1. The Plot and Its Surroundings: The Foundation of Good Vastu
Before even looking at the house itself, assess the plot. The land on which a home is built plays a crucial role in its overall Vastu compliance.
- Shape of the Plot: Square or rectangular plots are generally considered the most auspicious, promoting stability and prosperity. Avoid irregular shapes like triangular, oval, or L-shaped plots, as they can lead to imbalances and missing energy zones. A “Gaumukhi” plot (narrow at the front, broad at the back) is often preferred for residential purposes, while a “Shermukhi” plot (broad at the front, narrow at the back) is typically better for commercial properties.
- Slope of the Land: Ideally, the land should slope slightly towards the North or East, allowing positive energy to flow in. A slope towards the South or West is considered less auspicious.
- Surroundings:
- Roads (Veedhi Shoola): Be mindful of roads hitting the plot directly. While some T-junctions can be auspicious (e.g., north-northeast), others can bring negative energy (e.g., south-southeast, west-northwest). Consult a Vastu expert if your chosen plot faces such a road.
- Proximity to Negative Influences: Avoid plots very close to cemeteries, hospitals, police stations, or large, unkempt garbage dumps, as these are believed to harbor negative energies.
- Natural Elements: Proximity to natural water bodies (clean rivers, lakes) in the North or East is generally considered very positive. Similarly, open spaces, parks, and lush greenery around the property enhance positive vibrations.
- Obstructions: Ensure there are no large trees, electric poles, or tall structures directly blocking the main entrance, as this can impede the flow of positive energy.
2. The Main Entrance: The Gateway of Energy
The main entrance is the most significant aspect of a home’s Vastu, as it’s the primary point of entry for energy.
- Direction: The most auspicious directions for the main entrance are North, North-East, and East. These directions are believed to bring prosperity, health, and positive growth. South and South-West entrances are generally considered inauspicious, though South-facing properties can be Vastu-compliant if the entrance falls within specific padas (segments) of the South direction. It’s best to consult a Vastu expert for South-facing homes.
- Placement: The main door should open inwards and clockwise. It should be the largest door in the house and made of good quality wood. Avoid having a shoe rack, dustbin, or any obstruction directly in front of the main door.
- Lighting: The entrance should always be well-lit, preferably with natural light during the day.
3. Room Placement and Orientation: Balancing the Elements
The correct placement of rooms according to their associated elements and directions is crucial for harmony.
- Kitchen (Fire Element): Ideally located in the South-East direction of the house, as this corner is governed by the fire element (Agni). If South-East is not possible, the North-West can be considered. The person cooking should ideally face East. Avoid placing the kitchen in the North-East, North, or South-West.
- Master Bedroom (Earth Element): The South-West direction is ideal for the master bedroom, promoting stability, good health, and strong relationships. The head of the bed should face South or West for sound sleep. Avoid master bedrooms in the South-East (can cause arguments) or North-East (can lead to health issues).
- Children’s Bedroom: The North-West is a good direction for children’s bedrooms.
- Living Room (Space Element): The living room should ideally be in the North, North-East, or East, promoting social interaction and positive communication. Heavy furniture should be placed in the West or South-West.
- Pooja Room / Prayer Room (Water Element): The North-East corner is considered the most sacred and auspicious for a puja room, inviting spiritual growth and tranquility. Ensure it is clean and clutter-free.
- Toilets & Bathrooms (Air Element): These are considered sources of negative energy due to waste. They should be located in the North-West or West. Avoid placing them in the North-East (can drain wealth and health), South-East, or directly under stairs. Ensure toilet seats face North or South.
- Study Room: East or North are good directions for a study room, enhancing concentration and academic success.
4. Natural Light and Ventilation: The Breath of the Home
- Sunlight: Abundant natural light, especially from the East (morning sun), is highly encouraged. Large windows in the North and East can bring in positive energy and vitality. Avoid direct harsh evening sunlight in the South-West, or ensure proper shading.
- Cross-Ventilation: Good airflow throughout the house is essential for dissipating stagnant energy and ensuring fresh, positive vibrations. Look for properties with well-placed windows and doors that allow for cross-ventilation.
5. Water Bodies and Colours: Subtle but Significant
- Water Bodies: If the property has an overhead water tank, it should ideally be in the West or South-West. Underground water tanks or borewells are best in the North-East.
- Colours: Vastu suggests using light and soothing colours like whites, creams, light yellows, blues, and greens in most areas. Darker, heavier colours like black and dark red should be used sparingly, if at all, especially in bedrooms or living areas, as they can absorb light and create negative energy. Specific colours are recommended for specific directions and rooms to enhance their elemental balance.
6. Avoiding Vastu Doshas (Defects): Early Detection is Key
Some Vastu defects are difficult or impossible to rectify after purchase. Being aware of them can prevent future headaches:
- Missing or Extended Corners: Ensure the property has all four corners intact and is not oddly extended or cut off, as this indicates missing energy zones.
- Toilets or Kitchens in the North-East: This is a major Vastu dosha that can lead to significant problems related to health and wealth.
- Beams: Avoid sleeping or sitting directly under overhead beams, as they can cause stress and pressure.
- Staircases: The staircase should ideally be in the South-West, South, or West. It should always have an odd number of steps.
- Mirrors: Avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the bed in bedrooms, as they are believed to reflect energy and can cause restlessness.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach
While Vastu Shastra provides a valuable framework for creating harmonious living spaces, it’s important to approach it with a balanced perspective. It’s a guiding principle, not a rigid set of rules that must be followed to the letter, especially when dealing with pre-built homes or apartments where structural changes are difficult.
Many Vastu principles, such as ensuring ample natural light and ventilation, maintaining cleanliness, and designing functional spaces, align with good modern architectural practices and promote well-being. If you find a property that ticks most of your essential boxes (location, budget, amenities) but has a few minor Vastu deviations, consult a qualified Vastu expert. They can often suggest effective remedies or adjustments to mitigate negative effects and enhance positive energy.
Ultimately, your home should be a sanctuary of peace and happiness. By considering Vastu principles before your purchase, you can take a proactive step towards ensuring your new home resonates with positive energy, setting the stage for a fulfilling life within its walls. Sources