The ancient Indian text Mayamata, written thousands of years ago, describes Vastu Sastra - the science of ancient Indian architecture. Hindu mythology explains the history of how it all started.

In the beginning, Brahma, the creator of the Universe, experimented with the creation of a new creature. He created a large and monstrous creature that grew so rapidly that its shadow fell on the earth as a permanent eclipse. After that this ever growing monster began to devour everything in its path as nothing could satisfy its insatiable hunger.

Shiva and Vishnu begged Brahma to do something before everything was destroyed by this Creature. Brahma realised his mistake and called the astha dikapalakas, the Gods of the eight cardinal directions. Together they overpowered the Great Monster and held it flat against the earth. Then Brahma jumped in the middle and held the monster down. He then asked another forty four Gods to join him and help pin it down. Their 45 positions can be seen on the classic mandala of the Vastu Grid.

Then the Monster cried “You created me like this. So why am I being punished for what you made me?” Brahma offered him a compromise and made the Monster immortal with the boon that he would be worshipped by any mortal that builds a structure on earth. He was named Vastu Purusha.

There is another interesting story of Vastu Purusha in Matsya Purana. It narrates the birth of Vastu Purusha. In an encounter with a Rakshasa called Andhikasur, Lord Shiva became tired and exhausted, and he began to sweat profusely. A man was born out of the drops of Lord Shiva’s sweat. He looked very cruel. He was very hungry and began to make penance to appease Lord Shiva and to get a boon from him. Lord Shiva was pleased with his penance and appeared before him. The devotee prayed to Lord Shiva, “Oh Lord! Please permit me to eat away all the three worlds.” Lord Shiva granted his prayer. He got possession of all the three worlds and was about to eat the terrestrial world. The celestial beings, Brahma, Shiva, and the demons were terrified and they caught hold of the devotee and encircled him. Forty-five deities caught hold of the devotee and pressed him down. This Devotee has been in that position ever since that time. Lord Brahma blessed him and said that he would be the deity of all the plots and constructions, and offerings would be made to him. In return Vastu Purusha is said to be taking care of the inmates of the building.