Vastu Shastra is an ancient architectural science rooted in the precise alignment of living spaces with cosmic energies. Central to this practice is the accurate identification of directional zones, which dictates the flow of energy within a property. A critical aspect of this process involves determining the exact facing of a building using a compass. Without accurate compass readings, the calculation of Vastu zones becomes incorrect, potentially masking the root cause of issues experienced by residents. The science relies entirely on directions as energy centers, and even a minor discrepancy of 3 to 4 degrees can render the analysis of the 16 Vastu zones invalid.
To apply Vastu principles effectively, one must first establish the accurate North point of the property. This involves a specific process of mapping the floor plan and locating the center point. Once the center is identified and the North point is accurately plotted on the map, the 16 Vastu zones can be marked. These zones are divided into sections covering 22.5 degrees each, extending from the center of the house to the periphery. This precise division allows for the correct placement of entrances, which are considered gateways for specific energies.
The 16 Vastu Zones and Directional Accuracy
The foundation of Vastu analysis lies in the 16 Vastu zones, which are derived from the cardinal, inter-cardinal, and secondary inter-cardinal directions. Understanding these zones is essential for identifying the nature of energy entering through any specific point.
Compass Degrees and Directions
The compass is the primary tool for determining the facing of a home. The cardinal directions are defined by specific degrees: * North: 0°/360° * East: 90° * South: 180° * West: 270°
These cardinal directions are separated by 90 degrees. Between them lie the inter-cardinal (ordinal) directions, each located exactly halfway between two cardinal directions: * North-East (NE): 45° * South-East (SE): 135° * South-West (SW): 225° * North-West (NW): 315°
Further subdivisions create the secondary inter-cardinal points, which complete the 16 zones. These are located halfway between each cardinal and inter-cardinal point: * NNE (North-North-East): 22.5° * ENE (East-North-East): 67.5° * ESE (East-South-East): 112.5° * SSE (South-South-East): 157.5° * SSW (South-South-West): 202.5° * WSW (West-South-West): 247.5° * WNW (West-North-West): 292.5° * NNW (North-North-West): 337.5°
Mapping the Zones
To map these zones on a floor plan, one must draw lines from the center point of the house to the North point. Subsequently, lines are drawn clockwise at intervals of 22.5 degrees to mark all 16 zones. This grid allows for the precise location of rooms, kitchens, water tanks, and entrances relative to their energetic influence.
The Pushpadant Energy Field and the W4 Entrance
The West direction (270°) is a cardinal direction in Vastu Shastra. Within the West zone, specific sub-zones hold unique energetic properties. One such significant point is the W4 entrance, which is associated with the Pushpadant Energy Field.
West Direction and W4 Entrance
According to Vastu principles, the West direction is governed by specific energies. The W4 entrance is identified as a positive entrance within this direction. It is specifically linked to the Pushpadant Devata (deity). While the source material provides the designation of the W4 entrance as positive and associated with Pushpadant, it does not specify the exact degree range for W4, nor does it detail the specific attributes such as color, food, or planet associated with the Pushpadant Devata in this context.
The classification of entrances as "positive" or "negative" is based on ancient texts and the specific energy fields they access. A positive entrance like W4 is believed to facilitate the flow of beneficial energies into the home, supporting the well-being of the residents.
Vastu for Main Door Facing West
When considering a West-facing property, the placement of the main door is critical. The West direction is generally divided into eight potential entry points, similar to the North direction. Identifying the correct pada (entrance) is crucial for harnessing auspicious energies.
Auspicious Entrances in the West
While the provided data focuses heavily on the North direction, it mentions that the West has specific padas. The W4 entrance is identified as a positive entrance. However, the source material does not list all the auspicious padas for the West direction with the same detail as the North. It does provide information on inauspicious padas in the West, such as W6 (Asur), W7 (Shosha), and W8 (Papyakshama), which should be avoided.
- W6 (Asur): Located in the half portion of the WNW direction. This pada is associated with physical weakness, fatigue, and depression.
- W7 (Shosha): Located in the half portion of the WNW direction. This entrance is linked to physical weakening and potential issues with addiction.
- W8 (Papyakshama): Located in the half portion of the NW direction. This entrance encourages unfair actions for personal benefit, leading to future complications.
The Importance of Correct Placement
The text emphasizes that while the South direction is often viewed with caution, the South West entrance must be avoided under all circumstances. For West-facing homes, avoiding the negative padas (W6, W7, W8) is as important as identifying positive ones like W4.
Vastu for Main Door Facing North
The North direction is highly favored in Vastu Shastra for property acquisition. It is the direction of water and wealth, and it offers more auspicious padas than any other direction. There are eight potential entries in the North, three of which are considered highly lucky.
Lucky Padas for North-Facing Properties
- Mukhya / N3: Represented by the half portion of the NNW direction. This is considered a major energy field, auspicious for money and male offspring, as per Vishwakarma Prakash.
- Bhallat / N4: Represented by the half portion of the North direction. Bhallat is the God of Abundance. Entering through this pada brings great wealth and blessings.
- Soma / N5: Represented by the half portion of the North direction. This is another favorable energy field, associated with Soma (moon energy).
These lucky padas are often illustrated with red arrows in Vastu diagrams to indicate their positive influence.
Vastu for Main Door Facing South
The South direction is often misunderstood in Vastu Shastra. While many experts advise against a main gate in the South, the source material clarifies that this is not entirely true. Many wealthy businessmen and significant temples (such as Kedarnath and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling) face South, indicating that it can be a powerful direction when handled correctly.
The key caution regarding the South is to strictly avoid the main door in the South West. The South West is a critical zone for stability and strength, and an entrance here disrupts the foundational energy of the property.
Holistic Approach to Spatial Planning
Vastu Shastra is not merely about placing doors; it is a holistic science that integrates the floor plan with the 16 Vastu zones. The process begins with the compass and ends with a harmonized living space.
Steps for Vastu Compliance
- Accurate Compass Reading: Determine the exact North point of the house. A professional approach involves ensuring the compass is read correctly to avoid errors in zone calculation.
- Floor Plan Gridding: Once the map is drawn, identify the center point. If the house has cuts or extensions, an imaginary square or rectangle is drawn to find the center.
- Zone Identification: Mark the 16 Vastu zones from the center point outward, dividing the 360-degree circle into 22.5-degree segments.
- Entrance Location: Locate the main entrance within these zones. Compare the entrance degree with the known auspicious and inauspicious padas. For example, if the entrance falls in the W4 zone, it is classified as a positive Pushpadant entrance. If it falls in W6, W7, or W8, it is negative.
- Room Placement: Although not detailed in the provided source data, standard Vastu practice involves placing the kitchen in the South-East, master bedroom in the South-West, and water elements in the North-East.
The Role of Energy Fields
Each zone corresponds to a specific energy field. The West direction, for instance, relates to the Pushpadant energy field at the W4 point. This field is distinct from the energies of the North (water, wealth) or the South (fire, stability). Understanding these subtle distinctions allows for precise corrections and optimizations.
Conclusion
The W4 entrance in Vastu Shastra represents a specific positive energy field located within the West direction. Its identification requires precise compass readings and a thorough understanding of the 16 Vastu zones. While the West direction contains both auspicious and inauspicious entry points, the W4 entrance is designated as positive. However, the source material does not provide the specific attributes (color, food, planet) for the Pushpadant Devata associated with this direction. For a West-facing property, ensuring the main door is not placed in negative zones like W6, W7, or W8 is critical. The science of Vastu relies on accurate directional mapping to harmonize the living environment, and the W4 entrance is one such point that, when correctly identified, contributes to the positive energy flow within the home.