A Science of Direction
Vaastu Shastra is one of the traditional Hindu canons of town planning and architecture. Vaastu means physical environment and Shastra means knowledge/ text/ principles. The Hindu canons are mentioned in texts as Manasara Silpa Shastra (by Manasara), Mayamatam (by Maya), Viswakarma Vaastushastra (by Viswakarma), Samarangana Sutradara (by Raja Bhoja), Aparajita Praccha (by Viswakarma's son Aparajita) and Silparatna.

Vaastu is conceptually similar to Feng Shui in which it also tries to harmonize the flow of energy. There are four categories of Vastu. They are as follows:

• The earth/ site- Bhoomi, the principal dwelling place on which everything else rests.
• The structures on the earth - Prasada
• Movable objects (vehicles) - Yaana
• Furniture- Sayana

Directions of Home Vastu & their respective Rulers

North-east direction is ruled by Sadasiva or the God Himself. Hence this direction is a paramount that demands keeping it scrupulously clean, open and highly receptive in a welcome "mode" always.

East is always ruled by Indra, the chief of the gods, giver of pleasures. This direction also represents the realm of the rising Sun, projecting ultra-violet rays, which is essential for health in several ways.

South-east is the habitat of fire i.e. the storehouse of energy.

South direction is the abode of Yama, the god of death.

South-west direction is the abode of Putna demoness.

West direction is the abode of Varuna, god of ocean. It is also the direction of the setting Sun that gives infra-red radiation.

North-west direction is the abode of air/wind, the invisible.

North direction is the abode of Kuber, the god of wealth.

Vaastu Shanti Tips for Offices/Businesses

In office, the temple should never be placed at the back of the owner's seat.

The seat of the owner must be facing east or north. Sometimes west is permissible but it must not face south.

Behind the owner's seat there must always be a solid wall.

The desk of the owner must always be rectangle.

The central point of a factory, house and office should be kept empty.