Vastu Shanti

Vastu Shanti is a religious and spiritual process of worship of 'Vaastu Purush' (Vrush Vastoshpati). Purush means Energy, Soul, and Shakti; thus 'Vaastu Purush' is the protector and lord of the house.

The main objective of 'Vaastu Shastra' is to bring balance and harmony between man, nature and his ‘vaastu’ i. e. buildings.  The ritual ensures peace, prosperity and happiness.  Some additional objectives are -

• To remove any faults related to land, building structure, and / or interior arrangement
• To ask for forgiveness for any direct or indirect harm to the Nature and other living beings while the house / building was being constructed.
• To pacify any forces that may disturb the overall happiness of future occupants.
• To request ‘Vaastu Purush’ to protect the home and the occupants therein from natural calamities.

Vastu Shastra 

In Sanskrit, ‘Vaastu’ means nature / surrounding or environment or ‘Prakriti '. The word 'Vaastu' denotes anything existing such as house, shelter, hut,  building, etc.  Ancient sages of India laid down several principles for constructing buildings, taking advantage of the nature viz. the ‘Panachmahabhuta’ ( Earth, Space, Air, Fire and Water) and Gravitational and Magnetic effects and rotational influences of Sun, Moon, Earth and other planets, on the life in Earth. These principles, called ‘Vastu Shastra’, were evolved over the years & out of experiences & with the foresight of ancient Sages of India.

Grih Pravesh 

Entering a new house with some important items like – water, money, deity of God, rice grains, sweets, etc., along with chant of Vedic Mantra is called ”Grih Pravesh”.  It is performed on the day of 'Vaastu Shanti' or separately.

‘Udaka shanti’ is ideal for seeking auspicious results such as well being of your children, peace at home, better job prospects, etc. Water is the main item in Udak shanti.

Importance of water

Water is a life & essential for all forms of life.  Since billions of years, water has not changed its composition or properties.  The God of Oceans, water and rivers is ‘Varuna’.  It is mentioned in ‘Rigveda’ that Agni dwells in water.

Purnakumbha

Purnakumbha means a “full pitcher”, with water.  Leaves of mango tree and a full coconut placed on the pitcher or vessel. The pitcher can be of silver, brass, copper, or mud.  The deity – ‘Brahma’ is invoked into the ‘kalash’ / 'purnakumbh'.  During the puja, various ‘mantra’ are recited which will charge the water in the ‘kalash’ with divine power and this water is utilized for the ‘Abhishek’ & given to the devotees as ‘Prasad’.

As one gets older, the speed of work generally gets affected or reduced, health problems starts, different worries creep in and physical as well as one’s mental inability hampers.

In order to maintain total health, to avoid forthcoming misfortunes, tribulations, misery, etc. these ‘Shanti ’ are performed.  There are 11 such ‘Shanti ’, to be performed at every 5 years interval, starting from 50 years onwards.

The different names are as follows :

At 50 years – Vaishnavi Shanti

At 55 years – Waaruni Shanti

At 60 years - Ugrarath Shanti

At 65 years – Mrityunjay Maharathi Shanti

At 70 years – Bhaimarathi Shanti

At 75 years – Aindri Shanti

At 80 years – Sahasrachandra Darshan Shanti

At 85 years – Roudri Shanti

At 90 years – Kalswarup-Souri Shanti

At 95 years – Tryambak- Mrutyunjay Shanti

At 100 years – Mahamrityunjay Shanti

'Vinayak Shanti ', 'Brihaspati Shanti ', etc.