Choosing the Right Land in Vāstushāstra
In traditional Vāstushāstra, the selection of land was regarded as the foundation for a successful dwelling or settlement. Ancient texts describe in detail which kinds of lands are rare and highly auspicious, which must be avoided, and how their qualities may suit different sections of society.
This article brings together those guidelines into a clear and simple explanation. Before making your final decision, consider using traditional land testing methods and understanding signs of auspicious and inauspicious land.
Land Rare Even for the Gods
Some lands were considered so special that even the gods would find them desirable. These included square-shaped plots, lands shaped like a tiger, lion, bull, horse, or elephant, as well as round plots, those resembling a raised platform (bhadrapīṭha), the form of a trident, a liṅga, a temple flag, or a water pot (kumbha). Any of these shapes were believed to bring supreme prosperity and were praised as the very best choices for building.
Land That Should Be Rejected
On the other hand, many types of land were marked as inauspicious and best avoided. Triangular plots, those resembling a cart, a winnowing fan, or a hand-fan were considered unlucky. Lands shaped like a drum, snake, frog, donkey, python, crane, or sunken and concave in form were also discouraged. Further rejected were plots that looked like a seal, or like the shapes of a crow, owl, locust, pig, camel, goat, bow, axe, lizard, or even a corpse. Difficult or uneven lands fell into the same category. Such plots were thought to invite obstacles, unrest, and misfortune.
Pleasant and Fitting Lands
If the highly auspicious shapes were not available, people were advised to carefully examine the natural beauty and firmness of the land. A good plot was described as strong, with its eastern and northern sides slightly lower than the west and south.
The suitability of land was also connected with social groups. Deep and slightly sunken lands were said to suit Brahmins, while elevated land suited rulers and warriors. Flat and even ground was best for traders and businesspeople, while irregular land was said to suit servants and laborers. Still, flat square land was considered universally beneficial for all classes. White-coloured soil was especially praised as auspicious for everyone.
Different natural signs also revealed suitability: land with kuśa or kāśa grass was linked with Brahmins, land with dūrvā grass suited rulers, land rich in fruits, flowers, and creepers suited traders, while land with coarse grass was suitable for servants.
Forbidden Lands
Along with the clearly inauspicious shapes, certain locations were also forbidden for living. Lands on riverbanks prone to floods, rocky grounds, and those at the edge of mountains were discouraged. Places with pits, cracks, crooked or twisted shapes, or resembling the sun or a pestle were avoided. Lands exposed to violent winds, inhabited by bears, or resembling jackals or dogs were considered unsafe.
Plots near temples, cremation grounds, ant-hills, or the dens of wild animals were also forbidden. Land situated directly at crossroads under huge trees, or very close to shrines and official residences of ministers and rulers, was considered unsuitable for dwellings. These places were seen as prone to noise, disturbance, and hidden dangers.
The texts even add a thoughtful note: places where jackals live should not be considered bad, because jackals are nature’s cleaners who prevent disease by consuming dead animals. In contrast, areas without them were thought to become polluted. Similarly, crossroads may suit shops and markets, but they were considered noisy and improper for peaceful homes. Land near shrines or residences of powerful officials was also discouraged, since the possibility of offenses, disturbances, and social troubles was considered high.
The wisdom of Vāstushāstra shows how deeply people once observed the earth before beginning construction. They saw the land not just as empty space, but as a living foundation that carried signs of harmony or disruption. By choosing plots that were auspicious, avoiding those that were unfit, and respecting the natural balance, they aimed to build homes and settlements that supported wellbeing, prosperity, and peace. Once you've selected the right land, learn about unlucky signs to avoid during construction and the eight Āyās system for proper planning.