Apart from the great human tragedy,
it is very disturbing to see the majestic Taj hotel
with gun and grenade shots and
tongues of flames leaping out of it here and there.
The immediate thought that comes to my mind is
what could have gone wrong at the time
when this beautiful building was built.
Because according to astrological texts, particularly
'Vishwakarma Prakashika', the ancient book on Vastu principles
that guides us in building structures to last long and with prosperity,
the time of staring the construction is very important
as to make it last for even 1000 years and
without undergoing any mishaps at any time in its life.
For instance, if the construction of a structure is started
in Meena (Pisces) lagna with Venus in exaltation in it,
that structure would certainly live for a minimum of 1000 years.
If started in Aries lagna with Jupiter in exaltaion (in the 4th house of cancer)
similar result will be obtained.
Or if it is started in Dhanur lagna (Sagittarius)
with Saturn in exaltation in Libra,
the same result can be obtained.
Vishwakarma says this in chapter 3-27,
"SvOccasthOvA BhrugrlagnE SvOccE JIvE SukahstitE
SvOccE lAbhagatE MandE shasrAnA,samAh sthith"
But it must be ensured that there are
no malefic combinations of planets at that time.
If Mars is at the constellations of
Magha, Moola, Pushyami, Poorva phalguni, Hastha or Revathy,
the structure will be burnt down.
If the structure is started on a Monday
when Mars is in one of the constellations of
Moola, Revathy, Krittika, Poorvashaada, Poorva phalguni, Hastah or Magha,
the structure will be in fire.
The star, Krittika must be avoided as a general rule.
If the sun or moon are in Krittika when the structure is started,
it will experience fire accidents.
The avoidance of agni nakshathra days for construction activity
is in a way because of the severe nature of Krittika star
in burning down the action done in its days -
when it is traversed by the sun.
Apart from these, general malefic conditions
such as Mars in the 8th,
planets in debility or enmity,
and lagna hemmed between malefics
do not ensure long life for the structure.
Such conditions also are wrought with loss
with reference to the structure.
Another important issue to be looked into
is about the position of Saturn at the time of beginning the structure.
A malefic yoga called 'Kripana yoga' is caused
if Saturn is in the constellations of
Bharani, Poorva phalguni, Swathi,
Anusha, Jyeshta, Poorvashaada,
Dhanishta or poorva bhaadrapada.
The structure will experience haunting and destruction
as a result of this.
This Kripana yoga must be looked into,
For, Saturn would stay in a star for a long time.
When the house is planned, the Saturn's position must be first assessed
so that the starting of the work can be planned
when Saturn is not in these constellations.
The timing for starting the construction is different from
the timing for entry (pravesha) into the building.
For instance, the star Shravana (ThiruvOnam) is good
for staring the construction,
but not for entry.
Apart from Shravana, there are other stars such as
Punarvasu,
Swathi,
Hastha and
Ashwini
which are not recommended for entry.
If Grahapravesha is done in these constellations
the building will not stay with the owner.
It will go into other's hands.