Directions in Vaastushastra
By Shri Nandan Thapliyal

Vaastushastra may be understood as the building designing and decoration based on the cardinal directions, five basic elements, cosmic energy and astrology. Although every component of Vaastushastra has its own significance but directions are the utmost. One can find out the directions and their precise degrees with the help of a magnetic compass by placing it in the centre of a plot or building. But we must seek the help of an architect or engineer for an irregular plot. However most people find the directions through the sunrise and sunset which is generally faulty and superficial.

Magnetic compass shows the North at 0 or 360 degrees. Element water and planet Mercury rule it. Therefore, water-bodies like underground water tank or pool, fountain etc. render good results at the North. But in any case we should not move towards the North-West in this context. Water-bodies always yield good results if we proceed towards the East from the North in other words the North-East. The Angle between 0 to 90 degrees is denoted as North-East or ISHANA KONA. It has to be kept sacredly neat and clean as pursuits like POOJA, HOMA, mediation and other knowledge based acts are advisable to be done in this ISHANA KONA. An increased open area, lowest ground level and maximum openings like doors and windows in the North-East, invite positive cosmic energies inside a building. Whatever may be the facing of a building, the low level slopes in the North-East, enhance the prosperity and intellect of not only the present but the future generations too. Vaastushastra prescribes basements only in the North-East direction. Aforesaid activities are suggested up to the 90 degrees means the East from the North but one should never proceed towards the South-East. Sun is the planet means Lord SAVITA governs East direction. In order to get benefits of ultraviolet rays and positive energies of the early sunrise Vaastushastra advocates the placement of bathrooms in the East direction. Moreover this is appropriate place for exercising YOGA particularly SURYANAMASKAR.

Then comes the South-East between 90 to 180 degrees. Planet Venus and element Fire dominate it. Vaastushastra suggests for kitchen, power plant rooms, generators, boilers, furnaces in this vicinity. An underground water tank or depression in this area renders malefic effects on the younger generations. Red or orange shades suit to this area.

The fiery planet Mars governs the South direction at 180 degrees. This area has to be higher than the North in the building. Any depression, basement or underground water-body has detrimental effects on the people residing or working in such places. South symbolizes the logic, courage, enthusiasm, aggression and adventurous disposition. It also indicates pride and honour. Defects of Vaastu in the South either make the natives coward or over aggressive. Red colour or colours of red family enhance the benefits of this direction. South entrance is not always bad. However it is very fortunate to those who are born with powerful Mars in their horoscopes.

South-West is the angle between 180 to 270 degrees. Rahu (Dragon's head) is the shadowy planet and element Earth rule this area. This area has to be highest, heaviest with the minimum openings. This thumb rule has to be followed in all situations. Now we may understand that maximum openings in the North-East and minimum in the South-West of any building regulate the cosmic energy harmoniously. Furthermore, this exercise renders a natural air-conditioning effect to the building. If somebody is undergoing through RAHU MAJOR PERIOD, open and sloppy South-West gives detrimental effects to him or her. If renovation is not possible, heavy furniture, increased lights, decorative terracotta objects may be used for minimizing the malefic effects of RAHU. Red, rust, golden red, terracotta and cherry colours yield favourable vibrations in this area. This area belongs to marriage, motherhood, social recognition, popularity etc.

Now comes 270 to 360 degrees North-West, Element air, and planet Moon controls it. Fire element spoils career or business of males and health of the females. Hence no element of fire is suggested to be put here. Even underground water tanks or depressions give stress and disputes to the residents.

Vaastushastra recommends favourable sub-directions for important activities like placement of the main door. For example area between 135 to 180 degrees is supposed to be a favourable sub-direction for inviting the positive cosmic energy in the building in the South-East. Whereas an entrance between 90 to 135 degrees invites bad energy. Health, security, accidents, unwanted surgery, enmity, theft etc are sporadically experienced by the natives working or residing in such buildings having the main gate between 90 to 135 degrees.

Thus we may observe that directions are pivots of Vaastushastra and one should not underestimate those superficially.

Nandan Thapliyal
G-3, Nehru Colony, Hardwar Road,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand