Indian philosophy describes the material world as made of five great elements, the Panchamahabhuta: earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (agni), air (vayu) and space (akasha). Vastu Shastra maps these elements onto the directions of a site, and aims for a home in which they are in balance.
Element by element
- Earth — south-west. Stability, weight and support: the master bedroom, heavy storage, thick walls.
- Water — north-east. Purity and flow: wells, tanks, the prayer room.
- Fire — south-east. Energy and transformation: the kitchen and electrical equipment.
- Air — north-west. Movement: guest rooms, storage, openings for breeze.
- Space — the centre. Openness: the courtyard or open hall, the Brahmasthana.
Five elements, five temples
In South India, the five elements are also honoured in the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, five great Shiva temples: Kanchipuram (earth), Thiruvanaikaval (water), Tiruvannamalai (fire), Srikalahasti (air) and Chidambaram (space). Here the elements are not only principles of planning but forms in which Shiva himself is worshipped.
A practical reading
Whatever one's beliefs, the elements are a useful checklist for a healthy home. Is the structure sound and dry (earth)? Is water supplied and drained well (water)? Is there sunlight and safe cooking (fire)? Does fresh air move through every room (air)? Is there open, uncluttered space to breathe (space)?