The word “Vastu” refers to the dwelling place of humans and gods, while “shastra” means science or knowledge, hence Vastu Shastra for house is the science of architecture. Vastu Shastra for house is an ongoing practice in India since one can remember. Almost every architect and designer wields it in conceptualizing their projects.
Vastu Shastra provides guidelines and principles for the design and construction of buildings, homes, and temples. It takes into account various factors such as the location of the building, the direction it faces, the placement of rooms and furniture, and the use of colors and materials. The goal of Vastu Shastra is to create a harmonious and balanced living space that promotes health, prosperity, and well-being for the inhabitants.
The following article explores primary Vastu Shastra laws to consider when designing a house:
SHAPE
In Vastu, the dwelling designs are preferably square, divided into 9 smaller squares forming a specific grid. Each of those smaller squares indicates the particular function of the space concerning the primary four directions; North, East, West, and South. All these direction-oriented spaces benefit in generating a positive, well-ventilated, and healthy living lifestyle.
ORIENTATION
First and foremost, in Vastu, the northeast is considered to be the holiest direction. Hence, in any plot given, the built area is supposed to be designed in the southwest corner and the northeast corner should be either lighter.
One of the most important principles of Vastu Shastra is the orientation of the house. The house should be oriented so the main entrance faces North, East, or Northeast. This is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and peace. The northeast corner is also considered to be a sacred direction, and the placement of the puja room (prayer room) is best suited in this direction.
It is advisable not to place anything above the prayer room, as it has a negative connotation to having people walking over it. In addition, the god/goddess should be facing the West side.
CENTRAL AREA
In Vastu Shastra for house, the central square is the Brahmsthan which needs to be kept empty and open to the sky. Designers generally opt for a central courtyard with varied plantations to circulate positivity all around the house.
LOCATION
The location of the house is also an important aspect to consider when designing a house according to Vastu Shastra. The plot should be level and rectangular or square in shape. Irregular shapes or slopes can cause negative energy flow and disturb the balance of the house. The plot should also be free of obstructions like trees, electric poles, and other structures that can cause negative energy.
THE MAIN ENTRANCE
The house’s main entrance should be spacious, well-lit, and inviting. The entrance door should be the largest in the house and should open inwards. The door should be made of high-quality wood and have a strong frame. Most importantly when opening the main door from the inside, one should face the North, East, or Northeast direction.
KITCHEN
According to Vastu Shastra for house, a kitchen should be located either in the southeast or the northwest corner. The cooking stove should be in the southeast corner of the kitchen, and the cook should face east while cooking. The kitchen should also be well-lit and ventilated.
BEDROOMS
The bedrooms in a house should be located in the South-West corner of the house, especially the master bedroom, as it is the prime wind direction, and the bed should be placed in such a way that the headboard is never in the North.
LIVING ROOM
The living room is the central part of the house, and it should be located in the north or east direction. The living room furniture should be arranged in a way that allows free energy flow. Heavy furniture should be in the southwest corner of the living room.
HOME OFFICE
As per Vastu Shastra, a home office is best located in the northeast or East corner.
LIBRARY
A library should be in the West part of the house as per Vastu Shastra. It is also believed that a library should be shaped as a pyramid to gain the highest benefit.
DININGS
Dining should be on the West side of the grid, although, depending on the kitchen placement, dining can also be on the East side.
BATHROOMS
The bathrooms in a house should be in the west or northwest direction. The toilet seat should never be in the North direction facing South when seated. As per Vastu Shastra for house, a toilet should never be in the extreme southwest corner.
STAIRCASE AND LIFT
The staircase and lift are preferable in the middle of the South grid. Also, if the design does not allow, the staircase and lift in the South, they can be in the middle of the West grid as well.
LOCKER ROOMS
Locker rooms are best placed in the southwest corner facing North for valuables and thesaurus objects. The locker room should not be easily visible.
UNDERWATER TANK AND OVERHEAD WATER TANK
Vastu Shastra for house suggests an underground water tank in the northeast corner. However, the entire East band can also work to build the tank underneath. However, the overhead water tank is best kept in the West part of the house.
SWIMMING POOL
According to Vastu Shastra , swimming pool placement is best in the northeast as water is preferable there. Besides the northeast, only the North or East directions are also advisable. Many times designers choose to place the pool on the first floor to maintain the water in the northeast corner.
WATERBODY
Following similar principles for a swimming pool in Vastu Shastra for house, a water body placement is also advisable in the northeast corner of the house. If given the possibility to maneuver the water flow from higher to lower in the northeast itself, generating more positive energy.
TERRACES
According to Vastu Shastra for house, the terraces should form above the northeast spaces of the house, as this direction needs to be lighter in the built area.
WALL COLORS
As North is considered to be a sacred direction where goddess Laxmi resides, the wall color needs to be in pastel shades of blue, white, and green. Water and air are the influence behind color for the North elevation. Whereas, the South elevation can be either a tone of orange or red in regards to Mars. The East elevation is to be painted orange, governed by the Sun, and the West elevation is governed by Shani, hence, silver or grey colors are preferred.
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