Buying a flat or apartment represents one of life's most significant and expensive decisions. The energy of one's living space profoundly influences health, prosperity, and overall well-being. Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and spatial energy, provides essential guidelines for aligning living spaces with the powerful forces of nature. While many believe that Vastu principles are difficult to apply in modern flats and apartments, the reality is that specific guidelines and easy-to-apply solutions can transform any flat into a Vastu-compliant sanctuary. Understanding the ideal placement of key elements within a flat is crucial for maintaining harmony and avoiding serious health and financial problems. This comprehensive guide explores the essential Vastu principles for flats, focusing on practical adjustments that enhance positive energy flow without requiring structural demolition.
The Core Principles of Vastu for Flats
Vastu Shastra for flats is not merely about the direction the building faces; it is a holistic approach that considers the placement of every room and element within the living space. An ideal flat as per Vastu is one that adheres to specific rules regarding the entrance, kitchen, toilets, bedrooms, and Pooja room. While it is true that one may not always have the choice to relocate rooms or significantly alter the layout, there are effective solutions available to make a flat highly Vastu compliant.
The fundamental goal is to create a balanced environment where positive energy can flow freely. This is achieved by aligning the flat’s interior with natural forces. Proper placement of rooms, appropriate furniture arrangement, and the use of specific color schemes all contribute to attracting positivity and enhancing the well-being of the residents. Even in an already constructed flat, Vastu remedies such as rearranging furniture, using specific colors, and placing Vastu pyramids or crystals can significantly improve energy flow.
The 9-Point Checklist for Vastu Compliance
To evaluate a flat’s Vastu energy, one can follow a structured checklist. This method helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of a flat's design and guides the creation of an ideal living space. The nine critical points to examine are:
- The placement of the main entrance door
- Placement of the kitchen
- Placement of the Pooja room
- Placement of the toilets/bathroom
- Location of the bedrooms
- Colors and wall paints
- Cuts and extensions in the flat
- Location of the storeroom
- Placement of mirrors
1. Main Entrance Door Vastu
The main entrance is arguably the most critical element in Vastu for flats. It acts as the gateway for energy entering the home. A clean, well-lit entrance ensures prosperity and health. The ideal direction for the main entrance is often debated, but the key is to ensure the entrance is placed in a favorable direction, with North or East being highly auspicious.
According to the Vastu Purusha Mandala, there are 32 possible locations for an entrance. Selecting the right entrance is a nuanced process. It is important to consider that there is a strong connection between Vastu and Astrology. An individual's birth chart can influence which entrance direction is most beneficial for them. Since shifting or completely changing the direction of the main entrance in a flat is often impossible, careful selection of the flat based on the entrance's placement is paramount before purchase.
2. Kitchen Placement and Design
The kitchen represents the element of fire and is a source of nourishment and health. The ideal location for the kitchen in a flat is the Southeast direction. This placement aligns with the natural flow of energy. When cooking, the resident should face East, which is believed to bring good health and positive vibrations.
Specific guidelines for the kitchen include: * Storage: Kitchen cabinets used for storage should ideally be placed on the Southern wall. * Appliances: The mixer-grinder should be kept in the Eastern part of the kitchen. * Refrigerator: It is advisable to avoid buying a black or blue refrigerator if it is to be placed in the kitchen. A marble slab is recommended for the kitchen platform.
3. Pooja Room Placement
The Pooja room is a sanctuary for spiritual practice and meditation. There is often confusion regarding its placement, with many believing it can only be placed in the North East (Ishaan) direction. While the North East is indeed a highly auspicious direction, it is not the only option. Vastu Shastra also refers to the West direction as an auspicious direction for the Pooja room. In fact, in most ancient Hindu temples, the main idol is positioned in the West. The West is ruled by Lord Varun, the giver of wealth and prosperity. Therefore, placing the Pooja room in the West is an excellent choice. Other favorable directions include East and North. The choice of direction can also be influenced by the main deity worshipped by the resident.
4. Toilets and Bathrooms
Toilets are considered sources of negative energy and must be placed correctly to prevent their influence from spreading throughout the home. In a flat, the placement of toilets is often fixed, but awareness is key. It is generally advised to avoid having toilets in the center of the flat (Brahmasthan), Northeast, or Southwest corners. If a flat has a toilet in an unfavorable location, specific Vastu remedies and adjustments can be applied to mitigate its negative effects.
5. Bedroom Location
The master bedroom plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability within the household. The ideal location for the master bedroom is the Southwest corner of the flat. This direction provides stability, strength, and control to the head of the family. The bed should be placed such that the head is towards the South or East while sleeping, which promotes good health and a peaceful mind.
6. Colors and Wall Paints
Colors have a profound impact on the energy of a space. The choice of colors should be in harmony with the direction of the room. For instance, the South direction is associated with red and orange hues, while the North direction is favorable for green and shades of blue. Using appropriate colors can enhance the positive qualities of each zone within the flat.
7. Cuts and Extensions
A Vastu-compliant flat should ideally have a regular shape, such as a square or rectangle. Irregular shapes, cuts, or extensions in the layout can disrupt the flow of energy and lead to imbalances. When evaluating a flat plan, it is important to check for any such irregularities. While major structural changes may not be possible, awareness allows for the application of corrective measures.
8. Location of the Storeroom
The storeroom, or store, is where one keeps accumulated items. As per Vastu, the ideal location for a storeroom is the Southwest direction of the flat. This placement helps in maintaining stability and preventing the stagnation of energy. It is important to keep the storeroom clean and organized to ensure positive energy flow.
9. Placement of Mirrors
Mirrors are powerful tools in Vastu Shastra as they reflect and double the energy of whatever they face. Mirrors should be placed strategically to enhance positive energy. For example, a mirror placed in the North or East direction can attract prosperity and positive vibrations. However, mirrors should be avoided in the bedroom or placed carefully, as they can cause restlessness if they reflect the bed.
Shape and Location of the Flat
The overall shape and location of the building housing the flat are also significant. Flats built at the end of roads are considered inauspicious in Vastu Shastra. Additionally, triangle-shaped plots or irregularly shaped buildings are believed to release negative energies. The best shapes for plots and flats are rectangle and square, as they provide a balanced and stable foundation for positive energy.
Scientific Vastu and Practical Application
Modern Vastu consultation, particularly in regions like the United States, often adopts a scientific approach that focuses on behavior, light, usage, and energy flow rather than rigid, blind rules. The best Vastu for a flat is one that matches the resident's lifestyle, considering factors such as children's routines and work-from-home needs. This practical approach ensures that the living space is not only Vastu-compliant but also highly functional.
Residential Vastu consultation can be sought at various stages: pre-booking, pre-possession, or even after moving in. Non-demolition approaches and phased changes are particularly valuable for occupied apartments, allowing for practical adjustments without major disruption. Online Vastu advice and on-site visits offer flexibility for individuals finalizing a flat from another city or country.
Vastu Remedies and Corrections
For flats that are already built and have Vastu defects, numerous remedies can be applied. These remedies are designed to correct energy imbalances without requiring structural changes. Common remedies include:
- Rearranging Furniture: Placing furniture in specific positions can alter energy flow.
- Using Specific Colors: Applying appropriate colors to walls or decor items.
- Placing Vastu Pyramids or Crystals: These tools are known to harmonize energy fields.
- Strategic Placement of Objects: Using mirrors, plants, or specific symbols to counteract negative energies.
It is essential to consult with a knowledgeable Vastu expert to identify the correct remedies for a specific situation. While online solutions and tips are available, a personalized consultation can provide tailored guidance that considers the unique layout and the residents' needs.
Connection with Astrology and Numerology
Vastu Shastra is deeply interconnected with other ancient sciences like Astrology and Numerology. As mentioned earlier, the selection of the main entrance can be influenced by an individual's birth chart. Similarly, the energy of a home can be further harmonized by considering the numerological vibrations associated with the address or the residents' birth dates. Integrating these sciences provides a more holistic approach to creating a balanced and prosperous living environment.
Conclusion
Achieving ideal Vastu for a flat is a thoughtful process that involves understanding fundamental principles, evaluating the space using a structured checklist, and applying practical remedies where necessary. While the ideal scenario is to select a flat that is already Vastu-compliant, it is entirely possible to transform an existing living space into a harmonious sanctuary. By focusing on the placement of the main entrance, kitchen, Pooja room, bedrooms, and other key elements, residents can significantly enhance the flow of positive energy. The goal is to create a home that supports health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being, aligning the living space with the natural forces of the universe. For those seeking to make one of life's biggest decisions—buying a flat—complying with Vastu rules is a wise investment in a happy and prosperous future.