West facing houses are often misunderstood in the context of Vastu Shastra. While some people may consider them less favorable than East or North facing homes, a well-planned West facing house can indeed be auspicious and bring prosperity, growth, and balance. The key lies in understanding the principles of Vastu and applying them correctly. This article explores the Vastu guidelines for West facing houses, including entrance placement, room positioning, and energy corrections, with insights from expert practitioners and traditional Vastu texts.
Understanding the Significance of West in Vastu
In Vastu Shastra, each direction is associated with specific elements, energies, and deities. The West direction is governed by the element of Air (Vayu) and is linked to Varun Dev, the water deity, and Saturn (Shani) in astrology. It represents karmic discipline, grounded success, and the potential for long-term prosperity. This makes the West direction particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs, business owners, and individuals seeking growth and social connections.
However, the success of a West facing house depends heavily on the alignment of its structure and the placement of key elements such as the main entrance, kitchen, and bedrooms. A poorly designed West facing house can lead to financial instability, conflicts, and other challenges. Therefore, consulting a Vastu expert and following the traditional principles is essential to ensure harmony and balance within the space.
Key Vastu Guidelines for West Facing Houses
1. Main Entrance Placement
The main entrance is the most critical element in any Vastu plan, as it determines the flow of energy into the home. For West facing houses, the entrance should ideally be located in the North West (Vayavya) corner of the West wall. This placement is considered auspicious and is associated with the blessings of Varun Dev and the element of air.
Conversely, placing the entrance in the South West corner (Pitra) is considered inauspicious and can lead to financial losses and instability. It is also recommended to avoid placing the entrance in the central part of the West wall (Brahmastra), as this can disrupt the balance of energies.
The following entrance positions are considered favorable in a West facing house:
- Sugreev (3rd Pada): This is the best position for the main entrance in a West facing house. It is ideal for traders and businessmen and is associated with growth, prosperity, and educational success.
- Pushpdant (4th Pada): This position is excellent for those seeking financial growth and blessings. It is associated with the power of blessings and the vehicle of Lord Kuber, the god of wealth.
- Varun (5th Pada): This position is good for prosperity but requires caution due to the risk of over-ambition.
It is important to avoid the remaining energy fields in the West direction when choosing the entrance location. A Vastu expert can help determine the most auspicious placement based on the owner's astrological chart and the specific layout of the house.
2. Room Positioning and Layout
The positioning of rooms and other key elements in a West facing house must be carefully planned to ensure a balanced flow of energy. Some of the important considerations include:
- Kitchen: The kitchen should be placed in the South or West direction, as these areas are associated with the element of fire and are conducive to cooking. Avoid placing the kitchen in the Northeast or Brahmasthan (central area), as this can disrupt the flow of energy and lead to health issues.
- Toilets and Septic Tanks: These should not be placed in the Northeast or Brahmasthan. They should also not be directly under or over other important rooms, such as bedrooms or the kitchen, to avoid negative influences.
- Bedrooms: The master bedroom should ideally be in the Southwest direction, as this is considered a stable and grounding area. It should not be placed in the Northeast or Brahmasthan, as these positions are associated with instability and restlessness.
- Staircases: In a West facing duplex house, the staircase should be located in the South, Southwest, or West direction. It should be built in a clockwise direction to ensure a smooth flow of energy. Avoid placing the staircase in the Northeast or Brahmasthan, as this can create imbalances in the house.
By following these guidelines, it is possible to create a harmonious and balanced living environment that supports health, prosperity, and well-being.
3. Slope and Wall Construction
The slope of the plot and the construction of walls play an important role in the energy flow of a West facing house. The ideal slope for a West facing house is from South to North, as this helps in the accumulation of positive energies and supports growth and stability. A slope from North to South should be avoided, as it can lead to financial losses and instability.
The walls of the house should also be constructed with care. The South and West walls should be thicker and higher than the North and East walls to support the energy flow and prevent the loss of positive energies. This is particularly important in a West facing house, as the walls help in maintaining the balance of energies and preventing the entry of negative influences.
4. Windows and Natural Light
Windows play a crucial role in the Vastu of a West facing house, as they affect the flow of natural light and energy into the home. More windows in the North and East directions are recommended to balance the energy flow and ensure a comfortable living environment. The West and South walls should have fewer windows, as excessive sunlight in these areas can lead to overheating and discomfort.
Natural light is essential for maintaining a positive and harmonious environment. It is recommended to keep the Northeast area of the house light, open, and clutter-free to ensure a smooth flow of energy. This area is associated with knowledge and spiritual growth and should be kept clean and well-ventilated.
Vastu Remedies for West Facing Houses
Even with the best planning, it is possible for a West facing house to have minor Vastu defects (doshas) that can affect the energy flow and well-being of the residents. Some of the common issues and their remedies include:
- Negative Energies in the Plot: Before commencing construction, it is important to check the plot and surroundings for any negative energies. This can be done using a reliable compass and other Vastu tools. If any negative energies are detected, they can be neutralized using Vastu remedies such as placing a pyramid or using specific colors and materials.
- Unfavorable Entrance Placement: If the main entrance is in an inauspicious position, it can be corrected by using Vastu paintings, sacred symbols, or nameplates at the entrance. These elements help in balancing the energy and creating a positive atmosphere.
- Imbalanced Slope: If the slope of the plot is from North to South, it can be corrected by building retaining walls or using specific materials to redirect the energy flow. A Vastu expert can provide guidance on the best methods for correcting the slope.
- Unfavorable Room Positions: If a room is in an inauspicious position, it can be corrected by using specific colors, materials, or furniture to balance the energy. For example, placing a mirror in the Northeast corner can help in redirecting the energy and creating a more harmonious environment.
These remedies should be implemented with the guidance of a qualified Vastu expert to ensure their effectiveness and to avoid any negative consequences.
Benefits of a Well-Designed West Facing House
A well-designed West facing house can bring numerous benefits to its residents. Some of the key advantages include:
- Prosperity and Wealth: West facing houses are believed to bring prosperity, especially for those in business and entrepreneurship. The association with Varun Dev and Saturn (Shani) in astrology supports the idea of karmic discipline and grounded success.
- Promotes Wisdom and Growth: The West direction is associated with wisdom and growth, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking knowledge and personal development.
- Supports Social Connections: The West direction is also associated with social connections and networking, making it beneficial for those who rely on relationships for success.
- Enhances Harmony and Balance: A well-planned West facing house can create a harmonious and balanced environment that supports health, well-being, and overall quality of life.
By following the Vastu guidelines and implementing the necessary corrections, it is possible to create a West facing house that brings prosperity, harmony, and balance to its residents.
Conclusion
A West facing house can be as auspicious and beneficial as any other direction if it is planned and constructed according to the principles of Vastu Shastra. The key to success lies in understanding the significance of the West direction, following the guidelines for entrance placement, room positioning, and energy flow, and implementing the necessary corrections. With the help of a qualified Vastu expert, it is possible to create a harmonious and balanced living environment that supports health, prosperity, and well-being.
Whether you are buying or renting a West facing house, focusing on Vastu can help you create a positive and supportive living space. By aligning your home with the principles of Vastu, you can enhance your quality of life and achieve your goals with greater ease and confidence.