is also seen to benefit the water and land it comes into contact with.

Some Types of Mandalas

Although there are many types and styles of mandalas, two main categories are generally

recognised. These are the teaching and the healing, or intuitive, mandalas.

Teaching Mandala

This is the most formal style of mandala and its construction flows from the analytical left

brain. The composition of the mandala is prescribed and each colour, line and shape has

specific meaning. It is used as a "summary" of a philosophy or doctrine, in which the

student is already schooled to some extent. The student of such a philosophy creates his /

her own mandala in accordance with specific prescriptions as a way of study. The mandala

thus becomes a visual representation of the study material and can be used to refresh the

memory. It can be seen as a beautiful and colourful, prescribed "mind-map" of the study

material.

Healing Mandala

The healing mandala is less restrictive than the teaching mandala and often much simpler.The mandalist (one who constructs and studies mandalas) draws far more on intuition as

the construction process flows from the right brain. This mandala is intended for

meditative purposes and aims to provoke a sense of peace, calm, life and health. As

opposed to the teaching mandala the construction of a healing mandala often precedes

cognitive understanding - the emphasis is on the process rather than the product. While

constructing a teaching mandala certainly requires concentration, healing mandalas ideally

flow from the place of inner calm and wisdom within the mandalist. They are often used as

a tool to focus back on the Source, where all is as it should be. Healing mandalas are

sometimes created by mandalists for clients.

VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA:

The concept of the Vaastu Purusha Mandala (VPM) is basic for the Vaastu designer. The

VPM is the underlying pattern from which all manifestation generates. The Vaastu designer

uses this pattern as the starting point for any built form. The following material contains a


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story that is mythological as far as I can tell. Sthapati has never emphasized this story or

used it as a basis for understanding the functioning of the VPM, at least with me. In the

context of my study sessions the VPM has always been an actual model of the basic pattern

for creation. This pattern contains inherent energies that create the rise and fall of

expressed form. It is a scientific fact, as he would put it, or if you wish, a scientific theory.

Some of the following should be familiar to you from lesson 1.

I would like to make a special reference to the popular view of the Vaastu Purusha Mandala

as met with in the ancient shastras such as Brihat Samhita (5th century B.C.), Vaastu Vidya,

Agamas and also Puranas. Puranas, in Vaastu context, are considered as the historic epics of

ancient India. The Puranas are of course, replete with moral themes couched in story

forms, in mythological terms, in the course of narration of which, certain historical events

and the cultural life of the people of those times are also recorded. Such things need deeper

study and proper interpretation, particularly of technical material that we come across in

the body of the Puranic literature

The Vaastu Purusha Mandala as expressed in the texts mentioned above signifies the

emergence of primordial Space and Spatial forms from out of the Primordial Energy, held

as the Ultimate and the Absolute. Though it is not openly stated as such, this is the

significance. It may be stated that the explosion of Energy with enormous heat and the

consequent emergence of "akasa" or "Akasha bhuta" is the Indian Big Bang theory.

According to Brihat Samhita, which is held to be earlier that the Vaastu Shastras, there is a

story of a Bhuta, a demonic force, producing heavy uproar, spreading the entire void with

what is normally called celestial space or Akasha. It is further said that the celestial

luminaries, called the 'devas', frightened by the monstrous form and dinning noise of the

Bhuta, exerted their might on it and pushed it down. The demon fell on the ground with an

uproar and with his face down on the earth. The devas occupied parts of the body of the

demon. Not being able to bear the weight of the devaganans, the demon concealed himself

in the belly of Lord Shiva and prayed to Him with his head on the North East corner.

Releasing him, Lord Shiva gave him a boon that he would be the guardian deity of the built

forms and he would be worshiped by all human beings when they commence building

activities and on the occasion of entering the house ceremoniously. This kind of story is

found today in almost every text we have inthe name of Vaastu Shastra.

It is said that this demon is called Vastu Bhuta, sometimes as Vastu Nara, and is living

within the framework of a square with his limbs folded but spreading the entire space. (see

photo that will come separately as an attachment in another email transmission)) In this

mythological story what is implied is that it is the abstraction of the space and its qualities

in a miniature form but also it means that this miniature space is the first manifest form of

the unmanifest energy. That the Vaastu Purusha is all-pervasive is signified in the spreads


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and folds of various limbs within the square plot. The devaganas occupying the various

parts of the body add another dimension to the concept of the Vaastu Purusha as the

miniature universe. The celestial beings such as Surya, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and

similar other Divine Beings are brought into the complex of the Vaastu Purusha layout. In

this particular miniature universe one would find them to be the forces of nature having

assumed material form. We also have the subtle qualities expressed by various celestial

bodies (planets and sun) represented on various parts of the Vaastu Bhuta. All manifest

forms of the unmanifest flooding the universe have got certain specific qualities of good

and bad integrated solidly in the manifest material form. The gross nature as well as the

subtle nature is not free from positive and negative qualities. For instance, a wind, when

gentle, is a breeze and gives a soothing effect to all the animate beings on the Earth. The

same wind, when it intensifies into a tornado or hurricane, produces disastrous effects on

hunam settlements. The universe where we live is filled with "good" and "bad" energies

which we try to meet or avoid by our intellectual efforts. One such intellectual creation is

the "building" meant for our protection against negative effects of the forces of nature,physical and subtle.

There are two basic types of Vaastu Purusha Mandala, one of 8 x 8 = 64 squares and the

other of 9 x 9 = 81 squares. If you can't open it let me know. Here's a description of what a

VPM looks like. It's simple: Just make a square and divide it into 8 equal parts each way,

vertically and horizontally. Also, make a square and divide it into 9 equal parts each way.

Graph paper is good for this. ) The 8 x 8 VPM is called Mandukapada. The 9 x 9 is called

Paramasayika or Chanditapada. The Manduka is said to be "Sukshma" (subtle) and the

Paramasayika is "Sthula" (gross).

The VPMs consist of concentric square belts going around the central core called the

Brahmasthanam or Brahmapadam. (Look at your enclosures or your drawings. See the

outermost ring of 28 or 32, depending on which VPM style, this outermost ring is called

Paisachila padam. It is the realm of the elements. The next ring of squares in is 20 and 24

squares respectively. This is called Manusha Padam, the realm of human beings. The next

ring is of 12 and 16 squares respectively. This is called Deivika Padam, the celestial realm.

The innermost group of squares 4 and 9 respectively is called Brahmanpadam, the Divine

realm.

There are actually 32 types of VPMs ranging from 1 x 1, 2 x 2, 3 x 3, ....to 32 x 32. They are

classified under 2 categories, one of even numbers and one of odd numbers. The 8 x 8 and 9

x 9 patterns are basic and the other patterns spring from multiples and fractions of these

two. The Manduka Vaastu Purusha Mandala (and all even numbered VPMs) is used for the


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design of temples. The Paramasayika Vaastu Purusha Mandala (and all odd numbered

VPMs) is used for all other structures.

A structure is laid out with respect to the plan of the VPM. The walls and columns are to be

found on the grid (energy) lines and grid (energy) line crossings respectively. (Best to use

"center line" layouts) The vast space, looking limitless or formless, is really a space

bounded by four walls of space. It is a well-defined space, which is square. The building

plan derives its shape from this square called the VPM. Any free space, when bounded by

three lines or more becomes a limited space. This is form. Of all the forms nature has

created, the square is perfect geometrically and spiritually. Do not forget that the VPM is

basically a space of the spirit or energy particle. The inner structure or configuration of

spaces as exist in nature, inside the mandala, is also repeated.

What is the meaning of apportioning the space into Brahmna Padam, Deivika Padam,

Manusha Padam and Paisachika Padam? Vaastu Science holds that the two outer belts

alone are meant for living purposes, not the center two. This is because once the unlimited

space (material or spiritual) is limited into a form, the space enclosed becomes a space with

qualities of the cosmic space, the positive and negative effects or qualities being included.

There is a general pattern of energy existing and spreading from the center. The central

space of 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 is a field of centralized or nuclear energy. It is a space of intense

energy or heat. Anybody turning this space into a room for long term occupancy

(throughout the day or night) will have the body scorched in due course. This space is ruled

out for any ongoing living purposes.

It is from this central core that the energy comes into the house and dissipates into all eight

directions in the built form (north, south, east, west and their intermediate directions,

northeast, etc.). The flow of energy should not be impeded or blocked by walls or pillars or

any feature.

The ring that exists next, around the nuclear field, called the Deivika Padam, is lesser in

terms of energy or heat and hence it is treated as a walk way area inside the house.

The last two rings of squares, Manusha and Paisachika, are cooler yet. The word "manusha"

implies that it is a space of material substance (it also means "manas" --place of

crystallization of consciousness from molten state) "Paisachika " means a well consolidated

and hardened core or mantle, fit for human habitation.

According to Mayanic science, these principles can be applied to the Earth itself. Originally

the Earth was a primary substance without any identity. When it started taking shape it

became a cube of 8 x 8 paramau-size from which it rose to the present size of a sphere of

7,926.57 miles in diameter. (Sthapati says that if the Earth stopped rotating it would

become cubical in form.) Vaastu science designates the Earth as an 'egg'.


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All visual forms in nature have three stages of

evolution traditionally: formless, mixed or egg state

and form state. The Earth falls under the mixed or egg

state. We can say that the Earth's diameter is divided

into 8 digits adding up to 7,926.57 miles. Now if we

bring into this the notion of the VPM we find the outer

belt (Paisachika Padam) of well-cooled and

consolidated life supporting material. This is the crust

or mantle of the Earth. If we divide 7,926.57 by 8 and

then by 2 (1/2 is for each side) we get that he crust or

Paisachika Padam of the Earth is about 500 miles

thick. Twice this is the size of the inner core of fire the

Brahmasthan of the Earth at the center of our planet.

So, is it becoming clear that house building is building

a little universe with all the qualities therein? The Sthapatis consider the building a little

universe created on Earth.

Documents

PTIA DHARANI NOTES (1).docx