Is Vastu Shastra really important for living in 21st century ?
B Basically, if it is seen as something to do with religion, I would say the answer is no. But, with the perspective of science added to it, yes, it is important. The primary Vastu Shastra rules are regarding the directions and elements of the nature. There are specific rules for each direction in Vastu Shastra.
The vastu, takes the meaning of “the site or foundation of a house, site, ground, building or dwelling-place, habitation, homestead, house“. So, ‘Vaastu sastra’ is just the set of thumb rules for a better place to live in. Any home which has to be built is preferably made to face in east. The science answers us by saying that the neurons in thalamus and hippocampus changes, to the position where the head faces and the East being the best. Kitchen is supposed to be in agni moola or kona or in the SE(South-East) direction and the cook has to face the east direction for cooking. This brings the significance of ventilation, that it lets out the smoke and also as the rays of sun which comprises UV rays grazes the food, it kills the microorganisms which may cause harm to the food that we eat.
There arises another question of why not in NE instead of SE. As the magnetic field is from north to south, the intensity will be higher, that may alter the fundamental chemical composition of the food. (As we all know, cooking is pure chemistry !)
This is also the reason why we shouldn’t have our bedrooms in the direction of NE. ‘vaastu’ tically, it is the most auspicious corner and scientifically, as our body’s north (when we lie with our head on north) and the magnetic north repels one another, it affects the blood circulation causing transient ischemic attacks or strokes.
The elevation in the NE should be lower than SE, as the groundwater flow is easier, without any external force such as bore wells or pumps, when it travels towards a lower elevation.
Similarly, the number of windows must be higher on north and east, as it is advisable to have a controlled exposure of UV from the sun. Also, the cross-ventilation (thorough-fare) is better in this two directions.
These are few of the examples, that can be easily explained with respect to vaastu. Similarly, we have lots of other advantages when it comes to designing with respect to vaastu.
Is Vastu religion specific?
Ans: No. Vastu shastra is secular and affects people irrespective of religion, cast, creed or color.
Is Vastu Shastra applicable only in India?
Ans: No. Vastu Shastra is applicable all over the world and all vastu rules remain the same.