Vastu Shastra: How an ancient Indian philosophy revitalised a Melbourne couple’s life during Covid

Locked down and at their breaking point, a Melbourne couple found hope and transformation in an ancient practice. Here’s how it turned their lives around.

Anuradhika Dogra and Salil Dogra (left to right) overcame a difficult period during the Covid lockdowns through a traditional Hindu system of architecture. Photo: Supplied

Lockdown woes pushed Melbourne couple Anuradhika and Salil Dogra to their breaking point.

But the pair believe an ancient Indian architectural methodology, which is developing a growing presence in Melbourne’s streets and new housing estates, helped to transform their lives.

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The philosophy of vastu shastra, similar to an Indian feng shui, is centred around key elements of nature including water, earth, air and fire.

It underpins world-famous sites such as the Hindu-Buddhist temple Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the more modern Lotus Temple of Delhi.

Mirrors are a no go in a Vastu-inspired bedroom. Source: Sherridon Homes

A growing presence in Victorian homes, it requires specific orientation for ovens, electrical appliances, toilets and airflow, in ways that are believed to provide good health and opportunities for those occupying the household.

And the Dogras are crediting it with turning around their lives.

“We hit rock bottom during the lockdowns, pent up in our shoebox apartment in South Melbourne,” he said.

“After buying a house, my wife’s health took a nosedive, and our dreams to conceive took a turn.”

The exterior of a Vastu home. Source: Sherridon Homes

That’s when his wife dropped the idea of vastu shastra.

At first, Mr Dogra scoffed at what he thought was a pseudoscience.

“I wasn’t sold, but I figured we would give it a go,” Mr Dogra said.

To many buyers the architectural concept of Vastu wouldn't be completely obvious. Source: Sherridon Homes

Brilliant Vastu owner Geettika Sharma has helped many clients find peace in their home through the architectural principal.

“Vastu guru Geettika Sharma and her husband showed up, dropping knowledge on the importance of house directions and placements.”

The pair now have their first child and love their new home life.

Ms Sharma, who owns Brilliance Vastu, a website that describes the practice as Indian feng shui, said the principle was all about harnessing the vibes of the natural world.

“When you get your ovens, toilets, and airflows right, my clients have seen good health and luck come in,” Ms Sharma said.

Air flow and the spread of natural light are core elements of the home design’s philosophy. Source: Sherridon Homes

Ms Sharma said the concept was reshaping homes around Melbourne.

In 2023, India was the second-largest source of new migrants to Australia. They now comprise 4.2 per cent of Victoria’s population, potentially fuelling demand for more vastu builds.

Following the principals of vastu shastra, paintings and imagery of water as well as fish tanks are a no-go for bedrooms. Source: Sherridon Homes

Oliver Hume Corporation estate manager Sree Datti deals with many Indian and Hindu buyers in Tarneit and surrounding areas, seeking out vastu shastra in their homes.

“At least 50 per cent of my clients take vastu into consideration when buying property – there is an increased amount of demand there for it,” Ms Datti said.

For most this guides where they place bedrooms and bathrooms, and the orientation of the home on a block of land — with north and east being the preferred alignment.

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Originally published as Vastu Shastra: How an ancient Indian philosophy revitalised a Melbourne couple’s life during Covid