Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and spatial design, provides profound insights into how our living spaces influence our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Among the various directions and zones in a Vastu-compliant home, the South-South-West (SSW) direction holds particular significance due to its unique energetic properties. This article explores the implications of SSW direction placement, particularly for bedrooms, and offers guidance on creating harmonious living spaces according to Vastu principles.
Understanding the South-South-West Direction in Vastu
The South-South-West (SSW) direction represents a specific zone in the Vastu Purush Mandala, the metaphysical diagram that forms the basis of Vastu Shastra. This direction is distinct from the general Southwest direction and carries its own energetic characteristics and considerations. According to Vastu principles, understanding the subtle differences between directions is crucial for creating balanced living environments.
The SSW zone is governed by specific deities or energies known as Devtas. As per the Vastu Purush Mandala, Gandharva – the celestial musician – governs the SSW zone. Gandharva is considered the master of heightened senses and emotion, helping individuals fully feel and process experiences. Following Gandharva's influence, Bhringaraj rules the SSW zone. Interestingly, Bhringaraj is also a powerful detoxifying herb in Ayurveda, symbolizing the purifying and releasing nature of this direction.
In Vastu Shastra, the SSW direction is fundamentally understood as a "release zone" or a natural valve for energy discharge. It serves as a space where the household can let go of what is no longer needed, whether physically, emotionally, or energetically. This releasing function distinguishes it from other directions that may be more suited for accumulation, stability, or specific activities like sleeping and resting.
Southwest vs. South-South-West: Key Differences
A common point of confusion in Vastu Shastra arises from the distinction between the Southwest direction and the South-South-West (SSW) direction. These are not interchangeable concepts and have different implications for bedroom placement and overall home design.
The Southwest direction is generally considered highly auspicious for the master bedroom in Vastu Shastra. This direction is believed to bring good health, prosperity, and longevity to the homeowners. Bedrooms positioned in the Southwest corner promote stability in different areas of life, including relationships, career, health, and finances. This positioning is thought to foster unwavering focus and discipline, helping reduce distractions and boost productivity. Following Vastu principles in this direction may significantly enhance skill mastery and overall well-being.
In contrast, the South-South-West (SSW) direction, while part of the Southwest sector, has distinctly different energetic properties. The SSW zone itself is considered neutral in nature, but its specific function differs significantly from the general Southwest direction. Bedrooms, which require stability and energy retention, conflict with the release-oriented energy of the SSW direction. According to Vastu principles, about stability, rest, and retaining energy, the SSW direction presents a conflicting energy with the release vibe that it naturally facilitates.
To accurately identify these directions in a space, one can stand in the center of the room facing east. Using a compass to identify the east direction, raising arms to shoulder level will point the left arm toward the north and the right arm toward the south. The west side will be positioned right behind, making the southwest direction 45 degrees to the right. The SSW would be further to the right, approximately 22.5 degrees from the southwest direction.
The Energetic Nature of SSW Zone
The South-South-West direction operates according to what Vastu experts refer to as the "Gandharva-Bhringaraj cycle." This cycle governs how the SSW zone processes and releases energy, making it fundamentally different from other directions in the home. Understanding this energetic cycle is essential for comprehending why certain placements are recommended or discouraged in the SSW zone.
The SSW zone functions as a natural release valve for the entire living space. It allows for the proper disposal of energy that is no longer needed or beneficial. This could manifest as physical clutter that needs removal, emotional patterns that require release, or energetic residues that need clearing. The SSW direction essentially helps maintain the energetic hygiene of the home by ensuring that what has served its purpose can be properly released and transformed.
This releasing function is not inherently negative but rather serves a necessary purpose in the energetic ecosystem of the home. Just as the body eliminates waste to maintain health, the SSW zone helps eliminate stagnant or obsolete energy to maintain the overall balance and vitality of the living space. When functioning correctly, this direction supports the natural cycles of accumulation, utilization, and release that characterize all living systems.
The SSW direction also has connections to ancestral energies and karmic patterns. According to Vastu principles, this zone is associated with the energies of Rahu, which can bring illusion, confusion, and karmic entanglements. A main entrance door in the SSW zone, for example, is considered one of the worst placements as it can attract ancestral karmic blocks, health issues, or unresolved family baggage that repeatedly resurface.
Consequences of Imbalance in SSW Direction
When the SSW direction is not properly balanced or when inappropriate activities are placed in this zone, specific consequences can manifest. These effects can be understood by examining what happens when the SSW zone is either cut/missing or extended/protruding from the building structure.
When the SSW zone is cut or missing from the house, the natural release valve of the home is impaired. This energetic stagnation can manifest as difficulty letting go of physical possessions, emotional patterns, or mental concepts. Individuals may experience feeling stuck in life, lacking closure in various situations, and carrying an increased mental or emotional burden. The analogy of a clogged system aptly describes this condition, where waste accumulates because the normal channels of elimination are compromised.
Architecturally, a missing SSW zone creates asymmetry in the building structure, affecting how the construction handles thermal stress and structural load. Energetically, it disrupts the Gandharva-Bhringaraj cycle, hindering the ability to process and release emotions effectively. This disruption can contribute to a sense of being weighed down by unresolved issues, both personal and ancestral.
Conversely, when the SSW zone is extended or projects outwards from the building, it amplifies the disposal energy to an extreme degree. Rather than balanced release, this creates a situation of excessive energy leakage. The consequences can manifest as constant loss in various life areas—financial resources, opportunities, relationships, or personal energy. Individuals may experience general instability, mental exhaustion, and cycles of constantly trying to fix problems that arise from this energy imbalance.
The analogy of an open wound constantly bleeding energy effectively describes this condition. Instead of controlled and appropriate release, there is a continuous draining of vital life force. This can lead to feelings of depletion despite efforts to replenish resources, creating a frustrating pattern where progress is difficult to maintain.
Problems arise not because the SSW direction is inherently bad, but because of the incorrect placement of activities in this zone. Bedrooms, for example, require stability and energy retention, conflicting with the release-oriented energy of SSW. Similarly, puja rooms or temples need purity and uplifting energy, not the energy of decay and dissolution that might be associated with excessive release.
Vastu Guidelines for Bedroom Placement
Vastu Shastra provides specific guidelines for bedroom placement based on directional energies. While the Southwest direction is generally recommended for the master bedroom, other directions have their own significance for different purposes and family members.
The Southwest direction is considered highly significant in Vastu, often referred to as the "power seat" for the head of the family. It is believed to promote stability and strengthen familial bonds. When it comes to sleeping, placing the head towards the south is recommended for restful sleep and better overall health. This alignment with Vastu principles is thought to contribute positively to the well-being and harmony of the household.
Different directions are recommended for various family members and purposes:
Master Bedroom: The Southwest direction is ideal, promoting stability and strong relationships. This direction in Vastu is considered the "power seat" for the head of the family, fostering a sense of security and enhancing familial bonds.
Children's Bedroom: The West or Northwest direction is considered the sweet spot for children's bedrooms. This location helps in fostering creativity and a conducive environment for learning. Children should keep their heads towards the east for a bright and focused mind, waking up with a burst of sunshine.
Guest Bedroom: The Northeast direction is recommended for guest bedrooms. This orientation is believed to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for guests, enhancing their overall experience during their stay. The sleeping position should be with the head towards the east or south.
Elderly Members: The South or Southwest direction works well for elderly members of the family. It ensures their well-being and provides a sense of security. They should keep their heads towards the south for tranquil and undisturbed sleep.
Singles or Unmarried Individuals: The Northwest direction is considered suitable for singles or unmarried individuals in the family. It's thought to set the stage for new connections and opportunities.
East-facing bedrooms are considered ideal for students as they are believed to promote concentration and academic success. The alignment with the East is thought to harness positive energies that can positively influence a student's focus and learning capabilities.
West-facing bedrooms are particularly suitable for individuals in administrative roles, as they are believed to foster and enhance leadership qualities. The alignment with the West is thought to positively influence decision-making and overall effectiveness in managerial positions.
Remedial Measures for SSW Bedrooms
In situations where a bedroom is already located in the SSW direction or where structural modifications are not feasible, Vastu Shastra offers various remedial measures to mitigate potential negative effects. These approaches aim to balance the energies and create a more harmonious environment.
The first consideration is whether structural changes are possible. If feasible, relocating the bedroom to a more appropriate direction would be the ideal solution. However, when this is not possible, several Vastu remedies can help balance the SSW energies:
Color Therapy: Light colors are recommended for bedroom walls, such as soothing shades of pink, white, blue, or green. These colors can help create a calming atmosphere and counterbalance the excessive release energy of the SSW direction.
Lighting: Allowing sufficient natural light to flow into the room in the morning is beneficial. A table lamp with warm shades can help create a subtle and calming atmosphere during the evening hours. Proper lighting helps regulate the energy flow and creates a more balanced environment.
Electronic Device Placement: According to Vastu Shastra, electronic devices like televisions, computers, and mobile phones should not be kept in the bedroom as they can affect sleep quality. If necessary, they should be minimized and placed in the room's southeast corner, which is generally more suitable for such equipment.
Bed Position: The bed should not face the room entrance door, as this results in unstable energy in the bedroom. Additionally, there should not be an elevator (lift) or a staircase behind the wall where the bed is placed, as this can further destabilize the energy.
Energy Balancing Objects: Placing specific objects or symbols that represent stability and grounding can help counteract the releasing energy of the SSW direction. These might include earth elements, heavy furniture, or specific Vastu remedial items recommended by a qualified consultant.
Main Entrance Considerations: If the main entrance door is located in the SSW zone, it is considered one of the most problematic placements. This can attract ancestral karmic blocks, health issues, or unresolved family baggage. Remedies might include specific Vastu corrections or, if possible, changing the house layout.
It's important to note that while these measures can help balance the energies, they may not completely transform the fundamental nature of the SSW direction. The SSW zone's primary function remains energy release, which conflicts with the need for stability and energy retention in a bedroom.
Creating Harmony in Your Sleeping Space
Beyond directional considerations, creating a harmonious bedroom environment involves multiple factors that work together to support rest, rejuvenation, and positive energy flow. These general Vastu principles apply to all bedrooms, regardless of their directional placement.
The bedroom is a multi-function private space where people sleep, relax, visualize, love, meditate, read, write, and recover from illness. The energy of the bedroom significantly impacts relationships, health, and quality of life. It is essential to create a calm, relaxing, mood-elevating atmosphere in the bedroom. Enhancing a bedroom for romance is particularly important, as it serves as a comfort zone where good Vastu arrangement can strengthen the bond between couples.
If relationships suffer from arguments, aggressiveness, or disturbance, the first step should be to remove those negative influences. A questionable relationship needs quick correction, as some relationships can be toxic and unhealthy for one's life. A well-designed bedroom can help rejuvenate individuals throughout the night, allowing them to wake up refreshed.
Southwest bedrooms offer several advantages when properly designed. These include:
- The southwest corner receives the Sun's energy in the latter half of the day, providing a calming and soothing atmosphere beneficial for relaxation after a long day.
- Rooms in the southwest do not heat up quickly, promoting a comfortable environment and potentially reducing the need for excessive air conditioning, leading to cost savings.
- This direction is associated with the blessings of family members who have passed on, fostering a sense of connection and receiving their abundant blessings.
- If the head of the family sleeps and works in the southwest room, it cultivates a sense of stability in their nature.
- The bedroom in the southwestern part of the house is believed to bring good health and prosperity, enhancing longevity for family members.
A southwest-facing bedroom has only one key disadvantage according to some sources, though this is not detailed in the provided materials. Despite this, the overall benefits of southwest bedroom placement are considered significant when properly aligned with Vastu principles.
Conclusion
Understanding the South-South-West direction in Vastu Shastra requires recognizing its unique energetic properties and distinguishing it from the general Southwest direction. While the Southwest is considered highly auspicious for bedrooms, promoting stability and family bonds, the SSW direction serves as a natural release zone that conflicts with the energy retention needed for restful sleep.
The consequences of imbalance in the SSW direction can manifest as either energetic stagnation (when the zone is missing) or excessive energy leakage (when the zone is extended). These imbalances can affect various aspects of life, from health and relationships to financial stability and opportunities.
When bedroom placement in the SSW direction is unavoidable, Vastu remedial measures such as appropriate color choices, lighting, electronic device placement, and proper bed positioning can help create a more balanced environment. However, the most effective solution remains aligning bedrooms with directions that support their intended function, such as Southwest for the master bedroom, West or Northwest for children, and Northeast for guests.
Ultimately, Vastu Shastra offers a comprehensive approach to creating living spaces that support human well-being by aligning with natural energetic principles. By understanding and respecting the unique characteristics of each direction, particularly the nuanced differences between Southwest and South-South-West, homeowners can create environments that promote harmony, stability, and positive energy flow in all areas of life.