What is the scientific basis behind the Vastu Devtas?
As the sun rises in the East and crosses the sky, and the moon adds its influence, the rays reach each part of the land at particular angles (1 degree, 5.625 degrees, 11.25 degrees) and keep changing the composition and chemistry of each spot. The sun, the moon, the 27 nakshatras and the 9 planets project their energies at particular angles of inclination and transform the soil, which is why the same land has given crops for thousands of years. Every particle has its own energy and chemistry that cannot be destroyed, only transformed; people who trusted religion more than science named these energies devtas.
Related questions
About 11 or 12 of the 45 devtas are asuras. Whose energy should be increased and whose kept low to stay balanced?
This was to be explained in detail later, as there is a big confusion about it. Asura devtas are also needed: the day there are no asuras in your house, your work will not run, so the aim is balance, not removing them.
Does the relationship with the Vastu Devtas end once the vastu pooja is done at the start of construction?
No. A farmer who sows a seed does not end his bond with it there: he protects, waters and nurtures it until it flowers, fruits and grows into a shady tree, even a kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree). In the same way, Indian architecture holds that a structure of stone and lime is not lifeless; prana settles into the building and its soil and controls the feelings of the people who live there, so the devtas established in the land must keep being nurtured.
How did the Vastu Purush and the 45 Vastu Devtas originate?
In the Matsya Purana account, a drop of sweat fell from Shiva during his battle with the demon Andhaka and a great being (mahabhoot) arose, so hungry that it could devour the three worlds. On Brahma's order the devtas and asuras pinned it face down and 45 devtas sat on its body. Brahma granted that it would be remembered and given food and water whenever anyone occupies land, and that if it was not fed it could open its third eye and create havoc; he accepted it as his manas putra (mind-born son). The 45 places where the devtas sat became the 45 pads, each with its own function, like the separate work of the eyes, ears, nose and hands; medical science too speaks of 45 departments of the body.
Why are the Vastu Devtas needed, and what is their use?
Every place, down to a tiny particle, has its own chemistry created by the sun, the moon and the planets, and work done in line with that chemistry goes very well, just as a chemistry formula needs its ingredients in a fixed ratio. Land is the biggest source of energy, whether it is called a devta or energy; activating the devta of a particular location and using it for its own type of work brings success in education, spirituality, business, politics and every other field. Energy works only when it is taken in, as dry fruits kept at home give energy only when eaten, so the devtas have to be activated.
Why did builders in earlier times leave the plinth for one season after the garbh vinyas?
After the digging and the garbh vinyas, the plinth beam was raised and then left for one season, about three months. The secret was to let the sun, the moon, the 27 nakshatras and the 9 planets fully work on the land whose devtas had been worshipped, so that the soil became charged and energised before building went on.
A rectangular plot is built up on three sides and open only on the West, so its energy is low. How can it be extended?
Do not extend it. Instead, place energy-giving items and capture the energy from all four sides to raise the energy level; this is covered in the energy chapter.