Acharya Karan V – When we talk of basic elements governing Vaastu as a subject or science of any constructed premises or piece of land, it specifically considers the evaluation of the primary five elements i.e. Sky, Earth, Water, Air and Fire. It is only our Planet Earth where you can find this unique combination of these elements. So far no other planet has shown sign of having them all together in the same ratio as we have. The energy we are getting from Sun is fire element, Air is air element, Rain is water element and the Gravitational Force and other Electromagnetic Forces are earth element. Similarly when we define Body Chakras in spirituality, each Chakra is defined by the elements accordingly.

Muladhar – EARTH
Svadhishthan – WATER
Manipur – FIRE
Anahat – AIR
Vishuddh – SKY

Vaastu Shastra itself is a science to balance these five elements in any premises. In other words the proper combination of these five energies brings luck, health, wealth, name, fame, peace, happiness and overall progress to every member in the family especially owner of the house. In the house or premises each element has specific direction –

North East (Ishaan Kone) – Water
South East (Agni Kone) – Fire
South West (Netriveya Kone) – Earth
North West (Vayavya Kone) – Air
Centre (Brahm Sthan) – Sky

Sky Element – Sky is basic element with its presence all over all the time. Human mind has strong connection with Sky, if we want to strengthen this element the height of the four walls and roof of the structure signifies this energy. The dome like structures on all religious places and huge palaces across the world is a sign of Sky element of Vaastu Shashtra. Other aspect being, if the walls of a house or premises are of small height then the people residing there will definitely face the deficiency of these elements which could cause unwanted quarrels, tensions and depression etc. as a thumb rule the height of the roof or ceiling shouldn’t be less than 10 feet or 3.25 meter from the ground, height more than this is much beneficial. You must have noticed yourself, while entering such premises where there is a greater height of the ceiling or under the dome, generates positive vibes naturally and a unique sense of excitement.

Air Element – Air has irreplaceable importance in human lives, oxygen which constitutes around 21% of total air is essential for any life to survive on planet Earth. Vaastu Shastra doesn’t only defines the laws of ventilation in the house so that the air inside the house has a unblocked entry and exit points but also when we go deeper with the rules or laws, they are defined in a very scientific manner as there should not be any toilets or septic tanks in North East or East direction. As Sun rises in the East and the early morning rays are very beneficial in nature so if we construct septic or wastage tank or even toilets in these directions the rays of the sun will get negative impact and the beneficial part will reduce accordingly. In fact these direction should be kept clean and clutter free with as many windows and doors possible to energise the Air element in the house.

Fire Element – In our day to day times, there is an important significance of the fire as various modes and application varying from cooking to manufacturing etc. If we observe bit deep into the subject of this specific element, we get energies of fire in the form of light and heat from the Sun rays. In the perspective of a house the light comes in through the windows and doors. Also it is said that the rays of the Sun contains vitamin D which is very essential for the human body especially bones. But as the day progresses and Sun goes to the West via South direction the rays become less beneficial or in way bit harmful. Hence to avoid this negative impact of such rays in Vaastu Shashtra, we should keep the walls of South and West much thicker than other walls and number of doors and windows in these directions should be very less or should be avoided. In opposite to this North and East sides of the premises should be slanted having maximum number of doors and windows to bring in the beneficial effect of Sunrays.

Earth Element – Before getting into the construction phase, the mud or plot should be inspected minutely as per the principles of Vaastu Shastra. There are list of things which one has to observe so that Earth element in the house to be constructed remains positively intact. It includes the colour, smell, density of the mud also sometimes the item or articles that you find while digging the foundation etc. The stress remains upon the electromagnetic and gravitational energies of the Earth. This is a thorough subject in itself, will be writing more about this in coming articles.

Water Element – Like Air, Water is another thing that we require to survive on, Vaastu Shastra has defined some set of rules so that to strengthen the Water element in the house. The main source of water should be in North east corner which is said to be the most auspicious direction of all. Water element should be avoided in South Eastern direction or the Agni Kone etc.