Brahmasthan which is technically called the centre of property is the core in Vastu and Feng Shui. Draw a rectangle or square block connect the corners with a diagonal line, thus there will be two diagonal lines, with both the lines passing through the centre. The point where both the diagonal lines intersect is called the centre. The centre of a property is an important concept to calculate the stability of energy flow within the premises. In traditional Vastu this centre area is called as Brahmasthan/ Brahmasthala. Detailed readings need to be taken from the centre of the property by a Vastu and Feng Shui professional to carry out various analysis. Centre is the governing area for all the eight directions as it is considered as leader of all the directions. As per the principles of Vastu and Feng Shui, in addition to the 8 basic directions, this is the ninth direction which has major
significance.
The reason why Vastu and Feng Shui emphasises on square and rectangle shapes for a plot or a property is because the centre point always lies in balance with equal area on all the sides. This is the meeting point for energies of all the 8 directions for any premises, be it a house, office or industry. If the shape of the plot is irregular/ asymmetric or the shape of an apartment is odd with some extensions or cuts, the centre shifts, which creates distortion in energy field. Various mathematical calculations are to be done to identify the centre for an asymmetric/ irregular shaped property.
In many cases where there are odd corners protruding out of the plot, concept of Vastu wall is used to cut off the energy of extended portions and make the plot regular shaped which corrects the centre of the plot. This works as a practical remedy.
The 3 x 3 grid
To understand the directions and its detailing for any property, make a 3 x 3 grid on the layout. Thus total 9 grids are formed, one grid in the centre, four grids for corners and 4 grids for the sides. As per the principles of Vastu and Feng Shui, not only is the centre vital, but the entire centre grid is very significant. It needs to be checked thoroughly while examining a property.
Traditional houses
In many traditional houses it was observed that there was a courtyard in the centre area or the centre area was open to sky and the rooms were constructed around the centre forming a square shaped house. What was the significance? The most important reason was, when air enters through all the four sides of the house, it all collects in the centre. Centre being high and open enables hot air to flow out of the house thus keeping temperature in control. Smooth flow of air within the house keeps energy in control. Sunlight reaching the centre of any premises also helps in enhancing the cosmic energy of the property. In addition to this, Tulsi plant was also kept in the centre. Tulsi plant gives out oxygen which adds to the auspiciousness of the centre. Thus, by understanding this, we realise how logical is the
approach of Vastu and Feng Shui.
Does open centre area work for all?
Let’s assume there is a house with two floors. Both the floors are owned by different owners and also entrances to both the floors are different. In this case, if the centre area is open to sky it is considered as a missing area for the first floor and the earth energies of centre area are not assessable to the occupants staying on the upper level. A cut in the centre of the house leads to unstable flow of energy. The principle of open courtyard in the centre is good only when the entire house ownership is with one family and the house has a single front door.
Avoid a cut in centre
Occupants staying in houses where the centre is missing often complain of health issues, fear, anxiety. Many experience suppression and resistance of growth. It is important that if you are buying a new house/ office or any premises, check its centre and make sure the centre portion is not missing out. The centre area has to be part of usable space. In cases where the centre area is cut, if there are windows available which open to the centre courtyard/ chowk, open them. Allow air to enter and exit through windows. Adding small live plants outside the window helps, however, an expert’s help is essential in this case to energise the centre area using simple remedies.
Levels of centre
Finished floor level of centre area of any built up structure should be even. Avoid lower or higher levels in centre area especially at centre point. In case if levels in centre of area are uneven it is recommended to take the help of an expert and get it corrected. In case of open plot where land contour is uneven, minimise undulations in the centre. Ideally maintain earth levels of centre area in harmony with adjoining areas of the centre.
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