Sthapatya Veda

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Sthapatya Veda is the Vedic tradition of temple design.

[edit] Understanding of Sthapatya Ved

All people are influenced by the building in which they reside, work and worship. According to the design of a structure, one feels either comfort or discomfort. Buildings designed in accordance with laws of nature will produce a sense of bliss, calmness and fulfillment. In incorrectly designed structures one feels anxious, stressful and despondent. Poorly designed structures produce sickness and depression.

How can this be achieved?

Sthapatya Veda philosophy holds that the universe is in perfect order since its beginning. If the architect can establish the relationship between building design and the order of the universe, the life of an individual can be healthier, less stressful, more creative and blissful.

Ayur-Ved says:

As is the atom, so is the universe
As is the human body, so is the cosmic body
As is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind
As is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm

With Sthapatya Ved knowledge, one can accomplish:

As is the human body, so is the cosmic body
As is the human body, so is the body (structure) of the building
As is the body of the building, so is the cosmic body
As is the building plan, so is the cosmic plan

We can see that from the level of the atom to the level of the cosmos, the same laws of nature are reflected.

Time and space enter the building plan

The order of both manifest and unmanifest creation in the cosmos is reflected in the building plan. The relationship between owner and the cosmos is reflecting in the building plan. Time enters this building plan through the periodic rotation of earth which gives rise to the daily patterns of sunrise and sunset. Space enters the building plan when the building is oriented to the cardinal points, which are north, south, east and west. The naming of directions according to Veda is related to the movement of the sun. The earth is considered to be four cornered in its fixed position according to Sthapatya Ved. Sunrise and sunset define two of these points-east and west. As the sun is considered to be life-supporting to every organism, it would represent heaven - then at these two points heaven and earth seem to meet. North and south complete the four points. Each building should be constructed in harmony with all four cardinal points.

Benefits

Residence