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1. Visvakarma-prakasa of Vasudeva – perhaps earlier than the Matsya Purana (q.v.).
2. Mayamata – tenth century AD or earlier.
3. Samarangana-sutradhara of Bhoja – eleventh century AD.
4. Manasara – the extant version probably dates back to a period between the eleventh century and the fifteenth.
5. Silparatna – attributed to Srikumara (sixteenth century AD).
6. Vastu- ratnavali.
7. Amsumadbheda – attributed to Kasyapa.
8. Vastusutra-upanisad – attributed to Pippalada, it is the earliest known work on image-making. In six chapters, it deals with stones, compositional diagram, carving disposition of part of the image, the basic emotions connected with images, total composition of the image panel. The metaphysical question of the origin of form and its importance for the attainment of moksa is the central idea.
FAQs
Q1. Which book contains details of vastu shastra?
Some books with chapters on Vaastu Shastra include
>> Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita dated to about the sixth century CE is among the earliest known Indian texts with dedicated chapters with principles of architecture. For example, (Chapters 53-58) of the Brihat Samhita is titled "On architecture", and there and elsewhere it discusses elements of Vastu sastra such as "planning cities and buildings" and "house structures, orientation, stories, building balconies" along with other topics.
>> Mayamata : Mamuni Mayan is a character in Tamil mythology. The character is regarded to be the mythical founder of the Vastu Shastra.
>> Anka shastra
>> Aparajita Vāstu Śastra : The Aparajita Parichha is a 12th-century Sanskrit text of Bhuvanadeva with major sections on architecture and arts (Kala) including Jain architecture and arts.
Q2. Is there any science behind vastu shastra?
Vastu Shastra is based on the concept of scientifically combining the five basic elements – earth, water, fire, air, and sky. Vastu principles integrated with architecture boost health, wealth, energy, and prosperity and make the living or working atmosphere serene and enlightened. Vastu Shastra has deeply embedded roots in Indian culture which is related to architectural guidance. The logic of Vastu- architecture guidance, lies in the basic science of building homes in earlier times when there was no professional architect to tell where the room, roof, bathroom, etc should be. Vastu principles are scientific and include the position in the hemisphere, geographical location, climate, and availability of sunlight. IIT-Kharagpur has introduced Vastu shastra as a part of its architecture curriculum.
Q3. Is vastu mentioned in Vedas?
Vastu is a part of Vedas, which are believed to be four to five thousand years old. Vastu is a section or branch of Yajur Veda. There are four Vedas as per the sacred scriptures of Hindus, which are Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. A part of Yajur Veda is called Sthapatha Vidya, which means the art of building, which deals with the construction or design of the building. According to Vibhuti Chakrabarti, Vastu Vidya is as old as the Vedic period and is linked to ritual architecture. According to Michael W. Meister, the Atharvaveda contains verses with mystic cosmogony which provide a paradigm for cosmic planning, but they did not represent architecture nor a developed practice.
Q4. What should we avoid as per vastu?
Avoid
>> South-west facing homes.
>> The kitchen should not be in the northeast direction.
>> Avoid negative pictures, paintings, and sculptures of animals and birds like pigs, snakes, donkeys, eagles, owls, bats, vultures, pigeons, and crows.
>> The constant dripping of taps.
>> Using the space below the stairs as a toilet, store, or kitchen.
>> The battle scene of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
>> Cactus or Thorny Plants except for Rose.
>> Pictures of a tree without flowers or fruit, sinking ship or boat, socks, sword fight picture, hunting pictures, the image of Indrajal (magic), captured elephants, and pictures of sad and weeping people.
>> The Taj Mahal
>> Terrifying demons and monsters
>> Broken idols, mirrors or glasses, and idols of Gods.
>> Nataraja, The image of Shiva as a cosmic dancer
Q5. What are the factors on which vastu is based?
Vastu shastra (the science of architecture), a traditional Indian system of architecture is based on
>> The concept of scientifically combining the five basic elements – earth, water, fire, air, and sky – plays a significant role in Vastu.
>> The direction of the main entrance, windows, and doors.
>> Space / Shape - The shape of the building and its interior layout.
>> Different colors are believed to have different energy vibrations.
>> The direction and intensity of light.
>> The shape and slope of the land on which the building is built.
>> The geographical location of the building.
>> Planetary positions at the time of construction.
All above have an impact on the flow of energy in a space/building.
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