When buying a home, many people nowadays want to know if it’s Vastu compliant? What is Vastu, and why does it matter? Vastu Shastra is an ancient science of architecture that evolved in India in the Vedic period. It consists of certain principles and guidelines for construction, that when followed, can ensure that the spaces you occupy will help attract positive energy into your life, thereby enhancing your chances of living a happy, peaceful, successful, and abundant life.

In Vastu, alignment, directions and designs are said to play an important role in attracting good energies into a building. Following Vastu expert guidelines during the construction and purchase of homes or other buildings can ensure favorable outcomes. Vastu has strict directional rules and also takes into account the positive energies of the five elements of nature – air, water, fire, space, and earth. For example, many of the pre-historic temples that were built in accordance with Vastu principles have endured well and are still valued for their antiquity as well as the power of the deities that dwell in them.

If there is any imbalance in the energies of the five elements, it can cause sorrow, despair, and pain to the persons who live in it, making the dwelling inhabitable. 

The Ashtadikpalas

It was from the concept of Ashtadikpalas that Vastu Shastra is believed to have evolved. Ashtadikpalas are the guardians of the 8 quarters or directions in the universe. ‘Ashta’ means ‘8’, ‘dik’ means ‘direction’, and ‘pala’ means ‘ruler’. These gods form the pillars of Vastu Shastra, and hence, invoking their blessings is very essential. The 8 directions are ruled by deities like Indra, Agni, Yama, Niruti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, and Isana. Vedic scriptures have assigned each direction to a particular deity who is the chief guardian for maintaining order in the universe.

A temple signifies the abode of God and its ceiling signifies the sky. The Ashtadikpalas are supposedly the guardians of the sky, and it is their duty to keep watch over us and our activities from all eight directions. God is omnipresent, and in whichever direction we travel or offer worship, we will be able to find him. It is this idea that underlies the notion of Ashtadikpalas. Long ago, before roads and proper transportation existed, people had to travel through dangerous jungles where wild animals and dacoits waited to pounce on them. At that time, many must have reposed their faith in these Ashtadikpalas before undertaking such perilous journeys. How many Hindus know that when we make an Atma-Pradakshina (revolving around oneself) before God, we are actually saluting the self within, the God in front of us, and also the divinities that are always present around us in all directions?

The Ashtadikpala Deities

The Eastern direction is ruled by Indra, the king of the gods. He also rules rain, lightning, and thunder. His vehicle is the white elephant, Airavat, and his weapon, Vajra.

Varuna, the Water God and the ruler of the oceans, is the lord of the West direction. His vehicle is a crocodile. His weapon is a Paasa (noose). He metes out punishment to those who fail to repent their sins.

Kubera is the God of wealth and the North direction. He can bestow immense wealth and riches. He is a short, plump, and pot-bellied figure. 

Yama, the God of death, rules the Southern direction. He represents fire. We should never keep our head facing the South when we sleep. He is shown riding a buffalo, his vehicle, with a noose in his hand.

Agni, the Fire God, is the ruler of the Southeastern direction. It is through Agni that all our offerings reach God. He rides a Ram and has a paunch.

Nritti is the deity for the Southwest direction. Nritti is derived from “na-rti”, which means ‘absence of rules’. Nritti is wild and does not follow rules. Some say that Nritti is a goddess. She has a black complexion and is the goddess of poverty. Hence people avoid wearing black clothes during auspicious occasions. If you perform a ritual in an unhygienic and improper manner, it will attract her.

Vayu, the Wind God, is the lord of the Northwest direction. His mount is a stag. He holds a waving flag in his hand, which represents breath and life. 

The ruler of the Northeast direction is Ishana, a form of Lord Shiva. This is the most auspicious direction, as it is associated with knowledge and prosperity. Shiva’s mount is the bull, Nandi, and he has a trishul in his hand. 

The other two directions are the upward and the downward directions. Lord Brahma rules the upward direction, which symbolizes creation, and Lord Vishnu rules the downward direction who brings balance and preserves the universe.

Many people perform Ashta dikpalaka Homam when they plan to construct a building, along with Vastu Homam. This is believed to protect the land and the construction from all eight directions. When the dikpalas are pleased, they will protect us from malefic influences and enemies. They also bring wealth, peace, and prosperity. Performing this Homam on Krishnapaksha Mahapradosham is very auspicious and brings many benefits. 
 
Reduces the negative effects of bad Vasthu
Purifies each corner of the building
Brings mental peace
Increases good fortune
Removes bad thoughts 
Brings spiritual bliss 
Invokes the blessings of the Ashtadikpalas
Protects from evil influences and enemies