What is Vaastu?
Vaastu is a profound science of structures. It is derived from the Sanskrit language which was in vogue thousands of years ago. The word Vaastu means 'dwelling'. In the modern context it covers all buildings irrespective of their use like residences, industries, business establishments, lodges, hotels etc.

Vaastu is a part of Vedas which is believed to be four to five thousand years old. The vedic scholars performed penance and meditated on the questions for which they sought answers. The answers thus obtained in deep states of meditation were believed to have come from the cosmic mind itself. Thus no one took individual credit for these revelations but proceeded to record it for the benefit of future generations. Hence vedas are considered to contain divine knowledge.

Vaastu Sastra or the Science of Vaastu is the guidelines given by the Supreme Being. It tells us how to avoid disappointments, diseases and disasters by living in structures which allow a positive cosmic field to be present always in the dwelling.

The benefits of following Vaastu are given in the opening verse of Vaastu Sastra written by great sage Viswakarma which covers all the beneficial aspects of Vaastu. This is what the sage says:

'Sastrenanena sarvasya' (This science is complete in itself)
'Lokasya paramam sukham' (It can bring happiness to the whole world)
'Chaturvarga phala prapti' (It bestows on you all four types of benefits namely rightful living-money-fulfillment of desires and bliss)
'Salokascha bhaved dhruvam' (Are all available in this world itself)

There are some similarities between Vaastu and Fengshui (Chinese, for Vaastu). Both recognize the existence of positive and negative forces (referred as Yin and Yang). Both agree that universal breath or CHI, which we call Prana, is released and that abundant release of good energy is essential.

However in Vaastu no gadgets are used. Fengshui gives importance to gadgets like fish tanks, wind chimes, Pakua mirrors, pyramids etc to disperse what it calls bad chi.
Secondly it attaches importance to every small item like the shape and placement of furniture, mirrors, tables etc.
Thirdly it brings astrology into the picture and decides based on the birthday, year etc. the best placements for the individual.

Vaastu suggests that one can afford to commit errors. In fact it is almost impossible to follow all rules. If the structure is as per Vaastu to at least sixty percent and major mistakes are not committed then you have a good home, which is bound to give good results. Vaastu also believes that structures should be built as to suit every one. If it is good for one then it will be good for all. Thus the approach of Vaastu is broader, application simpler.

The ancient mythology holds that the Vaastu Purusha was a giant and to conquer him the various deities representing the various directions sat on his back making it impossible for him to get up. The giant prayed GOD who appeared in the Northeast corner and blessed the being with a VARA telling him that he will look after the inhabitants who do not hurt him. As the head portion is in Northeast the northeast of the plot is therefore kept vacant.

The position of the deities as per the ancient texts are explained as follows

It is a subtle way of indicating where the building should come and where the vacant space for garden, water bodies etc should be present. The Northeast should be vacant as the Lord is present there. It is also called DEVA MOOLA or GOD's place.

East stands for knowledge and hence there should be sufficient setback in this direction for the children to make progress.
North is the place of Lord of wealth. Open area here enriches the family.
South, West and Southwest are occupied by dark forces and to subdue them the structure should come in this portion of the plot.
Southeast is for kitchen as this is the place of fire.
Northwest is for bath and toilet.
Placement and loading as per these dictates is supposed to bring cheer to the plot organism.
Read about the Do's & Don'ts, one should take care while building a house as per vaastu.

One should take care of Vaastu norms while selecting a plot. Broadly Vaastu favours the following types of plots for construction

Plots should preferably with uniform level, rectangular or square in shape. Square is supposed to be the best. If it is a rectangle the length to breadth ratio should be with in 1:1.5.

It is preferable to have plots with higher levels in South and West, lower levels in North and East, water bodies like rivers, canals etc towards North, East or Northeast and mountains or rocks towards South and West.
If the plot fulfills any of the above conditions then one can buy it. If the plot is not as per the above guide lines then it has to be corrected to fall in line with these rules.

Application
Vaastu believes that by keeping proper entry in positive directions and positioning the various utilities in a prescribed manner a constant supply of rich bio force with a positive cosmic energy presence can be achieved. The following positions are best preferred for openings and utilities.

As can be seen these norms are not difficult to follow. Neither, they get in the way of aesthetics or comforts. Adopting Vaastu will not add to the building costs. Thus it is a "nothing to lose but every thing to gain" proposition.