The elephant holds a revered position in Vastu Shastra and spiritual traditions, symbolizing strength, wisdom, prosperity, and protection. As per the provided sources, elephant statues and images act as powerful conduits for positive energy, or "chi," preventing its dissipation and inviting good fortune into residential and commercial spaces. The presence of elephants is often associated with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Gautama Buddha, representing the clearance of difficulties. Whether seeking academic success, relationship harmony, professional growth, or general well-being, the strategic placement of elephant figurines can significantly influence the energy dynamics of a space.
The symbolism of the elephant extends beyond its physical form; the orientation of the trunk, the material of the statue, the number of elephants, and the specific color play crucial roles in determining the type of energy attracted. From the entrance of a home to a child’s study desk, specific guidelines exist to maximize the beneficial impact of these benevolent figures. Understanding these nuances allows homeowners and business owners to harness the protective and nurturing vibrations associated with the elephant.
Directional Attributes and Placement Principles
According to Vastu principles, the placement of elephant statues requires mindful consideration of direction and orientation. The positioning determines whether the energy serves as a protective shield, a magnet for wealth, or a catalyst for professional recognition. The sources emphasize that the orientation of the trunk is particularly significant; statues with trunks pointing upwards are considered highly auspicious, attracting luck, vitality, and wealth.
Entrance and Foyer
Placing elephant statues at the entrance or in the foyer is a common and recommended practice. This placement serves as a protective barrier, safeguarding the home against negative energy while welcoming good fortune. Source [4] notes that in many ancient Hindu and Southeast Asian buildings, two gigantic stone elephants with raised trunks brace the entrances. For optimal effect, elephants placed in the north and south zones should face toward the center of the building to represent popularity, abundance, and strength.
North and South Zones
- North Zone: This direction is associated with luck and fortune. Placing a solid silver elephant figurine in the north direction is believed to bring luck and fortune to the household. Additionally, placing an elephant statue in the office facing north is considered most beneficial for professional success.
- South Zone: The south zone is linked to fame and recognition. A red elephant figurine kept in the south zone of the house is recommended to achieve fame and recognition at work. Source [4] suggests placing a red elephant on the floor in the southern area of a building, facing the center, to enhance reputation.
West and East Zones
- West Zone: A white elephant placed in the west direction near the entrance attracts good luck and protection.
- East Zone: Ceramic or resin elephants, associated with the earth element, can be placed in the east direction to promote stability and nourishment.
Unsuitable Areas
Certain areas of the home should be avoided when placing elephant imagery. Vastu experts advise against placing elephant images in bathrooms and kitchens. Furthermore, one should avoid displaying any elephant images that portray violence or animal cruelty, as these carry negative connotations.
Symbolism of Specific Elephant Varieties and Materials
The specific type of elephant statue chosen allows for targeted energy balancing, addressing specific needs such as fertility, relationship harmony, or academic success.
Pair of Elephants
Placing a pair of elephant figurines is highly auspicious, particularly in the bedroom, as it symbolizes love and fidelity. A pair can also be placed near the house entrance. Statues with intertwined trunks serve as a Vastu remedy to promote a harmonious environment and strengthen relationships. For couples aspiring to have a child, placing a pair of elephants on either side of the door opening into the bedroom is considered a strong symbol of fertility. If one elephant has a tusk and the other does not, it signifies a healthy relationship between males and females.
Mother and Baby Elephant
Imagery depicting a mother elephant with a younger elephant is specifically recommended for strengthening the bond between parents and children. This imagery is ideal for children's rooms or family areas. A statue of a baby elephant alone is considered auspicious as it brings protective and nurturing vibes, creating a safe and caring environment, which is ideal for families with children or those planning to start a family.
Seven Elephants
Placing seven elephants in a line represents eternity and symbolizes longevity and overcoming death. These seven elephants collectively represent happiness, wisdom, prudence, royal dignity, invincible power, longevity, and intelligence. A statue of seven elephants together can also be placed in the bedroom to symbolize fertility.
Red Elephant
Red is a strong color symbolizing fame and recognition. A red elephant figurine placed in the south zone of the house can help achieve fame and recognition at work. It can also be placed at the house entrance to safeguard the house against negativity.
White Elephant
While the term "white elephant" is often used colloquially to denote a burden, in Vastu, a white elephant is a positive symbol. Placing it in the north or west direction near the entrance attracts good luck and protection.
Wooden Elephant
Wood is considered an auspicious material for elephant figurines as per Vastu Shastra. Since the southeast direction is associated with the fire element and growth, a wooden elephant figurine can be placed in the southeast corner of the living room to promote growth and positive energies.
Ceramic or Resin Elephant
Ceramic is associated with the earth element, representing stability and nourishment. Ceramic elephant figurines can be placed in the north or east directions to foster these qualities.
Brass and Silver Elephants
- Brass: Brass elephants are considered the best for keeping in the bedroom, as they are believed to eliminate differences between couples. Placing brass elephants in a meeting room brings peace and prosperity to the workplace and success in every sphere of life.
- Silver: A solid silver elephant figurine placed in the north direction brings luck and fortune.
Application in Specific Areas of Life
The placement of elephant imagery is not limited to general home decor; it extends to specific areas such as children's rooms, offices, and study areas to enhance particular aspects of life.
Children’s Room and Academics
Elephants are known for their impeccable memory and skills. Placing a statue or painting of an elephant in a child's bedroom or study room is believed to bring luck in academics and happiness in their lives. A painting or figurine of a mother elephant with a younger elephant helps strengthen the bond between parents and children. Elephant statues in the children’s room can be placed on the study desk or work area. According to Vastu, adorning the family or child's room with depictions featuring a mother and her calf fosters an environment conducive to learning and focus.
Office and Professional Success
In an office setting, elephant statues symbolize success and professional growth. Elephants represent leadership, wisdom, and vigor. Positioning a statue of an elephant at the entrance of an office facing indoors is believed to bring power and success. Keeping elephant figurines at the front doors of the office protects against negative energy. A small elephant figurine on a work desk is believed to bring mental strength and skills. An elephant statue on a shelf facing the entrance of the office is also recommended.
Bedroom and Relationship Harmony
In the bedroom, elephant artwork amplifies marital harmony. A pair of elephant depictions, whether figurines, pictures, or throw pillows, is recommended. Brass elephants in the bedroom eliminate differences between couples. The elephant also represents fertility and nurturing love; when placed in the bedroom, it can promote intimacy, emotional healing, and the potential for new beginnings in relationships.
Holistic Energy Balancing
Beyond specific placements, the elephant serves as a spiritual guardian. A pair of elephant statues at the entrance serves as a protective barrier, keeping negative energies out while welcoming good fortune. Incorporating elephant figurines in the living room or bedroom can encourage love, trust, and harmony among family members due to their strong familial connections. Additionally, a small elephant figurine in a study or office is believed to sharpen the mind and improve concentration, acting as a symbol of intellect and focus.
Conclusion
The elephant is a versatile and potent symbol in Vastu Shastra, offering benefits ranging from protection and prosperity to relationship harmony and academic success. By selecting the appropriate material—wood, brass, silver, ceramic, or resin—and adhering to directional guidelines, individuals can effectively harmonize their living and working environments. Key considerations include placing trunks-up statues at entrances, utilizing pairs for relationship strengthening, and using mother-and-calf imagery for family bonding. Whether seeking professional recognition through a red elephant in the south or luck through a silver elephant in the north, these ancient principles provide a structured approach to enhancing well-being through spatial arrangement.