The grainary room, or the space dedicated to storing food grains and essential supplies, holds a place of reverence within the household according to Vastu Shastra. It is viewed not merely as a storage area but as the repository of sustenance and life force for the family. The provided source materials emphasize that the sanctity of this space must be maintained to ensure the health and prosperity of the inhabitants. A grainary room that adheres to Vastu principles is believed to prevent the accumulation of negative energies, protect food from contamination, and ensure a continuous supply of nourishment. Conversely, a poorly placed or disorganized grainary can lead to health issues and shortages.
The fundamental principles outlined in the sources focus on the location, structural attributes, and internal arrangement of the grainary. By aligning this room with specific directional energies, one can harness the benefits of nature’s elements to preserve the vitality of stored food. The guidelines provided stress that even minor details—such as the placement of windows, the color of the walls, and the type of containers used—play a significant role in maintaining the purity of the space.
Ideal Location and Structural Guidelines
According to the provided Vastu guidelines, the placement of the grainary room is of paramount importance. The sources consistently recommend specific directions to maximize the benefits of storage and minimize the risk of spoilage or shortage.
Directional Placement: The most auspicious location for a grainary room is the North-West portion of the building. This direction is considered beneficial for providing good storage capabilities with minimal chances of grain shortages. The energy of the North-West is conducive to movement and storage, ensuring that the grains remain usable and fresh. Some sources also mention that daily use grains should be stored in the North-West direction.
Alternative Storage Locations: For annual stock or long-term storage, the South-West direction is recommended. This area is associated with stability and endurance. However, it is crucial to distinguish between daily usage and long-term reserves to maintain the flow of energy appropriate to each.
Room Height and Accessibility: To maintain safety and hygiene, the height of the grainary room should be greater than that of other rooms in the house. This elevation helps keep the area away from children and reduces the likelihood of pests or germs reaching the stored food.
Doors and Windows: The entrance to the grainary room should ideally be constructed in directions such as East, West, North, South, South-East, North-East, or North-West. A critical requirement is that the door must have two shutters. Regarding ventilation, windows should be placed on the Eastern or Western sides. The sources specify that windows should not be placed in the Northern or Southern directions. If there are multiple windows, the larger one should be on the East side and the smaller one on the West side to facilitate proper air circulation and light without disrupting the directional balance.
Internal Arrangement and Storage Protocols
The internal management of the grainary room is as vital as its location. The sources provide detailed instructions on how to arrange items to preserve their quality and attract positive abundance.
Storage of Different Commodities: * Daily Use Grains: These should be kept in the North-West direction. * Annual Stock: The South-West corner is designated for storing the annual stock of grains. * Oil, Ghee, and Liquids: Items such as oil, ghee, refined products, and gas cylinders should be stored in the South-East corner of the storage room. * Water: If water is present in the room, it must be stored only in pitchers or vessels, not in open containers or plastic bottles.
Container Management: A strict rule emphasized across the sources is to avoid empty containers in the grainary room. The room should remain filled at all times. Empty jars or containers attract negativity and are believed to cause shortages. It is advised to add some grains to empty jars immediately or remove them from the room.
Hygiene and Purity: The grainary room must be free from germs and infections. Since food is treated with the same reverence as the almighty, the space must be kept clean to prevent contamination. The sources warn that if placed in the wrong location, grains are prone to infection and will not benefit those who consume them.
Color Scheme and Spiritual Elements
To enhance the positive energy within the grainary room, specific aesthetic and spiritual measures are recommended.
Color Palette: The walls should be painted in lighter shades to ensure visibility and maintain a clean atmosphere. The recommended colors are tints of white, yellow, or blue. These colors reflect light and create a serene environment conducive to preserving food.
Spiritual Protection: A significant spiritual remedy provided in the sources is the placement of a picture of Lord Vishnu on the Eastern wall of the grainary room. Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe, and invoking his presence is believed to ensure the preservation and abundance of the stored grains.
Summary of Vastu Corrections for Grainary Rooms
To assist in the practical application of these principles, the following table summarizes the key Vastu directives for the grainary room based on the source data:
| Aspect | Recommended Direction / Attribute | Prohibited / Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Room | North-West (Ideal) | South-West (for main placement, though SW corner is used for annual storage) |
| Annual Grain Storage | South-West corner | North-West (for annual stock) |
| Daily Grain Storage | North-West direction | South-West (for daily use) |
| Oil / Ghee Storage | South-East corner | Random placement |
| Water Storage | Pitchers or vessels | Open containers |
| Door | East, West, North, South, SE, NE, NW (with two shutters) | Single shutter |
| Windows | East (larger) and West (smaller) | North or South directions |
| Wall Color | White, Yellow, Blue | Dark or heavy colors |
| Height | Higher than other rooms | Level with or lower than other rooms |
| Containers | Always filled | Empty containers |
| Spiritual Element | Picture of Lord Vishnu on Eastern wall | Absence of divine protection |
Conclusion
Adhering to Vastu Shastra for the grainary room is a practice deeply rooted in the desire to maintain health, prosperity, and spiritual harmony within the home. The provided source materials offer a comprehensive framework for constructing and managing this essential space. By locating the grainary in the North-West, utilizing the South-West for annual reserves and the South-East for oils, and maintaining strict hygiene and container discipline, households can create an environment that supports physical well-being and material abundance. The inclusion of spiritual elements, such as the image of Lord Vishnu, further elevates the space from a mere storage area to a sacred repository of life’s sustenance. Following these guidelines ensures that the family remains protected from food scarcity and health issues caused by contaminated or improperly stored food.