The main entrance of a home serves as a critical gateway for both inhabitants and cosmic energy, establishing the foundational vibrational quality of the living space. In Vastu Shastra, the positioning of entry points is considered paramount, as they dictate the inflow of prosperity, health, and harmony. For properties featuring multiple entrances, understanding the specific influences of each direction and the precise padas (divisions) within those directions is essential for maintaining balance. This comprehensive guide explores the principles governing homes with two entrances, drawing upon traditional Vastu wisdom to provide actionable insights for harmonizing energy flow.
The Significance of Entrance Direction in Vastu Shastra
The main entrance to a house is not merely a physical entry point for people; it is also the primary conduit for cosmic energy. Correct positioning according to Vastu principles creates a harmonious relationship between the dwelling and the universe. A well-placed entrance ensures that the energy entering the home supports the occupants' well-being and success, while a poorly positioned one can lead to stagnation or negativity.
In Vastu Shastra, the circle of 360 degrees is divided into 32 distinct entrances, each covering 11.25 degrees. Every cardinal direction—North, East, South, and West—is further subdivided into eight possible entrances. These are labeled as N1 to N8 for North, E1 to E8 for East, S1 to S8 for South, and W1 to W8 for West. Each entrance creates its own unique effect, but only a select few offer predominantly positive results. Identifying the specific padas on a property map is the first step in determining the most beneficial entrance zones.
Evaluating Directional Attributes for Dual Entrances
When a home features two entrances, it is crucial to evaluate the specific qualities associated with each direction. Vastu texts associate different deities and energies with the cardinal directions, influencing the type of benefits or challenges one might encounter.
- North Facing Entrances: This direction is ruled by Kubera, the God of fortune. Entrances in the North are generally considered ideal for financial stability and career growth. They attract abundance and prosperity.
- East Facing Entrances: Ruled by Indra, the Lord of heaven and weather, East-facing entrances are highly auspicious. They promote health, peace, and overall prosperity, allowing the beneficial morning sun energy to enter the home.
- West Facing Entrances: Associated with Varuna, the God of the seas, West-facing entrances are acceptable but often require additional care to avoid conflicts. Specifically, the Northwest direction is beneficial as it brings in evening sun and wealth.
- South Facing Entrances: This direction is ruled by Yama, the God of justice and death. Generally, South-facing entrances are considered inauspicious. However, specific padas within the South direction can mitigate negative effects or even offer benefits.
Analyzing South Direction Padas for Secondary Entrances
If a second entrance must be placed in the South direction, Vastu Shastra provides detailed guidance on specific padas to accept or avoid. The South wall is ideally divided into nine equal sections to pinpoint the optimal location.
- S3 (Vitatha): This pada provides immense prosperity and success. Residents often become skilled at getting their work done. However, there is a caveat: this entrance may encourage the adoption of unfair methods or tricks, making residents potentially unreliable despite their prosperity.
- S4 (Grihrakshita): Considered the best entrance location in the South direction. It brings prosperity and fame, making it particularly favorable for actors and media professionals.
- S5 (Yama): This is an ominous entrance. It is associated with debts and financial losses. It is strongly advised not to construct an entrance gate in this zone.
- S6 (Gandharva): This entrance is known to cause humiliation and poverty. It is linked to financial losses and defame.
- S7 (Bhringraj): This zone results in wasted efforts in various aspects of life. Occupants may become uninterested in hard work, leading to disappointment.
- S8 (Mriga): This is the most inauspicious entrance according to Vastu Shastra. It can make people rude and insensitive, leading to social isolation and loss of wealth, power, and strength. It may also bring sorrow related to children.
Practical Guidelines for Managing Two Entrances
When dealing with a house that has two entrances, specific dos and don'ts can help maintain positive energy flow and prevent the loss of wealth or harmony.
Door Mechanics and Design
The main door should ideally be the largest door in the house and should open in a clockwise direction. It is advisable to have a main door with two shutters. The door must be sturdy, not shaky or cracked. High-quality wood is the preferred material for the main door. A stone or wooden threshold is recommended to prevent the loss of wealth. Circular or sliding entrance doors are generally discouraged.
Pathway and Passageway
The pathway leading to the main entrance should be clear of obstructions such as garbage bins, broken furniture, or overgrown plants. These block the flow of positive energy and create stagnation. Sharp edges or corners pointing toward the entrance generate negative vibes; rounded designs or mirrors can be used to deflect such harmful energy.
Ideally, a home should feature a narrow passage at the entrance that then opens up into a wider space. This design, often found in homes with a foyer, is considered auspicious. The passageway should be kept minimal in furniture to avoid obstruction. A small table or console for keys and mail is practical, but shoes, umbrellas, and other clutter should be avoided. Sharp or pointed objects in the passageway create negative energy, while natural fragrances or incense can create a pleasant, welcoming environment. If space permits, a small water fountain or aquarium in the entrance area is auspicious, signifying flow and prosperity.
Remedial Measures for Doshas
If the main door aligns with another home's entrance, creating a dosha, a remedial measure involves drawing a swastika with red turmeric powder on the door. Additionally, avoiding alignments with large obstacles like poles, trees, or wires directly in front of the entrance is crucial, as these block positive energy. Septic tanks near the entrance should be avoided.
Color Psychology
Colors play a significant role in enhancing the energy of the entrance based on the direction. The following table outlines the recommended colors for home entrances according to their ruling planets and directions:
| Direction | Ruling Planet | Color for Home Entrance |
|---|---|---|
| North | Mercury | Green |
| South | Mars | Coral red, pink, or orange shades |
| East | Sun | Wooden colors, yellow or gold, light blue |
| Northeast | Jupiter | Yellow or cream |
| West | Saturn | Blue |
| Southwest | Rahu | Yellow or smoky colors, grey, or brown |
| Southeast | Venus | Silver white, orange, pink |
| Northwest | Moon | White |
Nameplate and Decor
A well-maintained and attractive nameplate is believed to bring good luck. Decorations should not be torn or faded. It is important to avoid placing a shoe rack or shoes in front of the main entrance. Symbols or paintings depicting violence, sorrow, or negativity should be avoided near the entrance. While thorny plants or cacti are not ideal, natural fragrances and plants can enhance the positive vibe.
Optimizing the Secondary Entrance
For a secondary entrance, the principles of direction remain applicable, though the intensity of influence may vary. If the secondary entrance is in the West, ensuring it is in the Northwest direction can enhance Vastu benefits. If the secondary entrance is in the South, referring to the specific padas (S3 or S4 being the most favorable) is critical. However, the primary entrance should always be the most auspicious one (North or East), while the secondary entrance should be managed with care to avoid negative impacts.
If a South-facing entrance is unavoidable, specific tips can mitigate its effects. The South wall should be divided into nine equal sections. The best spots for the main door in a South-facing house are sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 starting from the east side. This effectively means the door should ideally face North or East as much as possible within the South-facing orientation.
Conclusion
Managing a home with two entrances requires a nuanced understanding of Vastu Shastra. The goal is to ensure that the flow of cosmic energy supports the health, wealth, and harmony of the occupants. By prioritizing North or East-facing entrances as the primary entry, carefully selecting padas for any South-facing secondary entrances, and adhering to design and maintenance guidelines, homeowners can create a balanced living environment. The main door acts as the "mouth" of the house, and ensuring it is large, well-maintained, and positioned correctly is the foundation of a Vastu-compliant home. Regular observation of the energy flow and applying appropriate remedies can further harmonize the space, allowing prosperity and positivity to flourish.