Elements of Vastu[1]

Elements of Vastu The entire universe is believed to be made up of five basic elements, namely fire, water, earth, air and space. The human body is also made up of these elements. Basically, these five elements are related to our five senses - that of taste, smell, hearing, touch and sight. The aim of Vastu Shastra is to teach the individuals how to live in a perfect equilibrium and harmony, by balancing these five main elements. Vaastu teaches us how to correct our internal and external imbalances, to ensure a peaceful and stress free life. The article delves at length on the five elements of the ancient architectural practice. Read on to know their importance in Vastu. Five Elements Of Vaastu Shastra Earth Earth, also known as prithvi, is known for its gravitational and magnetic qualities. It is the only element that is connected to all the five senses of the human body - the sense of taste, touch, sound, smell and sight. This is the reason why it influences us the most. 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. Water Also known as Jal, water is the most important element after earth. It is linked to our senses of taste, touch, sight and hearing. Quantitatively, it is the largest of the five elements, as more than 80% of our body and two-third of earth's surface is made up of water. Vastu rightly determines the placement of water sources, like wells, boring, underground water tank, overhead water tank, etc, while planning any building, to draw the maximum benefits. Fire Sun is the primary source of life and energy. It is known for its vitality and strength. Sun is associated with Agni (fire), which is the basis of all energy on earth and without which all life will come to an end. The element of fire is related to sound, touch and sight and its direction is southeast. Geysers, fireplace and kitchen should be located in this direction. Vastu recommends having tall and big trees in the south, to block the harmful rays of sun. Air Air is also known as vayu. It is the fundamental element for our survival. This element relates to our senses of sound and touch. The air on earth is a mixture of various gases, like nitrogen, oxygen, helium, and hydrogen, which are essential for human beings. Vastu recommends guidelines to be followed for placement of doors, windows, ventilators, balconies, height of structure and placement of trees and plants, to balance the air element. The air should enter a building from northeast. Space Also known as Akash, space has no limits or boundaries; it is infinite. It is linked to our sense of hearing. In a house, the space element is related to the central portion or the brahmasthan. It is important that brahmasthan be kept open. At the same time, the house

should be built in such a way that the light enters its centre as well. Any disturbances in the space element prove to be detrimental to growth and progress. Vastu shastra is an ancient Indian science of Vedic origin that deals with proper construction of a house. An age old technique, Vastu defines building of homes in sync with the natural forces. A vaastu perfect home not only attains complete harmony with natural forces, but also brings in prosperity, good thought and sound health to its residents. There are certain basic principles that are considered Vastu-logically correct for the making and designing of the house. Following these principles, while constructing a house or even choosing one would be highly beneficial and advantageous. Read on to know more about the fundamental principles of vastu.

Basic Principles Of Vaastu Shastra For people who are planning to buy a plot, make sure you get one that is in south west, south & west directions. Theses plots are considered more advantageous than others. Plots that are square or rectangular in shape are better than irregular cut ones. Also, the plot should be slopping towards the north & east or northeast. A house which has mango, banana or a jamun tree in the vicinity is not considered auspicious. However, a peepal tree in the west side at some distance from the house is considered auspicious. So is an imli tree if it is in southwest direction of the house. A house with anaar, ashoka, chandan, champa, chameli,gulaab , nariyal & keshar tree around is considered auspicious. At the time of making a building, make sure that it has open space on all sides. The levels of open spaces should be higher in south and west sides and lower in north and east side. In case you construct more than one floor, prepare the first floor on Southwest. The height of first floor should not be more than the ground floor. Also, ensure that there is no storeroom on the first floor. The entrance of the house should idyllically be in the northeast, east or north direction. This would bring in good luck, prosperity and harmony in the house. In case you have a big house with an extra room, make the room in the northwest or northeast direction as guestroom. Since center denotes Brahmasthan, make sure it is free from any sorts of obstructions. There should be no beam, pillar, fixture, toilet, staircase or even a wall or lift. As for the shape and size of the door, the width of the door should be half to the height of the door. Paintings and statues in the house are also an important consideration to make when it comes to vastu shastra. Picture depicting war, violence or any negativities of life like sorrow and struggle should not be in the house. The living room of the house should be in the east, north and northeast directions.

According to vastu, the bedroom should be positioned in southwest, south or west direction of the house. The kitchen should be in the Agni Kond. Ideally, the best bet is to have the kitchen in the southeast. In case you cannot have it in the southeast direction, one in the northwest or east direction is also favorable. The study room should be designed in such a way that you study facing east or north side. The ideal colors for the study room are yellow, white or pink.

Vastu Direction The different directions and sectors of a house are assigned to different Gods and Guardians. These sectors, when constructed according to the nature of the God, lead to complete harmony and bring in prosperity, good thought and sound health to people living inside. Some of the important parts of the house have been listed in the following lines, along with the idyllic direction. Vaastu Shastra Directions Bedroom Southwest side is the ideal position for the bedroom. A room in the south would not only be congenial, but also work for comfort living. In case your house has an upper storey, make sure that its southwest portion houses the master bedroom. Children Room Children room in the northwest side or in the west side is considered ideal. The room not only acts favorably in terms of health of the children. For developing better concentration in children, make sure they have a separate study close to their bedrooms. Kitchen The right location of the kitchen insures favorable health of the family. Ideally, since southeast side is the residing place of Agni or the God of Fire, the kitchen should also be placed in the same location. Study Room The perfect position to study would be facing the north, east or the northeast side. These directions attract the positive effects of different planets - Mercury increases brain power, Jupiter enhances wisdom, Sun raises ambition and Venus helps in bringing about creativity in new thoughts and ideas. Bathrooms Ideally, east is the perfect place for the bathroom. When it comes to attached bathroom, one in the north or east side would be favorable. Shower, bathing tub and wash basin in the bathroom may be in the Northeast, or the North or the East direction. Do not have bathroom in the center or southwest corner of the house. Drawing Room

Drawing rooms can be in the northeast or northern or eastern side of the room. Avoid having drawing room in the southwest portion. Keep the northeast corner of the drawing room vacant. Store Room Store room can be in the northwest or southwest portion of the house. It is best to store heavy things in the southwest of the storeroom. Garbage can be collected in the southern side of the house. Sleep At the time of sleeping, make sure that you have head towards the South Pole and legs towards the North Pole. However, sleeping with head in the east and legs in the west is also favorable and brings in mental peace, good thoughts and spirituality. Vasthu Directions For Home Direction

Planet

Lordship

Best For

Northwest

Moon

Vayu (Wind)

Guests, bathroom, garage, animals, utilities, pantry.

North

Mercury Kubera (Wealth)

Northeast

Jupiter

Ishanya (the Supreme Lord)

Prayer, shrines, living room, sun porch, patio or deck.

West

Saturn

Varuna (Waters)

Dining room, children's room, study room, den

East

Sun

Surya (Health)

Bathroom, Dining room, family room, bay windows, mirrors on east wall, storage of ghee, milk, oil, rosewater, etc.

Southwest Rahu

Nairuti (Dissolution)

Heavy objects, Bedroom, no shrines or bathrooms.

South

Mars

Yama (Lord of Death)

Dining room, no main entrances, Bed room, Bath room

Southeast

Venus

Agni(Lord of Fire) Kitchen, pantry, appliances, computers, exercise room, garage, weights.

Mirrors (North wall), jewels and other valuables, children, family room, basement.

Note: The center is the place of Brahmasthana. This area should only be used for a courtyard or a religious shrine. Human activity should be avoided.

Vastu Remedies With life becoming tougher and more complex, buying a flat or constructing it as per vastu shastra has become a next to impossible task. Such a situation is especially seen in big cities and metro towns, wherein the pressure to purchase plots & buildings are extremely high. As such, your home is bound to have certain vastu defect or dosh. While it is not possible to change or alter the position of everything in the house, minor changes can be done. By making minor changes in the interiors and using regulators or charged objects, one can bring back peace and happiness in life. In the following lines, we have provided some vastu remedies that would surely act beneficially and bring about a positive change in your life. Remedies For Common Vaastu Defects In case you have a drain or a river nearby the house which is flowing in a direction other than the north-east direction and has anti-clockwise movement, the best bet would be to place a statue of dancing Ganeshji facing the west on the north-east corner of the house. If the boring of your building or house has been placed in the wrong direction, it is best to have a picture of Panchmukhi Hanumanji, facing South-West to the boring. If while entering your home you have a naked wall, place a statue or a picture of Ganeshji. Remember, a naked wall is a sign of loneliness and hence the good way to conceal it would be with the statue or a picture of Lord Ganesha. In case a high voltage overhead wire passes over your house, erect a plastic pipe filled with lime from one corner to the other in such a manner that both its end would remain outside by at least three feet each. This would eliminate the evil effects of energy, being generated out of the overhead wire. Energy circles of a house can be enhanced by using Swastika Yantra. However, the method requires a lot of care and should be done under the supervision of an able Vastu mason. A toilet, built at the eastern corner at the 'Ishan' angle, causes a lot of diseases to the inmates. For this, construct a toilet mainly towards south or west. The face should be towards the north or west, while discharging stool. In the kitchen, place the grinder, fridge, shelf and other heavy items towards south and west wall. If you are facing health problems, check your bed. As per vastu shastra, one should always use bed with four legs. Box type bed stops air circulation and is the foremost reason for bad health. Placing pyramids is an effective and pocket friendly way of curbing all the vastu defects of a house or a building. These are installed in strategic location in the house such as the center of the house, a specific room or even an energetic key point. It balances the electromagnetic field of the human aura, thereby harmonizing mind, body, spirit and environment.

Poster of crying girl, war scene, sexy scenes, angry man, owl and eagle are considered inauspicious. In case you have one at your home, replace it immediately. As for the doors, if you have doors that open outwards, replace them immediately by those that open inwards.

Vastu for Plot Selection In the contemporary times, more and more people are consulting a Vastu expert, while selecting a plot, irrespective of the fact whether they want to use the plot for residential or commercial purposes. Vastu for plot selection goes a long way in keeping away the negative energies, which lead to severe health and loss of money. Vaasthu advice for plot selection is based on the study of multiple factors, which include direction of the site, type of soil on the site, shape of the plot, surroundings of the plot and many more. Check out some vaastu tips for plot selection, in the following lines. 1. Location of the Plot 2. Direction of the Plot 3. Shape of Plot 4. Color of the Soil 5. Adjoining Roads Location of the Plot according to Vastu The following considerations are useful for location. • The site having fertile earth, fruit trees, flowering plants, grass is good for construction. • The site without any source of ground water should be avoided. • The site near temple ashram, school, college, hospital, graveyard, Garbage dump site should be avoided. • If the plot is small, there should be no big tree like Mango, Banana etc. • If the plot is big, building area should be far away from the tree. Direction of the Plot according to Vastu The East and North facing plots are appropriate for house construction. Care should be taken while designing the house facing West and South direction because some directions have positive impacts while the other have negative on occupants of the house. For example if the kitchen is in South-East, there are always good results on health. But if the kitchen is in North-East, the health is affected adversely. Shape of Plot according to Vastu Shape of plot matters a lot in the selection of land. The following are some shapes of the plots.

• The plot should be of square or rectangular shape. Ratio of width and length should not be more than 1:2 in rectangular plot. The square plot is the best. • Plots having triangular, round shape, hexagon, octagon or polygon shapes should be avoided because these are not good for construction. • Plots having an extended NE (North-East) corner is lucky. Color of the Soil Color of the soil is another important aspect which should not be avoided at the time of purchasing the plot. The following colors of soil are considered better for construction purposes. 1. Red 2. Yellow 3. White 4. Black Red soil is suitable for executives who are engaged in administrative and legal services. These executives are usually employees of Government, armed forces or administration. Yellow and Green is considered by shareholders, businessmen, bankers and by those who are directly related to commercial activities. Usually White soil is preferable for intellectual professionals like doctors, engineers, teachers, poets, musicians, consultants etc. Note: Black and clay soil is not good for construction. Adjoining Roads A plot adjoining roads at any of the four sides affects the life of family members. The affects of such a plot are given below. Plot Having One Road Roads From

Results

East

Good, Prosperous and Wealthy

West

Average, Good for Business People

North

Good for Women , Prosperous & Wealthy

South

Good for Business Concern

Plot Having Two Roads Roads From

Results

North And East

Very Good

East and South

Good

South And West

Average

West and North

Good

North and South

Average

East and West

Good

Plot Having Roads on Three Sides The plot facing roads from three sides is an average plot. It can be improved by leaving a passage at fourth side. Plot Having Roads on All Sides: The Plot having road on all side is best plot. Plot Facing T-Junction:The Plot facing T or Y-Junction is not suitable for construction. It is inauspicious. Plot at the Dead End of the Road: The plot is not appropriate for construction. It can be improved by extending the road up to the width of plot. A plot that has more length in the east or west direction is good for purchasing purpose. As per vastu, buying of such a plot that has more of open space in southern portion as compared to the northern side is not suggested, as it is likely to cause some sort of destruction. It is advisable to buy a plot that has the main entrance in the mid-west or in the northern portion of the plot. People of different occupations are affected by certain directions chosen for plot. For instance, a plot facing east is considered favorable for scholars, philosophers, priests, teachers and professors. For people handling administration of a firm, selecting a plot facing north is good. Government employees can also choose a plot facing north. In case you are a business person, then purchase a plot that faces south. For the people providing services to the society, opting for a plot facing west is good. According to vaastu shasthra, fertile plot with greenery surrounding it is considered auspicious. Make sure that there is no graveyard or tomb in the front, back or adjacent to your plot. Avoid the plot that is located in the vicinity of schools, colleges or cinema theatre. Do not purchase a plot, to which rain water from the roof of the neighborhood falls. Make sure that there is not tall building located in the north eastern side of your plot, because it would ruin your mental peace. However, if the high-rise building is located in the south, south west or western side, you may purchase the plot.

Avoid purchasing a plot with rivers or canal flowing on west or south side of the plot. Make sure that there is no pillar, electric or post nearby your plot.

Vastu Tips for Doors and Windows The doors and windows are essential furnishing articles of the house. These are used for insulation purposes. They provide comfort in working at the house. The following are important points that one should consider before designing the doors and windows. •Maximum number of doors and windows should open in the North and East as compared to the South and West. •The doors and windows should be in even numbers like 2, 4, 6, 8 etc. but not 10 and multiple of 8. •The main door of house should be taller than other doors. It should be of two shutters. •There should not be any obstruction in front of main door like big trees; pole etc. There should not be any temple opposite to the house too. •The doors should not be placed in center of the wall. It should be far from the centre. It should not be in extreme corner. •For doors and windows one type of wood should be used. Teak wood is the best option for doors and windows. •The doors and windows should be rectangular. The doors having irregular or square shapes are not auspicious. •The doors should not close automatically; it may affect the health of children. •The doors should not be over size or under sized. Its size should be of ratio 2:1 in regard to height and width. •If the door is making noise while moving, it should be repaired otherwise it can cause quarrel. •There should not be cracked door in a house. It should be replaced as soon as possible. •The entrance door should be well decorated with pictures and decorative pieces. •The main entrance door of two houses opposite to each other should not be opened towards to each other. •If there is more than one floor in a building, one door over another door should be avoided. Note: Any picture of God should not be hanged at outer side of the door.

The Entrance Cautiously enough, this should not be confused with the main gate of the compound wall. Here it relates to the entry into the main structure bounded by its own walls. Entrance, physically, appears to be having an insignificant bit of the building in relation to the magnitude of its interior. But in fact, it governs all the subsequent exercise shaping the course of action in the interior. Hence, utmost care needs be taken in choosing the location of the entrance as also its features. This ensures success in our search for happiness in utilizing the space enclosed in the building. The factors governing the main entrance have one feature common with that of the main gate of the compound wall. This is with regard to the basic location related to the Disha, i.e. the direction. The diagram alongside will corroborate this for the viewers.

It is to be noticed that the location of the entrance is prescribed on each of the four sides. This reminds us of the location of the gate in the compound wall and here the similarity ends. An entrance located at the north side or at the east side at the appropriate place in the building is OK in itself. But the main entrance provided at the south or the west needs additional support. A main entrance at the south, even at the appropriate place is not enough in itself. It has to be accompanied by a corresponding entrance, though smaller, at the appropriate place at the north and/or the east side also. Again, a main entrance alone at the west at the appropriate place in itself may not deleterious, but it would considerably add to the well being in the house if a corresponding entrance, though smaller, is provided at the eastern or the northern side at the usual appropriate place as already explained. Whenever entrance doors are required in two directions, one of the two must be planned in the east or the north. Similarly, where the entrance doors are required in three directions, two must be allotted in the east and the north; the third may be had at the west or the south as the situation demands . Slightly varying views may be noticed in some quarters on this subject if we go into deeper and more elaborate details. But with the sharply declining space available these days the information given in the preceding paragraph is a fairly good guide generally for most of the homes and commercial establishments. There are enough factors already in the house which admit little compromise and call for more scrupulous handling. Features Supportive of the Main Entrance:

The main entrance holds a unique position in relation to the rest of the doors in the house. Hence, additional care is required in attending to the requirements of this door. The guidelines are as follows: The size of this door should be larger and appearance more impressive than those of other doors. If the shortcoming is noticed in the door, the immediate need is not to run for replacement right away. Instead, the remedy lies in giving an artful decorative treatment along the margin zone around the main frame to make it stand out and speak for itself as most prominent. All the same, it is imperative that the magnitude of the height be maintained at 1.5 times the width of the door. Since most of the doors these days are 6 feet x 3 feet, the size 6.5 x 3.5 feet for the main door would be quite suitable. Where a fanlight is deemed necessary, the width of the door has to be increased proportionately. The timber deployed in the making of this door should of the best quality available, preferably Teak. Else, any other good quality timber may be used but it should be of the same type throughout and also well seasoned. The shutter in this door is to fixed ensuring that on opening it moves towards the inside of the house and not outward. As far as possible this door should be provided with dual shutters opening to 180 degrees. However, where the space is subject to limitation, single shutter may be accepted in which case, when viewed from the outside, the shutter is mounted to the left side. The main frame of the door is to be fixed ensuring that it is off the close by wall by about two feet. But where, as in modern homes, space is limited, the gap may be retained at a minimum of 5 inches. In arched entrances the shutter should not follow the pattern of the arch. Its rectangular shape should be retained and the gap above be attended with a fixed semicircular artifact. A divider in between the two comes as a part of the main frame. The main entrance must be provided with a threshold (door sill). Practically speaking, this is a safety measure against the trespassing insects, rodents and reptiles which are otherwise invited by the passage lurking in the space, howsoever small, between the shutter and the floor where the sill is not provided. In addition, in terms of Vastu, the missing fourth side of the frame which rests firmly on the floor represents the element composed of fulfilment, wholesomeness and stability. The shutter should have a single panel. If more, the number should be uneven. The level of the main entrance should be a little higher than the approach way. The steps leading onto it should be odd in number. The passage along the main entrance should permit smooth circulation avoiding confrontation of, say, a staircase or booster pump. Care should also be exercised to ensure that the entrance does not face the main entrance of the house on the opposite side. The fixing of the main frame of the door must be done at an auspicious Muhurta.

On auspicious and festive days the entrance is to be decorated with Haldi and Chandan paste (Turmeric and Sandalwood) paste along with “toran”, i.e., a cord knotted with mango leaves. The entrance calls for fixing a decent image above and putting the signs of swastika along the sides. A temple facing the entrance is an unfavourable feature for the house. See how the idol faces. If the idol‟s eyes are trained on the main entrance of the house in question the adverse is substantially reduced. So also is the case where the temple is on the other side of the road and the distance to it from the house is at least 80 feet. In any case, it is preferable to screen off the view with the help of a sufficiently raised compound wall as also by planting approved shady shrubs (or even trees if the direction is west or south) to bar the unfavourable feature.

Bed Room Vastu According to ancient science of directions, Vastu Shastra peace and harmony reign through bedroom if the room is located in right direction. A properly located bedroom provides complete relaxation after a weary day and also brings good things into life. Here are given the facts which explain complete vastu for bedroom. Location for Bedroom Ideally master bedroom should be located in southern part of the house and all other bedrooms should be located either towards the East or North of master bedroom. Master bedroom may be located in south-west of the house. This room should be used by the head of the family and eldest son of the family. South portion is also recommended for eldest son bedroom. If there is more than one floor, the head of the family should have his bed room in south-west direction on first floor. This bedroom should not be used by young children otherwise unnecessary quarrels can take place in the house. A west sided bedroom is good for children. An eastern bedroom can be used for children. But this room should not be used by newly wed couples because it can cause unnecessary quarrel between the couple. Teenager girls should have their bedrooms in north-west direction. The bedroom should not be constructed in central portion of the house or in basement as it may lead to mental tension. Also bed room should not be constructed above porch and kitchen. An attached bathroom can be in north-west or south-east of bedroom. Bed Location The beds should be of good quality wood and metal bed should be avoided. The bed should be placed in such a way as the foot of the bed should be in North and does not face the door. It should not touch walls keeping 2 or 3 inches distance. Avoid placing bed in corners or under the beam. The space under the bed should be clean and clutter free. Due to paucity of space modern vastu says to use box bed. Keep storage space clean and clutter free. Do not keep utensils and metal in storage space. This may cause mental stress and diseases.

Cabinet Location Cabinet/Almirah should be placed in south-west of the room opening towards North. It should be placed leaving south-east, north-east, south-west, north-west corners and east and north directions of the room. Television and Electrical Appliances Location Avoid television in bedroom. If you place T.V. in bedroom, it should be kept in south-east of bedroom. It should never be placed in front of bed as it works like a mirror. Thus placed mirror is not good for health. Electrical appliances should be kept in south-east of the room. Doors and Windows Location The door of bedroom should be in the East or the North. Windows in the East and North of the room are beneficial. Color Scheme Color affects our mind and changes the mood. Vastu recommends light colors. Light colors are better than dark colors. The color of bedroom should be light rose, pink, blue, yellow and green. Avoid black and red color in bedroom. Yellow and white marble should not be used in bedroom. Lighting As per vastu lighting is an essential part of bedroom. Comfortable lighting is the key to excellent bedroom. The bedroom should not have too bright or too dim lighting. Keeping an up-lighter in south-east is good. Pictures Do not display pictures of war, cruelty, sadness, single bird, any animal and wild animals in bedroom. Generally people having religious nature display idols of God in bedroom. They should place these idols in pooja Room. Mirrors Do not use mirror in bedrooms. If it can not be avoided, keep it in such a position that should not reflect your shadow while sleeping. Keep a curtain on mirror to avoid reflection. To avoid mirrors in bedroom means to avoid unnecessary quarrels between the couple. Tips for Vastu Bedroom As a general rule of vastu, south-west corner of bedroom should not be left empty. Always keep heavy things, furniture etc. in this portion in every room. South-west side of the house and of all rooms inside the house should always be heavier than the East and north-east side. Maximum open space should be left in north-east side of the room and house. Nobodys bedroom should be exactly in the middle of the building.

Some buildings do not get proper east-west and north-south directions. They have corners only. In bed rooms of such buildings, for getting the proper direction, one should not put his bed in an oblique position. As far as possible, the almirah should not be in the bedroom. If it is necessary, it should be placed in a way leaving the south-east, the north-east, the south-west and the northwest corners as well as the east and the north directions.

Children Room Vastu According to Vastu, keeping everything in positive direction in children‟s room results in creative thinking and good health because this room is the hub of fun and joy where children spend most of their time. Your child can grow in such atmosphere and lives a happy and prosperous life. Vastu Shastra recommends west direction for children's room. The location of bed should be in south-west portion whereas the head should be in south or east direction. The door of the room should not be exactly opposite to the bed. The furniture should not be placed at the centre of the room. Furniture: The location of bed in children‟s room is south-west corner. The furniture should be few inches away from the walls. Almirahs and cabinets should be located in south or west direction. TV and Computer: Computer and TV should not be placed in children‟s room. If it‟s necessary, it‟s recommended to place TV in south-east corner and computer in north diection of the room. Study Table: If study table is placed in bedroom, it should be in such direction that child could face east, north and north-east while studying. Thus placed table boosts both memory and concentration and invites new ideas. The books should always be kept in south-west, south or west as lots of books and papers in study room create clutter and mental pressure. Lights: Use up-lighters at south-east corner in children‟s room as it is good for health and generates positive energy. Never use sharp lights and spot lights as it creates mental strain. Color Scheme: Color affects mood and every aspect of life. Green color is ideally recommended for children‟s room as it gives freshness, peace and increases brain power. Doors and Windows: The door of children room should be in the East or the North. Windows in the East and North of the room are beneficial. Vastu Tips for Children Room •The west is best direction for kids' room. Girl's room can be in northwest direction whereas boy‟s room can be in northern or eastern part of the house. •The door of children‟s bedroom should in the North or East. It should have one shutter only.

•There is no harm in having small window in west as compared to the one in east or north direction. The window should be opposite to the door. •Avoid study table, T.V, computer and mirror in children's bedroom.

Vastu for Living Room According to Vastu Shastra living room or drawing room should be located in east or north direction. The ideal location of a living room depends on plot facing. The living room can be in northeast direction for east and north facing house. The living room can be in northwest for west facing house. In south facing house, living room can be in southeast. Where to Place Furniture as per Vastu The furniture should be placed in west or south direction. The furniture such as showcase or heavy articles etc. should be in south or west direction. It should be rectangular or square, not in oval, circular or odd shape. Television, A.C and Telephone Place according to Vastu T.V. should be placed in southeast direction. Living room vastu opposes to place T.V. in north-east or south-west corner. Cooler or A.C should be placed in west or north direction. Avoid A.C or Cooler in southeast and northwest. Telephone should be placed in East, North or south-east. It should not be in south-west or the north-west corners. Aquarium Placement as per Vastu Directions Aquariums are beneficial to place in the North, East and North-East of living room. The faults related to north-west corner can be corrected by putting an aquarium. Avoid aquarium in south direction as it draws out positive energies from house. Painting and Pictures according to Vastu The use of painting can create a pleasant environment in the room. Painting of waterfall, rising sun provides positive energy. Avoid paintings that symbolize death, violence and negative aspects of life. Vastu Color Scheme The color of wall in living room should be white, yellow, blue or green. Prefer light color over dark colors. Avoid black and red color in living room. Vastu and Lighting Lighting of living room should be bright. If chandelier is in living room, it should be slightly towards west, not at the centre of the room. Vastu for Doors and Windows The door of living room should be in east or north direction because doors are very

auspicious in these directions. There should not be a photograph of any God in living room or at entrance door. Windows in east and north are beneficial. Vastu Tips for Living Room •The East and North are best directions for living room. •The furniture should be square or rectangular. •Air-conditioner or cooler should be placed in West direction, not in South-east. •Portraits of women, animals, birds, scene of war should never be displayed in living room. •The sitting arrangement for the head of family should be in East or North direction. •A painting showing depression should not be placed on a wall.

Vastu for Guest Room Indian culture has always been very respecting of guests, even treating them at par with God. Indians welcome guests with great warmth and treat them as a part of their family only. A guest room is the place where guest stay and just like other rooms in the house, it needs to follow the right Vastu. It will help the guests completely enjoy their stay and at the same time, spread happiness and warmth in the entire house. In the absence of a guest room that has been planned according to Vastu directions, your guests can become dominating and even bother the peace and stability of your house. Here are some beneficial Vasthu advices for your guest room. Vaastu Tips For Guest Room The guest room should not be constructed in the southwest direction of the house because it is meant for the owner (Head of the Family) only. You can plan the guest room in the northwest direction of the house. It is a clear and suitable place for the guests to stay in your house. You may plan to construct the guest room in the southern direction as well. However, it will be better to consult a vastu expert before choosing this direction. You can place or plan the guest room at agneya corner (southeast corner) also. There is nothing troublesome with this direction. The door of the guest room should follow Vastu guidelines as well. Northeast door, facing east direction; Northeast door, facing north direction; Southeast door, facing south direction and Northwest door, facing west direction are the most preferred choices. If the guest room is situated at vayavya corner (northwest corner) or agneya corner, you can place the bathroom for this room at Nairuthi corner also, but don‟t forget to take advice of an experienced Vastu consultant beforehand. If the guest room is situated at vayavya corner, you must provide window at northeast

corner, towards the north direction, or in the west direction. If the guest room is situated at agneya corner, you need to keep a window at south or southeast direction. Nothing serious is observed, even if you provide window at southwest direction. As it is, the agneya corner guest room crosses the middle point of the house, so if you keep the window in the southwest direction also, it will still be alright. Whether you want to provide an attached bathroom with the guest room or not is entirely your choice. Vastu shashtra neither advocates it, nor asks you to avoid it.

Dining Room Vastu According to vastu dining room should be located in east or west portion of the house. If the kitchen is on ground floor, dining room should not be on upper floor. The room should be located adjacent to kitchen or drawing room. Having meal in such located dining room will be beneficial for you, ensures Vastu. Vastu Dining Location Dining room should be located in west direction whereas kitchen should be made in southeast direction. Dining room should not be located in south side. Water arrangement should be in north-east direction. Color: The color of dining room should be light like pink, light green, cream etc. Avoid black and white color. Shape of dining table: According to vastu dining table should be in square shape and rectangular shape. It should not be in round shape, egg shape, and oval shape. Location of TV and electronic appliances: Electrical appliances like fridges should be in south-east direction. Television should not be placed in the dining room. While taking food Family members should face east, west or north directions. Do not face south direction as it creates quarrels among family members. It‟s best to face east or west direction while eating. Lighting: Lights create positive energy. The décor of dining room should be arranged according to the mood and taste of the family. Lighting should create easy and relaxed environment. Candles and lamps give special effects to any meal. Ceiling lights should fall vertically and mainly focus on the surface of dining table. Scenery and paintings give positive effect in dining room. Window and Door: Window should be placed in north or east side as compared to south or west side. If the house is located in north direction, the entrance should be in north direction. If the house is located in east direction, the face of entrance should be in the east.

POOJA ROOM VASTU If the room is located in south direction, the face of entrance should be in the South and if it is in north direction, the entrance should be in the north.Main entrance door and dining room door should not face directly to each other. Toilet should not be attached to dining room. Pooja room is a place where we worship God for peace and prosperity. Ishanya or northeast is governed by God and is an excellent location for pooja room. Locating „Pooja room‟ in north-east brings prosperity, good health, wealth, happiness and peace of mind. Northeast is auspicious for other reasons. In morning sunrays fall directly from north-east and give us positive energy. Location of Pooja Room North-east is an excellent location for Pooja room. Pooja room in north quadrant provides good results. You can opt east, north and north-east for pooja room. Avoid other directions if possible. Special pooja‟s can be performed in Brahmasthana (center of house). In big plots, pooja room can be in Brahmasthan (central portion) of the house. Pooja room should not be inside bed room. It should not be made above, below or next to toilet or kitchen. It should be on ground floor, not on first floor or in basement. Avoid Pooja Room under the stairs. Planning a Pooja Room Doors and windows of pooja room should be in North and East. Doors of pooja room should have two shutters. The doors should not have any door closer. There should be a ventilator. Walls of pooja room should be painted in white, light yellow or light blue color. The floor of pooja room should be of white or off white marble. Cupboard for placing things should be in South or West of pooja room. It is beneficial to have a threshold in pooja room. Interior of Pooja Room Idols of God should be kept in north-east portion of pooja room. The idols should not face one another and the door of pooja room also. The two idols of same god should not be placed in pooja room. The idols should be 1 inch away from walls. „Kalash‟ or water body is in North or East of the room. „Deepak‟, lamp and „Agni‟ kund are in south-east. We should face East while worshipping. Avoid keeping heavy idols in pooja room. Cluttered and broken idols should not be placed in pooja room. Avoid photos of dead people in pooja room. Keep pooja room clean and clutter free. There should be one pooja room in a house. The room should not be used for other purposes like storage or other room.

Vastu for Kitchen According to Vastu Shastra, the lord of „Agni‟ (Fire) prevails in south-east direction. So ideally the kitchen should be located in south-east of the home. The second best option is north-west part of the home. The stove should be placed in south-east direction of the kitchen so that the cook may face east direction while cooking.

East quadrant is considered an excellent location for kitchen because this area brings prosperity. South-east is the best direction for the kitchen. North quadrant is second option and north-west is direction. In diagonal plots, avoid north quadrant which has ill effects on female members. West quadrant gives average results for kitchen. The kitchen should not be placed under or above Pooja Room, Toilet or Bed Room. Let‟s discuss the directions of various items of the kitchen. The Entrance: Entry door of kitchen should be in the East, North or West. The door of kitchen should not be in any of the corners. Cooking Gas: The gas stove should be in southeast corner, a few inches away from the wall. It should not be in front of the main door of the kitchen. Gas stove or any other cooking material should be placed in such a way as allows the cook to face only towards the East while cooking. If the lady faces west while cooking, it may lead to health problems. Cooking with face towards the south may lead to financial problems in the family. No shelf should be placed above cooking gas. Dining in Kitchen: The food should never be served at the dining table placed in the center of the kitchen. Dining table should be placed in north-west corner of the room. One should only face towards east or north while taking food for good digestion. Gas Cylinder: Gas Cylinder should be kept in south-east. Empty Cylinder should be kept in south-west. Refrigerator: The direction of refrigerator should be in south-east, south, west or north direction. Refrigerator should not be in north-east direction. If the refrigerator is in southwest direction, it should be a feet away from corner otherwise it always gets out of order. Electric Equipments: Heaters, conventional ovens, micro-waves ovens should be placed in south-east or south side of the kitchen; never in north-east portion. Sink: Sink (wash basin) should be in north-east corner as far as possible. Storage: The storage racks should be made on southern or western wall Essential commodities like boxes of grain, spices, pulses, etc. should be in south or west direction. The water source including pitcher, water filter, etc. may be kept in north-east. Flooring: Ceramic tiles, mosaic, marble are good choices for kitchen flooring. Ceramic tile flooring is recommended to accommodate Indian conditions as it is stain-free, dust-free and scratch resistant. Windows: There should be one or two windows or air holes in the east direction of the kitchen. An exhaust fan in the East is good. Color Scheme: The color of floor and walls should be yellow, orange, rose, chocolate or red. It should not be black as far as possible.

Vastu for Bathroom and Toilet According to bathroom vastu, bathroom should be located in North or North-West portion of the house. If bathroom is located in wrong direction, it can cause health and financial problems. Bathroom should not be in South, South-East and South-West direction. South sided bathroom can cause adverse effects on the health of female members. As per Toilet Vastu, toilet should be located in west or northwest direction. Avoid construction of toilet at the centre and in the east, northeast of the house. The toilet seat should be placed in such a way that the person sitting could face the North or the South. Now a day toilet combined with bathroom is becoming popular due to lack of space. Combined bathroom and toilet should be in north-west direction. It should not be adjacent to Pooja Room, kitchen and under the stairs. Geyser and other electrical appliances like heater and switchboard should be installed in south-east corner of bathroom. Taps and showers are fixed in north direction. Placing bath tubs in east, west or north-east direction is good. Wash basin and shower can be either in north-east, north or east direction. The North is a good direction for vanity mirror. Water closet should be placed in the West and the South direction of the toilet. A water closet should be placed near a window or an outer wall. Exhaust fans are necessary if there is no window in the bathroom. The slope of bathroom floor should be in the North. It should not to be in south-west or south-east direction. Septic tank should be in northwest of the house. It should not be in south-east, north-east, north or east directions. The tank should be higher than floor level of the building. The door of bathroom should be in North or East direction. It should not be placed in southwest direction. In a bathroom there should be a small and airy window either in East, West or North direction. If the window is in south direction, it would have adverse effects on health. The color of bathroom tiles can be white, sky blue and light blue. It helps in giving a fresh look to bathroom. Avoid dark colors like black or red. The slope of floor in bathroom should be towards East or North direction. Vastu Tips for Bathroom and Toilet •It should not be located in east, north or northeast direction. •It should not be in northeast and center place of the house. •It should not be near kitchen and under the stairs. •If a change room is built in bathroom, it should be in South or West direction. •The mirror should be on northern or eastern wall. •The door should not be in south-west direction. •Washing machine can be placed in south-east and north-west direction directions.

Vastu Shastra for Staircase Vastu verifies to locate staircase of the building in the South or West direction. Staircase is a heavy structure; hence it should be located in negative zones like the South or the West. The staircase in northern or eastern part of house may give adverse effects. The stairs should rise from the East to West or from the North to South. The staircase should not be in the center of the house. Avoid staircase in northeast direction also. Here are some Do‟s and Don‟ts for functional staircase. DO‟S •Make staircase of the house in southern or western part of the house as these directions are heavy. •Build staircase in southeast in east, northwest in north, southwest in west and southwest in south if the staircase is external. •Arise the stairs from the East to West or from the North to South and a turn can be taken to any other side due to paucity of space. •Make the number of stairs odd. It should not end with zero. The number of risers should be such odd numbers that if divided by 3, the remainder is always 2. •Paint staircase in light colors. Avoid red and black color. •Repair broken stairs immediately otherwise it may cause accidents or mental tension due to clashes. DON‟TS •Avoid staircase in northeast of the house and in center of the house as it will cause loss of wealth. The staircase in any other corner reduces loss. •Do not make staircase circular as it may cause ill effects on health. •Do not build any room such as kitchen, bathroom and „Pooja‟ room under staircase. However it can be used for storage. •Do not use common staircase for going upstairs and basement.

Major vastu Doshas It is seen in several defective houses that has put the occupants to misery in spite of the fact that before entering the house all the rituals were performed in a grandiose manner as per the texts. It is also true that if one were to occupy a house built as per vaastu even without performing any of these poojas or homas, one will still enjoy the benefits of being in a good vaastu house. Rituals have therefore no part to play in vaastu.

Any problem due to vaastu can only arise only if the Northeast force in the plot is weak. If the Northeast is strong in spite of defects in other sectors, the occupants are unlikely to suffer the effect of such vaastu defects. Sl.No Nature Of Northeast Defect

Effect

1.

Toilet in Northeast

Financial Problems

2.

Bath Room in Northeast

Education / Career Problems

3.

Elevated Northeast;

Poverty

4.

Staircase in Northeast

Circulation problems

5.

Kitchen in Northeast

Quarrelsome members

6.

Rounded Northeast

No male children

7.

Northeast Toilet in Southwest Bed Room

Cancer

8.

Northeast Toilet in Southeast bed room

Breast Cancer

9.

Northeast toilet in Northwest bed room

Brain Tumours/madness

10.

Northeast toilet in Northeast bed room

Brain cancer

11.

Bed room with southwest toilet

heart problems

12.

House with toilet in Southwest

Heart problems

13.

Depressed Southwest

Heart problems

14.

Northwest entry

Litigation

15.

Southeast entry

Accidents/surgery

16.

Southwest entry

financial problems