vastu purush mandala

Vastu Purusha Mandala: Floor Plan of the Universe

Vastu Purusha Mandala is one secret that contains the essence of the sacred science of Vastu in its entirety.

From time immemorial, this cosmic geometrical wonder has been used to design everything from the yagya vedis (fire altars), temples, entire villages, towns and individual houses.

Every minute detail with regards to every single structure is based on these universal principles of the Vastu Purush Mandala architecture.

When we observe the energy fields that develop at different stages of a building – starting from the stage of a vacant plot to the digging of land to the laying of the foundation to the completion of the building and finally to the point when it is inhabited by the people – we unravel the secrets of the Vastu purusha mandala.

The Vastu Mandala is the omnipresent, omnipotent soul of every building. It is based on the principle that man and Universe are analogous in their structure and spirit. Vastu Purush Mandala is thus a Yantra or an image of the Universe.

The Yajurveda reveals –

यथा ब्रह्माण्डे तथा पिंडे  II यथा पिंडे तथा ब्रह्माण्डे 

II Yatha brahmande tatha pinde , Yatha pinde tatha brahmande II

 As is the universe, so is the physical body. As is the physical body, so is the universe

Thus, the Vastu Purush Mandala represents the manifest form of the cosmic being.  Whatever is in the universe is within us.

vastu mandala

The belief that the earth is a living organism, throbbing with life and energy is fundamental to the Vastu Shastra. The Vastu Purush Mandala symbolizes that living energy.. The site for the construction is his field- the Vastu Purush Mandala.

The ‘Purusha’ here refers to the energy, power, soul or the cosmic man. Mandala is the generic name for any plan or chart which symbolically represents the cosmos.

The Vastu Purush Mandala is the core of every structure. You can use it to design a temple, a house, an office and even when you’re planning the Vastu of a factory or a whole city. It constitutes the geometrical and metaphysical basis for every construction.

The Origin of the Vastu Purusha Mandala

vastu purush origin

The ancient Vastu text of Vishwakarma Prakash reveals an engaging story about the origin of the Vastu Purusha Mandala .The story is about a fierce war between the Gods (devtas ) and the demons (asuras). In this war, Lord Shiva represented the devtas while Andhaka asur was fighting for the asuras.

During the war, some drops of sweat fell on the earth. From those drops emerged a gigantic being that scared both the devtas and the asuras. The devtas and the asuras together took this being to lord Brahma. Lord Brahma called this giant his manas putra (mind-being) and named him Vastu Purush.

The Vastu Purush was then laid down on the earth prostrate with his head towards the North East and feet to the South West. Some of his parts were inhabited by the devtas while some by the asuras.

Lord Brahma then ordered that whoever reveres the Vastu Purush and perform the Vastu Purush pooja while constructing a temple, palace, house, pond, city etc. will be blessed by the devtas. The ones who don’t would be destroyed by the asuras.

Hidden Secrets in Symbols and the Mandala

The above story is of course symbolic because in the Vedas, deep secrets have been woven into stories. To unlock these secrets, the deeper meaning of these symbols and the Mandala has to be understood.

The Vastu Purush Mandala is not necessarily an actual picture of a giant encased in numerous cells or squares. It is a diagrammatic representation through symbols,  of the inter-sections and the energy current flows in the subtle body of a human being.

The Purusha, in the Vastu Mandala chart is a term of reference. It serves as a means to locate several parts, within the whole. The body here indicates a sphere of coordinated activities; and each part corresponds to a particular function.

The devtas represent our consciousness and the asuras our ignorance and fear. The war between consciousness and ignorance still goes on each moment within all of us. It is not just a Puranic story, it’s the reality we live in each moment.

The Vastu Purush represents the constant phenomenon inside each building. The Purusha means that which is stable and contains all possibilities of existence within him.

The Vastu Purusha is the soul of the building. As soon as a building comes into existence, all the devtas and asuras occupy their respective positions. As a result, they create the effects and results that the inhabitants experience through their lives while living in that building.

Decoding the Devtas & Asuras of the Vastu Purush Mandala

This above story is depicted diagrammatically in the Vastu Purush Mandala with specific portions allocated hierarchically to each deity based on their attributes and powers.

The division of the built-up space represents different energy fields. We call this process – the Pada Vinyasa (modular grid).  In total there are 45 energy fields that constitute the Vastu Purush Mandala. They are as follows :

The Central Energy Field : Brahma , the Creator – Brahma Vithi

Lord Brahma occupies the central portion – the Brahmasthan. This portion is the Brahma Vithi. It is the most sacred part of the building. It contains within it, all the possibilities of creation and existence.

First the Shilanyas (foundation stone laying ceremony) is done and the construction of the foundation walls begins by digging the earth. When they reach the plinth level, the divine energy field called Brahma starts to originate right in the center of the plot.

This field of Brahma – the absolute is responsible for the evolution of everything in the universe. This is why the universe is also termed as Brahmaand (the golden egg of Brahma).

brahma vastu purush mandala

The 4 Energy Fields next to Brahma – The Deva Vithi

  • Bhudhar (the power of manifestation)
  • Aryama  (the power of connection)
  • Vivaswaan (the power of revolution or change)
  • Mitra (the power of inspiration and action)

As the construction of the building progresses and the raising of the walls is done to a height of about 5-8 feet , the energy field of Brahma starts to expand in 4 directions.

Out of the 12 Adityas mentioned in the Bhagavata Puran , the above 4 occupy the 4 sides of Brahma.

We all know that Lord Brahma has 4 heads. Thus these 4 devtas are symbolic of the 4 heads of Brahma. They are responsible for carrying forward the process of creation initiated by Brahma.

The 8 Energy Fields in the diagonal directions – The Manushya Vithi

After the raising of the walls ( but the casting of the roof is remaining) , the energy fields start to spread in the four diagonal directions viz. North East, South East, South West and North West.

This flow of energies is akin to a tortoise spreading its legs and extending them out of its body.

In each of these directions, two energy fields start to take shape and form. If we draw a line dividing the North East to South West and from North West to South East, one energy fields develops on either side of this dividing line.

The names of these energies are as follows :

NORTH EAST

  1. Apaha ( generates the energies responsible for healing)
  2. Apahavatsa (carriers the healing powers to the occupants)

SOUTH EAST

  1. Savita (energies that help to initiate any process or action)
  2. Savitur (energies that give capibilities to continue those actions and overcome all challenges)

SOUTH WEST

  1. Indra (energies that establish stability and enhance growth)
  2. Indrajaya (the tools and the channels through which one can achieve growth)

NORTH WEST

  1. Rudra (energies responsible for support and ensure flow of activities and life)
  2. Rajyakshma ( energies which uphold the support and stabilise the mind)

The 32 energy fields of the outer periphery – Paishacha Vithi

A total of 32 energy fields develop in a concentric  pattern in the outer periphery of the Vastu Purusha Mandala.

Once the roof is cast in the building, four energy fields start to develop in each of the diagonal directions. Thus, a total of 16 fields develop in the diagonal directions which are as follows:

NORTH EAST

  1. Aditi (the mother of the devtas, this energy field provides security and helps one connect with himself/herself)
  2. Diti (the mother od the asuras, this energy field gives the powers of a wider vision and to see the actual truth of life)
  3. Shikhi (symbolic of a pointed flame. This field gives the power of ideas and the ability to project one’s thoughts to the world )
  4. Parjanya (the giver of rains, this field has the powers to bless the occupants with fertility and fructification of all their wishes)

 SOUTH EAST

  1. Brisha (the power of friction needed to initiate any action , thinking or activity)
  2. Akash ( the energy that provides the space for manifestation)
  3. Anila ( the energy of air or vayu, it helps to uplift the fire or push further the actions initiated)
  4. Pusha ( the energy of nourishment, it blocks the path of enemies)

SOUTH WEST

  1. Bhringraj (the energy which extracts nutrients from the food and removes the waste)
  2. Mrigah (the energy that drives curiosity and imparts skills)
  3. Pitra ( the ancestors provide all means of safety and happiness required for existence)
  4. Dauwarik (the safekeeper, represents lord Nandi, the trusted vehicle of lord Shiva. The energy of being genius and highly knowledgeable)

NORTH WEST

  1. Shosha (the power of detoxification from negative emotions)
  2. Papyakshama (the energy which gives addiction, diseases and the feeling of guilt)
  3. Roga ( the energy which provides support in the hour of need)
  4. Naga ( the energy which gives emotional enjoyments and cravings)

Once the super-structure, i.e. the civil work is done but the installation of services like plumbing, electrical connections etc. has not begun , 16 more energy fields start to develop in the four cardinal directions. These are as follows :

EAST 

  1. Jayant (the energy which gives the sense of being victorious, it refreshes the mind and body)
  2. Mahendra ( the power of administration and connectivity )
  3. Surya ( the core controller, this energy fields imparts health , fame and farsightedness)
  4. Satya ( the energy which establishes goodwill, status, authenticity and credibility)

SOUTH

  1. Vitatha ( the energy field of falsehood, pretension and the unreal)
  2. Gurhakshat ( the power which binds the mind and defines its limits)
  3. Yama ( the power of expansion, this energy field binds the world in laws)
  4. Gandharva ( the energy of preservation of health and vitality, this is also the energy which governs all kinds of arts and music)

WEST 

  1. Sugreev ( the power which grants the ability to receive all knowledge)
  2. Pushpadant ( the power which grants blessings and fulfils all desires )
  3. Varun ( the lord of the seas, this energy field observes and runs the whole world. It is the granter of immortality)
  4. Asur ( the energy field that releases the mind from temptations and gives depth in spirituality )

NORTH

  1. Mukhya ( the chief architect or lord Vishwakarma, this energy field defines the main purpose of the building and also helps in their manifestation)
  2. Bhallat ( the  energy field which grants colossal abundance, it magnifies the efforts and their results )
  3. Soma (the energy field of lord Kuber, the lord of all wealth and money. It ensures a smooth flow of money and opportunities)
  4. Bhujag ( the lord of hidden treasures, this energy field is the preserver of medicines. It safeguards the health of the occupants )

Installation of the Vastu Purusha Mandala – Vastu Purusha Sthapana

 A few common questions which we come across are:

  • How should we do the Vastu Mandala sthapana or where to bury Vastu Purush or Vastu yantra?
  • What are the ideal directions to put Vastu Purush in the house or the best Vastu Purusha location in the house?
  • Should we put it on the floor or bury underground?

This is what we believe :

There is absolutely no need to put any Vastu Purush structure in your house. Neither an idol on the ground nor any Vastu Purusha Yantra underground.

The Vastu Purush is a metaphysical being. It is a diagrammatic and geometric representation of the whole universe.

In other words, it is a combination of 45 different energy fields that exist within every built-up structure. It’s there in a 100 sq.ft. Office and it’s there in a 50,000 sq.ft. Factory.

Whether or not you place an idol or yantra, these energy fields (together called the Vastu Purush Mandala) will exist in different proportions in your building.

Therefore, all you need to do to please the Vastu Purusha is to deign your house as per the tenets of Vastu Shastra, keeping in mind the Vastu Purusha Mandala. This is the biggest offering you can make to the Vastu Purusha. Above all, this is the greatest favour you can do to yourself and your family.

FAQs for Vastu Purusha Mandala and Their Answers

Which is the best place in house for Vastu Purusha mandala?

Vastu Purusha is the soul of the building. It is already inherent in the structure of the house. You don’t need to place it separately. If you have a Vastu yantra, you may place it on the Pooja room.

What is the head direction for Vastu purusha?

As per Vastu Purusha Mandal architecture, the head of the Vastu Purusha lies in the North East direction of the house.

What is vastu purusha mandala?

Vastu Purusha Mandala is the soul of the building. It is the metaphysical floor plan of the universe and is the basis of all design in the universe including every building and structure.

How many steps are there in Vastu Purush Mandala?

There are various types of Vastu Purusha Mandalas. Some may have 81 steps while some other may have 64 steps also called padas.

Conclusion

This is how the 45 energy fields develop and progress as per the Vastu Purush Mandala. These Vastu Mandala devtas and asuras manifest and move life and contribute to everything that happens in the lives of the occupants.

 “The Vastu Purusha Mandala represents the manifest form of the Cosmic Being; upon which the temple is built and in whom the temple rests. The temple is situated in Him, comes from Him, and is a manifestation of Him. The Vastu Purusha Mandala is both the body of the Cosmic Being and a bodily device by which those who have the requisite knowledge attain the best results in temple building.”  – Stella Kramrisch ; The Hindu Temple, Vol. I

We can replace the word temple above with any built up structure like a house, factory, office etc. Every constructed structure is really the manifest form of the cosmic being.

The universal equation of the Vastu Purush Mandala has been in existence for thousands of years and will continue till eternity. It is the fundamental principle which will continue to create and run the whole universe both at the macro and the micro level.

Thus, it is advisable to keep the eternal rules of the Vastu Purush Mandala in mind while designing any structure. This will certainly ensure peace, health and prosperity. For More Vastu Guides visit our website.

 

About the author

I truly believe in the miraculous powers of the nature. The entire universe is there to take care of all our needs and help us live a healthy and prosperous life. I am a firm believer in the fact that there is something more than meets the eye. Some more powers of the nature, that lie hidden and come forth when no scientific theories can prove their existence. Know More

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Comments

  1. Hi,
    Where is the Brahma (center) of purusha mandala in a apartment building, which has 4 or more flats on each floor?
    The entrance to each flat is not necessarily the cardinal direction for the entire building; so how do you determine the energy fields

    1. Hello!

      I did not understand your question clearly. Though will try to answer based on whatever I have understood.

      Firstly, we have to calculate the Brahmasthan (centre) of the plot, of the entire floor (including all flats) and of each flat separately. To calculate the Brahmasthan of an apartment building, you have to consider the entire floor area including all the flats. If you’re not a builder (and have no control over the entire building/plot area) and only a flat owner, you should only be concerned about calculating the centre of your flat.

      To calculate the Brahmasthan of a particular flat, you only have to consider the net usable area of that particular flat. And there is no link between the Brahmasthan and the cardinal directions. The centre of a flat/ floor will be calculated irrespective of the cardinal directions to determine the energy fields present there.

      Generally, the Brahmasthan area would be Length divided by 3 and Breadth divided by 3.

      So if we assume the total flat area is 45 ft. X 30 ft., the Brahmasthan would be around 15 ft X 10 ft of area in the center.

      Hope that answers your question. Do feel free to write to us in case of any further queries.

      1. Dear Abhishek ji
        As we know apartments have uneven floor plans. Sometime north-west corner is missing and other time some other. So how do we calculate Brahmsthan in such situations. I am attaching a layout. Please advise.

        1. Dear Prakash Ji,

          we use a mathematical formula to find out the center of gravity of such uneven floor plans. That’s the only way one can know where the Brahmasthan lies in odd shaped structures. In your case, since the flat is odd shaped, that’s the ideal way to find out the center.

          For a basic calculation, you can simply draw a rectangle around the floor area and find out the approximate center by drawing two intersecting lines. However, to be precise, you need to use the center of gravity formula.

  2. Abhishekji,
    Thank you for your answer, my question is also about direction of energies emanating from Brahma. In your article, you mentioned energies moves along diagonals. Since the Brahmastaan of plot is in center, a flat that is entirely in the North East corner of lot will only have Apaha/ Apahavatsa energies and no other energies will be flowing into the unit.
    If that is the case, even if the main door entry of that NE corner flat is on the south wall of that flat, yet it is not actually the south side of the entire plot. What does Vastu Shastra say about this.
    There is an analogy with huge bungalows and palaces built with multiple rooms, which have only one brahmastaan. So why should a building/plot have many brahmastaan within each flat.

    1. Sunil Ji,

      that’s an interesting question you have asked.

      Actually, while determining the energy fields within your flat, the net usable area which you own will be taken in to consideration. Using your analogy of palaces, the entire palace was owned by a particular king. So a separate Vastu was applicable for that king and his specific palace. And there could be different palaces within a kingdom owned by different kings or his subordinates. Thus, the calculations would be done individually for different palaces separately and for the whole kingdom area as a separate entity.

      In earlier times, as per the texts of Vastu Shastra, different people were given different parts of a village to live in. The Brahmins were given the Eastern part of a village, the Kshatriyas were given the Southern part and so on. So logically, they were supposed to be living in a particular energy field that would best suit them when you consider the village as a whole.

      In addition to that, their individual houses were then constructed according to a a different Vastu mandala. Even the wells in the village had a separate Vastu Mandala plan.

      So your net usable area is an important consideration while determining the energy fields of the Vastu Purush Mandala. Your flat’s energy fields will effect you more than the fields of the entire plot because of its divided ownership.

    2. Can a study table be placed in Mitra area facing east??
      Is it correct as per vastu???

      I am daughter of house and so i have been given North west room. I have my study table in North west direction at present. But i feel very unstable while studying here and thus i end up studying very less.

      Space outside my room is open and i guess its mitra and brahma area……….so will it be good if I place my study table In Mitra are facing east????

      1. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to place your study table in the energy field of Mitra. In fact, if you look at the Vastu Purusha Mandala, you’ll find the energy field of Sugreev as an extension of Mitra. This is considered to be the best place for a study table. The power of Sugreev helps you grasp a subject very well and more importantly retain the knowledge.
        So if possible, try placing the table in the area of Sugreev and see the magic.

    1. The 12 Adityas are the 4 main energy fields next to Brahma :
      Bhudhar
      Aryama
      Vivasvan
      Mitra

      and the 4 pairs of energy fields in the 4 diagonal directions :

      Apaha-Apahavatasa
      Savita-Savitur
      Indra-Indrajaya
      Rudra-Rajyakshma

      There is no exact clarity or definition of the Vasus in the Vastu Purush Mandala. There are different versions in the Skand Purana, Bhagavat Puran and Vishnu Purana. As per some texts, the 8 Vasus are the energy fields in the East other than the Adityas. While some texts mention the 8 Vasus as :

      The 5 elements ( Earth,Fire,Water,Air & Space) + The Sun + The Moon + The Nakshatras.

      Even the names of the Adityas differ in different texts.

      In simple terms, the different energy fields are a symbolic representation of the Devtas & Asuras and that’s how they show their effects in a built up space.

  3. Sir, What about those plots which are not rectangular or square in shape. e.g mine is kind of in a T-shape and has quite less space in the mid portion that connects the two rooms, so the whole bramhasthan would occupy that place and there would be possibly no space alloted for any of the devatas in the north and further subdivisions.
    My question is are those devatas cut/ or not present like sometimes it happens with directions in certain plots? Also what to do in such a case.

    1. Yes a cut in any direction is not good. It’s like not having a particular part of the body. That’s why in Vastu, T- shaped plots are not recommended.
      In the modern context, we have devised certain ways to treat those cut areas.

  4. The most amazing article on the internet. I have never found such vast and in-depth information on Vastu Purush Mandal anywhere. Keep up the great work

  5. Abhishek sir thank you for sharing this
    Knowledge.
    I want to know how to calculate aap and aapvatsa area and som also thanks in advance…

    1. Thanks for the appreciation. It’s difficult to explain the entire process of calculating Apaha , Apahavatsa or any other energy fields here. It’s a detailed process and thus needs time to understand or explain.
      However, a simple way which can help you identify these 2 fields is to draw a pie starting from the central fields of Brahma and extend it upto North and North East. The middle area in this pie will be the fields you’re looking for.

  6. Abhishek ji, First of all Thanks for sharing̱ this wonderful information. I have read many websites and mostly found the same content is written in other words. Your understanding for Vastu is very impressive, vast & indepth.
    My ques. is
    1. Does it is necessary to built house structure in square or rectangular form only or else it is related to the size of plot owned only?
    2. If a corner plots, i.e. the plot having roads in 2 sides has cutting of plot from corner such that the sharp corner is converted to the round curve in view of the road turning then does this plot has vastu defect?

    1. Thanks for your comments Himanshu ji !

      Here are the answers to your questions:

      1. A square or a rectangular shape is ideal for a house. Any odd shape is ideally not recommended . However, the extent of cuts or extensions in a plot due to the shape will actually decide whether the plot is suitable or not.
      2. The extent of the cut or curve will decide how big a Vastu defect it is. Also the direction in which the curve exists can play an important role.

  7. Hello, May be late to reach this tremendous treasury of knowledge you have. I can read importance of Vivaswan Field as extension of Brahma. I am trying to plan a house with plinth 5 feet above natural ground. If we put up a small mechanical elevator for elders (that means a square pit of 4 feet depth will be dug below floor level of house) will it be allowed in Vivaswan area field? Or I mean, can such a pit below elevator cabin is allowed in Vivaswan field? Thanks

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