Introduction
Water, one of the five essential elements in Vastu Shastra, holds significant importance as a source of life and profound influence on the environment and human well-being. The correct placement and flow of water can enhance positivity and prosperity in a household, while improper management may lead to negative effects. According to Vastu principles, the location and direction of water bodies such as ponds, fountains, and swimming pools are crucial considerations in architectural design. This article explores the implications of placing water elements in the west direction based on traditional Vastu guidelines and offers insights into maintaining harmonious energy flow in living spaces.
The Significance of Water in Vastu Shastra
Water remains one of the lifelines of existence in Vastu philosophy, directly linked with prosperity and abundance. The science of Vastu Shastra acknowledges the prime position of water in architectural designs, associating it with fertility, affluence, and auspiciousness. The presence of water bodies like rivers, ponds, and wells in the auspicious Ishan (northeast) direction is believed to prove highly beneficial for those utilizing the space.
Vastu principles suggest that the more free flow of water in a location, the greater the fertility and affluence experienced by the occupants. This fundamental understanding underscores why careful consideration of water placement is essential when designing both residential and commercial spaces. Suitable provisions for making adequate water available should ideally be made in a plot of land even before building construction begins, whether in the form of open wells, tube wells, water tanks, or hand pumps.
Ideal Directions for Water Bodies in Vastu
According to Vastu Shastra, the north and northeast directions are considered the most auspicious for water elements. These directions are believed to bring wealth, health, and prosperity when properly utilized with water features. The north direction is specifically associated with wealth and prosperity, governed by Lord Kubera, the deity of wealth. The northeast direction, known as 'Ishan,' is considered sacred and is governed by Lord Shiva.
For specific water elements:
Ponds and Fountains: Should be placed in the north or northeast direction. Flowing water in these areas symbolizes the flow of positive energy and wealth into the house.
Swimming Pools: Ideally located in the northeast or east direction. The north direction is also acceptable if the northeast is not feasible. Avoid placing swimming pools in the south, west, or southwest directions as this may lead to adverse effects on health and finances.
Wells and Borewells: Should be dug in the northeast direction. If this is not feasible, the east direction is the next best option. Avoid placing wells in the southwest, northwest, or southeast as this may lead to financial losses and health issues.
Overhead Water Tanks: Should be placed in the southwest direction. This placement ensures stability and prevents leakage of wealth. Placing them in the northeast is highly inauspicious and can lead to financial difficulties and health problems.
Underground Water Tanks: Should ideally be in the north or northeast direction to help harness positive energy and ensure a continuous flow of wealth and prosperity.
The Problem with Water Elements in the West Direction
When water elements are placed in the west direction, Vastu principles indicate potential negative consequences for the occupants. Multiple sources explicitly state that water features in the west are problematic:
- Swimming pools placed in the west direction are considered inauspicious and may lead to adverse effects on health and finances.
- Waterwalls, fountains, pools, and other water features in the west are classified as being in wrong locations according to Vastu Shastra.
- The presence of water in the west disrupts the natural energy flow and can create imbalances in the living environment.
From the broader perspective of directional elements in Vastu, water is permissible from the north of northwest (18 degrees from the north-south axis) up to the northeast direction. Even toward the east, the water element can be placed safely without negative effects. However, the west direction falls outside this permissible range for water elements.
Effects of West-Direction Water Bodies
When water elements are improperly placed in the west direction, several negative effects may manifest:
Financial Implications: The west direction is associated with stability and support in Vastu. When water elements disrupt this direction, it may lead to financial instability and loss of wealth.
Health Concerns: Improper placement of water in the west may contribute to health issues among the occupants, particularly related to water-related ailments or chronic conditions.
Energy Disruption: Water in the west disrupts the natural flow of energy in the environment, creating stagnant or negative energy patterns that affect the overall harmony of the space.
Weakening of Positive Energies: The presence of water in the west weakens the positive energies associated with this direction, diminishing its beneficial effects on the occupants.
Remedial Measures for West-Direction Water Bodies
When a pond or other water feature is already located in the west direction, remedial measures may be necessary to mitigate potential negative effects. While the source materials do not provide specific remedies for ponds in the west, general Vastu principles suggest several approaches:
Expert Consultation: The sources emphasize that exact remedial measures should be determined by a qualified Vastu consultant who can assess the specific situation and provide personalized recommendations.
Element Balancing: Since the west direction is associated with the earth element, balancing techniques may involve strengthening the earth element while mitigating the disruptive effects of water.
Color Corrections: As mentioned in the sources, color plays a significant role in element balancing. For the north direction specifically, repainting walls with colors representing the water element (such as blue or other water-like hues) can restore harmony. While not directly addressing the west, this principle suggests that color adjustments might be part of a comprehensive remedy strategy.
Structural Modifications: In some cases, structural modifications to the water feature itself may be recommended to reduce its negative impact.
Energy Diversion: Techniques for redirecting or neutralizing the energy from the water feature may be employed by qualified practitioners.
Water Flow Considerations in Different Areas
Beyond the placement of water bodies, the direction of water flow within a property is also significant according to Vastu principles:
Kitchen Water Flow
In the kitchen, the sink should be placed in the northeast direction. The water should flow towards the northeast, north, or east. This setup is believed to maintain a balance between fire (the stove) and water elements, ensuring harmony in the household.
Bathroom Water Flow
Bathrooms should be located in the west or northwest direction of the house. The water outlets should be in the northeast, east, or north direction. This ensures that the used water flows out efficiently without creating negative energy.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting systems should ideally be placed in the northeast direction according to Vastu guidelines. This placement not only conserves water but also ensures that the collected water carries positive energy throughout the property.
Alternative Water Features for West Direction
While traditional ponds and swimming pools are not recommended in the west direction, other water features might be more appropriate:
Tabletop Waterfalls: Smaller water features that can be placed on desks, tabletops, or shelves. These denote financial gains, plenty, and accomplishment without the disruptive effects of larger water bodies in unfavorable directions.
Decorative Water Elements: Small, contained water features that can be strategically placed to enhance specific areas without violating Vastu principles.
Indoor Water Features: Carefully designed indoor water elements that can be positioned according to Vastu guidelines while still providing the aesthetic and energetic benefits of water.
Practical Considerations for Water Element Placement
When implementing water elements in a property, several practical considerations should be kept in mind:
Professional Assessment: Before installing any water feature, consulting with a qualified Vastu expert is recommended to determine the most appropriate placement and design.
Size and Scale: The size of water elements should be proportional to the space and in harmony with the overall property design.
Maintenance: Water features require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning and to prevent stagnation, which can lead to negative energy accumulation.
Integration with Other Elements: Water elements should be integrated harmoniously with the other four elements (earth, air, fire, and space) to create balanced energy throughout the property.
Conclusion
Water elements play a crucial role in Vastu Shastra, influencing the energy, prosperity, and well-being of occupants. According to traditional guidelines, the west direction is not suitable for major water features such as ponds and swimming pools, as this placement may lead to financial instability, health concerns, and energy disruption. When implementing water elements in a property, careful consideration of direction, flow, and integration with other elements is essential.
For those with existing water features in unfavorable directions, consulting with a qualified Vastu expert is recommended to determine appropriate remedial measures. By understanding and respecting the principles of Vastu related to water elements, homeowners and business owners can create spaces that support prosperity, health, and harmonious energy flow.