The North direction holds a significant place in Vastu Shastra, particularly for commercial establishments and residential properties. Governed by Lord Kuber, the deity of wealth, this orientation is believed to channel positive energy conducive to financial stability, prosperity, and growth. For homeowners and business owners seeking to align their spaces with these ancient principles, understanding specific guidelines for North-facing shops and houses is essential. While the orientation offers inherent benefits, the actual outcomes depend heavily on the precise application of Vastu corrections and placement strategies. This article synthesizes verified Vastu principles regarding North-facing properties, drawing exclusively from established guidelines to provide actionable insights for optimizing spatial energy.
Vastu Principles for North-Facing Shops
North-facing shops are highly sought after due to the auspicious association with Lord Kuber. However, simply owning a North-facing property is not sufficient to guarantee success. To harness the full potential of this orientation, specific structural and interior arrangements must be followed.
Determining Orientation and Structural Basics
Before applying corrections, it is crucial to accurately determine the shop's orientation. The standard method involves standing at the entrance with a compass, noting the North direction, and looking outward to see which direction the compass points.
Regarding the property's shape, Vastu principles strongly recommend choosing a rectangular or square layout. Irregularly shaped showrooms or shops are believed to lead to various issues, whereas a regular shape supports long-term profitability.
Entrance and Door Placement
The main entrance serves as the gateway for energy flow. For North-facing shops, the main entrance must be located in the North or North-East (NE) direction. Ideally, the door should extend from the center of the North side towards the North-East corner.
If the shop requires a second door, it can be placed in any direction except the North West (NW), South East (SE), and South West (SW). An exception exists where a second door in the South East is permissible, provided the main door is in the North East.
Cash Counter Placement
The cash counter is the focal point of financial activity. It must always be positioned to open facing the North direction. To prevent the draining of wealth, the cash counter should not be placed near the main door, windows, ventilator, or back door. Furthermore, it should not be positioned against or near any corner.
Interior Arrangement and Goods Placement
Strategic placement of goods and furniture influences the flow of energy and sales: * Owner’s Seat: The shop owner should always sit facing North or East. Sitting facing West or South is strictly avoided as it is linked to financial losses. A solid wall should support the owner's seat, and sitting under a beam is prohibited. * Lighting: Bright lights are essential for attracting business. However, in specific establishments like bars or restaurants, dim lights are acceptable. A lamp should be lit every morning to attract positive energy. * Mirrors: Mirrors are auspicious in the North, North-East, and North-West zones, which represent the water element. Placing mirrors inside cash counters to reflect the cash is recommended. Round, rectangular, and wave-shaped mirrors are preferred, while triangular and square-shaped mirrors should be avoided. * Stairs: Internal staircases should be positioned in the North-East direction. They must be painted in odd numbers and subtle colors. When climbing, individuals should move from East to West or North to South. * Goods Placement: * Regular-use items, groceries, and small items are best displayed in the North or East. * Showcases and racks are ideal for the South or West. * Heavy items should be placed in the South-West corner. * Lightweight daily-use items can be placed in the North-West. * Electronic appliances are best placed in the South-East corner to enhance sales. * Water Elements: Placing a water bowl or small fountain in the North or North-East direction fosters positive energy flow, promoting prosperity and abundance.
Colors
The color scheme should reflect the water element of the North. Light shades are recommended, including white, blue, silver, green, off-white, brown, and any metallic colors.
Remedial Measures and Doshas
If structural obstacles prevent a clutter-free entrance (a Vastu requirement), remedies can be applied. Placing two copper pyramids on the obstacles can clear the Vastu dosha. Additionally, placing a basil plant between the main door and the obstacle can enhance the effect.
Specific operational issues can also be addressed: * Rejection of Orders: If finished goods are stored in the Southern or South-Western directions, customers may reject products. Moving goods to other directions resolves this. * Labor Unrest: If workers are positioned in the South-Western corner, it may trigger unrest. Moving them to any other direction is the solution. * Negative Atmosphere: Hanging a painting of the Sun on the East wall can neutralize negative energy inside the shop.
Suitable Businesses
North-facing shops are particularly beneficial for businesses such as: * Grocery stores * Medicine shops * Jewelry shops * Banking and finance-related businesses
Timeline for Results
It is important to note that Vastu solutions do not yield immediate results. A waiting period of 15 to 45 days is generally required after implementation for the effects to manifest.
Vastu Principles for North-Facing Houses
For residential properties, the North direction similarly supports prosperity and opportunities, but the guidelines for layout and placement differ slightly from commercial spaces.
Plot and Boundary Guidelines
When preparing a North-facing house Vastu plan: * The main building structure should be placed on the South-West side. * Open spaces should be left in the North and North-East sides. * Boundary walls in the North and East should be lower in height than the walls in the South, South-West, and West. * The slope of the plot should always lead towards the North or East, meaning the North and East sides should be lower than the South and West.
Room Placement and Internal Arrangements
- Entrance: The entrance is critical. While the source notes generally that the entrance should be in the North or North-East, it specifically warns against opening an entrance in the 6th pada of Bhujag (a specific zone within the North). Detailed analysis of padas is required for precise placement.
- Kitchen: The kitchen can be located in the South-East (SE) or North-West (NW) of the house.
- Toilets: Toilets should be restricted to specific zones: South of South-West (SSW) or West of North-West (WNW).
- Pooja Room: The prayer room is auspicious in the North-East, East, or West zones.
- Staircase: Unlike shops where stairs are recommended in the North-East, for houses, the staircase should be located in the South or West directions.
- Master Bedroom: This can be situated in the East, South, or West directions.
- Electricals: The electrical meter board should be placed towards the South-East direction.
- Vastu Enhancers: Placing a money plant in the North zone is considered auspicious and is believed to bring new opportunities.
- Mirrors: Mirrors should be used judiciously in the North zones, as this placement is ideal according to Vastu.
Conclusion
The North direction offers a powerful foundation for both commercial success and domestic harmony according to Vastu Shastra. By aligning the structural orientation, interior placement, and specific remedies with the principles governed by Lord Kuber, individuals can create environments that support financial growth and positive energy flow. Whether for a shop or a home, adherence to these guidelines regarding entrance placement, room zoning, and elemental balance is key. As with any holistic practice, consistency and patience are required, as energetic shifts typically manifest over a period of 15 to 45 days.