We all agree that the whole universe is made up of five basic elements, the Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. Our body is also made up of these five basic elements of nature also known as panch-mahabhootas.

The panch-mahabhootas are related to our five senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight. Any imbalance in our external and internal Vaastu translates into unhappy situations. Vaastu teaches the individual to live in balance and harmony with the panch-mahabhootas.

Prithvi (Earth)

Human beings have a natural and emotional affinity with the Earth. The Earth revolves around the Sun and has gravitational and magnetic force. Scientists have proved that earth is a huge magnet with two poles-North pole and South pole.

It has also been proved that the human body is a 'magnetisable' object with a large percentage of iron in the blood. As we all know, opposite poles of a magnet attract each other and same magnetic poles repel each other. The Vastu principle of placing the head in South direction while sleeping is based on earth's magnetic property.

Jal (Water)

After earth, water is the most important element. It is linked to our senses of taste, touch, sight and hearing. It is quantitatively the largest of the five elements, as more than 80% of our body and two-third of earth's surface is water. Most ancient civilizations came up close to rivers and water sources.

Vastu provides important information about the placement of water sources like wells, boring, underground water tank, overhead water tank etc, while planning the house. Positions for drainage of water, septic tanks, sewerage, drains etc. are decided carefully to optimize the benefits of water element.

Agni (Fire)

Sun is the most vital source of energy and light. It is the soul of the universe. Fire element "SUN" is related to our sense of sound, touch and sight. It is difficult to imagine life on earth without Sun.
When the Sun rays combine with water, they get additional benefits. it is, therefore, recommended to have a water source in North-East direction.

To block North-East corner of your building is depriving yourself of most beneficial rays of Sun and has adverse results. The ultra-violet rays normalize the metabolism of the body.

The ancient ritual of "Surya Namaskaar" wherein the beneficial rays of Sun become more potent when seen through fresh water offered to Sun god.

The late afternoon and evening Sun with the harmful infrared rays should be avoided. It is recommended by Vastu to have tall and big trees in the South so that harmful rays of Sun are blocked.

Vayu (Air)

The Air or Vayu is vital for our survival. Our sense of sound, touch and feel are related to Air. The air on earth is a mixture of various gases like nitrogen, oxygen, helium, hydrogen etc.

Oxygen is vital for human beings and nitrogen is essential for the growth of plant life which in turn provides oxygen.

Vastu recommends proper placement of doors, windows, ventilators, balconies, height of structure and placement of trees and plants for balancing the Air element within the structure.
 

Aakash (Space)

Vastu is the only body of thought that gives Space the status of a natural fundamental element. Vastu Shastra is, therefore, superior to any modern or traditional school of architecture in the world.

It is related to our sense of hearing, in a house, space element is related to the centre portion or the brahmasthan. It is important that brahmasthan be kept open and light. Any disturbances in the space element affects your growth.