The selection of a plot is a foundational step in creating a harmonious living or working environment. According to Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture, the land itself possesses an energy field that significantly influences the well-being, prosperity, and spiritual growth of its inhabitants. When considering a plot near a temple, this dynamic becomes even more significant. Temples are recognized as potent centers of divine energy, radiating positive vibrations throughout their vicinity. However, the proximity to such sacred spaces requires careful evaluation to ensure that the energies align favorably with the inhabitants. This article explores the critical factors for selecting a Vastu-compliant plot, with a specific focus on the nuances of choosing property near temples, alongside essential corrective measures for non-compliant land.
The Significance of Location and Surroundings
The environment surrounding a plot plays a vital role in determining its Vastu energy. A plot should ideally be situated in a clean, positive environment, free from negative influences. Certain surroundings are strictly avoided in Vastu Shastra due to their detrimental impact on the energy field. These include graveyards or cemeteries, which are believed to bring negative energy; hospitals, representing a constant influx of disease and illness; and polluted areas such as factories, chemical plants, or sewage lines, which compromise the healthy environment necessary for prosperity.
When evaluating surroundings, the presence of high-tension wires is also a factor to be avoided. Conversely, the presence of a water body in the North or East of the plot is considered highly beneficial for plot selection. Regarding proximity to temples, the sources present a nuanced view. While temples are sources of positive energy, being too close to a temple or directly in front of its entrance may not be ideal. One source advises avoiding plots that are directly in front of temples, as the energy can be overpowering. Another source suggests that being near a temple's backside is also detrimental. Therefore, while proximity allows for regular participation in spiritual activities and harnessing divine energy, the exact positioning relative to the temple structure is crucial for maintaining balance.
Road Positioning and Plot Accessibility
The position and alignment of roads around a plot have a major impact on Vastu energy. Plots located at road intersections or dead ends are generally avoided. The direction of the road is a key determinant of auspiciousness.
- Highly Auspicious: Plots with roads on the North or East sides are considered highly auspicious, inviting positive energy, promoting wealth, and bringing happiness.
- Correctable: Plots with roads on the South or West sides are viewed as neutral or less favorable but can be corrected with appropriate Vastu remedies.
- Avoid: Plots at T-junctions are believed to bring bad luck and financial instability. Additionally, plots with roads cutting through at sharp angles (intersections or cut corners) disrupt the energy balance and should be avoided. A road ending directly at the plot is also considered a challenge.
Intrinsic Qualities of the Land
Beyond external factors, the inherent characteristics of the land itself are assessed in Vastu.
Soil Quality
The soil quality is a critical indicator of the land's energy levels. Before finalizing a plot, the soil should be checked. Ideal soil is fertile, soft, and has a fresh, earthy smell. Plots with hard, rocky, clayey, black, or dry soil represent low energy levels and should be avoided.
Slope and Elevation
The natural slope of the land dictates the flow of energy. The land should ideally slope towards the North or East, ensuring prosperity and growth. Plots that slope towards the South or West can lead to financial and health issues. If a plot has a South or West slope, an artificial slope can be created by raising the Southwest corner to correct the imbalance.
Shape and Extensions
The shape of the plot is fundamental. Plots should ideally be square or rectangular. Irregular shapes with missing corners or extensions can cause Vastu defects. Specific directional extensions and cuts have distinct effects:
- Northeast (Ishaan): An extended Northeast corner brings good luck and is highly auspicious. A missing Northeast corner can bring obstacles; for this defect, installing a water feature like a fountain in the Northeast direction is a recommended remedy.
- Southwest: An extended Southwest corner is detrimental and can bring obstacles in life.
Intuitive Assessment
An often-overlooked but important aspect of plot selection is the intuitive feeling one gets from the land. Each plot has a unique energy field. Standing on the land for a few minutes can reveal how one feels. If the feeling is uneasiness, tiredness, or heaviness, the plot should be avoided. A good Vastu plot ensures a light and peaceful feeling.
Vastu Remedies for Non-Compliant Plots
If a plot has already been purchased and does not align with ideal Vastu principles, various remedies can be applied to balance the energy. These corrective measures help mitigate negative influences and harmonize the space.
Corrective Measures for Directional Issues
- Mirrors: Placing mirrors on walls facing unfavorable directions can help reflect negative energy away from the plot.
- Pyramids: Pyramids are powerful Vastu tools. They can be placed in specific locations on the plot to harmonize energy. If a road hits directly into the plot, using Vastu pyramids as energy barriers is recommended.
- Boundary Walls: Constructing boundary walls at specific heights can help correct directional imbalances.
- Plants: Plants can also be used as energy barriers, for instance, to counter the effect of a road hitting the plot directly.
- Raising the Southwest: As mentioned earlier, raising the Southwest corner helps correct a South or West slope.
Specific Considerations for Plots Near Temples
Choosing a property near a temple can be spiritually enriching, as temples are sacred spaces resonating with positive energy. However, Vastu Shastra principles must be carefully applied to enhance the auspiciousness and ensure the flow of positive energy into the home.
The Ideal Location and Distance
While proximity is beneficial, the distance matters. Ideally, the property should be within a short walking distance to enable regular participation in spiritual activities and community engagement, enhancing the spiritual life of the inhabitants. The direction of the property relative to the temple is also a key factor. The Northeast direction is considered highly auspicious in Vastu, and having a temple nearby can align with this principle, allowing positive energy to flow into the home, bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It is important to avoid being directly in front of the temple's entrance or too close to the temple structure, as the energy may be overpowering. Similarly, being directly behind the temple is also considered unfavorable.
Balancing the Energy
The alignment of the home with cardinal directions, the placement of rooms, and the overall layout are crucial when living near a temple. These factors can either enhance or diminish the positive energies emanating from the temple. For instance, ensuring the entrance of the home is in a favorable direction (North or East) can help channel the temple's positive vibrations effectively into the living space.
Vastu Compliance for South-Facing Plots
South-facing plots require special attention as the South direction is ruled by Yama, the God of Death. While often viewed with caution, a South-facing plot can be highly beneficial if designed correctly. It can bring power, authority, and discipline to the inhabitants. The key lies in adhering strictly to Vastu principles for the layout, ensuring the main entrance is placed in a positive segment of the South wall, and maintaining the proper elevation of the Southwest corner.
Frequently Asked Questions on Plot Vastu
- Which direction-facing plot is good? Generally, North and East-facing lands are the best as per Vastu for plots, as they bring growth and fame.
- What are the rules for a plot in Vastu? The plot should be square or rectangular; the entrance should be either North or East; the Southwest direction should be raised; the Northeast should be open and clean.
- Which corner is most auspicious? The Northeast corner (Ishaan) is most auspicious, as it brings positive energy, spiritual growth, and prosperity when kept open and clean.
- How to check the Vastu of a plot? To check if a plot is Vastu-aligned, one must assess its shape, slope, direction, surroundings, soil quality, and road placement.
Conclusion
Selecting a plot according to Vastu Shastra is a holistic process that integrates the physical attributes of the land with its subtle energy field. From evaluating the surroundings and road positioning to assessing the soil, slope, and shape, each factor contributes to the overall harmony of the future structure. The choice of a plot near a temple offers a unique opportunity to harness divine energy, but it demands a careful assessment of distance and direction to avoid energetic imbalances. Even when faced with imperfections, Vastu provides a range of effective remedies—from mirrors and pyramids to boundary walls and water features—to harmonize the space. By adhering to these time-tested principles, one can select a plot that serves as a strong foundation for prosperity, well-being, and spiritual growth.