Eight Āyās in Vāstu Shastra
Vāstu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture, emphasizes the importance of directions and energies in shaping harmonious living spaces. Central to this concept are the eight Āyās, which are specific divisions derived from the plot's length and breadth. Understanding these divisions is essential for proper land selection and foundation planning.
The area of the land, calculated by multiplying its length and width, is divided by eight, giving rise to these eight directional energies, each with unique characteristics and influences.
The Eight Āyās and Their Directions
The eight Āyās are known as Dhvaja, Dhūmra, Siṃha, Śvāna, Go (Vṛṣa), Khara, Ibh, and Vāyasa. Each corresponds to a cardinal or intercardinal direction.
Dhvaja, represented by a flag, governs the east, while Dhūmra or smoke governs the southeast. Siṃha, symbolized by the lion, rules the south, and Śvāna, represented by the dog, governs the southwest. Go or Vṛṣa, the cow, rules the west, while Khara, the ass, governs the northwest. Ibh, the elephant, represents the north, and Vāyasa, the crow or kite, governs the northeast.
These eight Āyās are sequentially aligned according to the area’s division, and each Āyā has a rival located five positions away. This rivalry affects how different energies interact within a space, creating harmonious or conflicting influences depending on placement.
Auspicious and Inauspicious Āyās
Not all Āyās carry the same energy. The odd-numbered Āyās—Dhvaja, Siṃha, Go, and Ibh—are considered auspicious, bringing prosperity, success, and well-being when incorporated in construction.
The even-numbered Āyās—Dhūmra, Śvāna, Khara, and Vāyasa—can sometimes bring challenges or sorrow if placed improperly.
Each Āyā is most effective when aligned with its own direction, as placing it elsewhere diminishes its beneficial influence.
Practical Applications of Each Āyā
Dhvaja Āyā
The Dhvaja Āyā, symbolized by a flag, is universally auspicious and suitable for all types of residences and structures. It is particularly beneficial for palaces, ceremonial halls, and administrative buildings.
Dhvaja Āyā is also considered favorable for auspicious objects such as umbrellas, banners, ceremonial coverings, and other decorative or protective items. For Brahmins and other households, this Āyā ensures overall prosperity and well-being, and it is also ideal for gold, silver, and other precious metal work within the home.
Siṃha Āyā
Siṃha Āyā, represented by the lion, is traditionally associated with thrones, chairs of authority, and seating arrangements for rulers or dignitaries. It embodies power, protection, and authority. While it is highly beneficial for Kshatriya households, it is not recommended for Brahmin homes because it may create aggressiveness and limit progeny.
Additionally, Siṃha Āyā is ideal for the construction of footwear, including sandals and wooden shoes, making it a favorable placement for workshops or areas where these items are crafted.
Go or Vṛṣa Āyā
The Go or Vṛṣa Āyā, symbolized by the cow, is particularly important for food-related purposes. It is used for measuring food vessels and containers, ensuring that all culinary tools are properly aligned with auspicious energies.
This Āyā is also highly beneficial for constructing cow shelters, granaries, or areas designated for livestock, promoting abundance and productivity. When it comes to furniture, Vṛṣa Āyā is auspicious for beds, bedding, and resting areas, providing comfort and stability.
Additionally, umbrellas, ceremonial cloths, and similar objects gain auspiciousness when placed in this Āyā.
Gaj / Ibh Āyā
Gaj Āyā, represented by the elephant, is linked to wealth, property, and prosperity. It is particularly recommended for the construction of beds, bedding, and resting areas, similar to Vṛṣa Āyā.
Beyond this, Gaj Āyā is also favorable for water-related structures such as ponds, wells, tanks, and reservoirs, promoting the accumulation and proper flow of resources. Animal housing such as Gajashala (elephant shelters) should ideally be placed in Gaj or Dhvaja Āyā for maximum benefit.
Dhūmra Āyā
Dhūmra Āyā, symbolized by smoke, is primarily applied in fire-related areas such as kitchens, chimneys, or spaces for cooking and heating. It is also recommended for cloth-processing houses or workshops dealing with textiles.
Proper placement of these functional areas according to Dhūmra Āyā ensures safety, efficiency, and auspicious energy within the household.
Śvāna Āyā
Śvāna Āyā, symbolized by the dog, is traditionally used for guarding or boundary structures, particularly in contexts involving outsiders or non-Hindu households. It offers protection and vigilance, and its application should be cautious, ensuring it enhances security without disturbing the household harmony.
Khara Āyā
Khara Āyā, represented by the ass, is particularly recommended for merchant houses and trade-related structures. It is also ideal for stables housing working animals, supporting commercial activities and prosperity. Placement in this Āyā encourages success in business and ensures that the household maintains practical efficiency.
Vāyasa / Kāk Āyā
Vāyasa Āyā, symbolized by the crow or kite, is suitable for cottages, temporary shelters, and auxiliary buildings. It ensures protection, vigilance, and functional efficiency for structures that are less permanent or used for specific secondary purposes.
Animal Housing and Specialized Structures
Vāstu Shastra gives precise guidance for animal housing based on Āyā placement. Elephant shelters (Gajashala) should be constructed in Gaj or Dhvaja Āyā, while horse stables (Ashvashala) are best positioned in Dhvaja, Khara, or Vṛṣa Āyā.
Camel shelters (Uṣṭrashala) can utilize Gaj, Dhvaja, or Vṛṣa Āyā, whereas cattle or buffalo sheds (Pashushala / Mahishashala) are best placed in Vṛṣa or Dhvaja Āyā.
Beds, Thrones, and Other Household Items
Beds should ideally be aligned with Vṛṣa Āyā to ensure comfort and auspicious rest. Thrones or chairs of authority gain strength and positive energy when placed in Siṃha Āyā. Utensils, umbrellas, ceremonial cloths, and similar objects are best aligned with Vṛṣa or Dhvaja Āyā.
Footwear, including sandals and wooden shoes, should be crafted or placed in Siṃha or Dhvaja Āyā. Similarly, gold and silver work within the home benefits from Dhvaja Āyā placement, enhancing prosperity and auspiciousness.
| आठ आय | १ ध्वज | २ धूम्र | ३ सिंह | ४ श्वान | ५ वृष | ६ खर | ७ गज | ८ ध्वांक्ष |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| आय की दिशा | पूर्व | आग्रेय | दक्षिण | नैऋत्य | पश्चिम | वायव्य | उत्तर | ईशान |
| आय का गृह मुख | पश्चिम | वायव्य | उत्तर | ईशान | पूर्व | आग्रेय | दक्षिण | नैऋत्य |
| शत्रु आय | वृष | खर | गज | ध्वांक्ष | ध्वज | धूम्र | सिंह | श्वान |
| आय का स्वरूप | अश्व स्वरूप | विडाल मुख | सिंहमुख नर शरीर | श्वान स्वरूप | वृष स्वरूप | खर स्वरूप | गज स्वरूप | काक मुख |
| आयों के जाति एवं वर्ण | ब्राह्मण एवं सभी | X | क्षत्रिय | X | वैश्य | X | शूद्र | X |
| विभिन्न प्रकार के गृह | प्रासाद पुर वेश्म अश्वशाला पशुशाला गोशाला महिषशाला | अग्रि-शाला ईंट-भट्ठे विविध प्रकार की भट्ठियाँ | प्रासाद पुर वेश्म पुट कर्पट कोठ सिंहासन | म्लेच्छों के गृह | प्रासाद पुर वेश्म गोशाला महिषशाला पशुशाला पुट कर्पट कोट | खरशाला खच्चरोंका घर अश्वशाला छोटे लोडिंग वाले वाहन | गजशाला अश्वशाला उष्ट्रशाला शयनागार बड़े दस पहियों वाले वाहनों के गैरेज वापी कूप तडाग | पक्षिशाला म्लेच्छ गृह |
Specialized Construction Considerations
Vāstu Shastra provides precise guidance for specialized constructions. Elephant housing, or Gajashala, should be placed in the Ibh or Dhvaja Āyā, while horse stables, or Ashvashala, are best positioned in Dhvaja, Khara, or Go Āyā. Camel shelters can utilize Gaj, Dhvaja, or Go Āyā, whereas cattle or buffalo sheds are best placed in Go or Dhvaja Āyā.
Beds should ideally be aligned with the Go Āyā for restful sleep, and thrones or seats of authority are strengthened by the Siṃha Āyā. Utensils, umbrellas, and ceremonial objects gain auspiciousness when placed in the Go or Dhvaja Āyā. Footwear, wooden items, and precious metals should also follow these guidelines to enhance positive energy.
Caste and Profession-Based Recommendations
Vāstu Shastra provides guidance for aligning homes and major structures according to caste or profession.
For Brahmin households, constructing the home according to the Dhvaja Āyā is considered highly auspicious, with the main entrance ideally facing west. Kshatriyas prosper most when their homes are aligned with the Siṃha Āyā, with the entrance facing north. Vaishyas benefit from the Go (Vṛṣa) Āyā, with the entrance facing east.
Across all castes, the Dhvaja Āyā remains universally favorable, providing success, protection, and overall prosperity.
According to the guru’s recommendation, the Dhvaja Āyā is also auspicious for Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. However, Brahmins seeking their own well-being should avoid constructing homes in the Siṃha Āyā, as it may induce aggressiveness and limit family growth.
Homes aligned with the Dhvaja Āyā ensure complete success, while the Vṛṣa Āyā promotes the growth of livestock. The Gaj Āyā enhances all types of wealth and property, whereas the remaining Āyās may bring sorrow or misfortune if chosen inappropriately.
The eight Āyās of Vāstu Shastra provide a sophisticated system for planning homes, palaces, and auxiliary structures. By respecting the directional strengths, auspicious placements, and caste-based guidance, one can ensure that the living environment promotes happiness, prosperity, and harmony.
Proper use of these Āyās allows the energies of the land to support the well-being, growth, and protection of the inhabitants, making Vāstu Shastra an essential guide for holistic architectural planning. For more detailed guidance on construction timing and sacred rituals, explore our comprehensive construction guides.