North-facing houses hold a special place in Vastu Shastra due to their association with Kubera, the god of wealth. According to Vastu principles, the direction a house faces significantly influences the energy flow within the structure. However, simply having a north-facing entrance does not guarantee prosperity or positive outcomes. The auspiciousness of a north-facing house depends on the precise placement of the main entrance, the alignment of various functional areas, and the application of Vastu corrections. This article explores the key principles and recommendations for optimizing a north-facing house, ensuring harmony, health, and success for its residents.
Understanding the Orientation of a North-Facing House
To determine if a house is north-facing, one must observe the direction the main entrance faces when exiting the home. If the direction is north, the house is considered north-facing. While many consider north-facing houses inherently auspicious due to their association with Kubera, this belief is incomplete. The Vastu Shastra, as outlined in the Vastu Purusha Mandala, indicates that the placement of the entrance and other elements within the house plays a critical role in determining its energy and impact on the occupants.
The main entrance is particularly significant because it serves as the gateway through which energies from the external environment enter the home. Therefore, the positioning and orientation of the main door must be carefully considered. According to the Vastu Purusha Mandala, the most auspicious placements for the main entrance in a north-facing house are in the Mukhya, Bhallat, and Diti energy fields—corresponding to the 3rd, 4th, and 8th padas in the north direction. The 5th pada of Soma is also considered beneficial, as it is associated with Kubera and wealth.
Key Vastu Recommendations for North-Facing Houses
Several Vastu guidelines are essential for creating a balanced and harmonious environment in a north-facing house. These include considerations for the placement of the kitchen, bedrooms, pooja room, staircase, and other functional areas.
1. Main Entrance Placement
The placement of the main entrance is one of the most crucial aspects of Vastu for a north-facing house. The entrance should ideally be located in the northern or northeastern part of the house. The exact positioning should align with the auspicious padas mentioned earlier—3rd, 4th, 8th, and 5th. If the entrance is slightly off from the exact north, such as in the north-northeast direction, it may lead to health issues. Additionally, placing the entrance in the 6th pada of Bhujag is discouraged, as it is considered inauspicious.
When designing the entrance, it is important to ensure that it does not touch the northeast corner. A small gap of at least 6 inches should be maintained between the entrance and the northeast wall. This allows for a smooth flow of energy and prevents any negative effects from the northeast zone, which is traditionally associated with spiritual and intellectual energies.
2. Kitchen Placement
The kitchen is governed by the fire element and should ideally be placed in the southeast or northwest corners of a north-facing house. When cooking in the kitchen, it is recommended to face east if the kitchen is in the southeast and west if it is in the northwest. This alignment helps maintain a positive energy flow and supports the health and prosperity of the residents.
3. Pooja Room Placement
The northeast corner of a north-facing house is considered the most auspicious location for a pooja room. This direction is linked with spiritual clarity and is believed to enhance the residents' connection with the divine. A well-placed pooja room contributes to mental peace, spiritual growth, and overall well-being.
4. Master Bedroom Placement
The master bedroom should not be located in the northeast corner of a north-facing house. Instead, it is recommended to place it in the east, south, or west directions. This placement supports stability, restful sleep, and a balanced energy field for the occupants.
5. Staircase Placement
The staircase in a north-facing house should ideally be located in the south or west directions. These directions are considered grounding and supportive, promoting a sense of security and balance throughout the house.
6. Electrical Meter Board Placement
The electrical meter board should be placed in the southeast direction. This placement is believed to enhance the flow of energy and promote a stable and prosperous environment for the residents.
7. Mirror Placement
Mirrors in a north-facing house should be placed with care, as they can amplify energy. According to Vastu principles, mirrors should ideally be placed in the north zones but should not be positioned in a way that reflects negative or cluttered areas of the home.
Avoiding Inauspicious Placements
Certain areas in a north-facing house should be avoided for specific purposes to prevent negative energy imbalances.
1. Toilet in the Northeast
Placing a toilet in the northeast corner of a north-facing house is strongly discouraged. The northeast is considered a sacred and spiritual zone, and the presence of a toilet can disrupt the positive energy flow.
2. Bedroom in the Northeast
As mentioned earlier, placing a bedroom in the northeast corner can lead to restlessness and sleep disturbances. It is best to avoid this placement to ensure a peaceful and rejuvenating environment.
3. Septic Tank in the Northeast
The northeast corner is also not an ideal location for a septic tank. To maintain a balanced energy field, the septic tank should be placed in the southwest or northwest directions, as recommended by Vastu principles.
Structural and Design Considerations
In addition to the placement of functional areas, the overall structure and design of a north-facing house should follow certain guidelines to enhance its positive energy flow.
1. Boundary Walls and Height
The boundary walls in the north and east should be slightly shorter and thinner than those in the south and west. This helps in creating a harmonious balance between the magnetic and gravitational forces acting on the house.
2. Slope of the Plot
The slope of a north-facing plot should ideally be towards the north or east. This means that the north and east sides should be lower than the south and west sides. This alignment supports the natural flow of energy and prevents stagnation.
3. Open Spaces in the North and Northeast
It is recommended to leave open spaces in the north and northeast directions. This allows for the free movement of positive energies and prevents the accumulation of negative or stagnant energy.
4. Planting a Money Plant
Placing a money plant in the north direction can be auspicious and may bring new opportunities and prosperity. The money plant is associated with positive energy and is believed to enhance the financial well-being of the residents.
Common Misconceptions About North-Facing Houses
Despite the rich principles of Vastu Shastra, many people hold misconceptions about north-facing houses. One common belief is that any north-facing house is automatically auspicious. However, as explained earlier, the placement of the main entrance and other functional areas plays a crucial role in determining the house's energy balance.
Another misconception is that a north-facing house will always bring wealth and prosperity. While the north is indeed associated with Kubera, the god of wealth, this association is not a guarantee unless the house is designed and aligned according to Vastu principles.
Holistic Energy Balancing and Remedial Measures
If a north-facing house does not align perfectly with Vastu guidelines, there are several remedial measures that can be taken to correct energy imbalances and enhance the overall harmony of the space.
1. Use of Crystals and Stones
Placing crystals such as quartz or amethyst in key areas of the house can help in balancing energy and promoting positive vibrations. These stones are believed to enhance clarity, stability, and prosperity.
2. Placement of Wealth Symbols
Symbols of wealth and prosperity, such as a small statue of Kubera or a money plant, can be placed in the north direction to enhance the flow of positive energies.
3. Feng Shui Integration
In some cases, integrating elements of Feng Shui with Vastu principles can provide additional benefits. For example, placing a wind chime in the north direction can help in attracting positive energy and promoting smooth flow.
Conclusion
A north-facing house has the potential to bring prosperity and positive energy to its residents, but this potential can only be realized if the house is designed and aligned according to Vastu principles. The placement of the main entrance, functional areas, and other structural elements must be carefully considered to ensure a harmonious and balanced environment. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and making necessary corrections, homeowners can optimize their north-facing houses for health, wealth, and well-being.