Vastu Shastra for Elderly Care: Creating Harmonious and Healthy Living Spaces

In the practice of Vastu Shastra, the well-being of every family member is considered paramount, with special attention given to the elders who form the foundation of the household. The ancient science of space emphasizes that the arrangement and energy of a parent's bedroom directly influence their physical health, mental peace, and overall longevity. According to traditional guidelines, the environment in which elderly individuals rest and spend their time should be meticulously planned to support their vitality and ensure a harmonious atmosphere for the entire family.

The primary principle for an elder's bedroom is its location. The main bedroom for the head of the family, often an elderly person, should be situated in the South or South-West direction of the house. This placement is believed to provide stability and strength. Furthermore, the dimensions of the room hold significant importance. Using the Tamil Manaiyadi Shastram, or Ayadi calculations, the length and breadth of the room can be analyzed to determine its vibrational impact. For instance, a room size of 11 feet is considered highly beneficial, promising overall health and wealth for the resident. Conversely, certain dimensions are deemed unfavorable; for example, a room of 7 feet may lead to a loss of wealth, while a size of 13 feet could result in incurable diseases. Therefore, careful consideration of room size is a critical step in ensuring the well-being of the elderly.

Once the location is established, the internal arrangement of the parent's bedroom requires diligent attention to detail. The area surrounding the bed must be kept impeccably clean. Dust accumulated under the bed is said to negatively impact health, potentially causing illness to the person sleeping there or other family members. It is essential to regularly clean this space to prevent such negative influences. The placement of the bed itself is also crucial. The bed should not be positioned in a corner or directly against the walls; it requires some space around it. Ideally, the head of the sleeping person should face the South, with the feet pointing towards the North, as sleeping with the head towards the North is strictly prohibited in Vastu.

The flow of energy in the room can be disrupted by specific structural elements and objects. A major concern is the alignment of the bed with the room's entrance. If the door directly faces the bed, it is considered a serious Vastu defect that can pose a danger to the resident's life. In situations where the room is small and the bed cannot be moved, the remedy is to hang a curtain on the door to block the direct line of sight between the bed and the entrance. Another critical rule is to avoid placing a mirror directly in front of the bed. According to Vastu Shastra, seeing one's reflection immediately upon waking is inauspicious and can lead to sadness and negative events throughout the day.

To further enhance the positive energy within the parent's bedroom, the presence of noise-generating objects should be minimized. Items such as radios, televisions, or other instruments that produce sound are discouraged, as they can lead to financial problems, mental stress, and illnesses. Instead, a wind chime can be installed in the room. The gentle, sweet sound produced by a wind chime is believed to bring peace, reduce stress, and generate a significant amount of positive energy, creating a tranquil environment conducive to rest and rejuvenation. By adhering to these Vastu principles, one can create a nurturing space that supports the health, happiness, and longevity of the family elders.

Vastu Principles for Family Harmony

Vastu Shastra offers comprehensive guidance for designing various parts of a home to ensure health, prosperity, and harmony for all family members. The placement and design of rooms are not merely aesthetic choices but are deeply connected to the energy flow within the living space. A well-designed home according to Vastu principles can prevent problems related to health, finances, and relationships, while a poorly planned one can create persistent obstacles. The following sections detail Vastu advice for different rooms, focusing on their specific roles in fostering a balanced domestic life.

Kitchen Placement and Design

The kitchen is a critical area in the home, representing the element of fire. Its placement is governed by strict rules to avoid negative consequences. The South-East corner of the house is the ideal location for the kitchen, as this direction is associated with Agni Dev, the god of fire. Placing the kitchen in this zone aligns its energy with its elemental nature. Conversely, the kitchen should never be built in the North-East, South-West, or in the center of the North, South, or West sides. An improperly located kitchen can lead to serious issues, including relationship problems, risks of fire accidents, health ailments, and difficulties concerning children.

Within the kitchen, the arrangement of the cooking area and water sources is also vital. The burner, whether it is a gas stove, traditional chulha, or similar cooking appliance, should be placed in the South-East corner of the room. The person cooking should ideally face the East while preparing meals. This orientation is believed to enhance the quality of the food and the health of the person cooking. Water elements, such as the sink or water filter, should be located in the North-East corner of the kitchen. Shelves for storing raw materials, utensils, and other kitchen supplies are best kept on the South or West side of the room. For storage of perishable items like ghee and edible oil, a small room or space between the South and South-East directions is recommended.

Bathroom and Toilet Arrangement

Bathrooms and toilets are associated with water and waste disposal, and their placement requires careful consideration to prevent the drain of positive energy and wealth. The ideal directions for a bathroom are the East or North-East. Placing a bathroom in the East is particularly beneficial because the gentle morning sun's rays can positively influence health. There is also a cultural tradition of offering prayers (arghya) to the rising sun immediately after bathing, a practice that is easily facilitated by a bathroom in this direction. The floor of the bathroom should slope towards the North or East, ensuring that water drains out in these directions. If a bathroom is placed in a wrong direction, it can cause financial losses, health problems, and mental distress. In modern homes where toilets are often attached to bedrooms, it is preferable to keep the bath and latrine separate if possible.

Store Room and Storage Areas

The store room is designated for keeping items that are not in daily use, and its placement can influence the accumulation of clutter and wealth. The store room should be designed in such a way that it does not encourage the hoarding of junk. If placed incorrectly, it can lead to a permanent increase in unwanted items and stagnant energy. For keeping raw commodities, utensils, and other supplies, shelves should be positioned on the South or West side of a room. A specific storage room for churning curd or storing milk and other dairy products, if required, is best placed between the East and South-East directions, though this is less common in modern urban settings.

Drawing Room and Common Areas

The drawing room or common room serves as a space for entertaining guests and for family members to gather. According to Vastu, this room should be located in the space between the East and North-East. This placement fosters a welcoming and positive atmosphere for visitors and encourages family bonding. This versatile space can also be used as a bedroom for unmarried children, a store for common articles, or even as a labor room for safe deliveries, highlighting its importance as a multi-functional, harmonious zone.

Bedrooms for Different Family Members

While the main bedroom for the head of the family is in the South-West, the allocation of other bedrooms depends on the residents' age, gender, and marital status. For unmarried children, a bedroom on the East side is considered ideal. For unmarried youths or guests, the North-West direction is suitable. Young couples are advised to have their bedroom in the North direction. A crucial rule for all bedrooms is that they should never be constructed in the North-East corner of the house. The main bedroom should be larger than those of other family members. Regarding sleeping positions, the bed should not be placed in a corner or in the center of the room, nor should it touch the walls. The correct orientation is to have the bed in the East or South portion of the room, with the head of the sleeping person towards the South and feet towards the North. Sleeping with the head towards the North is strictly forbidden.

Room Dimensions and Ayadi Calculations

The impact of room size on the occupants is a significant aspect of Tamil Vastu principles, known as Ayadi calculations. This science dictates that the length and breadth of every room in the house can affect the people residing in it. Careful attention must be paid to fixing the dimensions to avoid adverse effects. The following table illustrates the consequences of different room sizes in feet:

This table demonstrates that even a one-foot difference in room size can drastically alter the predicted outcomes for its occupant, underscoring the precision required in Vastu-compliant architectural planning.

Holistic Energy Harmonization

Achieving a state of holistic energy harmonization involves integrating Vastu principles with an understanding of the subtle energies that influence daily life. While the physical layout of a home forms the foundation, the ongoing maintenance of its energetic quality is equally important. Practices such as keeping spaces clean, especially around areas of rest like the bed of an elder, are not just about hygiene but also about removing stagnant or negative energy (often referred to as dust or 'raja' particles) that can impede well-being. The use of specific objects, like wind chimes, can introduce positive vibrations and break up negative energy patterns. The principle of holistic harmony suggests that a person's environment should support their life goals and spiritual growth. If a home's floor plan does not perfectly align with traditional Vastu recommendations, it does not automatically mean the house is "bad." However, for those seeking to optimize their living or working space, consulting an expert Vastu consultant can provide tailored solutions based on a detailed analysis of the floor plan and the specific needs of the occupants. This approach ensures that the space is not just structurally sound but also energetically balanced, promoting success in studies, career, personal life, and overall health.

Conclusion

The principles of Vastu Shastra provide a detailed and insightful framework for designing living spaces that nurture the health and happiness of all family members, with a special emphasis on the care and respect for elders. From the strategic placement of the main bedroom in the South-West to the precise dimensions of each room as dictated by Ayadi calculations, every aspect of home design carries significance. The internal arrangement of a parent's bedroom—ensuring cleanliness, avoiding direct lines with doors, eliminating mirrors opposite the bed, and incorporating the soothing sounds of a wind chime—contributes to a peaceful and protective environment. By extending these principles to other critical areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and common rooms, a homeowner can create a cohesive, harmonious space that supports physical vitality, mental clarity, and financial stability. Ultimately, Vastu is a holistic guide to living in alignment with natural energies, offering a path to a more balanced, prosperous, and serene life for the entire family.

Sources

1. Vaastu International
2. Vastu Truth
3. Vaastu Mangal