Proportions of House Construction in Vāstuśāstra

The science of Vāstuśāstra does not merely prescribe where and how a house should be constructed but also emphasizes the proportions of length, height, and storeys in harmony with cosmic and terrestrial laws.

The shape, measurement, and structural balance of a dwelling are considered to directly influence the well-being, prosperity, and harmony of its inhabitants. This section explores the prescriptions of Vāstu for dimensions, roof peaks, verandas, and even the settlement planning for different varṇas in villages and towns.

Length and Height of the House

In Vāstu, the proportion of length and height of the house is considered highly important. The height should ideally match the breadth of the house, for that is auspicious. If the height is twice the breadth, the house is termed a Śūkashāla.

From a four-storeyed (catuḥśāla) to a ten-storeyed house, the height should equal its diameter. A one-storeyed house (ekaśāla) is praiseworthy if its length is double its breadth. For large houses, the height should be equal to that of a one-storeyed structure.

In two-storeyed houses (dviśāla), the height and length should be double, while in three-storeyed houses (triśāla), they should be triple according to the stated proportion. In four-storeyed houses, the ratio should be fivefold. Generally, construction beyond this level is not advised.

The term śālā in Vāstu refers both to the dwelling and its room, and even to a floor (storey). The usage of ekaśāla, dviśāla, etc., also applies to the number of storeys. Interestingly, the Sanskrit word śālā transformed in Greek to Kalia, in Latin to Sala and Cella, and in old Hungarian to Sala, all retaining the meaning of a house.

Measurement of the Śikhā (Roof Peak)

The śikhā, or the peak of the house, should measure one-third of the structure. Even in a one-storeyed house, it must be constructed with due attention to Rāhu-śuddhi and Chandra-tārā śuddhi. In the case of two-storeyed houses, one should construct one storey in the south and another in the west. In three-storeyed houses, construction should be done in the south, west, and north, leaving out the east.

According to Parāśara, the navel (nābhi) of the house lies in the central division after leaving three parts from the east and two parts from the west. This central portion must remain untouched. In construction, one part should be added in the east, two parts in the south (Agneya), three parts in the west, and four parts in the north. These form the fixed śālās, from one to four storeys. Houses built in this proportion require no further consideration of income, expenditure, or purification.

Number of Storeys According to Varṇa

For Brāhmaṇas, a four-storeyed house (catuḥśāla) is prescribed, particularly due to the need for a library. For Kṣatriyas, a three-storeyed house (triśāla) is best. For Vaiśyas, a two-storeyed house (dviśāla) is suitable. For Śūdras, a one-storeyed house (ekaśāla) is prescribed. In the absence of these possibilities, a one-storeyed house is praiseworthy for all varṇas.

Construction of Alinda (Verandas/Porticos) According to Storeys

Whether the house is one-storeyed, two-storeyed, three-storeyed, or four-storeyed, the alindas (verandas or porticos) must be constructed proportionally. A śālā should correspond to the alinda, and the alinda should correspond to the śālā. One must not make the śālās or alindas excessively high or low. The height of the compound walls or enclosures should also be equal to the height of the śālā.

Placement of Varṇas in Villages, Towns, or Forts

According to Vāstu, placement of the four varṇas must be aligned with the zodiacal signs ruling over the four entrances.

• North: Karka, Siṃha, and Kanyā — these correspond to Brāhmaṇas.
• East: Meṣa, Siṃha, and Dhanu — these correspond to Kṣatriyas.
• South: Vṛṣabha, Kanyā, and Makara — these correspond to Vaiśyas.
• West: Mithuna, Tulā, and Kumbha — these correspond to Śūdras.

Thus, Brāhmaṇas should reside in the north, Kṣatriyas in the east, Vaiśyas in the south, and Śūdras (artisans) in the west.

Alternative Placement of Varṇas

If the prescribed arrangement is not possible, an alternative system is permitted: Brāhmaṇas in the east, Kṣatriyas in the north, Vaiśyas in the south, and Śūdras in the west. In this arrangement, Antyajas (unclean laborers) should reside in the southeast, Varṇasaṅkara (mixed castes) in the southwest, fallen people (jāti-patita) in the northwest, and thieves or criminals in the northeast. Another option is to settle the four varṇas in pradakṣiṇā order (clockwise) starting from the east.

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The rules of proportion, structure, and placement in Vāstuśāstra show how deeply the ancients understood the relationship between architecture and human life. The balance between length, breadth, height, and storeys was believed to generate harmony, while the placement of verandas, peaks, and even communities in villages ensured collective order. By aligning physical structures with cosmic principles, Vāstu offered not only architectural guidelines but also a holistic vision of social and spiritual well-being.