2025

Architecture on Temples

Author(s): Dr. Anilkumar S, Dr. Sheena. V.J, Aswathy. K. B

Abstract

Vastu Śāstra literally translated means the ‘Science of Buildings’ since ‘Śāstra’ means a ‘Science’ and ‘Vastu’ means ‘all places of dwelling’ and ‘Vāstu’ means ‘the actual physical manifestation of the dwelling’. Both terms ‘Vastu’ and ‘Vāstu’ are from the root “Vas” which means ‘to dwell, live, stay, abide’ (cognate with the English past tense was). So ‘Vāstu Śāstra’ basically means Architecture (Art & Science of buildings). There are four categories of Vāstu.
Bhūmi – The earth/site, the principal dwelling place on which everything else rests.
Prasāda – Structures on the earth.
Yāna – Movable objects like vehicle.
Sayana – Furniture.
As these categories suggest, the principles of Vāstu Śāstra extend from the macro level to the micro level – site selection, site planning and orientation, zoning and disposition of rooms, proportional relationships between the various parts of character of the interior buildings, the buildings and arrangement of furniture.
Vastu Śāstra is an ancient Indian Vedic Building Science which lays down guidelines on the construction of buildings, so that they are in harmony with the natural environment by managing the flow of cosmic energy (prāṇa) through around them, which in turn promotes the well-being, peace and prosperity of the inhabitants.
According to Vastu Śāstra, when the buildings and forms are in tune with the underlying cosmic principles, they become a part of the basic structure of the universe and vibrate in harmony with it. These positive vibrations are believed to have a positive effect on the inhabitants.