Understanding the movement of water across and through a property is a fundamental aspect of Vastu Shastra. Water is considered a carrier of energy, and its direction, flow, and containment can significantly influence the harmony and prosperity of the inhabitants. The provided source materials offer specific guidelines regarding the placement of drainage pipes, sewage outlets, and the topographical slope of land, particularly within the context of modern construction in the United States. This article explores these principles, the challenges of implementing them in existing structures, and the recommended remedies for ensuring positive energy flow.
The Significance of Water Flow in Vastu
In Vastu Shastra, the flow of water is not merely a physical necessity but a metaphysical one. It is believed that water entering a property brings opportunities and vitality, while water leaving the property must do so in a manner that does not drain away positive energy or wealth. The sources emphasize that while ideal topography involves a plot that is elevated in the South-West and lowered in the North-East, the practicalities of modern housing developments often present challenges to achieving this perfect alignment.
The sources indicate that for those building from the ground up, there is greater flexibility to align plumbing and drainage with Vastu principles. However, for those purchasing existing homes, particularly in the USA where construction often involves slab foundations and pre-determined community drainage plans, significant alterations are often impractical or prohibited by local regulations and Home Owners Associations (HOAs). Therefore, the focus shifts to understanding the ideal placements and applying reasonable corrections where possible.
Ideal Placement of Drainage and Plumbing Outlets
The placement of outlets for waste and used water is critical. The sources provide clear directives regarding the directions in which water should ideally drain.
Bathroom and Kitchen Plumbing
The pipelines originating from bathrooms and kitchens, which carry used water, should ideally have their outlets in the East or North directions. This applies to the water from sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
Toilets and Waste Disposal
The pipes connected to toilets and bathrooms should be diverted to the West or North-West before exiting the property. This specific routing is believed to facilitate the proper disposal of waste without negatively impacting the energy of the home.
Strict Avoidance of the South
A recurring and emphatic principle across the sources is the avoidance of the South direction for any kind of outlet or drainage. The sources state unequivocally that outlets should not be in the South "under any condition even by mistake." If an outlet is found to be in the South, it should be corrected by turning it towards the East or North. This strict adherence is due to the South being associated with certain energies that are not conducive to the flow of waste materials.
Gutter Placement
Gutters, which manage rainwater runoff from the roof, can be placed in any direction except the South. This provides some flexibility, but the South remains a prohibited zone for water egress.
Upper Storey Drainage
Drainage pipes originating from upper storeys should not be located in the South-West corner of the building. If they are unavoidably placed there, the sources advise that they must not leak. A leak in this specific location is considered particularly detrimental.
Topographical Considerations and Plot Slope
The topography of the land, or the slope of the plot, is a major factor in Vastu compliance. The ideal plot is one that is level or slopes gently from South-West to North-East.
Challenges in the USA Context
The sources highlight that in many parts of the USA, especially in developed communities, the existing topography and drainage infrastructure are fixed. It is often impractical for a homeowner to alter the grade of the land to conform to the ideal Vastu slope. Local regulations and HOA rules frequently prohibit such extensive landscaping changes.
Furthermore, modern homes in the USA are often built on slab foundations, which require the slab to be elevated above the surrounding land to ensure water drains away from the structure. This construction method is described as being similar to the "Koorma" or "Turtle" structure mentioned in Vastu Shastra, where the center of the plot is raised. While this is not the ideal plot slope, it serves a practical purpose of protecting the building from water damage.
Remedies for Existing Plots
For existing properties where the topography cannot be fundamentally changed, the sources suggest a few practical remedies, though they caution that these are subject to feasibility and local regulations:
- French Drains: These can be used to redirect rainwater towards the correct direction (East or North), provided it can be done safely and in compliance with city guidelines.
- Soil and Stone Placement: Some traditional remedies involve dumping dirt in the South-West corner to elevate it or placing heavy stones in the South and West corners to add weight and balance. However, the sources note that altering the plot in this manner is very difficult for most people in developed areas.
- Expert Consultation: The sources strongly recommend seeking a scientific evaluation and services of an expert Vastu consultant who understands local US topography and building patterns. There is no single answer for plot slope correction; it varies by property, and a professional can help devise a workable solution.
Vastu for Septic Tanks and Toilets
The placement of toilets and septic tanks is a sensitive issue in Vastu as these areas are associated with the disposal of waste and impurities. Improper placement can lead to stagnant or negative energy.
Best Directions for Toilets and Septic Tanks
According to the provided guidelines, the following placements are considered beneficial:
| Location within the Property | Vastu Benefit |
|---|---|
| West of North West (WNW) | This is identified as the ideal placement for a toilet, as it helps in releasing blocked emotions and negativity from the mind. |
| South of South West (SSW) | This placement ensures efficient removal of waste at both physical and mental levels, promoting overall well-being. |
| East of South East (ESE) | This direction encourages creative thinking, leading to better ideas and more productive thoughts. |
Worst Directions
While specific "worst" placements are not detailed in the provided text, the general principle is to avoid the South direction for any outlet. The text implies that any placement that violates the core principles of directional flow (e.g., outlets in the South) will have negative effects on health and finances.
Practical Realities of Correction in Existing Homes
For homeowners living in properties that were not built according to Vastu principles, the sources offer a realistic perspective. It is not possible to easily change the topography of a plot or reroute all plumbing lines overnight to improve prosperity. The fixed nature of plumbing and drainage systems means that significant structural changes would be required, which are often not feasible.
The sources acknowledge that people have attempted various methods to correct topographical imbalances, such as building stone walls on the South side and filling them with soil. However, these are presented as examples of what people have tried, rather than guaranteed remedies, and are still subject to the practical limitations of the property.
The overarching message is one of practical application. While Vastu principles provide an ideal to strive for, they must be applied with an understanding of real-world constraints. For existing homes, the focus should be on identifying areas where reasonable corrections can be made without violating local laws or causing structural issues, and on consulting with an expert who can provide tailored advice.
Conclusion
The management of water drainage and topography is a vital component of Vastu Shastra, directly impacting the flow of positive energy within a home. The principles are clear: water should drain towards the East or North, outlets should be avoided in the South, and the plot should ideally slope from South-West to North-East. However, the realities of modern housing, particularly in the USA, present significant challenges to achieving this ideal. For those building new homes, there is an opportunity to integrate these principles from the start. For those in existing homes, the path forward involves understanding the ideal guidelines, seeking expert consultation for practical and permissible remedies, and focusing on achievable adjustments to foster a more harmonious living environment.