Vastu-shastra

Vastu - to dwell/to exit
Shastra - science
Vastushastra - science to create building spaces to live in harmony with subtle nature

It unfolds the scientific principles and models of spiritual art and architecture to yield a harmonious flows of energy in the physical environment, attaining good health, wealth, intelligence, happiness and attunment with the wider universe - Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami (Hawaii)

Yet modifications of a building lead to a disturbance of energy inside the enclosed space. Hence, the shastras do not recommend any post-construction alteration - Dr. V. Ganapathi Sthapati (Renowed Indian architect and Vastushastra expert)

Vastushastra is an ancient knowledge that started with the main focus on the sacred architecture of Hindu temples around 6000 BCE to 3000 BCE. It is based on the harmony of  5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space- pritvi,appu, agni, vahyu and akasha). Indian science advocates that our universe is made up of these 5 elements and it coordinates with the human body as well.

 

 

Besides the 5 elements, the directions are important in Vastu practice. The directions correlate with the 5 elements. 8 directions ( north, east, west south, north east, north west, south east and south west) are given utmost importance with each as specific characteristic in deciding a harmonious life.
It can be simplified to:-

a. East - sun rise/ new beginning
b.West - sun set/ the success is not big
c. North - best for business people
d. South - successful in the beginning
e. Northeast - most auspicious
f. Northwest- good for interpersonal relationship
g. Southeast - good for logical and reasoning people
h. Southwest - direction for demons/ can command in business field

But this is only a basic. There are other sciences such as astrology, numerology and other Vastu factors also taken into consideration when planning a new structure or building.

Though the Northeast is auspicious in Vastushastra but the centre (Brahmasthan) is the one emanating the energy flow for the whole structure or site. The subtle energy flowing originate from Vastu Purusha and then spread into the four corners of a building.

(Vastu purusha the presiding deity of any site and his position is keep changing throughout the year)