Vastu Shastra, the science of containing ethics of planning and architecture, implements construction of buildings to ensure the harmonious balance between man and nature. It contributes in creating a pleasant setting or a place to live and work in the most scientific way; captivating the benefits bestowed by the five elements present in the nature, thereby paving the way for enhanced wealth, health, prosperity and happiness.

Since ancient times Vastu Shastra considered as one of the traditional Hindu standard of town planning and architecture can also be called the science of direction that combines all the five elements of nature and balance them with the man and the material. These five Elements of nature -- Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space known as Paanchmahabhootas comprise the world. It is believed that out of the nine planets, our planet has life because of the presence of the five Elements.

Water represented by rain, river, sea etc. in the form of solid, liquid and gas (steam, cloud) forms part of every plant and animal. Physical life and habitat exists only where there are water. History depicts that cultures and civilizations flourished on the bank of any water bodies and also all the modern day cities. This shows the influence of the water on our life, since ages.

Fire representing light and heat also symbolizes the days and nights, seasons, energy, enthusiasm, passion and vigor without which life cease to exist. All is because of light and heat only. Sun considered being the source of mental energy plays an important role in development of visual qualities of architecture in terms of textures, colors and expressions of energy.

All the elements - Earth, Water, Air and Fire are responsible for the creation of comfortable, pleasant, determinant, vibrant and satisfying spaces for habitat. Space representing the endless expanse consist not only our solar system but the entire galaxy is comprised of forces like light, heat, magnetic field, gravitational force and others.
It has been found that life exists and evolves in regions where all the five Elements are found in abundance, creating an invisible and invariable relation between these elements present outside and those within an individual and in his/her home and job place. Vastu Shastra emphasizes on constructing buildings based on the principles of the Five Elements or Paanchmahabhootas and it is believed that each direction is guarded by a heavenly force. So according to Vastu, if you revere and respect the lords of these eight directions, you may reap the benefits for proper utilization of the direction.

• North - representing Kuber, the god of wealth grants us wealth and prosperity.
• Northeast - representing Ishwar grants us wisdom, divinity and relieves us from sufferings.
• East - representing Indra, the king of Gods grants wealth, progress and all pleasures of life.
• Southeast - representing Agni, the God of fire grants energy vigor and beautiful personality.
• South - representing Yama, the God of death eradicates evils and grants all good things.
• Southwest - representing Niruti (demon) grants purity, cleanliness and eradicates fear of enemies.
• West - representing Varun, the God of rain showers his blessings bringing prosperity and pleasure in life.
• Northwest - representing Vayu, the God of wind and the basis of life grants health, strength and long-life.

Vastu Shastra, the ancient mystical science has originated from India and is based on our age-old culture, traditions, geographical conditions, climatic conditions. Vastu Shastra, a part of Vedas is believed to have originated four to five thousand years ago. Excerpted from the Stapatya Veda, a part of the Atharva Veda; the principles of Vastu Shastra set during those days were based purely on the effect of sunrays on a structure during different times of the day. Considered a purely technical subject, Vastu Shastra was restricted only to the architects and their kin who were authorized to make observations and corrections made were after comprehensive screening of the situation. While ancient artifact term 'Vaastu' or dwelling to be the residing places or co-existence of God and Man, its depiction in modern times has been widened as it includes all buildings and structures irrespective of their use like residences, industries, business establishments, hotels etc.

Ancient scriptures on Vaastu Shastra define Vaastu on the basis of two forces - positive and negative which are on constant interaction with each other on the surface of the land. These forces or energies get disturbed whenever a new structure is constructed on a vacant piece of land. Vaastu Shastra is basically the art of correct placement so as to maintain a balance between the forces and derive maximum benefits. The dominance of positive energies (forces) than the negative energies facilitated by Vaastu Shastra would result in a more successful, healthy, prosperous and satisfying life for the occupants and vice versa in case of dominant negative energies.

• Vaastu as the actual physical manifestation of the dwelling is categorized into four
• Bhoomi - the dwelling place or the main structural ground
• Prasada - the structures on the earth
• Yaana - movable objects like vehicles, etc.
• Sayana - furniture

These categories suggests that the principles of Vaastu Shastra extend from property selection, planning and orientation to zonal segmentation and disposition of rooms, proportional relationships between the various parts of buildings and the character of buildings. Vaastu considered as a science forms the basis of each construction and experts who deal with it recommend that it has to be followed from the initial level of choosing a plot, construction of the house, interior decoration to the final stage of relocating to the house.