Buying a new property is a significant life event, and for many, ensuring it aligns with Vastu Shastra principles is paramount. Vastu, an ancient Indian science of architecture, focuses on harmonizing a building with the natural energies of the universe to promote peace, prosperity, and well-being for its inhabitants. This checklist provides essential Vastu guidelines to consider before making your purchase.
Intro
Vastu Shastra offers guidelines for the layout, geometry, measurements, and designs of a property to ensure positive energy flow. While some may not strictly adhere to it, many believe that incorrect Vastu can lead to various challenges. A Vastu-compliant home is believed to enhance mental and physical well-being, stabilize relationships and finances, foster positivity and spiritual growth, reduce stress, and boost career and academic success.
Location and Surroundings
The location of your new home plays a crucial role in Vastu.
- Auspicious Directions: Ideally, homes should be situated to attract positive energies, with north and northeast being highly auspicious.
- Surroundings: Avoid properties near graveyards, temples (especially those with sharp edges pointing towards the property), hospitals, or factories that emit smoke or pollution. Opt for a peaceful, serene environment with natural elements like green cover, gardens, parks, or lakes nearby, as these add to positive Vastu vibes.
- Roads: Be cautious of T-junctions or dead-end roads directly facing the property. Some roads are considered harmful if they hit specific corners (e.g., west hitting southwest, south hitting southwest).
- Previous History: When looking at a used home, it’s smart to check into the past of its prior owners. It’s generally best to steer clear of houses where major misfortunes like severe illnesses, money troubles, accidents, or tragedies have happened. Many believe these homes can hold onto negative energy, which might then affect you.
Plot Orientation and Direction
The direction of the plot and how the house faces are super important.
- Cardinal Directions: Ideally, the building structure should be constructed along the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) rather than the corner directions.
- Slopes: If the plot has a slope, it’s considered propitious if it slopes towards the northeast. A slope towards the west can indicate incongruity among family members and health hazards.
- Openness: Ensure the north and northeast sides are open and lighter, while the south and southwest sides are heavier, providing stability.
- Sunlight: The property should welcome daylight or sunlight from auspicious directions, particularly morning sun.
Shape and Layout of the Plot
The shape of the plot significantly impacts Vastu:
- Ideal Shapes: Square or rectangular plots are considered the most auspicious, ensuring all-round growth, prosperity, and happiness. The ideal ratio between length and breadth is 1:1, 1:1.5, or a maximum of 1:2.
- Avoid Irregular Shapes: Irregularly shaped plots (oval, triangular, circular) or those with extended corners or cut-off edges are generally unfavorable as they can lead to imbalances, missing corners, and negative impacts.
- “Gaumukhi” vs. “Shermukhi”: A “Gaumukhi” shape (narrow at entry, broad at back) is good for residential properties, while “Shermukhi” (broad at entrance, narrow at back) is better for commercial properties.
- Four Corners: Ensure the house has all four corners intact and not cut.
Main Entrance Vastu
The main entrance is super important because it’s where energy comes into your home.
- Auspicious Directions: North, East, or Northeast are considered highly auspicious directions for the main entrance, bringing positive energy, growth, success, wealth, and spiritual alignment.
- Clockwise Opening: The main door should swing open towards the right..
- Material and Lighting: Use high-quality wood for the main door and ensure it is well-lit.
- Avoid Obstructions: Do not place fountains, shoe racks, or any pole/tree directly near or in front of the entrance, as they can obstruct positive energy.
- Decor: Decorate with auspicious symbols like Swastik or the lotus.
- No Opposite Kitchen/Puja: The main entrance should not directly face the kitchen or puja room.
Room Placement Guidelines
Strategic room placement is vital for harmony:
- Master Bedroom: Ideally in the Southwest corner for restful sleep, strong decision-making, and good relationships. The headboard should face South or East. Avoid North-facing beds and bedrooms in the Northeast (can cause stress/confusion) or Southeast (can increase anxiety/quarrels).
- Living Room: The best placed in the North or East direction. It should be open, bright, and promote positive interactions. Seating should ideally face East or North. Use soothing or vibrant colors like light blue, green, white, yellow, or orange.
- Children’s Bedroom & Study Area: Position towards the East, Northeast, or North to enhance concentration and productivity.
- Study Room: Face your study desk towards the East or Northeast.
- Dining Room: Should be near the kitchen, not the main entrance. The dining table should be square or rectangular.
Natural Light, Ventilation, and Surroundings
Ample natural light and proper ventilation are crucial for positive energy flow:
- Well-Lit Spaces: Ensure every room is well-lit with natural light during the day, avoiding dark corners that can harbor stagnant energy.
- Windows and Doors: Windows should be symmetrical and placed opposite doors to maximize ventilation and ensure optimal airflow. Large windows should open towards the north or east.
- Cross-Ventilation: Good cross-ventilation contributes to a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere.
- Avoid South-West Windows: Avoid placing windows in the southwest direction.
Structural Vastu Factors
Certain structural elements also have Vastu implications:
- Pillars and Beams: Avoid a central pillar or overhead beams directly above beds or dining tables, as they can create negative energy.
- Wall Sharing: Avoid sharing walls between the kitchen and puja room, or between bathrooms and kitchens/puja rooms, as this can cause energy clashes.
- Balconies: Ideal in the North, Northeast, or East directions to absorb natural light and positive energy.
- Staircase: If present, ideal direction is Southwest. Avoid the Northeast.
Energy Flow and Clutter-Free Zones
Maintaining cleanliness and clear spaces is essential for positive energy flow:
- Decluttering: Regularly declutter to maintain a clean, organized, and positive living space. Clutter obstructs energy flow and promotes stagnation.
- Open and Airy: Keep spaces open and airy, avoiding over-filling them with furniture.
- Broken Items: Dispose of or repair broken items as they are believed to bring negative energy.
- Leaky Faucets: Repair leaky taps immediately, as they symbolize financial drain.
- Under-bed Storage: Avoid storing things under the bed.
Kitchen Placement
The kitchen, representing the fire element, is crucial for health and prosperity:
- Ideal Direction: Ideally located in the Southeast direction (Agni corner). North-West is also a secondary preferable spot.
- Cooking Direction: The person cooking should ideally face East.
- Colors: Use bright colors like light yellow or orange for kitchen decor. Avoid black, blue, or grey, which can disturb the fire element.
- Ventilation: Ensure optimum ventilation.
- Avoid Northeast/Southwest: Do not place the kitchen in the Northeast or Southwest corners.
Puja Room Design
A dedicated space for spiritual practices enhances tranquility:
- Ideal Location: The Northeast corner is considered highly auspicious for a puja room, being a powerful source of spiritual energy. North or East are also acceptable.
- Idol Placement: Make sure idols don’t face each other and are a little bit away from the wall.
- Colors and Lighting: Use light colors (white, light yellow) and ensure good lighting for a serene environment.
- Praying Direction: Face East while praying or meditating.
- Cleanliness: Keep the area clutter-free and quiet.
Basement Location and its Impact
- Avoid South/Southwest: A house with a basement in the South or Southwest is considered a serious Vastu defect.
- Underground Water Tank: Ideally in the Northeast, avoid Southwest.
Bathroom and Toilets
These are thought to bring negative energy, so where they’re placed is really important.
- Ideal Zones: Best placed in the West or Northwest areas of the house.
- Avoid Directions: Avoid Northeast and Southeast.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation and no leaking taps.
- Cleanliness: Always keep washrooms neat and clean to prevent negativity.
- Wall Sharing: Avoid sharing walls with the kitchen or puja room.
- Door Direction: The entrance door of the bathroom should not face the dining room or kitchen entrance. Keep bathroom doors closed.
House Number and its Harmony with Owner’s Birth Date
Some Vastu experts believe that a house number in harmony with the owner’s birth date can bring lifelong happiness and prosperity. This often involves numerological calculations related to the owner’s birth date and the sum of the house number.
Vastu Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Cut or Extended Corners: Especially in the Northeast direction.
- T-Junction or Sharp Edge: Avoid properties facing a T-junction or the sharp edge of a neighboring building.
- Beams: Heavy beams running directly above the bed or dining table.
- Toilets in Northeast/Southwest: These are considered major Vastu defects.
- Kitchen in Northeast: This is also a major warning sign.
- South-West Facing Homes: Generally advised to be avoided.
- Large Water Bodies in South or West: Avoid properties with large water bodies in these directions.
- Dark Colors: Avoid properties painted in dark colors as they can radiate negative energy.
- Broken/Stopped Clocks or Cacti Plants: These are considered inauspicious.
Practical Tips for Homebuyers
- Thorough Inspection: Beyond Vastu, conduct a thorough inspection for general snags and deficiencies (tiles, walls, doors, windows, electrical, plumbing).
- Documentation: Ensure all legal documents, permits, and certificates are in order.
- Consulting a Vastu expert for detailed evaluation: Given the complexity and nuances of Vastu Shastra, it is highly recommended to consult a qualified Vastu expert for a detailed evaluation of any potential property. They can provide personalized insights and suggest remedies for any Vastu defects (Vastu Dosh) through measures like Vastu pyramids, crystals, mirrors, or layout adjustments.
Incorporating Vastu principles into your property purchase decision can significantly contribute to a harmonious and prosperous living environment. While it can’t guarantee a life without problems, following these old guidelines for your home is believed to bring more positive energy and improve your overall well-being. By diligently checking these Vastu factors and seeking expert advice, you can make an informed choice that resonates with your desire for a balanced and fulfilling home.
