Vaastu is an ancient science. Vaastu means the place where humans and Gods reside or dwell. It helps one to get the natural benefits freely offered by the five basic elements of the universe in which we all live. These basic elements are Akash (SKY), Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni (FIRE), and Vayu (WIND). Vaastu Shastra can be applied by keeping in harmony with these basic five elements of nature. It is a vast science, which is tough to understand for a common man. It was developed by rishi munis or the learned people of ancient times. Its application today is purely architectural and its principles are based on becoming one with nature. Like astrology and palmistry it is a vast & complicated science, easily misunderstood by most people.
   

Many Vaastu rules are derived from 'Vaastu Purusha Mandala' which is depicted as a man lying with his head pointing north east, in a grid of usually 64 squares. The different directions and sectors are assigned to different Gods and Guardians. Vaastu is essentially the art of correct settings one can place himself in such a manner as to derive maximum benefits.
   

In modern times , the knowledge of house building technology has grown so vast , that it has been branched off into special fields such as architecture, engineering and Interior decoration. Architecture deals with the Internal comfort and external beauty, Civil engineering deals with the structural stability but Vaastu provides with the knowledge to be adopted in building a house so as to make the native happy, healthy and prosperous. Vaastu principles are applicable to individual residential houses , industry, educational institutions, commercial complexes , theaters, hospitals, churches, etc.