The branch of Hindu learning that includes these ideas is called Vaastu Shastra, Hindu Architecture. In Sanskrit the word "vaastu" means a building or structure and so the expression "vaastu shastra" is the science of structure. Like Vedic astrology, vaastu is a vast and highly developed branch of learning and in this installment I can describe only the most basic principles of this subject.

It is formally known is the ancient mystic science of designing and building. This art originates in the Stapatya Veda, a part of the Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas. From the time of the Aryans, Hindus have been building, and when they wrote Vaastu shastra, they'd already had a lot of experience.

In the Ramayana is mentioned the existence of eight-storied buildings. The Mahabharata tells us about Indraprastha, that grand city which floored whoever was fortunate enough to see it.