The placement of a bedroom directly above a kitchen is a subject of significant discussion within Vastu Shastra. This configuration involves the intersection of two distinct elemental energies: the element of fire associated with the kitchen and the element of earth and space associated with the bedroom. When these energies interact vertically, it can potentially impact the physical and emotional well-being of the occupants. The source material highlights specific negative effects, remedies, and varying expert opinions regarding this architectural layout.
Elemental Dynamics and Potential Impacts
According to Vastu Shastra principles detailed in the source material, the kitchen represents the fire element (Agni), while the bedroom is a sanctuary for relaxation and tranquility. When a bedroom is situated directly above a kitchen, the heat and energetic vibrations from the fire element can rise and permeate the space above.
Source [2] explains that combining these two distinct energies can lead to specific issues. The source material explicitly lists the following potential negative impacts: * Mental stress * Digestion issues * Mood swings * Tension among family members * Attracting negative energy
Furthermore, Source [1] describes the location of a bedroom above a kitchen as creating a "heated environment." This environment is said to make a person become irritable and face problems with a lack of concentration. The energetic imbalance is the primary concern, suggesting that the stability required for restful sleep is compromised by the underlying fire element.
Expert Perspectives and Contradictions
The source material presents a divergence of opinions regarding the severity of this configuration. While traditional Vastu Shastra advises against it, there are accounts of experts dismissing the concern.
In Source [2], a user named Aruna Tank shares her experience: "The Vastu expert told me it was all just a myth and had nothing to do with negative energies." This expert further noted that they had "never observed kitchen energies causing any negative influence on bedroom energies." However, the same source also features a counter-perspective from another user, Saurya824, who consulted a Vastu expert that confirmed the configuration is "unfavorable" and can "harm health and well-being by causing an energy imbalance."
This contradiction in the source material indicates that while traditional guidelines warn against this placement, some modern practitioners may view it with less concern. For the purpose of this article, we will proceed with the traditional view that the configuration requires attention to mitigate potential negative effects, while acknowledging that expert opinions vary.
Vastu Remedies for Bedroom Above Kitchen
When the architectural layout cannot be changed, Vastu Shastra offers specific remedies to harmonize the energy and neutralize the negative effects of a bedroom located above a kitchen. The source material provides a list of practical adjustments and energy-correcting items.
Structural and Spatial Corrections
- Vastu Pyramid or Copper Strips: Source [2] suggests placing a Vastu pyramid or copper strips between the floor and the ceiling. These items are believed to act as barriers or harmonizers, balancing the energy flow between the kitchen and the bedroom.
- Wooden Flooring: Source [1] recommends using wooden flooring in the bedroom. Wood represents the earth element, which can help stabilize the excessive fire energy rising from the kitchen below.
- Four Plus Value Vastu Copper Corners: Source [1] specifically advises placing "four Plus Value Vastu copper corners" on the four corners of the flooring. Copper is associated with the planet Venus and is believed to have properties that can balance energy.
Energy Harmonizing Elements
- Plus Value Vastu Energy Plate: Placing this plate under the mattress is recommended by Source [1] to directly influence the sleeping individual's energy field.
- Natural Plus Value Crystal Rocks: Source [1] suggests using natural crystal rocks in the room to harmonize energy and reduce stress. Crystals are known for their vibrational properties.
- Bamboo Tree Painting: Enhancing room energy can be achieved by keeping a bamboo tree painting, as suggested in Source [1]. Bamboo is a symbol of growth and flexibility and is associated with the wood element, which feeds fire but also provides structure.
General Vastu Guidelines for Bedroom Harmony
While addressing the specific issue of the kitchen below, it is also beneficial to apply general Vastu principles to the bedroom to ensure a restorative environment. The source material provides several guidelines that contribute to a balanced space.
Bed Placement and Orientation
The placement of the bed is critical for ensuring restful sleep and positive energy. * Avoid Beams: Source [4] warns against placing the bed under exposed ceiling beams. This placement is considered inauspicious as it creates a sense of pressure and mental tension. If unavoidable, a false ceiling is recommended to neutralize the effect. * Diagonal Opposite to Door: The bed should ideally be placed diagonally opposite the door. This position allows for a sense of security and ensures a smooth flow of positive energy without blocking the entry. * Avoid Awkward Positions: The bed should not be positioned directly facing the bedroom door or in a corner where it blocks energy flow.
Mirrors and Reflections
Mirrors are powerful energy reflectors and must be used with caution in the bedroom. * Avoid Facing the Bed: Source [3] and Source [4] both advise against placing mirrors directly opposite or facing the bed. This is believed to disrupt sleep, cause restlessness, and can lead to misunderstandings or stress between partners if it is a couple's bedroom. * Covering Mirrors: If a mirror is present in the bedroom, Source [4] suggests covering it at night to prevent energy disturbances during sleep.
Electronics and EMFs
Modern bedrooms are often filled with electronic devices, which Vastu considers disruptive to the subtle energy flow. * Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs): Source [3] notes that electronics emit EMFs that disrupt sleep and affect energy flow. * Ideal Placement for Electronics: If electronics must be present, Source [3] recommends placing them in the southeast or northwest corners. The southeast is ruled by the element of fire, making it suitable for devices like televisions. * Television: If a TV is in the bedroom, it should be in the southeast corner and turned off during sleep. * Mobile Phones: Source [3] advises keeping mobile phones at least a few feet away from the bed and avoiding their use on the bed to reduce EMF exposure. * Electronics-Free Zone: Source [3] recommends keeping the bedroom an electronics-free zone by removing TVs, laptops, and phones, or at least keeping them unplugged at night.
Color, Clutter, and Objects
The visual and physical state of the room contributes significantly to its vibrational quality. * Soothing Colors: Source [4] recommends avoiding dark or harsh colors. Instead, use light blue, green, or pink to create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. * Clutter-Free Environment: Source [3] and Source [4] emphasize the importance of maintaining a neat and organized bedroom to ensure positive energy flow. Avoid piling unnecessary items, especially under the bed. * Broken Items: Source [4] advises against keeping broken or malfunctioning items in the bedroom, as they symbolize fractured relationships and obstacles. * Heavy Objects: Source [4] warns against placing heavy furniture like large wardrobes or shelves near or over the bed, as this can create a feeling of oppression and mental burden.
Wardrobe and Storage
Proper storage of belongings, particularly valuables, is a specific Vastu recommendation. * Placement: Source [3] suggests placing wardrobes in the southwest or west direction of the bedroom. * Valuables: Items such as cash or important documents should be stored in the north direction within the wardrobe to attract prosperity and security.
Conclusion
The configuration of a bedroom above a kitchen presents a unique challenge in Vastu Shastra due to the conflicting elements of fire and rest. The source material confirms that this layout can potentially lead to irritability, lack of concentration, mental stress, and family tension. However, traditional Vastu offers a robust set of remedies to mitigate these effects. By incorporating structural harmonizers like copper corners and pyramids, utilizing stabilizing materials like wood, and harmonizing the space with crystals and symbolic paintings, the negative impacts can be neutralized.
Furthermore, maintaining a bedroom according to general Vastu principles—such as ensuring proper bed placement, managing mirror positions, controlling electronics, and using soothing colors—contributes to a holistic environment of well-being. While expert opinions on the severity of the kitchen-below-bedroom issue may vary, the availability of these remedies ensures that individuals can take proactive steps to foster a peaceful and balanced living space, regardless of architectural constraints.