The placement of windows and doors in a home is considered a fundamental aspect of Vastu Shastra, directly influencing the flow of energy and the well-being of its inhabitants. While certain directions are traditionally favored, the south-facing orientation, governed by the planet Mars, requires specific understanding and corrective measures to harness its inherent qualities of strength and stability. The provided sources offer a detailed examination of how to manage south-facing properties, addressing common misconceptions and providing practical remedies to create a harmonious living environment.
Understanding the South Direction in Vastu
In the traditional framework of Vastu Shastra, the south is a direction of immense power. It is associated with Mars (Mangal), a planet symbolizing strength, confidence, leadership, and stability. A property is considered south-facing when the main entrance opens towards the south. Contrary to popular belief, a south-facing house is not inherently inauspicious. The key to its success lies in the precise application of Vastu principles regarding the layout, the placement of the main entrance, and the positioning of rooms and openings like windows. When designed correctly, a south-facing home can foster prosperity, professional growth, and recognition for its residents.
Vastu Guidelines for South-Facing Windows
The management of windows, in particular, is a critical component of south-facing home design. Vastu Shastra provides specific guidance on the placement and size of windows to balance energy flow effectively.
The Challenge of South-Side Windows
Vastu principles generally advise against placing large or numerous windows on the south side of a building. This is because this direction receives the most intense sunlight throughout the day, which can lead to excessive heat accumulation inside the house. Such an imbalance in temperature and energy is believed to disrupt the harmony of the living space. If windows on the south wall are unavoidable, they should be significantly smaller in size compared to those on the north and east walls. To mitigate the effects of intense sunlight, the provision of adequate shades or coverings is recommended.
Ideal Window Placements
To counterbalance the challenges of the south orientation, Vastu emphasizes the strategic placement of windows in more favorable directions:
- East-Side Windows: An east-facing window is considered highly auspicious. The early morning sun's rays are believed to bring in positive energies that promote health, vitality, growth, and prosperity for the family. It is advised to keep these windows open and unobstructed to allow maximum sunlight and fresh air to enter the home.
- North-Side Windows: The north direction is another highly favorable zone for windows. It is associated with cool, soothing energy and is linked to financial growth and positive vibrations. Placing windows in the north, particularly in the living room or study, is recommended to attract positive energy and enhance household finances.
Managing the Southwest Corner
The southwest corner of a property holds significant importance. It is strictly prohibited to have windows in the southwest direction, as this can lead to a loss of stability and positive energy. If a home has an existing window in this zone, remedies such as constructing a slope in the direction of the northeast can help balance the energy imbalances.
Effective Vastu Remedies for South-Facing Homes
For homes where structural changes are not possible, Vastu offers several remedies to harmonize the energy and correct Vastu defects (doshas). These measures can help transform a south-facing property into a space that encourages success and well-being.
Correcting the Main Entrance
The placement of the main entrance is paramount in a south-facing house. The ideal location for the main door is in the South-East corner of the south wall. This placement aligns with the energy of Agni (Fire), which is believed to enhance financial growth and remove negativity. The entrance in the South-West corner should be strictly avoided.
Strategic Use of Paintings and Objects
Placing specific Vastu-compliant items on the south wall can harness the positive energy of this direction. * Vastu Paintings: Hanging paintings of seven horses or mountain scenery on the south wall is a recommended remedy. These symbols are believed to attract strength, momentum, and stability. * Vastu Pyramids: Installing Vastu pyramids near the main entrance can help balance the energy flow and correct minor directional defects. * Mirrors: Mirrors should be placed on the north or east walls to reflect positive energy throughout the home. They should not be placed on the south wall. * Indoor Plants: Placing indoor plants in the north-east corner of the house is encouraged to promote growth, harmony, and positive vibrations.
Vastu for Toilets and Water Elements in a South-Facing House
The placement of water elements and toilets requires careful consideration in a south-facing property to avoid negative energy.
Toilet and Septic Tank Placement
According to Vastu guidelines, a toilet should not be located in the center of the house or in any of the four cardinal (East, West, North, South) or diagonal (North-East, South-East, South-West, North-West) directions. The most suitable locations for a toilet are the West of North-West (WNW) or the South of South-West (SSW) sectors. The same principles apply to the placement of septic tanks. It is crucial to avoid building a septic tank in the South or North-East directions. If a toilet is incorrectly placed, certain corrections using metal wires and tapes can be applied. A toilet should never be built under a staircase, and one located right next to the main entrance must be strictly avoided. The use of fancy remedies like Himalayan salt lamps or spider plants is not considered a solution for incorrectly placed toilets.
Underground Water and Bore Wells
There is a general tendency to place an underground water tank or bore well in the front of the house. This is considered good for a north-facing house, but the specific guidelines for a south-facing house regarding water elements are not fully detailed in the provided source material.
General Principles for Doors and Windows
Beyond the specific challenges of the south orientation, several general rules apply to all doors and windows to ensure a positive energy cycle within the home.
- Even Number of Windows: It is recommended that a house have an even number of windows to maintain a correct positive energy cycle.
- Clockwise Opening: All doors and windows inside the house should open in a clockwise direction.
- Uniformity and Hierarchy: While interior doors can be uniform in size, the main door should always be the largest and tallest one in the house.
- Height Considerations: Windows should be placed at an appropriate height, ideally at eye level or slightly above when a person is seated, to balance the energy flow.
- Thresholds: Adding a threshold at the main gate is considered an excellent practice for a Vastu-friendly house to gain wealth.
- Alignment: Windows facing the main door should be positioned a little above ground level, similar to the main door itself.
- Door Alignment: It is important to ensure that no other door in the house directly faces the main door.
Conclusion
A south-facing house, when understood and designed according to Vastu principles, is not a harbinger of bad luck but a potential source of strength, leadership, and stability. The primary focus should be on managing the intense energy of the south by limiting window size on that wall and maximizing openings in the north and east. By correctly placing the main entrance and implementing specific remedies such as Vastu paintings and pyramids, homeowners can effectively harmonize the energy flow. Careful attention to the placement of toilets and water elements further ensures a balanced and prosperous living environment. Ultimately, a south-facing property can be a powerful and beneficial space if its unique energetic signature is respected and balanced through thoughtful, Vastu-compliant design.