Introduction
In Vastu Shastra, the placement of the main entrance is considered a crucial element that influences the flow of energy, prosperity, and well-being of the occupants. A west-facing house, while not inherently inauspicious, requires careful planning and adherence to specific Vastu principles to ensure a harmonious and beneficial living environment. According to the provided documentation, the auspiciousness of a west-facing entrance depends on its exact location within the Vastu Purusha Mandala, a symbolic representation of the ideal cosmic order.
While some Vastu consultants may caution against a west-facing house due to the symbolic association of the west with darkness, the sources clarify that a well-planned west-facing house can bring significant prosperity and success, especially when the entrance is located in favorable energy zones. The correct placement of the main entrance in a west-facing house is essential to align with positive energies and avoid areas that may cause instability, financial loss, or health issues.
This article explores the recommended and avoided entrance positions for a west-facing house, offers practical Vastu corrections, and integrates insights from holistic energy balancing to help individuals create a balanced and auspicious living space.
Understanding the Importance of the Entrance in Vastu Shastra
The entrance of a house is considered the gateway to the home's energy. It is through this point that the external environment interacts with the internal space. In Vastu Shastra, this interaction is believed to influence the overall well-being of the residents. A properly aligned and strategically placed entrance can invite positive energies, promote growth, and support harmony in all aspects of life.
For a west-facing house, the placement of the entrance is of particular importance. The west direction is associated with the setting sun and is often linked with the element of earth. However, as the sources emphasize, a west-facing house can still be highly auspicious if the entrance is located in one of the recommended energy fields.
The Vastu Purusha Mandala and Entrance Placement
The Vastu Purusha Mandala is a symbolic representation of the ideal cosmic order and is used to determine the most auspicious locations for key elements in a home. It divides the space into 16 or 64 "padas" or sections, each with its own unique energy characteristics. For a west-facing house, the main entrance should be placed in one of the most favorable "padas" to ensure a harmonious flow of energy.
The documentation outlines specific "padas" that are considered auspicious for a west-facing entrance. These include:
Sugreev (3rd Pada) – The most auspicious location for a west-facing entrance. It is ideal for traders and businesspeople, bringing growth, prosperity, and success in endeavors. It also supports children's education and is particularly beneficial for educational institutions.
Pushpdant (4th Pada) – A highly auspicious placement that represents the power of blessings. It is associated with the assistant of Varun (the controller of the universe) and the vehicle of Lord Kuber (the god of wealth). This position ensures good financial growth and stability.
Varun (5th Pada) – A good placement that is associated with the controller of the universe and is linked to the element of water. While it can bring prosperity, it may also encourage over-ambition. Therefore, it is considered a good but cautious choice.
These energy fields are considered the most favorable for a west-facing entrance, as they align with positive energies and promote harmony in the home.
Avoided Entrance Positions for a West-Facing House
While certain entrance positions in a west-facing house are considered auspicious, others are strongly discouraged due to their potential to bring instability, financial loss, or health issues. The sources emphasize that the placement of the entrance in the following energy fields should be avoided:
Pitra (South West) – This is the worst possible location for a west-facing entrance. It is associated with poor financial position, instability in life, and can even affect the lifespan of the residents. It is considered highly inauspicious and should be avoided at all costs.
Duawarik – This position is linked to instability in relationships, career problems, and emotional turbulence. It can lead to conflicts and disharmony among family members.
Asur – A highly negative placement that can lead to daily fatigue, poor physical strength, depression, and a constant feeling of being drained. It is associated with negative energies and should be avoided.
Shosha – This position is linked to physical weakness, death-like feelings, drug addiction tendencies, and delays in all aspects of life. It is considered extremely inauspicious and should be avoided.
Papyakshama – This placement is associated with skin diseases, growth through unlawful means, legal troubles, and serious complications. It is considered a high-risk position and should be avoided.
The documentation clearly states that placing the main entrance in any of these energy fields can have adverse effects on the residents. Therefore, it is essential to carefully assess the entrance position during the planning phase to avoid these negative influences.
Vastu Corrections and Remedial Measures for West-Facing Houses
Even if a house is not originally designed according to Vastu principles, there are several remedial measures that can be taken to correct energy imbalances and promote harmony. The sources suggest the following corrections and remedies for a west-facing house:
1. Vastu Paintings and Color Schemes
Vastu paintings play a vital role in correcting energy imbalances in a house. They can be used to attract positive energies and counteract negative influences. For a west-facing house, it is recommended to use paintings that depict natural landscapes, positive imagery, and auspicious symbols.
The color scheme is also important. The sources suggest using colors that are associated with the west direction, such as earth tones, to promote stability and balance. These colors include browns, beiges, and soft greens.
2. Strategic Placement of Mirrors
Mirrors can be used to reflect and redirect energies in a space. In a west-facing house, it is recommended to place mirrors in specific locations to enhance the flow of positive energy. For example, a mirror placed in the north-east corner can help attract positive energies and promote prosperity.
However, it is important to avoid placing mirrors in the south-west corner, as this can lead to instability and negative influences. Mirrors should also be kept away from bedrooms and bathrooms, as they can disrupt the balance of energies in these spaces.
3. Indoor Plants and Greenery
Indoor plants are considered beneficial in Vastu Shastra, as they help purify the air and promote positive energy. For a west-facing house, it is recommended to place indoor plants in the north-east corner, as this is considered a highly auspicious location.
Plants such as money plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are particularly beneficial for promoting harmony and prosperity. They also help in balancing the elements and creating a positive environment.
4. Vastu Pyramids and Energy Enhancers
Vastu pyramids are considered powerful tools for balancing energies in a space. They can be placed near the entrance to enhance the flow of positive energy and counteract negative influences. For a west-facing house, it is recommended to place a Vastu pyramid in the north-west corner, as this is considered an auspicious location.
In addition to pyramids, other energy enhancers such as crystals, gemstones, and wind chimes can also be used to promote balance and harmony. These tools are believed to attract positive energies and support overall well-being.
Additional Vastu Guidelines for a West-Facing House
Beyond the placement of the entrance and the use of Vastu corrections, there are several other guidelines that should be followed to ensure a harmonious and auspicious environment in a west-facing house. These include:
1. Wall Thickness and Stability
The walls in the south and west directions should be thicker and higher than those in the east and north. This helps in maintaining the stability of the structure and supports the flow of positive energies. It also helps in creating a sense of security and balance in the home.
2. Placement of Key Rooms
The placement of key rooms such as the kitchen, master bedroom, and living room is also important. For a west-facing house, it is recommended to place the kitchen in the south-east or north-west corner, as these are considered auspicious locations. The master bedroom should be placed in the south-west corner, as this is considered the best location for promoting stability in relationships and long-term benefits.
The living room and puja room should be placed in the north-east corner, as this is considered a highly auspicious location for promoting prosperity and spiritual well-being.
3. Slope of the Plot
The slope of the plot is also an important consideration. A plot that slopes from the south to the north is considered auspicious, as it supports the flow of positive energies and promotes stability. It also helps in maintaining a balanced and harmonious environment in the home.
Conclusion
A west-facing house can be highly auspicious if the entrance is placed in one of the recommended energy fields. The placement of the entrance is a critical factor in determining the overall well-being of the residents and should be carefully considered during the planning phase. By following the Vastu guidelines for entrance placement and incorporating Vastu corrections such as paintings, mirrors, and indoor plants, individuals can create a harmonious and prosperous living environment.
In addition to Vastu corrections, it is important to consider other factors such as the thickness of walls, the placement of key rooms, and the slope of the plot. These factors also play a role in promoting balance and harmony in the home. By following these guidelines, individuals can create a space that supports their well-being and promotes success in all aspects of life.