The ancient Indian building system was codified in manuscripts known as vaastu shastra. The fundamentals of design, layout, measurement, groundwork, interior design, and spatial geometry are all covered in these books. Using geometric patterns (yantra), symmetry, and directional alignments, the designs attempt to unite architecture with nature, the respective functions of different elements of the structure, and ancient beliefs.

Vastu Shastra are the written texts that make up the Indian architectural and design theory body of knowledge known as Vastu Vidya. Vastu Vidya is a set of flexible principles and guidelines that can be applied with or without the help of predetermined floor plans. Rather, these are blueprints for how to arrange the physical elements of a structure or complex of buildings in accordance with the Vastu principles that govern how they should work in relation to one another, how they should be used, and the larger context in which they are located. Mandir (Hindu temples) are designed according to ancient Vastu Shastra guidelines, as are homes, neighbourhoods, cities, gardens, highways, water systems, businesses, and other public spaces.