West-facing houses have long been a subject of interest in Vastu Shastra, often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. For homeowners and prospective buyers, particularly within the context of the United States, understanding the specific guidelines for these properties is essential for fostering a harmonious living environment. Contrary to popular belief, a west-facing orientation is not inherently inauspicious. When designed and corrected according to Vastu principles, these homes can bring wealth, social connections, and career opportunities, particularly for entrepreneurs and those seeking gains. The core objective of Vastu Shastra for a west-facing house is to maintain equilibrium among the five vital elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—ensuring a smooth flow of positive energy that supports the residents' well-being, health, and prosperity.
Dr. Kunal Kaushik, a noted practitioner, approaches west-facing house Vastu with a calm, scientific, and experience-backed methodology, moving away from fear-based superstition. His approach involves studying the layout, directions, usage patterns, and surroundings to align the space with the actual lifestyle of the occupants. Whether for a compact apartment or a sprawling villa, the goal is to create a home that supports how families live, work, and rest. A well-aligned west-facing home often results in a smoother daily flow, fewer layout irritations, and a subtle sense of support. Conversely, ignoring Vastu principles can lead to a feeling of heaviness, overheating in the evenings, or a general sense of unsettling energy. This guide explores the specific do’s, don’ts, and remedial measures for west-facing properties, focusing on entrance placement, room orientation, and the elimination of Vastu Doshas.
Optimal Entrance Placement for West-Facing Homes
The placement of the main entrance is paramount in Vastu Shastra, as it serves as the gateway for energy entering the home. For a west-facing house, the auspiciousness of the entrance door depends heavily on its exact location within the Vastu Purush Mandala. The west side is divided into several energy fields, or padas, and selecting the correct one is critical for positive outcomes. The entrance should ideally be located in or around the center of the west direction, specifically in the energy fields of Sugreev, Pushpdant, or Varun.
The most recommended positions for the main door include:
- Sugreev (3rd Pada): Considered the BEST CHOICE, this placement is particularly beneficial for traders, businessmen, and educational institutes. It is believed to bring amazing growth, prosperity, and is advantageous for children’s education.
- Pushpdant (4th Pada): This is an EXCELLENT placement. It represents the power of blessing and is associated with Lord Kuber, the wealth giver. Residents may experience good financial growth and stability.
- Varun (5th Pada): This is a GOOD placement, but it should be approached with caution. As the controller of the universe and a granter of immortality, this energy field can bring prosperity. However, there is a risk of over-ambition, so balanced living is advised.
It is equally important to avoid certain energy fields to prevent negative consequences. The entrance in the North West of the house is considered potentially dangerous for residents. Furthermore, an entrance towards the South West corner is deemed worst and should be strictly avoided, as it can lead to significant losses and instability in life.
Room Placement and Design Guidelines
Proper placement of key rooms within a west-facing house is essential for maintaining positive energy flow. The following guidelines help create a balanced and harmonious environment:
- Living Room: The living room is best placed in the Northwest corner of the house. This orientation supports social connections and positive interactions among family members and guests.
- Kitchen: The kitchen, representing the fire element, should be located in the Southeast corner. This placement ensures that the fire energy is contained and utilized correctly for nourishment and health.
- Master Bedroom: The master bedroom should ideally be positioned in the Southwest corner. This grounding location provides stability, strength, and control to the heads of the household. It is important to avoid having bedrooms located directly over toilets or kitchens, as this can disrupt the energy flow.
- Pooja Room (Prayer/ Meditation Room): The Northeast corner is the most auspicious location for a pooja room. This zone, known as the Ishan corner, is ideal for spiritual practices and inviting divine energies into the home.
- Garden or Open Spaces: Open spaces or gardens in the Southwest zone should be avoided. This area needs to be more solid and occupied to maintain structural and energetic stability.
Design rules also emphasize using bright interior colors to enhance positive energy. The orientation of the house offers distinct advantages, such as beautiful sunsets, early morning sunlight at the back of the house, and cooler front rooms in hot climates. However, potential disadvantages can include limited sunlight, which might lead to higher utility bills, and challenges in colder climates where warmth is needed.
Vastu Doshas and Remedial Measures
Several common Vastu Doshas (imbalances or defects) can occur in west-facing houses if not planned correctly. These can manifest as heaviness, financial instability, or health issues. Fortunately, Vastu offers specific remedies to mitigate these effects and restore harmony.
Common Doshas and their remedies include:
- Incorrect Entrance Placement: If the main door is in an inauspicious pada (such as Pitra in the South West), it can cause major issues. Remedies include using Vastu symbols, specific paintings, or making minor adjustments to the door frame if possible.
- Imbalanced Room Placement: Having a kitchen in the Northeast or a master bedroom in the Southeast can create elemental imbalances. Remedies involve adjusting the room's function if possible, or using specific elemental balancing techniques like placing a pyramid or a bowl of salt.
- Overhead Beams or Clutter: Beams over beds or heavy clutter in the Northeast or Southwest corners can block energy flow. The remedy is to remove clutter and use bamboo flutes under beams to diffuse the pressure.
- Southwest Open Spaces: As mentioned, an open space or garden in the Southwest is a significant Dosha. The remedy is to fill this space with a heavy structure, a compound wall, or dense planting to create the required heaviness.
Other general remedies include the use of Vastu paintings, proper décor adjustments, and following specific practices to correct imbalances. For instance, placing a Vastu energy partition or a specific crystal can help in neutralizing negative energies. The key is to apply these remedies thoughtfully to create a harmonious and successful living environment.
Debunking Common Myths
Several myths surround west-facing houses, leading to unnecessary apprehension. It is important to address these with facts derived from established Vastu principles.
- Myth 1: West facing homes are unlucky.
- Fact: This is not true. When planned as per Vastu, they can bring wealth, social connections, and career opportunities.
- Myth 2: Only East and North facing homes are good.
- Fact: Every direction has its strengths. The West direction is perfect for entrepreneurs, social influencers, and people aiming for gains.
Furthermore, Vastu Shastra suggests that west-facing houses are suitable for various professions, including lawyers, doctors, and chefs. Individuals with certain moon signs may also find these homes particularly beneficial. The perception of whether a west-facing house is good or bad depends on individual factors and preferences, and it is not inherently good or bad according to Vastu.
Holistic Energy Harmonization
Beyond the structural and placement guidelines, holistic energy harmonization plays a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of a west-facing home. This involves a combination of Vastu corrections, spiritual practices, and mindful living. For instance, the space element in the West direction is believed to enhance mental clarity, vastness of thought, and inner peace. Residents can amplify these qualities by keeping the home clean, well-ventilated, and free of clutter.
Incorporating elements that balance the five vital elements can further enhance the energy. For example, ensuring the Southeast is active with fire (kitchen) and the Northeast is clean and open (pooja room) creates a balanced elemental map. Using colors, textures, and artifacts that resonate with peace and prosperity can also contribute to a positive atmosphere. Regular cleansing of the energy space, whether through traditional methods like burning sage or modern techniques like sound therapy, can help maintain a high vibrational frequency within the home.
Conclusion
A west-facing house in the USA can be just as beneficial as any other direction if designed and corrected following Vastu principles. For Indians living in the USA and other global citizens, it is entirely possible to integrate these ancient guidelines with modern home layouts. The key lies in understanding the specific requirements for entrance placement, room orientation, and addressing any Vastu Doshas with appropriate remedies. By focusing on Vastu, homeowners can create a balanced, positive, and prosperous living space that supports their personal and professional growth. Simple remedies like proper room positioning, the use of Vastu paintings, and minor décor adjustments can transform a west-facing home into a harmonious and successful environment.