Ancient vs Modern Vastu: Key Differences in Home Design

Vastu Shastra has always been deeply connected to nature, health, and balanced living. However, there is a significant difference between ancient Vastu practices and how homes are designed today. Our ancestors followed Vastu principles not as trends, but as a way of life based on experience, observation, and natural science.

In this blog, we explore how traditional Vastu differs from modern construction and what we may be losing in the process.

 

Toilets: Outside Then, Inside Now

In ancient times, toilets were never constructed inside the house. People would use fields or designated outdoor areas. Later, toilets were built at the far corners of homes, then gradually moved closer to bedrooms.

Today, we commonly see:

• Attached toilets with bedrooms
• Minimal or no partition between bedroom and toilet
• Multiple toilets inside one home

The concern here is negative gases and stagnant air. Bedrooms are spaces where we spend 8–10 hours breathing deeply during sleep. Without proper ventilation, gases from toilets can impact health over time. Earlier generations understood this hygiene and energy principle very well.

 

The Courtyard Concept: Lost Open Space

Traditional homes featured a central open courtyard (Brahmasthan):

• No roof in the middle
• Rooms built around it
• Maximum sunlight and natural airflow

This allowed:

• Excellent cross ventilation
• Sunlight reaching every part of the home
• Better immunity and fewer diseases

Today, courtyards are replaced by:

• Staircases
• Lifts
• Bedrooms
• Concrete slabs

Many modern homes do not receive any direct morning sunlight, which plays a crucial role in physical and mental health.

 

Rising Health Issues & Closed Living

Earlier, people rarely suffered from lifestyle diseases. Today:

• A major portion of income goes into medical expenses
• One sick family member affects the entire household

Closed layouts, poor ventilation, and lack of sunlight are major contributors. The wisdom of leaving open space in the center was a simple yet powerful scientific concept.

 

Water Sources: Wells vs Underground Tanks

Earlier:

• Wells were commonly used
• Water levels remained naturally balanced

Today:

• Underground water tanks are common
• Borewells have replaced traditional wells

While underground tanks are acceptable in modern Vastu, the open well system supported better groundwater balance in earlier times.

 

Ceiling Height: Then vs Now

Ancient homes had ceiling heights of:

• 10 to 16 feet (sometimes even 19 feet)

Benefits included:

• Natural cooling
• Better airflow
• Brighter interiors

Modern homes, especially in metro cities, often have:

• Clear height of only 9–9.5 feet
• Congested air
• Reduced sunlight

This leads to discomfort, stress, and health issues.

 

Construction Materials: Durability Over Display

Earlier homes used:

• Neem wood and other durable timber
• Lime (chuna) instead of cement
• Thick walls (1.5–2 feet wide)

Many 300–500-year-old homes still stand strong today.

Modern construction focuses on:

• Appearance and speed
• Thin walls (9–12 inches)
• Cement-heavy structures

While cement is strong, reduced wall thickness affects insulation, stability, and energy balance.

 

Tulsi Plant: Central Energy Source

Traditionally:

• Tulsi was planted in the courtyard (Brahmasthan)
• It purified 200–250 sq. yards naturally
• Positive energy spread throughout the home

Today:

• Tulsi is placed on balconies or terraces
• Its full energetic and medicinal impact is reduced

Central placement allowed its benefits to reach every corner of the house.

 

Eating Habits: Floor Dining vs Modern Lifestyle

Earlier families:

• Sat together
• Ate meals on the floor

This posture:

• Improves digestion
• Reduces lifestyle diseases

Today:

• Meals are rushed
• People eat on beds or sofas
• Family bonding during meals is rare

Eating on the bed is especially harmful and was traditionally associated only with illness.

Even today, temples and Gurudwaras make people sit on the floor this is not a ritual, but a scientific practice.

 

Floor Designs & Mental Well-being

Earlier homes featured:

• Artistic floor designs (lotus, rangoli patterns)
• Colors that uplifted mood
• Designs often placed at the center of rooms

Today:

• Simple, quick flooring
• Minimal emotional connection with living spaces

A pleasant environment directly affects emotions, patience, and harmony within families.

 

Wall Thickness & Structural Strength

Old homes had:

• Thick walls (up to 2 feet)
• Minimal beam-column dependency

That is why historical buildings still stand strong after centuries.

Modern construction:

• Thinner walls
• Faster methods
• Reduced longevity

This marks a major shift in construction philosophy.

 

Conclusion

Our ancestors were not less educated they were deeply scientific, practical, and wise. Many modern problems arise because we have moved away from natural living principles.

Even if we cannot follow everything today, adopting a few ancient Vastu concepts can significantly improve:

• Health
• Peace
• Family harmony

If you have questions related to Vastu Shastra or want guidance for your home, feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your love and support.
See you next time with a new topic.