Vastu Shastra is a traditional architectural science that guides the construction and arrangement of living spaces to promote positive energy flow, health, and well-being. When applied to the design of toilets, these principles are particularly important. According to the provided guidelines, toilets are areas where negative energies and toxins can accumulate. Therefore, adhering to specific directional guidelines, color schemes, and placement strategies is essential to mitigate adverse effects on the inhabitants' physical and mental health. The primary goal of applying Vastu to toilets is to protect the home from negative vibrations and to ensure that the space contributes to a harmonious living environment.
Location and Directional Placement
The correct location of a toilet within a residential structure is the foundational step in Vastu compliance. The provided sources offer specific recommendations regarding the ideal zones for toilet construction.
- Ideal Zones: The most favorable directions for constructing a toilet are the west or north-west side of the house. If a toilet is built as a separate unit away from the bedroom, the north-west side is considered optimal. However, if the toilet is attached to a room, the west direction is suitable. Building a toilet in the south corner is also viewed as favorable.
- Zones to Avoid: It is strictly advised to avoid constructing a toilet in the east or north directions. These zones are considered sensitive to positive energies, and placing a toilet there can disrupt the harmony of the home.
- Septic Tank Placement: If the property includes a septic tank, Vastu guidelines state that the installation should avoid the south side.
The Water Closet (Toilet Seat) Orientation
The orientation of the toilet seat, or water closet, is a critical element of Vastu Shastra. The direction in which a person faces while using the toilet is believed to have a direct impact on their health and energy levels.
- Correct Facing: The toilet seat should be positioned so that the user faces either north or south while sitting. This alignment is said to harmonize with the Earth’s magnetic field and support a stable, health-friendly energy field.
- Incorrect Facing: Facing east or west while using the toilet is considered inauspicious.
- East: Facing east is strictly prohibited. The sun (Surya Bhagawan) rises in the east, which is a direction of high positive energy. Showing one's back to this direction while using the toilet is viewed as disrespectful and can lead to significant health problems and interpersonal issues.
- West: Facing west is also not recommended and is associated with causing health issues, specifically migraine-related problems.
- Northeast: The northeast direction must also be avoided for toilet seat placement, as it can disturb the positive energy fields of the entire home.
Entrance, Ventilation, and Layout
The entry point and ventilation of the toilet play a vital role in managing energy flow and maintaining hygiene.
- Entrance: The passage or door to the toilet should ideally be located on the east or north walls. If the toilet is attached to a room, it is beneficial to maintain some separation, such as a small changing area, to avoid a direct connection between the living space and the toilet. The door should always be kept shut to contain negative energies.
- Ventilation: A window is an essential feature in a toilet. It allows sunlight to enter, which helps in illuminating the space and neutralizing negative energies. Windows should be placed on the east, west, or north walls. An exhaust fan installed in the same direction is also recommended for proper ventilation.
- Layout and Space: It is important to leave some open space around the toilet area. An uncluttered layout encourages better airflow, cleanliness, and positive energy circulation. Furthermore, Vastu Shastra advises against having furniture touch the walls directly; a gap of at least three inches should be maintained between furniture and walls.
Flooring and Color Schemes
The materials and colors used in a toilet significantly influence its vibrational quality. The choices should be made carefully to attract positivity and ensure ease of maintenance.
- Flooring: The floor of the toilet should be constructed using marble or tile. The flooring must be slanted towards the east or north to ensure that water drains exclusively in these directions. The water drained from a toilet is believed to carry toxins, negative energies, and evil thoughts; therefore, draining it towards the east or north is considered beneficial for the health of the residents. Dark tiles are not recommended as they make it difficult to spot dirt, leading to unhygienic conditions which are a source of negative energy.
- Colors: Colors have specific vibrations and significance. For toilets and bathrooms, light colors are highly recommended. Suitable colors include cream, white, light shades of blue, green, pink, light brown, and yellow. These hues bring positive energy, uplift the mind, and are soothing to the eyes.
- Colors to Avoid: Dark colors such as red, black, and dark gray should be avoided. These colors attract negativity and make the area appear dull and depressing. The choice of color can also be influenced by the specific location of the toilet within the house.
Additional Vastu Considerations
Several other factors require attention to ensure the toilet is fully Vastu-compliant and does not interfere with the positive energies of other areas in the house.
- Mirrors: Mirrors should not be placed on the south or west walls of a toilet. The north and east walls are considered appropriate for mirrors. It is also important to ensure that the mirror does not have direct contact with the room (presumably meaning it should not reflect directly into a living area or bedroom).
- Water Storage: Care must be taken to ensure that the water storage tank (or the overhead tank) is not located directly above or below a puja room (prayer room), a fireplace, or a bedroom. Having a water closet above or below a puja room is considered highly inauspicious.
- Appliances: If a washing machine is to be placed in the toilet or bathroom, the best locations are the north-west or south-east directions.
- Separation of Areas: Vastu strongly recommends separating the toilet area from the shower area. This division enhances hygiene and ensures that each space maintains its unique energy balance.
Conclusion
Adhering to Vastu principles for toilet construction and maintenance is a proactive measure to safeguard the health and prosperity of the household. By carefully selecting the location, orientation of the toilet seat, color schemes, and flooring, and by ensuring proper ventilation and separation from other positive energy zones, one can minimize the impact of negative energies associated with these spaces. While these guidelines provide a comprehensive framework, consulting a qualified Vastu Shastra consultant is recommended for specific architectural challenges and to receive tailored advice.