Vaastu Shastra, the science containing ethics of planning and architecture, implements construction of buildings to ensure a harmonious balance between man and nature. It contributes in creating a pleasant setting or a place to live and work in the most scientific way; captivating the benefits bestowed by the five Elements present in nature, thereby paving the way for enhanced wealth, health, prosperity and happiness. The word 'Vaastu 'originating from Vastu represents physical environment or anything existing such as house, shelter, etc. and 'Shastra' represents the systems - knowledge, text or principles.

Since ancient times Vaastu Shastra considered as one of the traditional Hindu standard of town planning and architecture can also be called the science of direction that combines all the five elements of nature and balance them with the man and the material. These five Elements of nature -- Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space known as Paanchbhootas comprise the world. It is believed that out of the nine planets, our planet has life because of the presence of the five Elements.

Earth (Bhumi): Earth, as a large magnet extends its magnetic field and gravitational force affecting everything living and non-living on the Earth. Comprising of the land structure, landform, landscape, flora and fauna, Earth also establishes availability of local construction materials and their workability.

Water (Jal): Water represented by rain, river, sea etc. in the form of solid, liquid and gas (steam, cloud) forms part of every plant and animal. Physical life and habitat exists only where there are water. History depicts that cultures and civilizations flourished on the bank of any water bodies and also all the modern day cities. This shows the influence of the water on our life, since ages.

Air (Vaayu): Air, the element with a powerful life source deals with the entire body surface through skin, blood system - through respiration. Though oxygen present in the air is required for respiration; Nitrogen, Carbon-di-oxide, Helium, other gases, dust particles, humidity and vapor in also present in certain proportions. Pure air with oxygen is good for brain and blood. The physical comfort of human beings is rationally dependent on correct humidity, airflow, and temperature of air, air pressure, air composition and its content.

Fire (Agni): Fire representing light and heat also symbolizes the days and nights, seasons, energy, enthusiasm, passion and vigor without which life cease to exist. All is because of light and heat only. Sun considered being the source of mental energy plays an important role in development of visual qualities of architecture in terms of textures, colors and expressions of energy.

Space (Aakash): All the elements - Earth, Water, Air and Fire are responsible for the creation of comfortable, pleasant, determinant, vibrant and satisfying spaces for habitat. Space representing the endless expanse consist not only our solar system but the entire galaxy is comprised of forces like light, heat, magnetic field, gravitational force and others.

It has been found that life exists and evolves in regions where all the five Elements are found in abundance, creating an invisible and invariable relation between these elements present outside and those within an individual and in his/her home and job place. Vaastu Shastra emphasizes on constructing buildings based on the principles of the Five Elements or Paanchbhootas and it is believed that each direction is guarded by a heavenly force. So according to Vaastu, if you revere and respect the lords of these eight directions, you may reap the benefits for proper utilization of the direction.

• North - representing Kuber, the god of wealth grants us wealth and prosperity.
• Northeast - representing Ishwar grants us wisdom, divinity and relieves us from sufferings.
• East - representing Indra, the king of Gods grants wealth, progress and all pleasures of life.
• Southeast - representing Agni, the God of fire grants energy vigor and beautiful personality.
• South - representing Yama, the God of death eradicates evils and grants all good things.
• Southwest - representing Niruti (demon) grants purity, cleanliness and eradicates fear of enemies.
• West - representing Varun, the God of rain showers his blessings bringing prosperity and pleasure in life.
• Northwest - representing Vayu, the God of wind and the basis of life grants health, strength and long-life.