Vastu Shastra lays down guidelines on different aspects of the selection of site such as Site Location, Site Shape, Site soil & Site Slope. While many regard Vastu as a superstition, in reality it is a science, developed thousands of years ago by the ancient Indian Architects. They laid down these guidelines with the aim to create buildings that vibrate with Universal Energy and brimming with good positive energy by manipulating the elements of nature, so that the inmates always have a sense of well being and contentment. As these guidelines have a scientific basis I have explained them here along with the possible logic and reasoning.
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, HOW SHOULD THE SITE SLOPE?
* The North-East half of the plot is called the Solar half and the South-West half is called the Lunar half. Ideally the Lunar half (moon's surface) should be higher than the Solar half (sun). Even the building should be higher and heavier in the lunar half. In short,
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, HOW SHOULD THE SITE SLOPE?
* The North-East half of the plot is called the Solar half and the South-West half is called the Lunar half. Ideally the Lunar half (moon's surface) should be higher than the Solar half (sun). Even the building should be higher and heavier in the lunar half. In short,
North-East corner should be the lowest,
North-West should be higher than the North-East corner,
South-East should be higher than the North-West corner,
South-West should be higher than the South-East corner.
This means South-West corner should be the highest.
The Logic - This ensures the ideal flow of light and solar energy from the North-East corner (morning light and constant light) into the house. Also, when the South-West corner is higher than the North-East corner, it serves as a buffer (to the West and South-West sunrays) and prevents the heating up of the rest of the house.
* Avoid plots humped at the center and sloping on all sides. Similarly avoid plots that are depressed at the center. The Logic - If the center is too depressed or much higher, it is difficult and expensive to level the site as it may even have rock below, which will have to be blasted out.
* Avoid plots humped at the center and sloping on all sides. Similarly avoid plots that are depressed at the center. The Logic - If the center is too depressed or much higher, it is difficult and expensive to level the site as it may even have rock below, which will have to be blasted out.
* The road level should be lower than the site level. The Logic - Normally there is a storm water drain between the site and the road, so when there is heavy rainfall, even if the drain overflows, the excess water will flow onto the road instead of the site. Also, all the excess water from the site will flow out into the drain and road instead of vice-versa.
IS THERE ANY SOLUTION FOR SITES THAT DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED SLOPE AS PER VASTU SHASTRA?
In cities, it is difficult to get sites that meet the requirements of Vastu. However, there are ways of correcting sites that are not in accordance with Vastu. If the North-East corner is at a higher elevation than other sides of the property, you can dig soil from that corner and use it to build up the other parts. This way the land will slope down from the South-West toward the North-East and there will be good drainage.
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, WHAT IS THE IDEAL TYPE OF SOIL IN A SITE?
* While purchasing land, it is ideal to buy land that can be cultivated, i.e., where the vegetation can grow. The logic - There are different types of soil based on the colour- brick red, dark brown, white, red, yellow, black etc. Generally the soil which is good for cultivation like red, brick red, brown, yellow etc is also good for the foundation of a building. Whereas, black and clayey soil which is not good for cultivation is also not good for buildings as it retains water and can cause dampness to the foundation.
* Land with too many rocks and thorny trees is not considered good. The logic - This is because it may be an indication that there is rock below which will have to be blasted out before laying the foundation, causing unexpected expenditure.
* Land with a lot of worms is not considered good. The logic - This may be an indication that the soil is very loose and will not support the foundation well.
* Land in which a grave or bones have been found while excavating should not be used to build a house. The logic - Psychologically, it can be very unsettling for the residents.
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, IS THERE ANY WAY OF CHECKING THE SOIL TYPE?
According to King Bhoj, the ancient Indian Vastu Specialist, there are two simple tests to test the soil type.
* Dig a 2'x2'x2' hole and then fill it up again. If some soil is left over after filling, the land is good. If there is no soil left after filling up, it is average. If the hole is not fully filled, it is not good. This is the test to determine the soil’s natural moisture, density and aeration. The logic - If the hole is not fully filled up, it means the soil is dense and clayey and hence will retain water which is not good for a building foundation.
*Dig another 2'x2'x2' hole and fill it with water. If the time taken to absorb the water is more than an hour, it is good. After the water is absorbed, if there are many cracks in the hole then it is not good. The logic - If the water is absorbed readily, then the soil is too loose and not good for supporting the foundation. The cracks indicate clay soil, which will not drain water well and can cause dampness to the foundation and hence will need extra strong foundation which will be more expensive.
Surprisingly, even today we adopt the same method for testing the soil at a site. In fact, it is the first thing an Architect instructs the Client to get done, so that the kind of structure can be decided and the structural engineer can design the structure and foundation accordingly.
No comments:
Post a Comment