Vāstu Śāstra and Water: The Geometry of Resilience

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the ancient Indian architectural system, Vāstu Śāstra, encodes a sophisticated hydrological wisdom that persists across dynasties and faiths. The study demonstrates how the cosmological principle of water (jala tattva) in sacred geometry—particularly its alignment with the northeastern Ishanā kona—serves as an enduring framework for sustainable design, resilience, and civic planning. By examining landscapes like the Kakatiya temple-scape and Qutb Shahi baoli complex, the research traces how this principle translates into practical governance, balancing elemental forces (pañcabhūtas) to harmonize with climate, ritual, and celestial rhythms. The findings position Vāstu Śāstra as a proactive cosmogram for resilience, aligning with modern Sustainable Development Goals (6, 11, and 13) by integrating water as both a life-sustaining element and a structural law. This work bridges ancient cosmography with contemporary sustainability, offering a timeless model for sustainable urban planning.

Fatima, D. A. (2025). Vāstu Śāstra and Water: The Geometry of Resilience. Electronic Journal of Social and Strategic Studies, 06(Special Issue VIII), 06–28. https://doi.org/10.47362/ejsss.2025.6901