TRADITIONAL HOUSE LAYOUTS 1 TYPICAL VAASTU HOUSE We

TRADITIONAL HOUSE LAYOUTS 1

TYPICAL VAASTU HOUSE We have discussed about the “Cubical anu” as the miniature universe or Microbode where the ‘Cosmic Being” exists in vibrant stillness and which goes into action, as and when it feels, metamorphosing itself into material forms of its own thoughts. All forms of nature from insect to elephant, including man, have had their abode in this micro- abode before they came out into the world of reality and into which they get back and rest in peace ultimately. This is not speculative or imaginative but scientific, based on the Indian concept of “unified theory of energy and matter” and on theory of “unified-field”, the akasa. The Vaastu shastras of Mayonic origin has incorporated this theory of energy and matter (Vastu and Vaastu) in the basic design of the cosmos, which we call residential space or house in the material world. The design above represents the primal pattern of the cosmos where its energies are spread all over the enclosed space producing the negative and positive effects on human psyche. Since the energy is contained in the abode, this becomes an embodiment of multiqualities – favorable and unfavorable, negative and positive to which all animate beings are subjected. How one has to live in harmony with this subtle nature, over and above living in harmony with the gross nature is the problem solved by the vaastu shastras to the best advantage of human race. This theory of being the unified field, technically called vaastu purusha mandala, is the primal manifest from of the unmanifest. The design of this house is patterned after this and hence typical. 2

TYPICAL VAASTU HOUSE Indicating the space distribution East South West North East - Space for ladies - Kitchen - bedroom - Store for tools - Dining - Store for Grains - Store for Valuables - Pooja room 3

TYPICAL VAASTU HOUSE Indicating the space distribution 4

PANCHABHOOTAS Enclosed spaces and zonal divisions N NW Vaayu (Air) W West NE North Brahmastan Esana (Water) East E Meaning, From Space came Air, From Air came Fire, From Fire came Water, From Water came Earth In simple words EARTH was born out of SPACE PANCHABHOOTAS The five natural elements (Open to sky) Niruthi South (Earth) SW Agni (Fire) S Supporting sloka from Mayamata is as follows; SE There is the 3 x 3 pada called peeta pada Where we can distinctly find the zonal division of the panchabhutas namely, Water, fire, air, earth and space. Earth is the supporting element of the other 5 four elemental substances

TYPICAL VAASTU HOUSE PLANS The following illustration shows a modular expansion system that was adopted in the designing of buildings in the traditional settlements. Such buildings are still found to exist in the Chettinad houses down south of Tamilnadu v The Manduka pada Vaastu Purusha mandala is the grid pattern that denotes the energy distribution at a subtle level which will be appropriate in the designing of spiritual buildings like temples, meditation halls, bhajan halls, etc. v The Paramasayika Vaastu Purusha Mandala is the grid pattern that denotes the energy distribution at a gross level which will be appropriate in the designing of commercial buildings. The illustrations shown in the next few pages will help in understanding the concept. v The system of modifying the basic moulika or laangala form to achieve a functionally sound design is allowed in Vaastu science because such modifications are not in a haphazard way but they go in an orderly manner following a rhythmic contraction or expansion. There are two examples for both the moulika and laangala patterns extrapolated using 7 x 7 and 9 x 9 modules illustrated. v Dandaka is the basic rectangular unit that combines to form a number of patterns that can be used for designing according to the suitability and functional requirements. v The formation of Laangala, Moulika, Chaturmukha, Sarvatobhadra, Vardhamana, etc. with the interlocking of Dandakas can be well studied in Chettinad houses in Tamilnadu. In these residences, the stretch of rooms is elongated in such a way that we can see the road on the west from the eastern entrance along the central axis. v The courtyards in-between the building blocks of Vardhamana or the Sarvatobhadra type of residence is technically termed as “Antaraalam”. It is this element that provides the vital flow of energy needed for the inmates of the residence to live in peace. On the other hand this also helps in providing sufficient light and ventilation, which is the foremost requirement for buildings 6 in tropical region.

Chaturmukha Griham v. A Basic square plan on a 9 x 9 Paramasaayika Vaastu Purusha Mandala. v Central 3 x 3 module is the Brahmastan (Brahma Pada) – Open to sky courtyard v Deivika Pada is the next concentric belt which is a walkway. v Maanusha Pada and Paisachika Pada which form the last two belts are habitable areas used for placement of rooms 7

Dandaka Griham v Rectangular type of residence v The rectangle will always be in any of the proportions as shown below. Width to Length ratio 1: 1 - Shantikam - Peace 1: 1. 25 - Poushtikam - Growth 1: 1. 5 - Jayadam - Victory 1: 1. 75 - Adbutam - Beauty 1: 2 - Saarvakamikam - Prosperity in all aspects 8

Laangala Griham v L - type of residence v The north east will remain open. Though the brahmastan is invisible, we have to assume that it exists. v The elevation of the buildings will always be in terms of the modular measure. 9

Laangala Griham The kiranagama speaks of langhala type of buildings (L - shaped)as below The langala house, in which south wing and west wing combines is known as siddhaartha and it is considered to be very much auspicious and beneficial. The langala house in which west wing and north wing combine is known as yamasurpa and it would cause untimely death. The langala house in which the north wing and the east wing combine is known as danda and it would yield all sorts of troubles and inconveniences. The langala house in which the east wing and the south wing combine is known as pana and it would create quarrels and disputes. 10

Moulika Griham v U - type of residence v There will be a combination of the above designs in such a way that the house will be extended from entrance on a road to the exit on the opposite road. 11

Moulika Griham With regard to the moulika type of house, the kiranagama states that the house design which is vacant in North is known as hiranya nabha and this is good for dwelling. The house design which is vacant in East is known as sukshetra and this is considered to be the yielder of growth and prosperity. The house design in which South side is vacant is known as chulli and it would destroy the moral and good conduct. The house design in which West side is vacant is known as pakshaghna and it would effect death for the son or daughter of the house-holder. 12

Chettinad Houses 13

Chettinad Houses 14

Chettinad Houses 15

Chettinad Houses 16

Chettinad Houses 17

Chettinad Houses 18