Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural science, is rooted in the idea of achieving balance and harmony in living spaces. This age-old tradition is built upon principles that aim to channel good energy and establish a setting that promotes health, wealth, and spiritual development. At its core, Vastu Shastra acknowledges the interconnectedness between the elements of nature, human beings, and their built environments. The direction a house faces is believed to have a profound impact on the lives of its residents, influencing their physical health, mental well-being, and even their prosperity. The facing direction dictates how sunlight, air, and cosmic energies interact with the structure, creating a symbiotic relationship between the environment and its occupants. Understanding the correct facing of a home is the foundational step toward applying Vastu principles effectively.
Many people are often confused when it comes to finding the direction to which their house is facing. In fact, there are many who believe that finding the right facing of their home is actually tough, but finding the correct facing or direction of a house is very—in fact extremely—easy and in no way a "rocket science." Ensuring the correct facing of your house is crucial as it impacts the energy flow and influences various aspects of your life. Proper alignment with Vastu principles ensures a smooth flow of positive energy within your living space, promoting harmony and well-being among the occupants. The right facing direction can attract wealth and financial prosperity into your life, leading to improved financial stability. Vastu-compliant facing of the house enhances health and fosters positive relationships among family members.
Methods to Determine the House Facing Direction
There are a few methods that can help you in determining the house-facing direction. These methods range from using precise instruments to observing natural phenomena. Choosing the right method depends on the tools available and the specific characteristics of the property.
The Compass Method
The compass method is one of the most accurate ways to determine the facing direction of a house in Vastu. A compass helps you identify the four cardinal directions—North, South, East, and West—with precision, which is crucial for aligning your home according to Vastu principles. To use this method correctly, one must stand at the entrance door of the home facing outside, as if going out of the home. Then, record the direction you are facing using a compass. The direction noted is the direction your house faces. Hence, if while coming out of your home, you face North, then you have a North facing house; similarly, if you face South while coming out of your home, then you have a South facing house.
Furthermore, to make the floor plan according to Vastu, you need to find out the exact North point of the house. For instance, if you are facing a particular wall of your property and the compass reading is 45 degrees, then measure 45 degrees anti-clockwise from that point, facing the same wall on the map. This will indicate the North direction of the house on the floor plan, which is essential for accurate Vastu analysis.
The Sunrise and Sunset Method
The movement of the sun is a natural indicator of direction and can be used to identify the East and West directions accurately. According to Vastu Shastra, the East represents the morning and the West represents the evening. If you cannot find your way around a compass, you may always use the sunrise and sunset to figure out which way is east and west from your home. East is where the sun comes up, and West is where it goes down. You can use this information to figure out the other directions. This method is simple yet effective in determining direction.
The Shadow Method
The shadow method involves tracking the movement of shadows during different times of the day. By observing where shadows fall at specific times, one can determine the cardinal directions. This method requires patience and observation but serves as a reliable natural compass.
Taking External Measurements
Taking external measurements of your home is another option for figuring out which direction it faces. Using the front door as a reference point, measure the length of each wall with a measuring tape. The longest wall will indicate the facing direction of your house. This physical measurement can be a practical way to confirm the facing, especially when combined with compass readings.
The Importance of the Main Entrance
The main entrance is not just an entry point for people but also for energy. In Vastu Shastra, the placement and direction of the main entrance are of paramount importance. There are total of 32 possible entrances according to Vastu Shastra. The energy of the house is determined by the direction in which the main door opens and the zone it is located in. A well-placed entrance can usher in prosperity and positivity, while an improperly placed one can lead to imbalances.
To locate the main entrance on a floor plan, one must first find the exact center point of the house. This is done by marking all four corners of the house as points A, B, C, and D. Then, draw a line from point A to C and B to D. The point where these two lines cross is the exact center point of the house. If there is a cut or extension in any corner of the house, draw an imaginary line to make the house square or rectangular before marking the points. This center point serves as the Brahmasthan, or the cosmic center, from which all directions are balanced.
Best House Facing Direction for Vastu: Living Room
In Vastu Shastra, the orientation of the living room is of significant importance as it is a space where family members and guests gather for relaxation, socializing, and entertainment. The favourable direction for the living room can vary based on different factors, including the overall layout of the house and the cardinal direction it faces.
East-Facing Living Room
An east-facing living room is often considered auspicious in Vastu. This direction welcomes the morning sunlight, which is associated with positive energy, vitality, and new beginnings. It promotes a sense of enthusiasm and freshness in the living space. The morning sun's rays are believed to cleanse the environment and energize the occupants.
North-Facing Living Room
The north direction is associated with wealth and prosperity in Vastu. A north-facing living room is believed to attract financial growth and opportunities. It also provides good ventilation and coolness, making it a comfortable space for relaxation. The north zone is governed by the water element, and a living room here can foster a calm and prosperous atmosphere.
Directions to Avoid
The south-west direction is generally not recommended for the living room according to Vastu principles. This zone is associated with stability and is more suitable for bedrooms or master bedrooms. Placing a living room in the south-west can lead to a lack of harmony and energy imbalances.
Best House Facing Direction for Vastu: Bedroom
The bedroom is a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, and its direction plays a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability. While the provided sources mention the importance of the bedroom direction, they do not specify the most auspicious directions for placing a bedroom. However, general Vastu principles suggest that the master bedroom should ideally be located in the south-west corner of the house. This direction represents the earth element, symbolizing stability and strength. The head of the family should sleep in this room to maintain control and harmony in the household. The north-east or north-west directions are generally avoided for bedrooms, especially for the master bedroom, as they can lead to health and financial issues.
Best House Facing Direction for Vastu: Pooja Room
The pooja room or prayer area is a space dedicated to spiritual practices and meditation. It is considered the most sacred part of the house. The north-east corner of the house is the ideal location for a pooja room. This corner, also known as the Ishan corner, receives the first rays of the sun and is believed to be filled with positive cosmic energy. Placing the pooja room in the north-east direction enhances spiritual growth and brings peace and prosperity to the home. The idols and religious symbols should be placed such that the person praying faces the north or east direction.
Best House Facing Direction for Vastu: Kitchen
The kitchen is the center of nourishment and health in a home. The direction of the kitchen and the placement of the cooking stove are critical in Vastu Shastra. The south-east corner is considered the most auspicious direction for the kitchen. This corner is governed by the fire element, which aligns perfectly with the activities performed in the kitchen. While cooking, the person should face the east direction, as it is believed to bring good health and digestion. The north-west corner is also an acceptable alternative for the kitchen. The north and south-west directions should be strictly avoided for kitchen placement, as they can lead to health and financial problems for the residents.
Vastu Remedies for Correcting House Facing Direction
When the house facing direction or room placements are not fully compliant with Vastu principles, various remedies can be applied to harmonize the energy flow. These remedies aim to balance the elements and correct imbalances without requiring structural changes in many cases.
General Remedies for Directional Imbalances
- Use of Colors: Painting walls with specific colors can help balance the energy of a zone. For example, light green or blue can be used in the north and east zones, while red or orange shades can be used in the south-east kitchen.
- Placement of Mirrors: Mirrors are powerful tools in Vastu for reflecting and amplifying energy. Placing mirrors on the north or east walls can enhance positive vibrations.
- Use of Crystals and Pyramids: These tools are known to harmonize energy fields. Placing a crystal or a pyramid in the center of the house or in specific zones can neutralize negative energies.
Remedies for Main Entrance Issues
If the main entrance is in an unfavorable direction, one can use specific symbols or items to ward off negativity. For instance, placing a Swastika symbol or a religious sticker on the main door is a common practice. Keeping the entrance well-lit and clutter-free is essential to allow smooth energy flow.
Balancing the Five Elements
Vastu Shastra is based on the balance of five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Remedies often involve enhancing or balancing these elements in their respective zones. For example, placing a small bowl of water in the north-east zone enhances the water element, while using a small lamp or candle in the south-east zone can boost the fire element.
The Broader Context of Vastu Shastra
While the facing direction is a fundamental aspect, Vastu Shastra encompasses a holistic approach to living. It integrates architecture, nature, and human energy. The principles are designed to create a supportive environment that aligns with the natural laws of the universe. Following Vastu is not just about attracting wealth or health; it is about creating a harmonious balance between the individual and their surroundings.
Influence on Life Aspects
Proper alignment according to Vastu Shastra can influence various aspects of life: - Financial Prosperity: The north direction is associated with wealth, and having important rooms like the living room or office in this zone can attract financial opportunities. - Health and Relationships: A well-balanced house with proper energy flow contributes to the physical and mental well-being of its occupants. It also fosters positive relationships among family members. - Spiritual Growth: A house designed with Vastu principles supports spiritual practices and inner peace, especially when spaces like the pooja room are correctly placed.
The Holistic Approach
Vastu Shastra is not a rigid set of rules but a guideline that can be adapted to different architectural designs. The ultimate goal is to create a living space that supports the inhabitants' goals and lifestyle. By understanding the principles of directions, elements, and room placements, individuals can make informed decisions to enhance their living environment.
Conclusion
Determining the facing direction of a house is the first and most critical step in applying Vastu Shastra principles. Whether using a compass, observing the sun, or taking measurements, accuracy is key to ensuring that the energy flow aligns with the natural elements. The living room, bedroom, pooja room, and kitchen each have specific directional preferences that contribute to the overall harmony and prosperity of the home. While deviations from ideal placements are common, various remedies exist to balance the energies without major structural changes. Ultimately, Vastu Shastra offers a time-tested framework for creating a balanced, healthy, and prosperous living space, guiding individuals toward a life in sync with nature and cosmic energies.