Vastu shastra is a traditional Hindu system of architecture that literally translates as "science of architecture". These are texts found in the Indian subcontinent that describe principles of design, layout, measurements, soil preparation, space layout and spatial geometry. The Vastu Shastras incorporate traditional Hindu and, in some cases, Buddhist beliefs. The designs are intended to integrate architecture with nature, the relative functions of various parts of the structure and ancient beliefs using geometric patterns (yantra), symmetry, and directional alignments.
Vastu Shastra is the textual part of Vastu Vidya, the latter being the most comprehensive knowledge on theories of architecture and design in ancient India. Vastu Vidya knowledge is a collection of ideas and concepts, with or without the support of design diagrams, which are not rigid. Rather, these ideas and concepts are models for the organization of space and form within a building or set of buildings, depending on their functions in relation to each other, their use and the overall structure of Vastu. The ancient principles of Vastu Shastra include those of Mandir design (Hindu temples), and principles for the design and layout of houses, towns, gardens, roads, water works, shops and other public areas.