Harmony of Panchamahabhootas

Bhoota is derived from भू (भव्) Bhoo (bhav), the root of verb meaning ' to be' or to exist. It means, that which came into existence before present time. Ancient Bhaarateeya Cosmogony believes that whatever is seen as matter in physical or mental world is made by the gross or subtle essences of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Air. They are called the Pancha-Maha-Bhootas (five great existences) since they are considered the first to exist and are the building blocks of this entire Creation. They are also called Tattwas. The Mahabhootas are the basis of our material existence.

The Panchamahabhootas build the entire body but are also assigned certain specific centres in the body called Chakras. Similarly, though the five elements make up the plot of land or a constructed building, there are certain areas in which their conspicuous presence is beneficial and some areas where such a presence creates disharmony.

Kindly refer the above diagram
       
Aakasha(space) is the first element represented by a black circle with a dot. All objects are enveloped by Aakaasha. 

Vaayu (Air) is the second element drawn like a grey six point star. It has been assigned the Northwest section.

Agni (fire) is in the southeast represented by an downward pointing red triangle. It rules the South east section.

Aapas (Water) has been allocated quite a few sections, yet it is more often recommended in northeast. It is depicted by a blue crescent.

Prithvi (Earth) is the substratum of all the beings. Since it is the only remaining element it is inferred that it rules the south and southwest regions.

Let us understand the affinity and animosity between these tattwas.

Aakaasha (space)

  A Goan house with central courtyard open to sky . PhotoCourtsey Navhind times, Arti Das 

 A Keralite house with central courtyard open to sky . Photo courtsey pinterest The  Hindu.

Openness is opposed by occupation of space. Therefore the grosser the element, the greater is its disharmony with Aakaasha. Since Prithvi (earth) is the grossest elements the direction it rules are not favourable for Aakaasha (space). One should therefore understand that overground or underground open spaces in the south or southwest are unfavourable for the residents of the house. 
Majority of traditional Indian houses have the middle portion called as Brahmasthana left open to sky to represent the space element. This is a pan India feature except for regions having harsh climatic conditions. It provides natural ventilation for the entire house as well as a generous dose of cosmic energy. 

Vaayu (Air)

Photo courtsey Pinterest

Vaayu requires space for movement. But Vaayu has so much power that it can at times sweep away any obstructions in its path. Therefore it is observed that, the objects or persons in Northwest section of the house which is assigned to Vaayu, are generally mobile.It has another characteristic. Air carries the subtle or energetic qualities of the objects it contacts. It is becomes hot or cool, life giving or toxic. One can therefore infer, that Vaayu is friendly and almost synonymous with Aakaasha(space). It supports both Jala (water) and Agni (fire). It is obstructed by earth. Hence, more windows in the  northern and eastern sections are advisable. One can always have lesser or smaller windows in southern and western sections for cross ventilation.This feature is not seen in the cold regions of Kashmir or Ladakh as the freezing winds from the North might take away precious warmth in the house. I think this might be one of the inconspicuous but important reasons why there is so much strife in the life of people living there. 

Agni (Fire)

Photo courtsey Pinterest 

Fire is an expression of energy. Fire represents power of life. It gives light and warmth. Fire is the singular reason why man could make advancement from his animalistic existence. 
Indian tradition gives great importance to fire. The Vedic rituals are based mainly on fire sacrifice. Ayurveda has identified 13 types of Agni present in the human body which keep a person healthy.
Yet, Agni is beneficial if under control and destructive when left unattended. 
Agni manifests as Soorya (Sun) in the sky, as fire in the hearth and electricity everywhere. So it is advised that Agni's presence through the sun rays during the morning can be sought by having windows in the eastern side of the construction. But the afternoon and evening rays should be controlled with curtains or smaller windows in the southern and western sections in the house.

Agni is present in all elements including water. Therefore Agni's presence in all sections in some form or other is accepted. But physically, water is inimical to fire. Hence, allocation of bathrooms, toilets and water bodies like wells, water tanks or ponds in the south east section damages the financial and physical health of the residents. Of course, use and storage of water in kitchen for cooking and cleaning is inevitable and acceptable.

Aapas / Jala (Water)

photo courtsey: Pinterest

Water is equivalent to life. The Vedic deities of water are Varuna and Soma. Indra is also related to water as he is the Lord of rains. Water also governs the flow of money in an establishment.

The middle part of the western section can accommodate water bodies which are above ground level.  North and northeast sections are best places for underground, above ground or overhead water bodies. These include fountains, swimming pools and even wash rooms. There are different positive and negative opinions about storing water in northwest or east. Toilets are generally advised  to be located in the northwest sector so that there is no problem of chocked  plumbing or septic tank gas emissions. Most classical Vaastu texts have strong objections to the storage of water in the entire southern section from south east to southwest and also object to water bodies in the centre of the house. 
Thinking laterally, leakage, seepage and plumbing problems should be always attended immediately lest they cause financial difficulties.

Prithvi (Earth):

                          

Photo courtsey : welcome2rajasthan.in

Earth is the womb of creation. It is equated with the female principle. Prithvi is the support on which everything rests. Earth gives solidity and firmness. Therefore activities of rest and rejuvenation like sleep, gymnasiums, ladies resting rooms, storage for implements and spices and salts are allocated to this sector. 

Earth does not tolerate hollowness or open spaces and wetness. Therefore basements, or courtyards or empty rooms in the south are definitely not acceptable. Neither is water compatible with earth as it spoils its solidity and erodes it.

Misconception about heaviness : 

The southwest or southern sector is often called the sector of heaviness nowadays.  Modern Vastu pandits mix up the concepts of Jadataa (grossness or solidity) of earth with Bhaara (weight). Elements have nothing to do with the outward appearance of an object. It is the functional aspect that decides the compatibility of elements.
Eg. A slab of ice or a water tank may seem heavy but water in itself opposes earth therefore, it cannot be allocated southwest sector. Or, a boiler is used to heat up water but it's basic function is to store and give hot water and that is why it would not be advisable to keep it in the Fire sector. It should occupy the slots allocated to water.

This in short is the nature of Mahabhootas considered in Vaastushaastra. So long as their harmony is undisturbed, the residents enjoy good health and prosperity. It is therefore an important concept in Vaastushaastra and needs to be understood carefully.