Basics in Vaastu

Basic in VAASTU The following are some of the Vastu-logically correct principles of house making and design. Please note that like most of the ancient sciences, some of the knowledge that is contained in these principles may not be any more relevant at present times. However, the very basic of Vastu principles will always continue to be beneficial to the mankind in one form or the other. The basic principles are: •

If you are in the process of buying a plot or site, please remember that plots/sites in South West, South & West directions are more advantageous than others.

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According to Vaastu, the most beneficial entrances in the house are those in North East, East or North direction.

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Living Room or the dining room is best looked in East, North & Northeast directions.

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The bedroom according to Vaastu should be in southwest/south or west direction.

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The children’s bedroom should ideally be in NorthWest. It could be in Southeast & North as well but never in southwest or south.

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If you are fortunate enough in present times to have the luxury of having a separate room for the guests , make the guestroom in Northwest or northeast direction.

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The kitchen of the house is ideally located in Southeast followed by NorthWest & East.

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Bathrooms & Toilets should be in Northwest of the house or in West or South direction.

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While purchasing a plot or a site, it is advisable to go in for a rectangular or square shape. As far as possible, the site should be slopping towards North & East or Northeast.

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While making the building or the house, it is advisable to have equal open space on all four sides. The levels of open spaces should be higher in South & West side and lower in North & East side. Outlets of rainwater should be in Northeast or North zones.

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The living room of the central zone (Brahmasthan) should be free from any kind of obstructions. By obstructions, we mean any kind of beam, pillar, fixture, toilet, staircase or even a wall or lift.

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The direction in which you sleep is also very important. One should never sleep with head in the north. Sleeping with head towards south ensures long life. While on a journey, it is advisable to sleep with head towards west.

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In your studyroom , have your seat so as to face east or north. Do not have a toilet in the studyroom, though you can have a bathroom.

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Do not use a dark colour in the study room. Use yellow or white or pink. Put the book shelf in east or north.

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If you construct more than a floor , prepare the first floor on Southwest. The height of first floor shall not exceed that of ground floor. Do not build a storeroom on first floor.

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It is said that a storeroom in the Northwest corner leads to abundant supply of essential commodities. Keep a holy picture on one eastern wall. Light colours should not be used on the storeroom. Use dark colours or blue or green. Never sleep in the storeroom at night. Also refrain from taking out grains from the storeroom in night.

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The bathroom/bathrooms can be either inside or outside the house. In case it is inside, it should be located on the eastern or northern side. (If attached to a bedroom, then to eastern or northern side of the bedroom). When located outside, then it should be in Northeast

corner, but away from the main building.The lavatories are forbidden in Northeast, Center, Southwest and West directions of the house. •

Vaastu Shastra also guides us about what type of plants and trees should be planted around a dwelling unit so as to enjoy their positive properties the most.

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Vaastu does not prescribe having a Mango, Banana or a Jamun tree very near your house. However Peepal at some distance from the house in West direction is considered auspicious as is Imli in South West of the house.

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It is also auspicious to have an Anaar, Ashoka, Chandan, Champa, Chameli,Gulaab , Nariyal & Keshar tree around a house.

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On the size & shape of the door , Vaastu advises that width of the door should be half of the height of the door. Square doors as also automatic doors should be avoided.

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The Paintings / Statues in the house are also important. One should not have pictures depicting war scenes (even if they belong to the Epic Mahabharata or Ramayan battles). Similiarly scenes depicting negativities of life like sorrow , struggle , violence (including that of wild beasts), tragedy and of calamities.

Fundamentals Of Vastu The whole universe is made up of five basic elements, the earth, water, fire, air and space. Our body is also made up of these five basic elements of nature. The pancha-mahabhootas are related to our five senses of smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight. Any imbalance in our external and internal Vastu translates into unhappy situations. Vastu teaches the individual to live in balance and harmony with the panchamahabhootas. Prithvi (Earth) Human beings have a natural and emotional affinity with the Earth. The Earth revolves around the Sun and has gravitational and magnetic force.

Scientists have proved that earth is a huge magnet with two poles-North pole and South pole. It has also been proved that the human body is a ‘magenetisable’ object with a large percentage of iron in the blood. As all know, opposite poles of a magnet attract each other and same magnetic poles repel each other. The Vastu principle of placing the head in South direction while sleeping is based on earth’s magnetic property. Our ancients have found that sleeping with the head towards the South enables one to go with the nature and draw maximum positive energies from the cosmos to keep fit and healthy. Vastu also deals in detail about inspection of soil, selection of site, shape, shape and size of plot to land. Earth is the only element linked to all five senses of taste, sound, touch, smell and sight and sight and thus exerts the maximum influence on us. Jal (Water) After earth, water is the most important element. It is linked to our senses of taste, touch, sight and hearing. It is quantitatively the largest of the five elements, as more than 80% of our body and two-third of earth’s surface is water. Most ancient civilisations came up close to rivers and water sources. Vastu provides important information about the placement of water sources like wells, boring, underground water tank, overhead water tank etc, while planning the house. Positions for drainage of water, septic tanks, sewerage, drains etc. are decided carefully to optimize the benefits of water element. Agni (Fire) Sun is the most vital source of energy and light. It is the soul of the universe. Formation of day and night, charge in seasons is brought about

by the movement of Sun in relation to the movement of earth. Fire element is related to our sense of sound, touch and sight. It is difficult to imagine life on earth without Sun. The Sun’s rays can be split into 7 plus 2 colours. Beginning from the very beneficial ultra-violet rays in the Eastern side corresponding to North-East, the Sun’s rays further split into violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red (VIBGYOR) and intra-red in South-East. Violet and cold colours of the spectrum have a beneficial and soothing effect on the body and hence it is recommended to keep open space in the NorthEast. When these rays combine with water, they get additional benefits. it is, therefore, recommended to have a water source in North-East direction. To block North-East by building a toilet there is depriving yourself of most beneficial rays of Sun and has adverse results. The ultra-violet rays normalize the metabolism of the body. The supreme wisdom of our sages is reflected in the ancient ritual of ‘Surty Namaskaar” wherein the beneficial rays of Sun become more potent when seen through fresh water offered to Sun god. The late afternoon and evening Sun with the harmful infrared rays should be avoided. It is recommended by Vastu to have tall and big trees in the South so that harmful rays of Sun are blocked. In case light is needed from afternoon or evening Sun, make sure it is diffused. Vayu (Air) The Air or Vayu is vital for our survival. Our sense of sound, touch and feel are related to Air. The air on earth is a mixture of various gases like nitrogen, oxygen, helium, hydrogen etc. Oxygen is vital for human beings and nitrogen is essential for the growth of plant life which in turn provides oxygen. Correct percentage of

different gases, atmospheric pressure and humidity level is important for life forms on earth. Vastu recommends proper placement of doors, windows, ventilators, balconies, height of structure and placement of trees and plants for balancing the Air element within the structure. Aakash (Space) Vastu is the only body of thought that gives Space the status of a natural fundamental element. Architecture in Eutope did not even recognize the importance of space till modern times. Vastu Shastra is, therefore, superior to any modern or traditional school of architecture in the world. Aakash or the space is infinite and limitless. It is related to our sense of hearing, in a house, space element is related to the centre portion or the brahmasthan. It is important that brahmasthan be kept open and light. Any disturbances in the space element are detrimental to your growth. When you keep your office, home or factory in a mess , you spoil the space element around you. Extra construction, unutilized rooms or floors, homes stuffed with possessions, too big extravagant and opulent houses collect a lot of negative energy. It is recommended to build only the required area and no more. People intending to buy or build a house concentrate on fancy fittings and latest gadgets totally ignoring how much natural light or air the structure is permitting. Fancy fittings in a house can never compensate for a large open window. A house is your sanctum-sanctorum. It is a place where you should be able to unwind and rejuvenate yourself. A balance of the primary elements in the house brings you closer to nature and creates balance and harmony leading to peace and property. Positive Energy Centres

Early morning ultra-violet rays of Sun that have a beneficial effect on our body, correspond to the North-East sector of the site. The places where positive energy is generated by early morning Sun rays are lsh, Agni, Surya, Soma and Brahma. Sun rays must fall on these sectors and they must not be blocked by constructions. In case toilets, septic tanks, garages, storeroom etc. are constructed here, they give very adverse effects. Negative Energy Centres • The late afternoon and evening Sun with harmful infrared rays falling on negative energy centres like Yama, Pitr, Dwarpal, Asur, Papa and Roga have harmful results. • The Sun rays here give negative energy and should be blocked. • At the corners of Pitar and Dwarpal, store rooms should be constructed. Big trees can be planted here. The South and West side should be kept heavy and high. • This can be done by planting high/heavy trees or by raising the compound wall. • The walls in South and West can be thicker than walls in North and East. • At Papa and Roga places servant quarters or motor garages can be built. Vaastu For Your Bedroom - Important Points While Planning Bedrooms 1. 2.

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Shape: Square and rectangular shaped bedrooms are the best. Bed: The beds should be of good quality wood. They should be solid and must not be shaky. Mattress: The mattress should provide good support to the body while resting. Box beds: Box beds are ideally not recommended, but due to paucity of space in houses these days, getting rid of box beds is easier said

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than done. Make sure you de-clutter and sort out things kept in the box-beds from time to time. Footwear: Shoes and chappals should not be kept under a bed Try to keep the area under the bed, as clean as possible. A place to relax: Your bedroom should be a place where you can totally relax. Keep objects that remind you of unfinished tasks out of the room, or at least out of sight. Well designed: A bedroom should be aesthetically designed with soothing colours and pictures. Have pleasant pictures associated with happy memories around you. Foot of the bed: The foot of the bed should not directly face the door of the room. Location: The bed should not be placed under a beam. No mirrors please: Do not place a mirror directly in front of the bed. In the south-west: The South-West area of the bedroom should not be kept empty. Keep heavy furniture or an almirah here. No temples please: Do not have your temple in the bedroom. About doors: Avoid fixing doors in the South-West of a bedroom. Location of the bed: The bed should be placed in a position where the occupants can see anyone coming into the rooms.

Here are certain Vaastu tips that you can follow on New Year’s Eve or sometime around, to bring peace and prosperity: • •

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Get rid of all the clutter and unnecessary things which get accumulated in the house from time to time. Clean the house thoroughly; look at the places which have been neglected - the furniture that needs repair and health concerns that have been ignored for long. Clear your desk and go through your files and cabinets in your workplace. Remove all unnecessary papers. It's also the time to reflect back and assess the past and plan for the future. Review those few things that you desire to accomplish in the New Year and determine your goals.

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If you feel that negative vibes have been induced into your familylife, health, relationship etc, wipe the floor with salt water for at least seven days. You can even place a small bowl of salt to absorb the negative and stagnant energy. Remember to change the salt everyday. Space clearing rituals like ringing a bell or burning incense in all the rooms of the house can also help. This physical clearing will also initiate a process of mental peace and relaxation. Sit down in a calm corner and mentally relive all the negative experiences that are depleting your energies. Clear out those negative feelings and accept the transition of these events in your life. Rearrange your surroundings; increase your level of physical activity. All this will ultimately transform into your surrounding into a much more balanced and harmonious environment. Hang some bells, bring a new plant, display auspicious symbols in the living room and decorate the main entrance of your house and workplace. Welcome the New Year by lighting candles and diyas and burning incense, especially in the dark corners of the house. If you are not the partying type, just organise a nice family feast. Even if you have plans spend the time with friends and colleagues, try to spend the first day of the New Year with family. Go to a temple or organise a small puja or a havan at home. It will strengthen the miraculous bonding with the family.

Wish you all good health, wealth, happiness, love and peace for the New Year. Vaastu For Your Dining Room Location Of Dining Room In The House • In the old days, food was cooked and served in the kitchen itself. These days, the dining room can be an extension of the kitchen or drawing room.

• In case the kitchen is located in the South-East, the dining room can be made either in the East or South of the kitchen. • If the kitchen is located in North-West, the dining room can be made in the North or West of the kitchen. • In case of availability of space the dining room should be made in the West, which is the ideal place for a dining room, as per the ancient classical books on Vaastu. • For very big houses, the kitchen should be made in the South-East and dining room in the West. • A small pantry room can be attached to the dining room from where the cooked food can be served. • All items of crockery and cutlery can be stored in the pantry. Alternatively, an area in West of the kitchen can be used as a breakfast table or for small meals for the family. Interior Planning Of The Dining Room • The dining room should be spacious, comfortable and welcoming. • It should stimulate hunger. • The family should spend happy times here, talking and relaxing, as well as eating. • Talk to your family members softly and sweetly in a pleasant voice. • Any talk while eating should never revolve around the short comings of any family member. • Do not make the dining room a classroom for your children. • Cultivate the habit of listening to soft subdued music rather than having the television on. • Television kills conversation and these days where parents have work pressures and children have a burden of studies, meal times can be utilized to spend quality time together with the whole family. • Create a pleasant environment for the family and friends to eat and enjoy each other’s company. • The atmosphere should be intimate and conducive to conversation.

• To enjoy the feeling of spaciousness do not have too much furniture in this room. • The main focus of this room is the dining table itself. • The table should be preferably rectangular. • It should be placed towards the South-West corner of the room, with enough space around the chairs to move about. • The dining room chairs should be comfortable. • Parents should sit in South or West of South-West facing North, North-East or East. • Children should sit facing North or East. Children should not sit in the South-West corner, as they tend to gain control of the house and impose their will over the parents. • Wash basin can be provided in North of East with drainage in NorthEast if needed. • Fridge can be kept in the South-East of the dining room. • In case of a drawing cum dining room, demarcate the dining areas using a screen or a potted plant. • You can also use a separate colour for the floor or design the floor differently. • Paintings/posters of appetising food can be placed on the walls of the dining room. • Pleasant colours like pink, orange, yellow, cream or off white can be used here. • Mirrors can be placed on the East or North wall. • The dining table should not be under a beam. • Toilet should not be opposite or next to the dining room. • Before partaking of food, a portion should be kept for a cow, a crow and a dog. This, according to the ancient scriptures, ensures good health and prosperity.