The placement and design of vehicle parking spaces, including garages and car sheds, are critical considerations within Vastu Shastra for ensuring the well-being of the residents and the longevity of the vehicles. According to the provided guidelines, the energetic alignment of these spaces significantly influences the harmony of the home. When designating an area for vehicle storage, specific directional rules must be followed. It is noted that a place should not be recommended for building a house in areas with west, east, or south-facing slopes, while northern slopes in a flat area are suitable. However, for the specific purpose of car parking, the rules focus heavily on the Northwest (NW) direction as the primary location. The guidelines emphasize that locating the garage in the Northwest is a key "do" for proper Vastu compliance. Additionally, the slope of the garage floor is a vital structural element; it is recommended that the garage floor slopes towards the East or North direction to facilitate positive energy flow. The roof of the garage should ideally slope from South to North or from West to East.
Regarding the orientation of the vehicle itself, the direction in which the car faces while parked is of great importance. The guidelines state that one should park the car facing North or East. Conversely, parking the car facing West or South is strictly avoided, as there is a perceived change of fire hazard associated with these directions. The movement of the vehicle through the entrance of the garage is also governed by specific rules. The best location for the garage entrance is in the North or East. It is also specified that the height of the garage entrance gate should be less than the main gate of the house. Furthermore, the path where the garage gate opens should remain clear to allow easy accessibility for the car's movement without hindrance. Avoiding entry to the garage from the South-East or South-West directions is also advised.
The structural integrity and separation of the garage from the main dwelling are also addressed in the source material. It is recommended that garage walls should not touch the compound wall, nor should they touch the walls of the main house. This separation helps maintain distinct energy fields. Regarding the aesthetics and color scheme of the garage, the guidelines suggest using light colors. Specifically, white, cream, yellow, or any other light color is considered auspicious for the garage walls. This choice of color is believed to foster a positive environment for the vehicle.
Storage within the garage requires careful management of items. The North-West direction is identified as the preferred location for keeping car keys and manuals. Similarly, tools and spares should be neatly arranged in the North-West direction. However, there are strict prohibitions regarding what should be stored in the garage. One must never store inflammable items or waste material in the garage. The presence of such items is believed to cause unnecessary harm and potential hazards. The guidelines explicitly state "No trash" and "No inflammable items in garage."
There are several specific directional prohibitions to be aware of. The guidelines state to "Never locate the garage in North-East." While one source mentions that parking in a North-East basement is acceptable, the general rule for surface-level garages is to avoid the NE zone. Additionally, locating a garage in the South-West (SW) is discouraged because it leads to very less usage of the vehicle and more repairs. For those who have limited space and cannot construct a full garage, the concept of a "Portico" is introduced as an alternative.
In summary, adhering to these Vastu principles for car parking involves careful attention to location, orientation, slope, and storage. By placing the garage in the Northwest, ensuring the floor slopes East or North, parking the car facing North or East, and maintaining a clutter-free and safe environment with appropriate colors, one can harmonize the energy of the vehicle space. Avoiding specific directions like South-West for garages and South-East for entry, while ensuring structural separation from the main house, contributes to the overall well-being and smooth functioning of the household vehicles.
Conclusion
The integration of Vastu Shastra principles into the planning of vehicle parking spaces serves as a holistic approach to maintaining harmony between the built environment and the energies of nature. The guidelines provided emphasize that the garage is not merely a storage area but a space that interacts with the overall energy field of the residence. By selecting the correct directional placement, primarily the Northwest, and adhering to specific structural and operational details such as floor slope, parking orientation, and proper storage, individuals can create a supportive environment for their vehicles. The avoidance of negative zones like the South-West for garage construction and the strict prohibition against storing hazardous materials ensure safety and sustained utility of the vehicle. Ultimately, these practices reflect the compassionate guidance of Vastu Shastra, aiming to protect assets and promote a balanced living experience through spatial alignment.