Vāstu Chintamani (English) by A. B. Shukla

DCI Recommended

About the Book

Vastu Chintamani is my humble offering to the lovers of the Science of Indian Architecture It provides a basic introduction to the core principles of building construction. It is not sufficient to remember the principles of Vastu if the rationale behind them is not understood. In every construction, a different situation might arise which may not be covered in the book. At such a juncture, unless the invisible reasons behind the principles are known, the decision in regard to new situation cannot be taken. This is an attempt in the direction to equip the reader to handle any kind of situation.

This is a book of basics as it attempts to explain the rationale of the Vastu principles behind every building. It is neither too detailed a text nor just an enumeration of the laws of Västu Sastra. Rather it draws attention to some of the indispensable features which have their roots in the sacred scriptures like Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads and Srimadbhagavad Gita.

The book also emphasizes the paramount need of harmony between nature and living. It also presents how the Västu principles are developed over the foundation of nature and its forces. Once these basic principles are understood, one can modify them based on ' Desh, Kaal and Patra' (region, time and nativity).

Vastu Chintamani is primarily aimed for the students of ICAS for their Västu Praveena and Västu Acharya exams. The book is structured according to the syllabus prescribed by ICAS; however, the style and content of the book is such that others can also benefit.

This book is a compilation of thoughts and knowledge received by me from my revered Guru Shri A B Shukla, Hon. National President of Indian Council of Astrological Sciences (Regd.). I have collected these thoughts of Shri Shukla from his lectures, class notes, private discussions and the classical literature he suggested me to refer.

I started writing this book by repeating 'श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज, निज मन मुकुर सुधारि' Shri guru charan saroj raj, nij man mukur sudhari (Tulasidas). I have tried to gather the beautiful pearls of wisdom that flowed from Shri Shuklaji's teachings and make a garland out of it. Needless to say, if there are any unwanted pearls in this garland, they are purely because of my limitations. This is the third edition of the book (first one was in English in 2017, second in Hindi in 2018). This book has more information compared to earlier editions. I beg pardon from the learned readers for the mistakes that I might have committed due to my ignorance and may not have presented my Guru's thoughts properly.

NAVNEET KAUSHIK