Vastu Shastra is a traditional Indian system of architecture and design. It describes how a site, a building and its rooms might be laid out in relation to direction, the sun and the five elements. Practitioners describe this as harmony between a space and its occupants. Research has found no evidence that it changes health, money or relationships.
What it is
The word Vastu is commonly glossed as dwelling or site. The tradition gives guidance on plots, entrances, kitchens, bedrooms, worship spaces and more.
Treat Vastu as a design tradition to consider, not a guarantee to rely on.
The grid and directions
Many teachers use a nine-by-nine grid, with a central space and eight surrounding directions, each linked in tradition with an element and a guardian. Interpretations differ between teachers and regions.
Origins and texts
Vastu draws on classical Sanskrit texts such as the Mayamata and the Manasara. Dates and attributions differ between scholars, so they are confirmed before this page goes live [ADD SOURCES].
How people use it today
People consult Vastu when buying, building or moving into a home or workplace. Some treat it as a belief system, some as a design checklist. Both are respected here.
What the evidence shows
There is no established evidence that direction changes outcomes. Some guidance, such as daylight and ventilation, overlaps with good design on its own merits. Read the full evidence page before deciding.