Ancient design, contemporary execution: ideal Garden Cities
Principles of Maharishi Vedic Architecture and City Planning:
- Orientation
- Site selection
- Layout with silent center (Brahmasthan)
- Placement
- Proportions
- Timing
- Natural building materials and sustainable systems
These Vedic principles are ancient and time tested, and the effects are known in detail and can be verified by anyone. They have been fully restored in our time by Maharish Mahesh Yogi. This saves us a difficult search for the best approach, and saves human life from the unknown effects of less holistic systems.
1. Orientation
In the consideration of ideal community planning, Maharishi Vastu places importance on right orientation to maximize the natural life-supporting influence of the planets and stars.
All roads and buildings are aligned with the cardinal directions (based on true, geographic north) and preferably facing east, the direction of the life-giving sun, the strongest influence of natural law on earth.
2. Site Selection and Marking the “Vastu”
The site selection for any building, development or city is of utmost importance, and must consider the influence of the slope of the site, position of bodies of water, mountains, etc. A site for human habitation should be selected that has only positive, life supporting influences from its environment to maintain life in accord with natural law.
On the chosen lot, auspiciously proportioned, and properly oriented, sites (that is Vastus, delineated by a fence or wall) with auspicious entrances will be marked for the entire city and for each individual building.
3. Layout with Silent Center – Brahmasthan
On the site the city or community is laid out with auspicious entrance, roads running north-south, east-west, low-density housing with adequate flow of fresh air, and generous green space.
The center of a structure — in Vedic terminology the Brahmasthan – is a place of wholeness and silence. In a city it usually is a beautiful, open, public garden.
4. Placement
As the sun seemingly traverses the sky from east to west it generates different energies. This influence of the sun on different parts of a structure, as well as particular laws of nature that are more lively in certain areas determine in Maharishi Vedic architecture and planning the suitable place for the various functions of a city and community, or for the different rooms in a building.
5. Vedic Measurements and Proportions
Another unique feature of Maharishi Vedic architecture and planning is that the measurements and proportions of any layout and structure are calculated according to ancient cosmic formulas, thus connecting individual life with Cosmic Life. Every part is connected to the whole to promote health, wealth, and happiness of every individual and the community at large.
6. Auspicious Timing
“Well begun is half done.” For special moments, such as first breaking of the ground, the laying of the first foundation for the village and every building, and the final completion and inauguration, auspicious times are calculated according to Maharishi Vedic astrology for maximum beneficial influence for the undertaking.
7. Natural, Non-Toxic Building Materials and Sustainable Systems
In ancient Vedic architecture and planning only natural building materials and systems were used. This point falls more in the category of “common sense” to not violate one’s own health and the health of one’s environment. However in present days, this awareness of being in tune with one self and nature is only now starting to be appreciated on a larger scale, after the mixed advancements of the industrial age have left their harmful marks on society and the planet.
We support the implementation of pure, natural, non-toxic building materials, energy-efficient construction, and the use of all kinds of sustainable systems, such as solar and other cost-effective, self-sufficient, non-polluting energies, sustainable, and local, organic agriculture for self-sufficiency in food.