Ancient sages of India laid down several principles for constructing buildings in a way that one gets the natural benefits freely offered by the five basic elements of the universe. These basic elements are Akash (SKY), Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni (FIRE), and Vayu (WIND).Vastu in Sanskrit means nature, a surrounding or environment. The word "Vaasthu" came from Vasthu, denoting anything existing such as house, shelter, building etc. Shastra in Sanskrit means systems.

Vastu Shastra manipulates the Earth, Space, Air, Fire and water, gravitational and magnetic effects and rotational influences of Sun, Moon, Earth and other planets on the life in Earth with a view to bring balance and harmony between man, nature and his buildings. Therefore it ensures peace, prosperity and happiness. According to Shastras, if we worship, revere and respect the lords of these eight directions, they will shower on us their blessings and benefits. Vastu Shastra teaches us how to harness all these energies in a positive manner and help us move forward. One might feel that this is all hocus pocus new age nonsense. Its only when one effects these changes and incorporates them in day-to-day living that one will see the difference.The following are some of the fundamentals of Vastu Shastra :-

The main entrance should be in the East or North but it should not be in front of the compound wall.

The wall of the house in the Northeastern side should have minimum height, since it stalls the entry of prosperity, the Goddess Laxmi, into the house. The southern side of the house should be as tall and heavy as possible. In any room of the house the beam or column should not cross in center. Terrace or balcony in the house should be either in the East or the North. A well, pole or a temple should not be there inn front of the main entrance of the house. The slope of the house should be towards East, North or Northeast. Similarly, the slope of the plinth also should be towards East, North or Northeast. The height of the plinth should be the highest in the direction of South - West. The main entrance of the house should not be in front of that of the opposite house. The house should be equipped with the protective wall.The upper storeys of the house should be constructed on the Southern or Western part. The cupboard in the wall should be the Southern or Western part direction of the house.