House-Building (Vastu Vidya)

This chapter outlines the ancient science of architecture, attributed to the Creator and sages like Garga and Maya. It covers house dimensions for different classes, the Vastu Purusha Mandala (House-God layout), and omens related to construction.

House Dimensions (Cubits)

King's House Types	Width	Length
Best	108 cubits	135 cubits (Width + 1/4)
Good	100 cubits	125 cubits
Average	92 cubits	115 cubits
Fair	84 cubits	105 cubits
Poor	76 cubits	93 cubits

Dimensions by Class

Brahmins Widths: 32, 28, 24, 20, 16 cubits
Length exceeds breadth by: 1/10 of breadth
Kshatriyas Widths: 28, 24, 20, 16 cubits
Length exceeds breadth by: 1/8 of breadth
Vaisyas Widths: 21, 20, 16 cubits
Length exceeds breadth by: 1/6 of breadth
Sudras Widths: 20, 16 cubits
Length exceeds breadth by: 1/4 of breadth

Auspicious & Inauspicious Designs

Favourable Layouts

Sarvatobhadra
Unbroken verandah all round, 4 doors
Auspicious for Kings/Gods
Nandyavarta
Verandahs from hall wall to extremity (L to R), 3 doors (no West)
Best for all classes
Vardhamana
Front verandah extends L to R, no South entrance
Best for all classes
Swastika
West verandah L to R, Eastern entrance
Moderate
Ruchaka
Verandahs touching ends in East/West, no North entrance
Moderate

Dangerous Missing Halls

Chulli Missing: Southern hall → Destroys wealth
Pakshaghna Missing: Western hall → Hatred & Destruction of children
Yamasurya Halls: West & North only → Death of householder
Danda Halls: North & East only → Punishment & Death
Vata Halls: East & South only → Grief from quarrel
Kacha Halls: South & North only → Hatred among kinsmen

Vastu Purusha (House-God) Layout

The House-God lies face down with head to the North-East (Agni). There are 45 deities in the 81-square mandala (13 inner, 32 outer).

Key Deities & Positions

Head: Agni (NE)

Face: Apa

Breast: Aryaman

Chest: Apavatsa

Heart: Brahman (Centre - 9 squares)

*Vulnerable points (intersections of diagonals) must not be hurt by nails/pillars/impure materials.

Omens of Doors

Opens by itself

→ Lunacy

Closes by itself

→ Ruin of family

Too big

→ Fear from King

Too low

→ Trouble from robbers

Bent inwards

→ Death of master

Bent outwards

→ Absence from home

Construction Note

A soil that smells like ghee, blood, food, or liquor is good for the four classes respectively. Do not sleep with head to the North or West. Enter a house only after proper worship.