Vastu for Homes

Vastu Shastra is the traditional Hindu system of architecture which aims at a happy and prosperous life by making the home and workplace compliant to certain natural laws. If the construction is not according to the Vastu principles then the thinking and actions of the natives residing or working in such places will not be harmonious, thus leading to discord and illness. On the contrary, obeying the laws of nature as elaborated in the Vastu Shastra help in getting the divine support for the natives. Vastu principles as enumerated in our ancient texts are universally applicable irrespective of the place, religion, caste and creed.

Ancient monuments and temples which have defied the effects of time and weather, constantly challenge us to study the Vastu principles. The last hurricane to hit Orissa’s coast demolished many modern concrete houses and buildings, while nothing happened to the 300-odd ancient temples.

Most famous and well-known temples in South India like Lord Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati, Meenakshi temple at Madurai etc. are vastu-perfect.The pink city Jaipur founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II is in accordance with vastu shastra. The well-designed city Jaipur which has never known war is a symbol of prosperity, peace, and friendship.

For a house to become a home, it needs to radiate positive energy. Each house comes with its own energy type. A person residing in a house comes under the influence of a specific energy field which in turn influences the life of that person. Therefore the healing art of Vastu is very crucial in honing positivity and good vibes in our homes. Vastu shastra should not be just applied to homes but also in commercial building and industries where stakes are high.

There are certain things which should be kept in mind while planning the house. Vastu recommends that a house should be built in the shape of a square or a rectangle. Kitchen should not be under or above the puja room, toilet or bedroom. It should be in South-East corner of the house. The gas stove should not in front of the door of the kitchen. The person cooking the food should face East while cooking. Dining room in West direction is the best. The shape of the dining table should be square or rectangular. There should be no attached toilet to the dining room. Puja room should not be in the bedroom. The idols should not be exactly in front of the entrance.

Drawing room should be in North or East direction. Portraits of scenes from war or misery, crying women or children etc. should not be there in the house. Bedroom should not be exactly in the middle of the house but preferably in North side. Children's room is the best in West direction. Use light and pleasing shades on the walls of the bedroom. Keeping mirror in the bedroom can cause differences between the couple. Television and computer should also be avoided in the bedroom. The bed should not be placed under a beam because it will interfere with the sleep. Staircase should never be in the center of the house and should never end or start from the puja room, store room or kitchen. Circular staircase should be avoided. It is better to avoid basement in a residential house.

Defects of vastu can be minimized by mantra, yantra and worship as it creates auspicious energy but it doesn't last long because it is obstructed by the faulty construction. Vastu Shastra principles are applicable both to the self owned or rented houses. The natives of the house may suffer for the vastu deficiencies of the house while a vastu perfect construction adds to the peace, prosperity and happiness to the natives. So in case you are renting a house, you should consider if the house is vastu compliant.