The placement of divine photographs and idols within a living space is a fundamental aspect of Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture. These elements are not merely decorative; they are believed to influence the vibrational energy of the home, impacting the health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being of its residents. According to the provided guidelines, the correct orientation and location of religious images can invite positive energy and divine blessings, while incorrect placement may disrupt harmony. This comprehensive guide explores the specific Vastu recommendations for placing various deity photos, ensuring that the home remains a sanctuary of peace and positivity.
Understanding the directional energies is crucial for harmonizing a living space. The provided source material offers specific insights into the ideal locations for images of deities such as Devi (Goddess), Lord Hanuman, Lord Krishna, and others. By adhering to these principles, homeowners can align their environment with the cosmic forces that govern wealth, health, and spiritual growth. The following sections delve into the specific guidelines for different deities and zones, providing a clear roadmap for spiritual optimization.
Ideal Directions for Divine Energy
Vastu Shastra categorizes the home into specific zones, each governing different aspects of life. The placement of divine photos must align with the nature of the deity and the energy required for that area.
The Northeast (Ishan Kona)
The northeast is considered the most auspicious direction in Vastu Shastra. It is known as the zone of divine energy and is ideal for placing pictures or idols of deities, including Devi (Goddess). Placing Devi photos in the northeast attracts spiritual vibrations and promotes inner peace. This direction is perfect for meditation or worship areas, helping to invoke blessings for prosperity, health, and protection from negative forces. Additionally, the northeast is the best direction for prosperity landscape photos, which can further enhance abundance.
The East Direction
The east is associated with the element of air and symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and enlightenment. Placing Devi’s images on the eastern walls of the home is considered beneficial for bringing clarity, wisdom, and positive energy. This direction channels divine blessings into the household, supporting the mental and spiritual well-being of family members. Vastu experts often argue that religious images should face east to symbolize the sunrise and new beginnings.
The North Direction
The north is connected to wealth and prosperity and is ruled by Kubera, the god of wealth. This direction is highly recommended for photos of Goddess Laxmi, Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Goddess Saraswati, Shri Kuber, and Kaal Bhairav. For Goddess Laxmi, the photo should always depict her in a sitting posture. Additionally, the northern walls should be adorned with pictures depicting the water element, which aligns with the flow of abundance.
The South Direction
The south is the domain of Lord Hanuman. According to Vastu Shastra, the influence of Hanuman Ji is strongest in this direction. The photo of Hanuman Ji should always be kept in the south direction inside the home. A red color Hanuman Ji’s photo placed in the south direction is considered an effective way to bring happiness and prosperity. It is also auspicious to place the photo of Hanuman Ji above the main gate or entrance, ensuring that anyone entering the house sees it, thereby warding off negative energy.
Specific Guidelines for Deity Placement
Different deities have specific requirements regarding their posture, color, and placement to maximize their positive impact.
Devi (Goddess) Photos
When placing Devi photos, the northeast (Ishan Kona) is the ideal spot. However, the east and north directions are also beneficial. It is important to maintain eye level when placing Devi photos; they should be at eye level or slightly above to allow comfortable engagement with the divine energy. Avoid placing images too high or low. The space around the Devi images must be kept clean and uncluttered. Offering fresh flowers and lighting incense or lamps regularly maintains a positive and divine atmosphere. Use clean, well-maintained frames, preferably wooden frames on western walls or light-colored metal in the northeast. While praying or meditating in front of Devi, it is best to face east or north.
Lord Hanuman Photos
As mentioned, the south direction is paramount for Lord Hanuman. Never place Hanuman Ji’s photo in the kitchen or under the stairs, as these are considered inauspicious. The red color is particularly potent for Hanuman Ji’s image in the south direction.
Radha Krishna Photos
Photos of Lord Krishna along with Radha are best placed in the bedroom, specifically for couples or newly wed couples. The best direction to hang a Radha Krishna photo is the North-East (NE) corner of the room. However, some guidelines suggest that Radha Krishna paintings should be kept in the living room as well as the bedroom.
Lord Shiva and Other Deities
Photos of Lord Shiva, Goddess Laxmi, Durga, Saraswati, Shri Kuber, and Kaal Bhairav should be placed in the North direction. For Goddess Durga, the photo should show her sitting on the lion.
Restrictions and Prohibited Zones
Certain areas of the home are unsuitable for divine photos and can lead to negative energy or discomfort.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms, being spaces of rest and personal energy, are generally not recommended for placing divine images, as it may create a conflicting energy environment. The only exception noted is for Radha Krishna photos in the couple's bedroom, specifically in the NE corner.
Under Staircases
Placing any deity, including Devi, under staircases should be strictly avoided. This space is generally considered inauspicious in Vastu, and placing divine images here may hinder the divine energy flow and cause discomfort or unease. Similarly, Hanuman Ji’s photo should never be placed under the stairs.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a zone of fire element and cooking activities. It is not considered appropriate for divine photos, particularly those of Lord Hanuman.
Ancestor Photos
Ancestor photos should never be placed in the pooja room or on the northeast wall. They should strictly be placed on the southern wall, ideally in a dedicated space or the pooja room facing south. Placing ancestor photos in bedrooms or dining areas is discouraged as it can introduce sadness or nostalgia, affecting sleep and appetite.
General Vastu Tips for Photo Frames and Content
The nature of the photo and the frame itself plays a role in energy management.
Frame Materials
- Wooden Frames: Recommended for western walls.
- Light-colored Metal Frames: Suitable for the northeast direction.
Content of Photos
- Avoid: Pictures depicting warfare, grief, loneliness, or evil, as they spread negativity. Photos showing anger or discontentment should also be avoided. Abstract paintings with no definite meaning tend to create confusion and should be avoided.
- Prefer: Gentle animal images are preferred over aggressive ones for harmony. Pictures of the water element are good for the north, while fire element pictures are suitable for the south.
Maintenance
Broken or faded photos are believed to reduce positive energy. They should be kept well-maintained or replaced. Keeping the space around religious images clean is essential for maintaining a positive atmosphere.
Comparisons with Other Practices
While Vastu Shastra focuses on directional placement and specific zones, other practices like Feng Shui focus more on Qi flow. Vastu customizes placement by purpose and direction, offering a more structured approach based on the energies of the cardinal directions and the elements associated with them.
Summary of Placement Guidelines
| Deity / Photo Type | Ideal Direction | Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Devi (Goddess) | Northeast (Ishan Kona), East, North | Place at eye level. Use clean frames. Face East or North while worshiping. Avoid bedrooms and under stairs. |
| Lord Hanuman | South | Red color photos are potent. Place above main gate or south wall. Avoid kitchen and under stairs. |
| Radha Krishna | North-East (Bedroom) | Ideal for couples. Can also be in the living room. |
| Goddess Laxmi | North | Always in sitting posture. |
| Lord Shiva, Durga, Saraswati, Kuber, Kaal Bhairav | North | Ensure Durga is sitting on a lion. |
| Family Photos | Southwest | Strengthens family bonding and stability. |
| Ancestor Photos | South (Wall) | Never in NE or pooja room. Avoid bedrooms and dining areas. |
| Prosperity Landscapes | North or Northeast | Facing North or NE for abundance. |
| Water Element Pictures | North | Aligns with wealth and flow. |
| Fire Element Pictures | South | Aligns with energy and protection. |
Conclusion
Adhering to Vastu Shastra principles for placing divine photos is a powerful way to harmonize the energy of a home. By respecting the specific directional guidelines for deities like Devi, Hanuman, and Lakshmi, and avoiding prohibited zones such as bedrooms and under staircases, residents can foster an environment of peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. The key lies in intention, maintenance, and alignment with the natural energies of the space. Regular maintenance of photos and the surrounding area ensures that the positive vibrations remain unobstructed, allowing the divine blessings to flow freely throughout the home.