As we have seen the importance & scientific reasons for performing the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) in the former article likewise, the Sacrificial ritual to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) also holds equal importance in Hinduism. वास्तु is a Sanskrit word which is emerged from the Causal Verb वासः, वासयति इति वासः। – that which allows to stay; which makes the word वास् + तु = वास्तु – that which allows us to stay. The literal meaning of वास्तु is a house & होमः means a sacrifice or an offering. Therefore, the whole meaning of the word (वास्तुहोमः) is “A Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house”. The Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) is also known as वास्तुशान्तिपूजा or वास्तुदोषनिवारणपूजा. The faults of the house are known as वास्तुदोषाः in Sanskrit. When one fails to build the house/building, according to the guidelines of the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) & to rectify those faults one should perform this sacrifice. The Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) is nothing but correcting the interiors, exteriors & eliminating negative energy from the house which leads to the harmony of the house with the nature. This sacrifice brings stability by removing all the hurdles & negativities present in the environment, preventing unexpected destruction & misfortune. The Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) is a spiritual & religious process with its roots connected to the science.
Nowadays, due to the fast life, limited spaces & lack of knowledge of Hinduism people are getting modern & practical, leaving our roots behind so; people are unable to build a house by keeping the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) in mind & also many does not even perform the Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) by having the thoughts that, this is just a religious superstition. But this is a total wrong misconception which almost all Hindus have today. Each & every sacrifice is connected to huge scientific reasons & this Sacrifice (वास्तुहोमः) is also performed because there are many scientific reasons attached to it. The Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) is done to rectify the faults (वास्तुदोषाः) that may have occurred during construction of the house. This Sacrifice (वास्तुहोमः) is nothing a special prayers & oblations (आहुतिः) offered to the Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) who is the Lord, protector & soul of the house & also paying homage to the Lords of Directions (दशदिक्पालाः) {10 Lords of the Directions are; Indra in East, Agni in South-East, Yama in South, Nirruti in South-West, Varuna in West, Vayu in North-West, Kuber in North, Soma (Moon) in the North-East, Brahma in the Utmost upper (उर्ध्वदिशि), Ananta Vishnu in the Lower most (अधोदिशि)}, Five Elements of the nature (पञ्चमहाभूतानि) [Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Space], Nine Planets (नवग्रहाः) & the circle of Vaastu (वास्तु-मण्डलः). The aspects of the Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) is connected to the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्), Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) & the circle of Vaastu (वास्तु-मण्डलः), which again arises many questions about the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्), Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) & the circle of Vaastu (वास्तु-मण्डलः). The brief explanations will clear the concept of all these which are mentioned below.
Historical account of the Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) –
According to the Matsya Purana, Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) is a Manas Putra (son created through the mind) of Lord Brahma [Lord Brahma created 16 sons (पुत्राः) & 01 daughter (पुत्री) from his mind]. A powerful man who turned into a devil & started annoying humans & kept on eating food due to which he was growing fast. As time passed, he became extremely huge & with his size, his hunger also increased. He started to eat anything & everything that came in his way. Every human was scared of him. It was unable for humans to survive as he became uncontrollable. Even Lord Brahma failed to control him, hence he requested the Gods to help him. Upon hearing his request, the Gods came to rescue, they grabbed the man & overpowered him. They trapped the man against ground (facing towards the ground) with his head in a North-East direction & legs in a South-West direction. During all this event God Brahma jumped into the center & held the man down.
During this period the man started crying & asked Lord Brahma for the reason of trapping him & wanted to know the reason of his fault. To this Lord Brahma replied that he has created a huge chaos & became a threat to the humans, due to which Lord Brahma has to do this & now onwards he will remain like this to the eternity. Hearing this, the man again had a question that what is the benefit in trapping him like this forever, to this Lord Brahman said that he will be immortal from now onwards & all the mortal people who build any house, temple, city, etc. on this earth will have to worship him & those who does not worship him & does not offer oblations (आहुतिः) to him, he can trouble them with poverty, family dispute, etc. & he was then named Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) by Lord Brahma. Since that day he is an inseparable part of the earth till eternity surrounded by the Gods who trapped him. Many shlokas for worshipping the Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) are stated in the science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्), one from that is stated here;
नमस्ते वास्तु पुरुष भूशय्या भिरत प्रभो ।
मद्गृहे धनधान्यादि -समृद्धं कुरु सर्वदा ।।
Meaning- Salutations to that Vaastu Purusha who is expert in sleeping on the ground. O Master! Please make my house prosperous with wealth, grains, etc.
This was an interesting event about Vaastu Purusha, but some might have heard about the circle of Vaastu (वास्तु-मण्डलः) or for some this might be the new word & have a question about the same. The circle of Vaastu (वास्तु-मण्डलः) is a circular geometric symbol which was formed during trapping the Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः). There were eighty-one (81) total Gods, including Lord Brahma while trapping the Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः). While worshipping or offering oblations (आहुतिः) to Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः), the sacrifice (वास्तुहोमः) is considered incomplete without worshipping & offering oblations to the eighty-one (81) Gods. The formation of the eighty-one God while trapping Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) generated the circle of the Vaastu. These eighty-one Gods are; (1) Shikhin, (2) Parjanya. (3) Jayanta, (4) Kulishayudha, (5) Surya, (6) Satya, (7) Bhrusha, (8) Antariksha, (9) Vayu, (10) Pushna, (11) Vitatha, (12) Gruhakshata, (13) Yama, (14) Gandharva, (15) Bhujangaraja, (16) Mruga, (17) Pitru, (18) Dauvarika, (19) Sugriva, (20) Pushpadanta, (21) Varuna, (22) Asura, (23) Shosha, (24) Paapa, (25) Roga, (26) Ahaya, (27) Mukha, (28) Bhallata, (29) Soma, (30) Sarpa, (31) Adita, (32) Ditya, (33) Adabhya, (34) Savitra, (35) Jaya, (36) Rudra, (37) Armanya, (38) Savitru, (39) Vaivasvata, (40) Vibudhadhipa, (41) Mitra, (42) Rajyalakshmana, (43) Pruthvidhara, (44) Aapavatsa, (45) Braahmana, (46) Charakya, (47) Vidarya, (48) Putana, (49) Paaparakshasa, (50) Skandha, (51) Arthamana, (52) Jhrumbhaka, (53) Pilipicchha, (54) Indra, (55) Agni, (56) Yama, (57) Niruta, (58) Varuna, (59) Vayu, (60) Soma, (61) Ishaan, (62) Braahmana, (63) Ananta, (64) Hetuka, (65) Tripurantaka, (66) Agnivetaala, (67) Agnijihvaa, (68) Mahaakaala, (69) Karaala, (70) Ekapada, (71) Bheemarupa, (72) Aadabhya, (73) Khechara (74) Talavasina, (75) Asivetalaaya (76) Kshitirupa, (77) Mruta, (78) Bhujanga, (79) Aryama, (80) Vivasvaana & (81) Brukshata. [Note- Few names comes twice or thrice but they are not the same God, they are different Gods with similar names.]
And the middle of the circle of Vaastu (वास्तु-मण्डलः) is known as मण्डुकादि पीठम् (a seat of Manduka, etc.) & they are – (1) Manduka, (2) Moolaprakruti, (3) Aadharashakti, (4) Kurma, (5) Ananta, (6) Pruthvi, (7) Shwetadvipa, (8) Kalpavruksha, (9) Raktamandala, (10) Sinhasana, (11) Dharma, (12) Gnaana, (13) Vairaagya, (14) Aishwarya, (15) Adharma, (16) Agnaana, (17) Avairaagya, (18) Aishwarya, (19) Aatma, (20) Antar-aatma, (21) Paramaatma, (22) gnaanatma, (23) Suryamandala, (24) Sama-mandala, (25) Samasattva, (26) Rajas, (27) Tamas, (28) Maayaa-tattva, (29) Vidyaa-tattva, (30) Kaala-tattva, (31) Paraa-tattva, (32) Sarva-shakti-kamalaasana.
Since God Brahma said that, Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) will be worshiped all over earth, hence any plot or land used for construction is automatically the circle Vaastu (वास्तु-मण्डलः) & the seat of Manduka etc. (मण्डुकादि पीठम्).
Significance of the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) –
The Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) is a part of the Atharva-Veda. Vaastu is a traditional Vedic Indian Science of architecture. वास्तुशास्त्रम् is a Sanskrit word where वास्तु stands for an abode or dwelling & शास्त्रम् refers to a doctrine or a science or a teaching. In the modern terms it is also known as The Science of Architecture. It aims to merge nature with architecture. It combines the five elements (पञ्चमहाभूतानि) & ten directions (दशदिक्पालाः) for the purpose of construction of commercial & non-commercial buildings. The faults (वास्तु दोषाः) in any house/building are removed by changing the external & internal configuration. The Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) includes a scientific study of directions with the combination of the five elements of nature (पञ्चमहाभूतानि) (Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Space) to create a balance between humans & nature while bringing happiness, good health, wealth, & prosperity into the house. This science sets out certain rules & regulations regarding the architecture & construction of residential, commercial buildings, temples etc.
The Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) is an integral part of the Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) as it eliminates negative or bad impacts caused by the evil energies or the faults in construction or fault in the land (भूमिः). It is followed to ensure that house is constructed according to the energy field of earth & the planet position. However, sometimes due to the lack of space people are unable to construct a house according to the rules of the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्). To rectify the faulty construction & to purify all the negative effects of that faulty construction, a sacrifice (वास्तुहोमः) is performed before moving into a new house. The Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) is a Vedic science that explains the difference between pleasant & distressing frequencies generated on any premises. Every such built space has an energy, whether it’s positive or negative. To eliminate the negative energy in the house & to remove the faults in the construction, a sacrifice (वास्तुहोमः) is done.
According to the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) there are various situations when one should perform a sacrifice (वास्तुहोमः) such as –
- When the construction is not according to the rules & regulations of the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्).
- Before moving to the new house.
- Reconstruction of an old house/building.
- Renovation of house or office.
- When one is shifted into an old house.
- When there are faults in the interiors or exteriors.
- When 10 years or more are completed in one house.
- When the house is locked for a maximum number of years.
Scientific benefits of performing the Sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः)-
Houses or offices constructed according to the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) are considered to be auspicious. However, all residences & workplaces aren’t built according to the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्). This may cause misfortune & bad luck. It is possible to fix the faults (वास्तु दोषाः) of a structure without changing anything physically, but this can be done by performing the sacrifice (वास्तुहोमः). Following are some of the scientific benefits which one can attain while performing the sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) –
1. The sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः) is done to eliminate all kinds of faults relating to interiors, exteriors, or structures.
2. To seek forgiveness to the goddess Earth for the damage done to the nature during construction.
3. For seeking forgiveness to the Deities for the death/damage of small creatures done during the construction.
4. For seeking the blessings & pleasing the Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) for happiness, wealth & good health.
5. Offering prayers to Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) for the protection of the house/office from natural & unnatural calamities.
6. For removing any kind of health & wealth issues.
7. It also helps in eradicating the negative vibrations of the house.
8. It also helps in removing the negative impacts of the planets on the horoscope.
9. It eliminates all kinds of hurdles in life like education, job, marriage, etc.
10. It sanctifies every corner of the house & brings happiness, good health & prosperity.
11. It blesses the house with mental peace & harmony.
12. It increases the flow of positive energy where this sacrifice is done.
13. Negative energy in any house may result in conflict between family members, hence this sacrifice is done to maintain peace & harmony amongst family members.
14. It maintains the balance between the directions, the five elements & nine planets.
Thus, Vaastu is a science which explains the future of any structure. A sacrifice to rectify the faults of the house (वास्तुहोमः), the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) & Vaastu Purusha (वास्तु पुरुषः) all three are immensely connected to each other. Now a days the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) is globally adopted & scientifically proven also. Hinduism is truly connected to the nature & here the Science of Vaastu (वास्तुशास्त्रम्) also explains the same. There are numerous of scientific reasons behind each & every rituals Hindus follow.
फाल्गुनः शुक्लपक्षे ८, २०७७