The Science of Architecture

(Shilpa Shastra)

(Meaning) The Vastu PurushaThe "Spirit of the Building," a cosmic deity believed to reside in the earth, whose position dictates the success of construction. wakes up on the following dates: the 10th of the month of Chithirai (April-May), the 21st of Vaikasi (May-June), the 11th of Adi (July-August), the 9th of Avani (August-September), the 8th of Karthigai (November-December), the 12th of Thai (January-February), and the 22nd of Masi (February-March). On these days, one may begin building a house or temple, install the main door, or perform a housewarming ceremony on dates that are personally auspicious.

He lies in Aries for ten, in the rising Taurus for twenty-one,
In the great Cancer for eleven, in Leo for six, in Scorpio for eight,
In Aquarius for twenty, and in the stated Capricorn for twelve;
The wise ones of the directions say one may begin building in these places.
(97)

The hours, dates, and feeding times when the Vastu Purusha wakes up:
The pots of the water-bearer are eight, the stinging scorpion is ten,
The scales of Libra are two, the fine ram of Aries is five,
The mighty lion itself is a distinguished twenty-one;
The one who knows the Vedas spoke of how the Vastu Spirit is honored.

(Meaning) On the 10th of Chithirai at 5 NazhigaiA traditional unit of time equal to 24 minutes.; on the 21st of Vaikasi at 8 Nazhigai; on the 11th of Adi and Aippasi at 2 Nazhigai; on the 9th of Avani at 21 Nazhigai; on the 8th of Karthigai at 10 Nazhigai; on the 12th of Thai at 8 Nazhigai; and on the 22nd of Masi at 8 Nazhigai. After these times, the Vastu Purusha wakes up and remains awake for 3.5 Nazhigai (approx. 90 minutes). Within that time: the 1st part (10 minutes) is for bathing; the 2nd part (13 minutes) is for worship; the 3rd part (13 minutes) is for eating; the 4th part (13 minutes) is for chewing betel leaf; and the 5th part (13 minutes) is for the beginning of his reign. After this sequence, he goes back to sleep.
(98)

If one does not look closely at the sharp auspicious time,
And fails to know the Vastu’s posture before measuring the house,
The wealth of the owner will be lost, the work done will be in vain,
Destruction will follow, and divine anger will pursue them.

(Meaning) If one measures the house site without knowing the auspicious day, the specific time, and the posture of the Vastu Spirit, wealth will be destroyed, the work will be wasted, and the architect and the owner will be followed by disease.
(99)

Citation

If you measure a house while the Vastu Spirit is asleep, it will go to ruin;
Like building a house on a shifting riverbed without wisdom,
The master who builds it will lose his status and be ruined;
Therefore, wait for the moment he wakes, offer praise, and then measure the site.

The Rules for Digging the First Soil

On a very good day, phase of the moon, and auspicious time,
If you find charcoal while digging, it signifies that disease will come.