The ancient architectural science of India, vested in Vastu Shastra, elaborates on the harmonious bonding of human habitat and nature. The underlying principle of Vastu Shastra architecture is that the physical environment powerfully impacts one’s health, prosperity, and general well-being. This blog discusses the importance of Vastu in architecture, its application to modern design, and some of the most popular myths associated with it.
Why Is Vastu Direction Important for Your Home?
Vastu Shastra and architecture have always been complementary. The orientation of a building occupies an important place in Vastu Shastra. Every direction is deemed to hold some different energies which combine to form elements that are responsible for changing one’s life. These directions must be understood to devise a proper and peaceful living space.
Directions According to Vastu Shastra Architecture
- East Direction: Represents the sun when it rises. It’s the direction of the most auspicious entrance and windows; it brings about ambient energy and vitality.
- West Direction: Implies stability and secrets. It’s a good direction for the pantry room or bathroom.
- North Direction: Brings in prosperity and wealth. It’s the prominent suggestion for the main entrance as it attracts money.
- South Direction: It is associated with strength and stability. You can consider the south direction of your house for your bedrooms to get a good and sound sleep.
- North-East (Ishan) Direction: The north-east direction is considered to be the most sacred direction and it is the best direction for pooja rooms or any other type of meditation room. This quadrant of the house improves the spiritual energy of your house.
- North-West (Vayavya) Direction: This is the best direction for living rooms or guest rooms. This quadrant of the house improves social interactions.
- South-East Direction: Aligns with the element of fire, south-east is apt for kitchens, a place which supports health and nourishment.
- South-West Direction: Ideal for master bedrooms which give stability and a feeling of groundness.
Direction for Different Rooms in Your Home as per Vastu
The importance of Vastu Shastra in architecture is practiced by architects and homeowners alike. The placement of rooms according to Vastu principles can enhance the functionality and energy flow within a home.
- Bedroom: Should be ideally to the south-west for stability and restful sleep.
- Kitchen: Should be in the south-east in order to harness the element of fire, which boosts health.
- Bathroom: Should best be in the north-west or south-east in order to let out an unwanted flow of negative energy and live.
- Drawing Room: The best location for better social relationships and increased positivity is in the north or east.
- Dining Hall: This should be in the west or south in order to ensure no digression and maximum harmony during the meals.
- Kids Room: Ideally located on the northern or eastern side and allows growth and a positive atmosphere.
- Office/Study Room: Ideally on the northern or eastern side leads to good concentration and productivity.
- Pooja Room: It should be in the north-east area for maximum use of spiritual space.
- Store Room: In the south-west area, firmness and strength are manifested ideally.
Direction-Based Home Colors as per Vastu
Colors play a significant role in Vastu Shastra, influencing mood and energy within a space. Here are some recommended colors based on directions:
- East: Light colors like white or pastel shades for positivity
- West: earthy tones for stability and grounding.
- North: Blue or green for prosperity.
- South: Warm colors like red or orange for strength.
- North-East: Soft whites or light yellows for the spiritual.
- North-West: Light blues or greens for social interaction
- South-East: Brilliant red or orange colors to enhance fire element.
- South-West: Earthly tones for stability and security.
Vastu for Modern Living
The use of Vastu Shastra and modern architecture creates a perfect balance between traditional guidelines and the needs of today’s designs:
- Orientation and Layout: Aligning buildings to face auspicious directions enhances natural light and ventilation.
- Room Placement: It enhances and improves natural light and ventilation and places rooms according to Vastu for proper energy flow.
- Use of Natural Elements: Incorporation of water features and green spaces is according to Vastu, and hence avoids the disturbance of basic nature.
- Color and Décor: Colours, as prescribed by Vastu, help create an enabling atmosphere in a home.
- Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency systems meet the principles of both Vastu and sustainability.
Common Myths About Vastu
Despite its growing popularity, several misconceptions about Vastu Shastra persist:
- Vastu is a Rule Book: The Vastu Shastra does not have any rigid rules but serves as a guide. It can be molded to suit individual needs and contexts.
- Vastu is the Same Everywhere: Vastu principles vary by region, considering the local climates and cultural practices.
- Vastu is Just About Building Design: The Vastu principle extends to planning entire towns and cities, not just individual structures.
- Vastu Experts Hold Exclusive Knowledge: Vastu principles are meant for common understanding and therefore be available to everyone.
- Vastu Solves All Problems: In fact, though Vastu can improve living conditions, it is not a panacea against life’s problems
Conclusion
Vastu Shastra is a very relevant and rich framework of modern architecture with regard to well-being and harmony in living spaces. To that effect, the knowledge and application of Vastu principles ensure architects and house owners set up environments that not only satisfy aesthetic and functional needs but also agree with nature.
FAQs
Which Direction Is Good For the Main Door?
The north, east, or north-east direction is considered to be good for a main door as it attracts positive energy.
In Which Direction Should We Not Sleep?
Sleeping with the head towards the north is a complete taboo since it causes restlessness and health problems.
What are the key Vastu directions?
The cardinal directions that have been considered in Vastu are east (vitality), west (stability), north (prosperity), and south (strength).
What is the difference between architecture and Vastu Shastra?
While architecture deals with design and functionality, Vastu Shastra is deeply connected to the energetic and spiritual features of space.
What are the basic rules of Vastu Shastra?
To mention a few basic rules: orientation of a building, placement of rooms, use of natural elements, and color choice according to direction.
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