Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural science, emphasizes the importance of harmonizing living spaces with natural energies to promote health, prosperity, and overall well-being. Among the various elements of a home, the placement and orientation of the toilet and commode hold significant importance due to their association with waste disposal and the release of negative energy. Incorrect placement can disrupt the flow of positive energy, potentially leading to health issues, financial instability, and interpersonal conflicts. Conversely, adhering to Vastu principles for commode direction and toilet location can help maintain balance and positivity within the household.
This article explores the essential guidelines for toilet placement as per Vastu Shastra, drawing exclusively from established principles and verified sources. It covers the ideal directions for the commode seat, the best locations for constructing toilets within a home, colors to use, structural considerations, and remedies for existing imbalances. By understanding and applying these principles, homeowners can create spaces that support physical and energetic well-being.
Ideal Directions for Commode Orientation
The direction an individual faces while using the commode is a critical aspect of Vastu compliance. This orientation influences the body’s energy alignment and the release of waste from the home. Vastu Shastra provides specific recommendations to ensure this process supports, rather than hinders, positive energy flow.
Facing North or South
According to Vastu experts, the most favorable direction to face while sitting on the commode is either North or South. These directions are believed to align with the body’s natural energy fields and facilitate the efficient expulsion of negative energy from the home. Facing North or South is said to promote better health and maintain the sanctity of the living environment. Source [1] states, "If you face North or South when using the commode then it would be best for the house... These directions help push negative energy out of your house." Similarly, Source [2] confirms, "The commode should ideally face North or South while in use."
Avoiding East and West
Facing East or West while using the toilet is generally discouraged in Vastu Shastra. East is considered a sacred direction associated with divine energy, prayer, and the rising sun, while West is linked to growth and prosperity. Using the toilet while facing these directions is believed to defile their positive qualities, potentially leading to disturbances in mental peace and health. Source [1] advises, "Don’t face East or West direction during the toilet. These two directions are holy in the context of Vastu. East is for prayer and West is for growth so don’t dirty them." Source [2] echoes this, noting that facing East or West "is believed to cause disturbances in mental peace & health." However, Source [3] presents a conflicting view, stating, "According to Vastu, face east or west while sitting in the toilet for a positive environment," and "An east-facing toilet is more favourable, as per Vastu." Given the majority of sources advise against facing East, and the sacredness of this direction is a core Vastu principle, facing North or South is prioritized as the safer guideline.
Ideal Locations for Toilet Construction
The placement of the toilet within the home's layout is equally important as the orientation of the commode. The goal is to position the toilet in a zone that can handle negative energy without affecting the positive zones of the home, such as the Northeast.
Northwest (Vayavya) Direction
The Northwest corner is widely regarded as the most ideal location for constructing a toilet. This zone is governed by Vayu (the air element), which naturally supports the movement and release of waste and negative energies. Placing a toilet here helps in the smooth disposal of waste without disturbing the home's overall energy balance. Source [1] recommends, "If North or South direction is not available for the toilet, consider building the Toilet Seat Direction as Per Vastu in the northwest corner of the house. This is the best spot for placing your commode." Source [2] also identifies the Northwest (Vayavya) direction as "ideal for constructing toilets & bathrooms." Source [4] reinforces this, stating, "for the attached bathroom in your bedroom, the best direction is to the northwest or southeast corner."
Southeast (Agneya) Direction
If the Northwest direction is not feasible, the Southeast corner is considered an acceptable alternative. This zone is associated with the Fire element, which can aid in the purification process. However, care must be taken to ensure it is not placed adjacent to the kitchen, as this could create elemental conflict. Source [2] notes, "Southeast (Agneya) direction is also acceptable if Northwest is not available." Source [1] cautions, "don’t place it near the kitchen as it ruins everything."
Directions and Zones to Strictly Avoid
Certain areas of the home are considered highly auspicious and must be kept pure and clean. Placing a toilet in these zones is believed to generate significant negative energy, leading to severe consequences for the inhabitants.
Northeast (Ishan) Corner
The Northeast corner is the most sacred zone in Vastu Shastra, associated with divine energies, wisdom, and prosperity. It is the ideal location for a prayer room or meditation space. Constructing a toilet in this direction is strictly forbidden as it is believed to lead to major health problems, financial losses, and a lack of mental clarity. Source [2] states, "Avoid the Northeast (Ishan) corner completely. This zone is considered sacred & meant for pooja rooms or meditation." Source [4] warns, "Placing a toilet here can lead to financial instability and health issues."
Southwest (Nairutya) Corner
The Southwest corner represents stability, strength, and relationships. A toilet in this zone is believed to drain the positive energies required for family harmony and career growth, leading to instability and conflicts. Source [2] advises, "Southwest (Nairutya) is also not recommended, as it is the zone of stability and placing a toilet here could disturb family relationships." Source [4] adds that it can cause "mental stress, instability in relationships, and career setbacks."
Center of the House (Brahmasthan)
The central part of the home, known as Brahmasthan, is the heart of the house and holds the maximum energy. It must be kept open, light, and clean. Placing a toilet in the Brahmasthan is considered highly inauspicious as it contaminates the core energy of the home, affecting all aspects of life. Source [1] states, "A toilet or commode at the center is pointless. The center is called Brahmasthan which is believed to be the heart of the home. Never place your toilet here." Source [4] confirms, "Never build a toilet in the central area of your home—it will disturb the entire Vastu balance."
Structural and Design Guidelines
Beyond placement and orientation, Vastu Shastra offers specific design and structural recommendations to enhance the positive energy of a toilet.
Elevation and Door Placement
Toilets should ideally be constructed at a slightly higher elevation (approximately 1-2 feet) than the rest of the house floor. This structural separation helps contain negative energy within the toilet area. Additionally, the direction of the toilet door is important. Source [4] suggests, "Keep the toilet door in the east or north direction." This ensures that the entry and exit of energy align with positive directions.
Flush Placement
The placement of the flush mechanism also contributes to energy flow. Source [3] mentions, "Vastu advises that the flush should be in the north or east direction to ensure proper waste disposal and maintain positive energy." This small detail aligns the act of flushing with directions that support positive energy movement.
Colors for Toilets
The choice of colors in a toilet can influence its energy. Light and soft colors are recommended to keep the space looking clean and calm, promoting a sense of peace. Source [2] lists the best colors as "Light Blue, Cream, White, [and] Light Grey." It advises avoiding dark or bright colors like red or black, which can create a heavy or unsettling atmosphere.
Remedies for Incorrect Toilet Placement
For homes where structural changes are not possible, Vastu offers several remedies to mitigate the negative effects of incorrectly placed toilets. These measures aim to neutralize negative energy and restore balance.
Vastu Colors and Symbols
Using specific colors on toilet doors, walls, or accessories can help counteract negative energy. Source [2] suggests using "Vastu colours" as a remedy. For toilets in the Southwest direction, Source [3] recommends placing "holy symbols or light fragrant candles to improve energy and create a sacred" atmosphere. Source [1] mentions a specific remedy for an east-facing toilet: "Use Green Vastu Tape around the seat as it helps fix bad energy from the wrong direction."
Ventilation and Exhaust
Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing the stagnation of negative energy. Source [2] identifies "installing exhaust fans" as a key Vastu remedy for toilets in wrong directions. This helps in constantly removing stale air and negative vibrations.
Mirrors
Mirrors are known to amplify energy. In a toilet, they can be used strategically to correct energy imbalances. Source [3] mentions "using mirrors" as a general Vastu remedy for creating a positive atmosphere in the toilet.
Consequences of Ignoring Vastu Principles
Ignoring Vastu guidelines for toilet placement can have tangible negative impacts on the inhabitants. The sources consistently highlight several potential issues.
Health and Financial Issues
A toilet in the Northeast or center of the house is strongly linked to health problems and financial instability. Source [4] states that a Northeast toilet can lead to "financial instability and health issues." Source [1] mentions "brain fog, poor thinking, big health problems, and money loss" from a commode in the Northeast direction.
Relationship and Mental Stress
Toilets in the Southwest or center can disrupt family harmony and mental peace. Source [2] notes that a wrongly placed toilet can lead to "fights at home" and "Stress & negativity." Source [4] links a Southwest toilet to "mental stress, instability in relationships, and career setbacks."
Overall Negative Energy
The primary consequence of incorrect toilet placement is the generation and accumulation of negative energy, which permeates the entire home. Source [2] summarizes this well: "An incorrect toilet placement may influence the flow of negative energy, which can affect the health & well-being of the people living in the house."
Conclusion
Adhering to Vastu Shastra principles for commode direction and toilet placement is a proactive step towards creating a harmonious and healthy living environment. The key takeaways involve facing North or South while using the commode, placing the toilet in the Northwest or Southeast zones, and strictly avoiding the Northeast, Southwest, and central areas of the home. Incorporating recommended colors, ensuring proper ventilation, and applying simple remedies like holy symbols or Vastu tape can further enhance positive energy flow. By respecting these ancient guidelines, homeowners can mitigate potential health, financial, and relational issues, fostering a space that supports overall well-being and prosperity.