Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural science that guides how homes and buildings should be designed to align with natural energies. It is a comprehensive system rooted in ancient traditions, focusing on aligning the built environment with the forces of nature. The word "Vastu" means house, and "Shastra" means science. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Indian texts and practices, with references found in the Vedas, Puranas, and Tantras. The most famous text on Vastu, the Vastu Vidya, is thought to date back over 5,000 years. Vastu Shastra provides guidelines and principles on the arrangement and design of homes and workplaces, taking into account factors such as the location of the house, the placement of rooms and furniture, directions, colors, and materials.
The underlying belief in Vastu is that proper alignment and structure of a home can influence the flow of energy, or "prana," within a space. This, in turn, affects the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its inhabitants. Vastu is based on the balance of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. These elements influence the energy flow in your home. When aligned correctly, they attract prosperity, harmony, and success. Vastu works closely with planetary energies, making your living space supportive of your karmic and emotional well-being. By paying attention to the natural elements, directions, and energy flow within a space, Vastu aims to create harmony between people and their environment. When applied correctly, Vastu can help improve health, prosperity, relationships, and overall happiness.
The Importance of Directions in Vastu
Every direction is associated with a specific deity, planet, and energy. Understanding the significance of directions is fundamental to applying Vastu principles effectively. Each direction has its own significance, and proper orientation is key to balancing natural elements and energies within a space.
- North (Uttara): This direction is associated with Kubera, the lord of wealth. A North-facing entrance is considered highly auspicious as it attracts prosperity and financial stability. The North zone is also ideal for living rooms, as it helps attract prosperity.
- East (Purva): The East is the direction of the Sun, representing light, health, and new beginnings. An East-facing entrance is also highly favorable, bringing in positive energy and vitality. Living rooms facing East or Northeast are recommended.
- South (Dakshina): This direction is associated with Yama, the lord of death. While South-facing entrances are generally avoided due to associations with obstacles, the South zone is suitable for heavy furniture and for placing paintings that enhance fame and stability, such as mountain paintings.
- West (Paschim): The West direction is associated with Varuna, the lord of rains. It is a suitable direction for placing heavy furniture in the living room.
- Northeast (Ishanya): This is the most auspicious corner, representing the divine. It should be kept open and clutter-free. The living room is best placed in the North, East, or North-East zone. A North-East facing living room is also acceptable if East or North is not feasible.
- South-West (Nairutya): This direction is associated with stability but requires careful management. Placing the main door in the South-West is not recommended as it may bring financial instability. The master bedroom is ideally located in the South-West part of the house.
Key Vastu Principles for Home Design
Creating a Vastu-compliant home involves several key considerations, from plot selection to the placement of specific rooms and objects.
Plot Selection
The foundation of a Vastu-compliant home begins with the plot itself. - Shape: Square or rectangular plots are considered best. Triangular or irregularly shaped plots should be avoided. - Slope: The land should ideally slope from East to West or North to South to ensure proper drainage and energy flow. - Surroundings: It is advisable to avoid plots located near cemeteries, hospitals, or dead-end roads, as these locations may carry negative energy.
The Main Entrance
The main entrance is considered the most important aspect of home design in Vastu, as it is the gateway for energy. - Ideal Directions: The main entrance should ideally be in the North, East, or Northeast direction to welcome positive energy. - Avoid: South-facing entrances are generally discouraged. - Tips for Enhancement: The entrance should be well-lit and kept clutter-free. Decorating it with rangoli or toran (welcome symbols) can further enhance its positive energy.
The Center of the Home (Brahmasthan)
The center of the home, known as Brahmasthan, is considered the holiest part of the house. - Significance: It is the energy core and should be kept open, light, and clutter-free. - Avoidances: There should be no obstructions or built-up areas in the Brahmasthan. Placing a column, kitchen, or bathroom in this central zone is strictly avoided as it can attract negative energy and adversely affect the health of family members.
Living Room Vastu
The living room is a central area for activity, social gatherings, and family interaction. - Placement: It should be located in the North, East, or Northeast zone of the house to attract prosperity. - Seating Arrangement: People should sit facing the East or North. Seating can be arranged in the South or West direction of the room. - Furniture: Heavy furniture should be placed in the West or South-West section of the living room. - Electronics: Appliances and electronics are best installed in the South-East section. - Mirrors: If a mirror is to be placed in the living room, it should be positioned on the North wall. - Decor: Vastu paintings, such as seven running horses or mountain paintings, can be placed in the South for stability and fame.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is associated with the Fire element and requires specific placement. - Placement: The ideal location for a kitchen is in the South-East direction of the home. - Significance: This alignment balances the Fire element and supports the well-being of the household.
Bedrooms
Proper placement and arrangement of bedrooms contribute to peace and harmony. - Master Bedroom: The master bedroom should be larger than other bedrooms and is ideally located in the South-West part of the house. This placement supports stability and the well-being of the head of the family. - Other Bedrooms: Other bedrooms can be located in the West, North-West, or South-East zones. - Bed Placement: The bed should be placed such that the person's head is towards the South while sleeping. This is believed to promote good health and longevity. - Mirrors: Avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the bed, as it can lead to disturbed sleep.
Bathrooms and Toilets
These spaces are associated with water and disposal of waste. - Placement: The ideal locations for bathrooms and toilets are in the North-West or South-East zones of the house. - Avoidances: They should never be placed in the North-East, South-West, or the center (Brahmasthan) of the house, as this can lead to financial losses and health issues. - Water Flow: Ensure that the flow of water from taps and showers is towards the North or East.
Common Vastu Defects and Remedies
Even in existing structures, it is possible to correct energy imbalances through simple remedies.
- Clutter-Free Zones: A clutter-free home allows for the smooth flow of prana. Regular decluttering, especially in the center of the home and the North-East zone, is a primary remedy for many Vastu defects.
- Natural Light and Ventilation: Ensuring that the home has plenty of natural light and cross-ventilation helps in maintaining positive energy and reducing stress.
- Use of Natural Materials: Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and specific finishes (e.g., Kota stone) in the construction and decor aligns the home with earth energies and traditional Vastu values.
- Color Therapy: Using appropriate colors for different rooms can balance the elements. For a meditation room, colors like white, beige, light yellow, or green are recommended.
- Placement of Artefacts: As seen in traditional designs, incorporating sculptures and installations by local artists can honor craftsmanship and contribute to the positive aesthetic and energy of the space.
Vastu for Commercial and Residential Harmony
Vastu principles are not limited to individual homes; they are also applied to commercial spaces and larger residential projects like joint family homes.
- Commercial Success: For business premises, the placement of the cash counter, manager's cabin, and entrance are critical. The North and East directions are considered favorable for business growth and financial stability.
- Joint Family Homes: In multi-generational homes, the layout must accommodate the needs of all family members while maintaining energy flow. Positioning the entrance and pooja area in auspicious directions (North or East) is essential for rituals and daily well-being. Unhindered views of the garden from the living room, often from both sides, can foster a sense of openness and connection to nature.
- Renovation and Modern Design: Integrating Vastu into modern architectural designs is becoming essential. This can be achieved by respecting directional guidelines, using natural materials, and ensuring symmetry and balance in the layout. For example, repurposing traditional elements like wooden columns, brackets, and arches can honor tradition while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
The Holistic Approach to Well-being
Vastu Shastra is a part of a larger framework of ancient Indian wisdom that includes other disciplines for personal and spiritual growth.
- Tarot Guidance: Tarot reading can be used as a tool for introspection and gaining clarity on life's challenges. It can complement Vastu by helping individuals understand their personal energy and make decisions that align with their goals for harmony and success.
- Numerology Insights: Numerology involves the study of the vibrational significance of numbers. It can provide insights into personal cycles, favorable timings, and compatibility. When combined with Vastu, numerology can help in choosing auspicious dates for moving into a new home, starting a business, or performing important rituals.
- Energy Harmonization: The ultimate goal of Vastu, Tarot, and Numerology is to harmonize the individual's energy with their environment and the cosmos. This holistic approach aims to create a balanced life where physical surroundings, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being are in sync.
Practical Tips for Everyday Living
Here are some general tips to maintain positive energy in any home, based on Vastu principles:
- Keep the main entrance clean and well-lit.
- Avoid placing heavy furniture in the center of the home.
- Ensure the North-East corner is open and receives morning sunlight.
- Place a bowl of salt in the bathroom to absorb negative energy and change it regularly.
- Avoid cactus or thorny plants inside the house.
- Use wind chimes in the North or East windows to attract positive energy.
- Keep the under-staircase space clutter-free and avoid using it for storing waste.
Conclusion
Vastu Shastra is a profound science that offers a blueprint for creating living and working spaces that support health, prosperity, and happiness. By understanding the significance of directions, balancing the five elements, and applying practical remedies, individuals can harmonize their environment with natural energies. Whether one is building a new home, renovating an existing space, or simply seeking to improve the energy flow in their daily life, the principles of Vastu provide timeless guidance. Integrating these practices with other spiritual tools like Tarot and Numerology can further enhance personal growth and lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.