Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural science, offers comprehensive guidelines for harmonizing living spaces with natural energies. When considering backyard placement and the inclusion of structures like storage sheds, adherence to these principles becomes crucial for maintaining the well-being and prosperity of the residents. The provided source material emphasizes that an improperly designed or located backyard can lead to significant health and financial issues, while a correctly oriented open space can foster positivity and stability. The core principle revolves around balancing the five natural elements—water, earth, fire, air, and space—and ensuring that open spaces and structures do not obstruct the flow of beneficial energies from specific directions.
The significance of the backyard extends beyond mere utility; it serves as a vital component of the home's overall energy field. Whether used for gardening, social gatherings, or simply as an open area, its placement dictates the impact on the household. According to the sources, the north and east directions are highly auspicious for open spaces, as they receive the beneficial morning sun, which is scientifically and spiritually proven to enhance vitality and positivity. Conversely, open spaces in the south and west are generally discouraged due to the intense sunlight and the nature of their governing energies, which can lead to disturbances if not properly managed. This article explores these principles in detail, focusing on the placement of backyards and specific considerations for storage sheds.
The Importance of Backyard Location in Vastu Shastra
The location of the backyard is a fundamental aspect of residential Vastu, directly influencing the health, financial stability, and social harmony of the inhabitants. The sources clearly state that the backyard should ideally be located on the northern or eastern side of the home. These directions are considered highly beneficial because they absorb the morning sunlight, which is essential for creating a vibrant and positive atmosphere. The north direction is associated with the deity Kubera, governing wealth and success, while the east is linked to the Sun, representing health and vitality. Keeping these areas open and clutter-free allows for the free flow of positive energies, which can lead to fruit-bearing results for the residents.
In contrast, the sources warn against having large open spaces in the west and south directions. The west direction receives direct sunlight in the afternoon, which can be harsh and create an imbalance of the fire element. Similarly, the south direction is governed by Yama, the lord of justice and security, and is meant to be heavy and well-covered. An open space in the south is considered inauspicious as it removes the necessary support and protection, leading to financial and social instability. The text explicitly mentions that living in a house with a large open space in the south or west can cause serious health issues, particularly related to the head and mental health, and can lead to a loss of confidence and insecurity.
Directional Analysis for Backyard Placement
To provide a clear understanding, the following table summarizes the implications of backyard placement based on the provided sources:
| Direction | Suitability for Backyard | Governing Energy / Deity | Potential Impact if Open or Unbalanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Highly Auspicious | Kubera (Wealth), Water | Supports financial growth, mental peace, and opportunities. |
| East | Highly Auspicious | Sun (Health), Air | Enhances health, vitality, and positivity. |
| South | Inauspicious | Yama (Security), Fire | Can lead to financial loss, social issues, instability, and health problems (head/mental). |
| West | Inauspicious | Varuna (Consistency), Water | May cause health issues, lack of steady results, and disturbances. |
| Northwest | Not Recommended | Air Element | Large open backyard in this direction is not very supportive and can impact relationships. |
| Southeast | Requires Caution | Fire Element | Should be properly covered; keeping it open can be problematic and does not bring good luck. |
Specific House Orientations and Backyard Implications
The sources provide specific guidance for different house orientations, which is critical for practical application.
- North-Facing House: In a north-facing house, the backyard is situated in the southern direction. This is considered highly inauspicious because the south should always be well-covered. The text warns that inhabitants may face severe financial and social troubles, and it can create serious issues in marriage and profession, potentially leading to job or business loss.
- Northwest-Facing House: A northwest-facing house typically has its backyard in the southeast direction. The sources emphasize that the southeast direction must be properly covered and not left open on a large scale. Keeping the southeast open is said to not bring good luck for the family members and can be very problematic in the long run.
- Southeast-Facing House: For a southeast-facing house, the northwest direction becomes crucial as it represents the air element. A large open backyard in the northwest is not considered supportive and can negatively impact one's contacts and friendships.
- East-Facing House: While an east-facing house can accommodate a front yard and backyard, there are specific rules. The proportion of the front yard (east) should be larger than the backyard. Excessive space in the backyard is not recommended. Furthermore, the west direction must have proper coverage and boundary walls to ensure that the benefits of the open east are fully received without negative impacts from the west. A large open space in the west backyard of an east-facing house is considered inauspicious.
- West-Facing House: For a west-facing house, the advice is to avoid leaving any open space on the front side (west entrance) and instead create the backyard on the backside, which is the east. This ensures that the main open area benefits from the positive morning sun.
- South-Facing House: Similarly, for a south-facing house, one should not leave any open space on the front side (south entrance) and should build the backyard on the north side (back of the house) to achieve optimum health benefits.
Vastu for Storage Sheds in the Backyard
While the provided sources do not offer explicit, dedicated guidelines for the placement of storage sheds, we can extrapolate logical principles based on the core Vastu concepts discussed. A storage shed is considered a heavy structure, and its placement should align with the directional energies of the plot.
Principles for Shed Placement
- South and West Zones for Heavy Structures: Vastu Shastra generally recommends placing heavy structures, such as storage sheds, in the southern and western parts of the plot. This is because these directions are associated with stability and the earth element. Placing a heavy structure here provides a solid backing and support to the main house. Since the sources advise against large open spaces in the south and west, utilizing these areas for a necessary but heavy structure like a shed can be a practical way to balance the energy without violating the principle of keeping the area covered.
- Avoiding the Northeast and Center: The northeast is the most sacred and spiritually potent zone, associated with purity and water. Placing a heavy storage shed in the northeast would block the flow of positive energy and is strictly inadvisable. Similarly, the center of the plot, the Brahmasthan, must remain open and light to allow energy to circulate. A shed in the center would create a major Vastu defect.
- North and East Considerations: The north and east directions are ideal for open spaces and light, positive elements. Placing a large, heavy shed in these zones would obstruct the beneficial morning sun and block the energies of wealth (north) and health (east). If a shed is absolutely necessary in these zones, it should be proportionally small and not obstruct the overall openness of the area.
Practical Recommendations for a Vastu-Compliant Storage Shed
Based on the provided information and general Vastu principles, the following guidelines can be formulated for a storage shed in the backyard:
- Ideal Location: The southwest corner of the backyard is the most suitable location for a storage shed. This placement enhances stability and provides a strong foundation for the property. The northwest corner can be a secondary option, but it should not be overly massive.
- Height and Structure: The shed should be constructed with a slanted roof, sloping down from the south towards the north. The roof should be higher in the south and west compared to the north and east. The walls of the shed should be thicker and stronger on the south and west sides.
- Material and Color: Use natural and stable materials like wood or stone. The color of the shed should ideally be in sync with the zone it occupies—for example, light green or blue for the north/east and brown or yellow for the south/west.
- Purpose of Storage: The items stored in the shed should be organized. Items used frequently can be placed in the north or east sections of the shed, while rarely used heavy items can be stored in the south or west sections.
- Maintaining Cleanliness: Regardless of placement, the storage shed and the surrounding backyard area must be kept clean, clutter-free, and well-maintained. The sources emphasize that balancing the five elements and taking good care of the environment is crucial for preserving the total energy of the space. A neglected shed can become a source of negative energy.
Holistic Energy Harmonization in the Backyard
The sources mention that balancing the five essential elements of nature—water, earth, fire, air, and space—is key to maintaining a healthy and prosperous lifestyle. The backyard is an excellent place to implement this balancing act.
- Water Element: A water feature, such as a small fountain or a pool, can be placed in the northeast of the backyard. This enhances the flow of prosperity and calmness. However, the water should always be clean and flowing.
- Earth Element: Growing plants, especially fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, represents the earth element. The sources recommend taking good care of the plants cultivated. A well-maintained garden in the north or east is highly beneficial.
- Air Element: Open space itself represents the air element. The north and east should have maximum open space to allow for the free flow of air and positive energies.
- Fire Element: The fire element can be introduced through a small bonfire pit or a barbecue area, but this should be carefully placed. The southeast corner of the backyard is the zone of fire. Placing a fire pit here can be appropriate, but it should not be oversized or left unmanaged.
- Space Element: The overall open space must be kept free of clutter and obstacles. This allows the cosmic energy to flow freely and nourish the inhabitants.
Conclusion
Adhering to Vastu principles for the backyard and any structures within it is not merely about following rules but about creating a living environment that is in harmony with nature's energies. The provided sources clearly indicate that the north and east directions are the most auspicious for open spaces, promoting health, wealth, and positivity. Conversely, the south and west require careful management, and open spaces in these zones are generally detrimental. For storage sheds, the logical application of Vastu suggests placing them in the heavier zones of the south and west, ensuring they do not obstruct the beneficial energies of the north and east. By balancing the five elements and maintaining cleanliness, one can transform the backyard into a powerful source of positive vibrations that support the overall well-being and success of the household. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified Vastu expert for a personalized assessment of one's specific property.