The placement and orientation of toilets and their gates are critical considerations in Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and spatial energy. According to the provided source material, toilets are identified as a major source of energy drain within a home. If placed incorrectly, they can disturb the natural flow of energy, leading to significant health, financial, and relationship problems. The sources emphasize that the water element in toilets, used for flushing and cleaning, must be balanced with the home's other elements. Wrong placement can mix water energy with negative waste energy, creating an imbalance that affects the physical and mental well-being of the residents.
In modern apartment culture, where space is limited and pipelines are fixed, designing toilets in the correct directions becomes paramount to avoid negative energies. The source material highlights that incorrectly placed toilets are one of the most notorious causes of major health and financial issues, yet they are often the most ignored aspect of home design. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the best and worst locations for toilets, the specific placement of internal fixtures, and the energetic implications of these arrangements, based strictly on the provided data.
Ideal Directions for Toilet Placement
Vastu Shastra provides specific guidelines regarding the most favorable zones for constructing a toilet. These recommendations are based on the inherent energies of the directions and their suitability for the disposal of waste.
South of South West (SSW) The South-South-West (SSW) direction is considered the best place to position a toilet according to the provided data. This zone is identified as the "zone of disposal," meaning its energies are inherently capable of disposing of wasteful stuff from our lives. This includes not only human waste but also emotional and mental waste, as well as useless relationships. Making a toilet in this zone is highly conducive to the overall Vastu energies of the plot, as it effectively removes what is useless from the residents' lives.
West of North West (WNW) The West of North West zone is another recommended location for a toilet. Ancient Vastu texts describe this area as responsible for releasing blocked emotions in the mind. It is traditionally advised to make a "Rodan Graha" (a place to cry) here to release blocked emotions. Placing a toilet in this zone is also advisable because it helps residents release and remove blocked emotions from their minds and hearts. The release of negative emotions relaxes both the mind and the heart, subsequently allowing the physical body to become disease-free.
North-West (Vayavya Kona) The North-West direction is identified as the most suitable direction for toilet placement. This zone is governed by Vayu (air), and placing a toilet here is considered acceptable for maintaining energy flow.
West If the North-West direction is not available, the West direction is an acceptable alternative for toilet placement.
South The South direction can also be used for toilet placement, provided that proper remedies are applied to mitigate any potential negative effects.
Directions to Strictly Avoid for Toilets
Certain directions are strictly prohibited for toilet construction in Vastu Shastra due to their potent positive energies, which should not be contaminated by waste disposal.
North-East (Ishan Kona) The North-East direction is associated with divine energy. Placing a toilet in this zone is considered a severe Vastu defect. The source material states that this is the most unfavorable placement. A toilet in the North-East can cause serious health and financial problems. Remedies for an existing toilet in this direction include keeping it impeccably clean, using a Vastu pyramid on the outer wall, placing a bowl of sea salt inside (changed weekly), and ensuring the door remains closed. Painting the walls in light colors and maintaining excellent ventilation are also recommended.
South-West (Nairutya Kona) The South-West direction is related to stability and wealth. A toilet placed in this corner can disturb prosperity and stability. The source material advises strictly avoiding placing a toilet seat in the South-West corner.
Center of the House (Brahmasthan) The center of the home, known as the Brahmasthan, is the heart of the house where maximum positive energy concentrates. It should remain absolutely free from toilets or any heavy structures. A toilet in the Brahmasthan is a strict no and can create serious health and financial problems. If this placement exists, strong Vastu remedies or renovation are suggested.
Above the Main Entrance Having a toilet directly above the main entrance is not recommended. The main entrance is where positive energy enters the home, and a toilet above it creates energetic contamination. Remedies for this situation include hanging a Vastu metal strip between the floors or placing lead metal pyramids to deflect the negative impact.
Internal Arrangement and Fixtures
Once the location is determined, the internal arrangement of the toilet plays a vital role in maintaining Vastu compliance. The placement of the commode, geyser, wash basin, and other fixtures should be aligned with specific directional energies.
Commode or WC Placement The commode or WC should be placed in the South or North-West wall of the toilet. It is even better if it can be aligned to the North-South axis. Regarding the direction of the toilet seat facing, there is some debate. While some pundits recommend only South, the source material clarifies that there is no mention of toilet seat facing direction in Vastu scriptures. For householders, facing North, South, or West is equally fine. However, it is generally best to avoid facing West with the back towards the East. If an option exists, the toilet seat should face North or South while using it.
Geyser and Electrical Fittings The geyser and electrical fittings are ideal in the South-East or South direction. This placement aligns with the fire element associated with these zones.
Wash Basin and Mirror The wash basin and mirror are best placed on the North or East walls. These directions are associated with positive energy and water elements, making them suitable for washing and reflection.
Bathing or Shower Area The bathing or shower area is ideal in the North-East or East. This placement ensures that the cleansing activity occurs in a zone of high positive energy.
Cupboards and Storage Cupboards and any other storage must be placed on the Western walls. This arrangement helps in organizing the space without disturbing the energy flow.
Water Flow and Hygiene
The flow of water in the bathroom is a critical aspect of Vastu. The flow of water in the bathroom should be from South to North or from West to East. This specific flow pattern is believed to support the natural energy currents within the home.
Hygiene is also a major factor in managing Vastu energy. A toilet is considered a place where negative energy accumulates. Keeping the toilet clean and dry is essential to prevent negative vibrations. Proper ventilation with a window or exhaust fan is recommended to avoid the build-up of negative energy. The door should always be kept closed when not in use to contain the negative energy.
Impact on Health and Well-being
Vastu principles associate toilet placement with specific health aspects. An incorrectly placed toilet is a notorious cause of major health problems. For example, a toilet in the South-West can affect stability and wealth, while one in the North-East can cause severe health defects. A toilet in the Brahmasthan affects the overall health of the residents. Conversely, a toilet in the West of North West helps release blocked emotions, leading to a disease-free body. A toilet in the South of South West helps dispose of mental and emotional waste, reducing anxiety and panic attacks.
Specific Remedies and Corrections
For toilets already placed in inauspicious directions, the source material suggests several remedies to minimize negative effects.
For North-East Toilets: - Keep the toilet impeccably clean. - Use a Vastu pyramid on the outer wall. - Place a bowl of sea salt inside, changing it weekly. - Ensure the door remains closed always. - Paint walls in light colors. - Maintain excellent ventilation. - Consider placing specific Vastu yantras.
For Toilets Above the Main Entrance: - Hang a Vastu metal strip between the floors. - Place lead metal pyramids to deflect negative impact.
General Remedies: - Keep the toilet seat covered when not in use. - Use light colors like cream, beige, or light blue to create a calm environment.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
The source material emphasizes that blindly following general Vastu tips from the internet could do more harm than good. It is highly recommended to seek advice from a trusted Home Vastu consultant before designing a house. This is particularly important because toilets and bathrooms are areas that cannot be changed or relocated easily due to the fixed pipelines of the entire building. A professional consultant can provide tailored advice based on the specific layout and energy requirements of the home.
Conclusion
In summary, Vastu Shastra provides comprehensive guidelines for the placement and internal arrangement of toilets to maintain harmony and positive energy within a home. The most auspicious locations are the South of South West, West of North West, North-West, West, and South (with remedies). The directions to be strictly avoided are the North-East, South-West, and the center of the house (Brahmasthan). Internal arrangements must place the commode in the South or North-West, the geyser in the South-East or South, the wash basin in the North or East, and storage on the West walls. The flow of water should be from South to North or West to East. Maintaining cleanliness, ventilation, and keeping the door closed are essential practices. Given the complexity and the fixed nature of plumbing in modern buildings, consulting a qualified Vastu expert is crucial for implementing these principles effectively.