The family of Kanippayyur, hailing from Kerala, is prominent in the practice of “Vasthu Shastra” – A tradition system of Architecture which literally means “Science of Architecture”.Vasthu Shastra describes principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement and spatial geometry. Kanippayyur family has been a pioneer of traditional Architecture, Temple building and related studies for more than a century and have popularized and rejuvenated Vasthu Shastra.
Presently, Kanippayyur family is headed by Krishnan Namboodiripad. Kanippayyur Makan Krishnan Namboodiripad is the son of Krishnan Namboodiripad, currently the senior most practitioner.
According to Kanippayyur, the principle of Vasthu Shastra is to build without harming Nature. The sun, earth with its varied motions and magnetic field, and the direction of wind create forces, which are to be considered while deciding location and orientation of any building, so that it is harmonious with Nature.