The placement and arrangement of toilets and bathrooms within a residential structure are aspects of Vastu Shastra that require careful consideration. According to traditional wisdom and modern case studies, these areas possess the potential to generate significant energy, both positive and negative. Because the infrastructure of plumbing and pipelines is often fixed, particularly in contemporary apartment living, making informed decisions during the initial design phase is paramount. Improperly placed toilets are frequently identified as sources of health and financial challenges, making their compliance with Vastu principles a high priority for maintaining harmony in the home.
Vastu Shastra for the home emphasizes that the toilet is an area of disposal, intended to flush out waste matter. This functional purpose dictates its ideal location. The energies of specific zones are conducive to the process of releasing waste, not just physical, but also emotional and mental. Therefore, the correct placement of a toilet can support the removal of what is no longer needed, while incorrect placement can disrupt the flow of positive energy. The following sections detail the best and worst locations, internal arrangements, and the nuances of toilet seat orientation based on established guidelines.
Ideal Locations for Toilets and Bathrooms
The selection of a location for a toilet is not arbitrary; it is based on the directional energies that govern specific zones of a property. The source material identifies three primary zones that are highly favorable for the placement of toilets and bathrooms. These zones align with the inherent purpose of disposal and release.
- West of North West (WNW): This location is considered the best option for a toilet. The energies of the West of North West zone are extremely favorable and conducive to the process of flushing out waste matter. Furthermore, this zone is traditionally associated with the release of blocked emotions. According to ancient texts, this area is responsible for releasing all blocked emotions in the minds of the residents. Making a toilet here helps residents release and remove blocked emotions from their minds and hearts. This release of negative emotions relaxes the mind and heart, which subsequently supports the physical body in becoming disease-free.
- South of South West (SSW): This is also an excellent position for a toilet. The South-South-West direction is the zone of disposal. The energies of this area are inherently capable of disposing of all wasteful stuff from our lives. This includes human waste, emotional or mental waste, and useless relationships. Making a toilet here is highly conducive to the overall Vastu energies of the plot, ensuring the removal of waste at both the physical and mental levels. It also helps in reducing excessive churning of the mind and limits over-analytical tendencies, removing problems related to anxiety and panic attacks.
- East of South East (ESE): While less frequently mentioned than the first two, making a toilet in the East of South East zone is said to promote the creative churning of the mind. This placement results in better and more fruitful thoughts.
When considering the best bathroom direction, the guidelines suggest that bathrooms can be placed in the same zones as toilets: between South and South West, between West and North West, or between East and South East. The ideal position for a toilet is specifically noted as the South of South West and the West of North West direction.
Zones to Strictly Avoid
Just as there are ideal locations, there are specific zones that must be avoided to prevent the generation of negative energy. Placing a toilet in these areas can lead to significant issues.
- North East (Ishanya) and South West (Nairutya): It is strictly advised to avoid placing a toilet seat or the entire facility in the North East or South West corners. These corners are highly sensitive and hold immense positive energy (North East) or stability and relationship energy (South West). Contaminating these zones with waste energy can lead to severe health and financial setbacks.
- Brahmasthan (Center): A toilet in the center of the house, known as the Brahmasthan, is a strict "no." The Brahmasthan is the cosmic center and the source of vitality for the entire structure. Placing a toilet here is akin to contaminating the heart of the home.
- Pooja Room Proximity: One should never place a toilet next to the pooja room (prayer room). Furthermore, it is strictly forbidden to place a toilet directly above or below a pooja room. The sanctity of the prayer area must be preserved and kept separate from the disposal zone.
Internal Arrangement of the Toilet
Once the location is determined, the internal arrangement of fixtures within the toilet plays a crucial role in maintaining proper energy flow. The following guidelines should be adhered to as far as possible:
- Comode/WC Placement: The commode should be placed on the South or North West wall of the toilet. It is even better if it can be aligned to the North-South axis. The WC should always be placed on a slightly higher platform than the rest of the floor level.
- Bathing/Shower Area: The bathing or shower area is ideal in the North East or East part of the toilet.
- Geyser and Electrical Fittings: The geyser and other electrical fittings are ideal in the South East or South.
- Wash Basin and Mirror: As per Vastu, the wash basin and mirror are best placed on the North or East walls.
- Storage and Cupboards: Cupboards and any other storage units should be placed on the Western walls.
- Windows: The toilet window should be placed in the East or North West direction.
Water Flow and Floor Sloping
The movement of water is a carrier of energy. In a toilet, the flow of water should support the directional energy of the zone. The flow of water in the bathroom should be from South to North or from West to East. Consequently, the toilet floor should be sloping towards the North or East to facilitate this flow.
The Question of Toilet Seat Facing Direction
There is considerable confusion and conflicting advice regarding the direction a person should face while sitting on the toilet seat. Some pundits recommend facing South, while others advise against it. However, a deeper look into the scriptures reveals a different perspective.
- Scriptural Basis: There is no explicit mention of the toilet seat facing direction in the core Vastu scriptures. The recommendations often heard are actually derived from Hatha Yoga and Kundalini sadhna practices. Yogis who practiced Kundalini sadhna were recommended to face different directions at different times of the day while defecating. This was based on the dominance of nadi (energy channels in the body) flow. The flow of apana and samana vayu in the body puts pressure on specific chakras, and thus the toilet seat direction was decided accordingly.
- Guidelines for Householders: For householders, these strict yogic practices are not applicable. The toilet seat facing North, South, or even West is equally fine. It is generally recommended that the WC direction be decided based on convenience and the location of pipelines.
- Practical Recommendation: In modern flat culture, where pipelines are immovable, it is often impossible to change the toilet seat facing direction. Therefore, the only thumb rule to follow is to avoid facing East while sitting on the toilet seat. East is the direction of the rising sun and is best avoided for a toilet seat facing. While some texts suggest avoiding North or South, these are not relevant for common householders. The best advice is to avoid facing West with your back towards the East.
Toilets Under Staircases
A common concern in modern architecture is the construction of a bathroom or toilet under a staircase. While this is often viewed as a space-saving measure, Vastu compliance is still possible. The most important factor is the Vastu zone in which the toilet is constructed. If the toilet is located in the correct zone, such as the West of North West or South of South West, making it under the staircase is not a problem at all. In fact, making a toilet under the staircase helps in the optimum use of space. When constructed in the correct zone, the toilet will produce positive results regardless of its position under the staircase.
Why Pay Special Attention to Toilets?
The importance of Vastu for toilets and bathrooms cannot be overstated. Case studies have revealed that incorrectly placed toilets are one of the most notorious causes of major health and financial problems. The danger is compounded by the fact that they are often ignored. In the past, toilets were located outside the house to avoid negativity. However, with the increase in flats and apartments, there is limited space, and toilets are integrated into the living area. Therefore, they must be designed in the correct directions to avoid the ingress of negative energies. Following the rules of Vastu for toilets must be given a high priority because this area, due to fixed pipelines, is the most difficult to change or relocate later.
Conclusion
Adhering to Vastu principles for toilets and bathrooms is a critical aspect of holistic home design. By placing these facilities in zones of disposal, such as the South of South West or West of North West, and avoiding sensitive areas like the North East and Brahmasthan, residents can mitigate potential negative influences. Internal arrangements, including the placement of the commode, wash basin, and storage, further refine the energy flow. While the facing of the toilet seat is less critical for householders than for yogis, avoiding an East-facing posture is a prudent measure. Ultimately, careful planning of these essential spaces ensures they contribute to, rather than detract from, the health, wealth, and harmony of the home.