House-building is an expression of civilization, but only an expression. Culture and civilization are more intrinsic. Highly developed saints have lived a simpler life and dispensed with many things which are counted among necessaries by civilized people.
Reference of houses in the the Veda is marvelously excellent.
उपमितां प्रतिमितामथो परिमितामुत ।
शालाया विश्ववाराया नद्धानि वि चृतामसि ॥१॥
हविर्धानमग्निशालं पत्नीनां सदनं सदः ।
सदो देवानामसि देवि शाले ॥७॥
“We lay the strong foundation of a house which is well-ventilated, beautiful with parts symmetrically corresponding to each other and measured or enclosed all round”
“Its main four parts are store-house, kitchen, bed room and drawing room.”
House is the center of the house-holders’ universe. My home is center of my universe. Bhuvanasya nabhi. Center of universe is to realize center of life. For healthy spiritual journey of husband-wife, home-building is important exercise.
Rigveda says:
ता वं वास्तून्युश्मसि गमध्यै यत्र गावो भूरिश्र्ङगायासः | अत्राह तदुरुगायस्य वर्ष्णः परमं पदमव भाति भूरि ||
“O husband and wife, we design for your habitation a house wherein sun-rays come plentifully. Here in such a well-ventilated house can dawn upon you the divine light whereby you may realize the super most stage of God.”
Physical openness leads to spiritual openness. A good well-ventilated and hygienically built house is the fittest abode for Godly and spiritually advanced persons. The house is not only an enclosure of bricks and stones but a place where the members of the family regulate their habits and advance step by step towards the spiritual Goal of life.
Goal is understood. Next, what material to use to build center of the universe.
