Diptagama
(Original Sanskrit Text) |
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Kashyapa Shilpa Shastra (Original Sanskrit Text) |
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Kiranagama
(Original Sanskrit Text) |
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Manasara
(Original Sanskrit Text) |
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Manushyalaya candrika (Original Sanskrit Text) |
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Mayamatam vastu shastra (Original Sanskrit Text) |
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Viragama
(Original Sanskrit Text) |
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Vishvakarma vastu shastra (Original Sanskrit Text) |
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Sthapatya veda is the knowledge of vedic architecture. This knowledge
comes from a 5,000-year-old Hindu text and is thought to predate Chinese
feng shui. Sthapatya (sta-pat-ya) can be translated as “to establish”
and veda as “knowledge.”
Sthapatya veda uses the circadian cycle, yet this knowledge expands to
include the universe itself. The five elements — air, earth, fire, water
and space — are also important factors in building design.
Homes and buildings are cardinally positioned north, south, east and
west. The orientation of the home is the primary consideration and the
entrance is ideally facing east, which is governed by the rising sun.
The only acceptable alternative would be a north facing entrance. South
facing buildings are unacceptable.
The land should be at least an acre in size and be slightly rounded or
turtle shaped. The home and the surrounding fenced area is called a
vastu. Every detail within the vastu is to be positioned accordingly to
specific guidelines. They include everything from drainage directed to
the northeast, to an odd number of steps on the stairs, to toilets being
housed within water closets, located inside the bathrooms.
Room placement is according to the sun and moon so that daily activity
will be energetic and purposeful. The kitchen should be in the southeast
corner of the home; the dining area should be in the southwest section.
This positioning will cause a natural stimulation of the appetite upon
entering these rooms. By positioning the study or library in the
northwest corner of the vastu, the intellect will be stimulated upon
entering that room. Likewise, upon entering the bedroom, the physiology
will begin to settle and prepare for sleep. It is believed that the
placement of every room will put the homeowner's activities in line with
the patterns of the sun and moon and enhance each experience according
to natural law.
The very center point of the home is an area of silence, called the
brahmastan. This area should remain inactive from daily life so that the
lively silence of the universe can be established in the householder's
thoughts and awareness. A brahmastan area should extend upward to a
cupola.
A sthapatya veda home should be built of all natural materials and
products such as stone, water and wood. This concept should be
consistent throughout all phases of the construction process. In
decorating the home, all natural fabrics, woods and stones should be
used as well. Harmony between the home and the geographical location is
also advised.
Light is another important consideration in the construction of a
sthapatya veda home. Windows should be placed so that the light can
penetrate throughout the home as the sun moves across the sky. This also
allows for proper ventilation.
It is not necessary to take on a lifestyle, belief system or religion in
order to gain the benefits of living in a sthapatya veda home. The
reported advantages range from better health, deeper rest, more clarity
and creativity, more happiness and peace of mind. |
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