The traditional Indian Vaastu Shastra is a science of direction that combines all the five elements of nature, namely earth, water, air, fire and space and uses them to the benefit of mankind. It is an art of using these five elements also known as Paanchbhootas, for the prosperity of humans.

As per Vaastu Shashtra rules, the point at which two different directions meet, it is more powerful, as it combines the forces coming from two distinctive directions. These directions form the major basis of Vaastu. Vaastu acts as the balancing force between man and nature. It gives advice for almost everything right from when to choose a plot, how to choose a plot to the interiors etc. This study of Vaastu owes its origin in India and follows Indian culture, traditions and climatic conditions.

The five elements of nature, on which the science of Vaastu is based are:

Fire:
It is one of the most important elements of nature, on which our very survival is dependent. It is a source of heat and light and therefore has a lot of significance in the Vaastu study.

Earth:
In India, earth is given the status of mother. It is the source of existence of landform, landscape, flora and fauna. The gravitational force and magnetic effects of Earth have an effect on living beings.

Air:
It being the source of oxygen, acts as the life savor for living beings. The comfort level of living beings is dependant upon different things like airflow, air temperature, its pressure, humidity level etc, therefore air is one of the most powerful sources of our survival.

Water:
It is an essential element for the existence of all life forms.

Sky:
It consists of not just our solar system but also the galaxy. The early principles of Vaastu were framed on the basis of observation of the sunrays at different durations during the day. Vaastu study has incorporated the principles of sculptures, construction and architecture, as were described in the epics. One can find its mention in different epics like Mataysya Purana, Skanda Purana, Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, and Vishnu Purana.

References can also be found in the Mahabharata; of different houses built for the kings, which were constructed following Vaastu guidelines. Even Buddhist literature makes numerous mentions of different buildings based on Vaastu. It has become a tradition of passing the knowledge of Vaastu Shashtra from one generation to another.