Vastu glossary: terms in plain language
In the Ayadi calculation, the 'gain' value derived from a plot or building's proportions. The usual first check is that Aaya is greater than Vyaya.
By Aalok Trivedi · Published · Updated
A
Aaya
In the Ayadi calculation, the 'gain' value derived from a plot or building's proportions. The usual first check is that Aaya is greater than Vyaya.
Where it appears: /ayaadi-calculator
Agni
The Vedic fire principle and the ruler of the South-East direction. It is why the kitchen is traditionally placed in the South-East.
Where it appears: /vastu-shastra
Ayadi (Ayaadi, Aayadi)
A set of calculations that test a plot or building's length and breadth against factors such as Aaya, Vyaya, Yoni, Vaara and Tithi.
Where it appears: /ayaadi-calculator
B
Brahmasthan
The central zone of a plan, traditionally kept open and light. A toilet, staircase or heavy load there is considered a defect.
Where it appears: /blog/vastu-brahmasthan
Bhoomi pujan
A ritual performed before construction begins. Its timing is set by a priest or astrologer, not by Vastu analysis.
Where it appears: /vastu-for-house-before-construction
D
Devta
A deity or presiding principle assigned to a direction or a square of the Vastu grid. A 45 or 64 devta grid divides the plan into finer positions.
Where it appears: /blog/vastu-purusha-mandala-explained
Dosha (Vastu dosha)
A defect in layout, such as a toilet in the North-East. A dosha is a reason to review a plan, not a prediction.
Where it appears: /blog/vastu-defects-and-remedies
E
Eshanya / Ishanya (North-East)
The North-East corner, linked with water, clarity and prayer. It is traditionally kept light, open and clean.
Where it appears: /vastu-shastra
G
Griha pravesh
The housewarming ceremony when a family first moves in. The date is set by a priest; a Vastu check is best done before it.
Where it appears: /blog/griha-pravesh-vastu-checklist
H
Hasta
A traditional unit of length, often taken as about 33 inches in residential plots, used in Ayadi calculations.
Where it appears: /ayaadi-calculator
K
Kubera
The ruler of the North direction, associated with wealth and opportunity.
Where it appears: /vastu-by-room
M
Mahavastu
A modern system that divides a plan into 16 zones and attaches an element and an energy to each. GetMyVastu reports use a 16-zone Mahavastu grid.
Where it appears: /methodology
N
Nairutya (South-West)
The South-West direction, linked with earth and stability. The master bedroom and heavy storage traditionally sit here.
Where it appears: /vastu-shastra
Nakshatra
One of 27 lunar mansions. Used in the Ayadi calculation to relate the plot to the owner's birth star.
Where it appears: /ayaadi-calculator
P
Pada
One of the positions around a boundary wall, used to judge where along a wall the entrance sits.
Where it appears: /blog/vastu-for-main-door-entrance
Panchatatva
The five elements: earth, water, fire, air and space. Each direction is linked with one or more of them.
Where it appears: /vastu-shastra
Pooja room (mandir)
The prayer space of a home, traditionally placed in the North-East, East or North.
Where it appears: /mandir-direction-as-per-vastu
S
Shakti Chakra
A wheel of directional rays drawn over a plan to read the energy of each direction. Included in Basic and higher reports.
Where it appears: /vastu-report-sample
Shilpa shastra
The wider body of traditional texts on architecture and sculpture, of which Vastu is a part.
Where it appears: /vastu-shastra
V
Vaara
A weekday value used in Ayadi calculations.
Where it appears: /ayaadi-calculator
Vastu Purusha Mandala
A grid, traditionally of 64 or 81 squares, on which a mythical figure lies with head to the North-East. It is the diagram behind the zone and devta system.
Where it appears: /blog/vastu-purusha-mandala-explained
Vastu score
A 0–100 summary of how well a plan's rooms sit in zones that suit them, built from area-weighted room placement.
Where it appears: /methodology
Vayu / Vayavya (North-West)
The air principle and the North-West direction, linked with movement. Suits guest rooms, garages and toilets.
Where it appears: /vastu-shastra
Vedha
An obstruction in front of an entrance, such as a pole, tree or opposite door, that traditional texts treat as a concern.
Where it appears: /blog/vastu-for-main-door-entrance
Vyaya
In the Ayadi calculation, the 'outgo' value compared with Aaya.
Where it appears: /ayaadi-calculator
Y
Yama
The ruler of the South direction.
Where it appears: /vastu-shastra
Yoni
In the Ayadi calculation, a value derived from the plot dimensions and matched to the owner's nakshatra.
Where it appears: /ayaadi-calculator
Z
Zone (16-zone grid)
A 22.5-degree sector of a plan measured from its centre. Sixteen zones cover the full circle.
Where it appears: /vastu-chart-16-directions
Expert to review every definition. Add terms from the reports as they are introduced.
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Upload floor planFrequently asked questions
Where can I learn Vastu basics?
Start with the Vastu Shastra guide and Vastu for home.
Are the terms the same in every school of Vastu?
Mostly, though spellings and some attributions differ between traditions. We follow the 16-zone Mahavastu convention.