The placement and management of open space in the backyard is a critical aspect of residential Vastu Shastra, influencing the flow of energy and the well-being of the occupants. According to the provided guidelines, the orientation of the house dictates the auspiciousness of the backyard location. For instance, in west-facing houses, the east direction is considered favorable for a backyard, while in south-facing homes, the north side is preferred. Conversely, backyards situated in the west and south directions are generally viewed as inauspicious. The concept of open space extends beyond mere placement; it encompasses the balance of the five elements. A clutter-free and tidy backyard is essential to prevent the accumulation of negativity. Nature-inspired elements, such as plants and trimmed grass, must be maintained appropriately to ensure proportion and harmony.
Furniture selection within the backyard also adheres to specific Vastu guidelines. To maintain a cool and aesthetically pleasing environment, wooden or straw-made furniture is recommended for outdoor gatherings. The impact of incorrect backyard placement can be severe, ranging from health issues to financial instability. For example, an open space in the west backyard of an east-facing house is linked to serious health concerns, particularly related to the head and mental well-being, as well as the development of enemies. Similarly, a north-facing house with a backyard in the south direction is associated with financial and social troubles, potentially affecting marriage and profession. However, specific configurations can yield positive results. A southwest-facing house with a large open backyard in the northeast direction is considered auspicious, attracting prosperity and happiness. Additionally, south-facing properties can be beneficial if the backyard opens to the north, allowing positive energy and wealth to enter the home. Ultimately, adhering to these principles is vital for harnessing positive energy and avoiding the negative impacts associated with improper open space management.
Directional Analysis of Backyard Placement
The orientation of a residential property significantly influences the ideal placement of the backyard. Vastu Shastra provides specific directives for various house facings to optimize energy flow and ensure the well-being of the residents.
West and South-Facing Houses
For west-facing houses, the east direction is identified as the better location for a backyard. It is crucial to ensure that there is no available room left in the front and entry of west-facing properties. Similarly, for south-facing homes, the north side is recommended for the backyard. The guidelines suggest eliminating some open area in the south direction of south-facing homes to avoid unfavorable results.
East-Facing Houses
While east-facing houses are generally considered auspicious, the rules for backyards in this orientation require careful attention. A large front yard in an east-facing house can bring positive results, provided the west direction has proper coverage and boundary walls. Without this coverage, the benefits of the open area in the east are diminished, and negative impacts may be received. Regarding the backyard itself, the guidelines state that the proportion of the front yard space should be larger than the backyard space. Excessive space in the backyard of an east-facing house is not recommended. Furthermore, maintaining an open space in the backyard of an east-facing house is not considered auspicious and is linked to serious health issues, including problems related to the head and mental health, as well as a loss of confidence and insecurity.
North-Facing Houses
In north-facing houses, the backyard open space is typically located in the southern direction. This placement is not considered auspicious because the south side of a property should always be well covered. Residents of such homes may face significant financial and social issues, and it can create serious trouble regarding marriage and profession, including a high risk of losing a job or business.
Northwest and Southeast-Facing Houses
Northwest houses usually have a backyard in the southern zone, which corresponds to the southeast direction. Keeping the southeast direction open is problematic; it is not a rule to keep the south direction open on a large scale, and doing so in the long run will be very problematic. An open southeast direction is not believed to bring good luck. Conversely, for southeast-facing houses, the northwest direction is of great importance as it belongs to the air element. A large open backyard in the northwest direction of a southeast-facing house is not considered very supportive and can lead to a serious impact on one's social connections and friendships.
Southwest and Northeast-Facing Houses
Most people avoid south or southwest-facing lots due to perceived negativity. However, a southwest-facing house can be auspicious if it features a large open backyard towards the northeast direction. The northeast direction is highly regarded and provides positive results when kept open, attracting prosperity and happy living. For northeast-facing houses, while buying a house with an east-facing orientation is generally auspicious, the rules for the backyard are the opposite, implying that an open backyard in this specific orientation may not be favorable.
The Role of Open Space and Elements
The management of open space is governed by the principles of the five elements (Pancha Bhutas). A backyard must be kept tidy, with plants in their appropriate places and grass trimmed at the right time. Clutter-free and spotless surroundings prevent negativity from penetrating and settling in the home. The direction of open space also dictates the flow of energy. Keeping open space in the east and north directions is believed to provide highly auspicious results, as these directions are associated with positive energy, sunlight, and fresh air. The east side should be kept open to welcome sunlight and fresh air, which hold negative energy at bay and brighten the day.
In contrast, direct sunlight in the west and south directions is a primary reason for avoiding large open spaces in these areas, as they receive intense sunlight most of the time. For south-facing properties, a large open backyard can be beneficial if it opens to the north, allowing positive energy and the Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) to enter the house, leading to good financial conditions and multiple earning opportunities. However, the exact degrees of the property can vary the results.
Furniture and Aesthetics
When hosting gatherings in the backyard, the choice of furniture is important. Vastu advises using wooden or straw-made furniture. This choice is not only aesthetically pleasing and adds to the room's beauty but also aligns with the natural, cooling elements suitable for an outdoor environment.
Conclusion
The placement and design of a backyard are governed by strict Vastu principles that vary according to the house's orientation. The fundamental rule is to maintain open space in the auspicious north and east directions while ensuring proper coverage in the south and west. Specific house facings, such as southwest, can be made favorable by orienting the open space correctly toward the northeast. Neglecting these principles, such as keeping the southeast open or having a south-facing backyard for a north-facing house, can lead to severe consequences including health problems, financial loss, and social discord. Adherence to these guidelines, combined with regular maintenance and the use of natural materials, creates a harmonious environment that supports prosperity and well-being.