Vastu Shastra translates literally as ‘the science of architecture’; the Shastra considers a house as a living soul and aim to balance the five elements (earth, fire, water, space, and air) for maximizing positive energy. Every home has its own energy which affects the residents’ mental health, therefore Vastu Shastra provides principles from the stage of ground preparation, design, measurements, layout diagrams, space arrangement to spatial geometry for a home.
Vastu Shastra includes advice and guidelines for homes from the very selection of the plot, to entrance, to all rooms—such as the living room, prayer room, bedroom, kitchen, and even the outdoor spaces like courtyard. Take these into consideration while purchasing your new home or remodeling a old one for positivity.
Vastu Shastra for direction of the house
Vastu Shastra encourages the channelization of positive energy and prevention of negativity from the selection of the house plot—which must be symmetrical or right-angled (such as rectangle or square) as these have positive energy, help with financial growth, bring prosperity and happiness to the residents of the home. The house must face East, West, North or South directions, check this before your home purchasing decision. Irregular or curved structures (oval, circular or semi-circular) are not considered auspicious, as it is believed by the Shastra that they restrict an individual’s growth, cause health problems, losses and unhappiness.
Vastu Shastra for main entrance: Doorway
Ensure that your main door faces north, east or in the north-east direction as per Vastu Shastra, the main entrance to a home is the entry point not just for the family, but also for energy. Superior quality wood must be used to construct the main door to the home; this door must be appealing, well-light and should be taller than the other doors in the home. Decorate this door with auspicious torans and a nameplate outside. Remember never to paint the main door black. Do not place a fountain, or any other decorative water-centric element, animal statues or figurines, shoe rack, dustbin or even a bathroom outside or near the main door.
Vastu Shastra for living room
Living room is situated mostly next to the main entrance. For a relaxed and positive space the living room should face east, north or north-east; even a north-west-facing living room is favorable for building positive, long lasting harmonious relationships. This is an area of maximum social activity; creates the first impression when guests come. To instill calmness, affection and positivity choose a lighter or pastel color palette. Ensure that the north-east this living room is clutter-free; add to the tranquility and positivity by keeping potted plants and natural sceneries. Do not decorate using artificial or dried flowers as these are considered inauspicious and attract negativity. Keep heavy furniture in the west or south-west direction; install electronics and appliances the south-east section, and mirror on the north wall.
Vastu Shastra for meditation room or home temple
Designate a room in the east or north-east part of your house, is Deva Moola for meditation, yoga and prayers to ensure spiritual growth. Create a sacred altar with photographs and symbols of God facing east or west so that the devotee performing puja will face east or God’s photograph. Decorate it with fresh flowers, diyas and incense sticks. Avoid overhead cupboards or cabinets in the temple, and also pictures of departed soul here. Paint this room in white, beige, light yellow or green.
Vastu Shastra for courtyard the cosmic centre
The centre of your abode is considered as Brahmasthan or the holiest, most powerful zone and traditional homes always had a courtyard. This was a unique feature of ancient Indian architecture whereby the circumference of 1 to 1.5 metres should not have any obstructions or built-up area. Keep the Brahmasthan spotless and clutter-free so that it radiates limitless energy.
Vastu Shastra for master bedroom
The master bedroom should be built in the south-west direction to bring good health and prosperity and avoid a bedroom in the north-east or south-east zone of the house as the former may cause health issues, while a bedroom placed in the latter direction causes quarrels among couples since that direction is governed by the fire element. Northeast corner Bedroom may not be utilized by the elders of the house, West and Southwest bedrooms must be occupied by the senior citizens. The bed should be placed in the southwest corner of the bedroom, with your head facing west as these directions bring positivity, rest and relaxation. Consider using a softer or earthy color palette here. Avoid photographs representing unrest, strife or war so as not to disturb the restful vibe in this room. Also avoid mirrors or TV in front of the bed.
Vastu Shastra for children’s room
The children’s room should be in west, north, south and even in east avoid south-west direction; this room must evoke love, warmth, happiness and peaceful dreams as this is a space for nurturing, growth and development. According to Vastu Shastra the bedroom door should open clockwise, avoid boards or signage as these foster negative energy, ego clashes, aggression and fights. Avoid placing bed in front of mirror, window as mirrors reduce positivity, add insomnia or hypertension. The room, study table or desk should be clutter free, remove unused stationery, pens without a refill, unsharpened pencils, torn books, old books or newspapers. DO not place shoes or slippers under the table as it hinders concentration. Keep wooden bookshelves only in the north-east side of the room.
Vastu Shastra for kitchen
Ideally, the kitchen should be in the south-east direction of the house or second best alternative is north-west; avoid buying a house where kitchen is in the north direction. Place the cooking stove in the south-east direction of the kitchen so that the cook faces east direction while cooking. Do not place the cooking stove or countertop hob next to the sink, the former uses fire, while the latter has flowing water: both these elements are at constant war with each other. Also avoid using black tiles or paint for the walls or the furniture instead opt for bright, cheery colors that signify warmth and love. Stick to natural stones for the countertop, such as granite or quartz to stay grounded.
Vastu Shastra for dining room
The dining can also be made in the east direction of the house, as the morning sunrays are useful for the health. Avoid having this room on the south side. Water arrangement can be in a north-east direction.
Vastu Shastra for bathroom
The ideal location for the bathroom is in the north-west, which aids the elimination of waste. Wash basins and showers, water outlets and drainage all must be on the east, north and north-east side of the room and the bathroom floor should also slope in the same direction. Bathroom in other directions may cause health and money related issues. The entrance door should be of solid wood, not metal, and must be kept closed so that rooms’ energy does not flow into another as bathrooms can be a space of negative energy. Do not place decorative statues or symbols of worship on its door and if your bed has a common wall with the bathroom it may cause nightmares.
Vastu Shastra for installation of overhead water tank
Ideally, the ideal direction for your overhead water tank must be south-west or west of the house. You must place it two feet above the topmost slab in the south-west direction.
Vastu Shastra for ventilation
Ensure proper ample sunlight and ventilation as these are essential elements for positive energy and also facilitating the inflow of money.
Vastu Shastra for septic tank
Waste from the kitchen and bathrooms are collected in a septic tank, harbors negativity. This can adversely affect the people living in the house if it is not correctly located in the north-west direction, according to Vastu. It should be kept two feet away from the compound wall and not touch it at any cost.
While building your new home during the construction stage itself follow these measures to fill the home with radiant positive energy, health, money and prosperity. But these corrective measures can always be taken whenever you feel inclined.
Images Courtesy to respective owner
