India being a rich country in terms of culture and tradition, houses use some helpful Vastu rules for home designing and positioning. This also lies in the same line of the fact that in order to achieve maximum benefits of life’s energy giving sources, one’s body must be in complete balance with nature and according to the Vastu principles. All of this embodied as guiding main Vastu principles in the ancient tradition is known as Vastu Shastra.

In layman’s verdict, Vastu means the land to live while Shastra refers to a peaceful balance between men with nature. This study basically teaches us to layout our house design by following some basic principles of Vastu in such a way that we as humans get the maximum benefits of the natural forces poured-off by nature. The system on a ground-level deal with the five elements in Indian Mythology namely, air, water, earth, fire, and sky which is believed to be sources of natural power.

These five Vastu elements are capable of giving off energy as per the Hindu beliefs. As humans, we are required to absorb this energy right at the place where we are positioned. Therefore, Vastu Shastra in all also helps us understanding and appreciating traditional values.

Before getting deeper into Vastu Shastra’s basic principles, a clear concept regarding five elements and its significance to human life is necessary. As per the ancient Hindu tradition, Earth is believed to have formed 460 million years ago just like a big fiery ball. It is due to possessed magnetic forces that have created a surface to be formed out of the rocks that melted through the passing of time. Hence, just like a magnet, there is an existence of two poles: the North Pole and the South Pole.

Later therein came the concept of space represented by the sky, the air inherent in space, or vacuum, the earth which is the solid surface, the water which comprises ¾th of the earth’s surface and the fire which is natural to the sun.

Sky= the element that denotes space, vacuum, and endless infinity houses unimaginable power that can reach our earthly existence.

Air= the element that is biologically needed by all living things on earth either for survival or for ecological balance.

Water= an element that is gained through rainfall from the skies and fills up the gaps and low lying areas of the Earth.

Earth= which is formed out of the molten rocks and attracts all other elements because of its great magnetic force.

Sun= the messenger of fire and the main source of life on earth plays a vital role in Vastu Shastra since it is worshipped as the personified version of God and is the potential source of creation. The invisible powers coming out from these elements can come in all directions. Hence it becomes necessary to position the property/house by considering some basic principles of Vastu that natural life forces come into play.

Here is a list of Important Principles of Vastu which are proven to be advantageous for the house and the people residing in:

Buying a Plot: 

While planning to construct a house, the first thing is to buy a plot for the construction. According to the rules of Vastu, it is always preferable to buy a plot in the south and west directions. One can always go for south-west direction as it will turn out to be beneficial for life.

The shape of the Plot:

 The next thing to consider while purchasing the plot is the shape it is cut in. Always go for a plot that is cut in a square or rectangular shape instead of irregular ones and also check the slopping of the plot. Make sure the slopping of the plot is in north and east or northeast direction.

The significance of Trees:

 Trees are considered auspicious in the traditional Hindu system. From ancient times, trees are worshipped by people, many plant trees in their houses and lawns, while there are people who worship trees according to the days. According to Vastu Shastra, constructing a house on the west side at some distance of a Peepal Tree is very auspicious. Having imli tree in the south-west direction, near, Ashoka, Chandan, Champa, Gulab, nariyal, and share tree in the lawn or nearby the house is also considered beneficial.

Trees to Avoid:

 Well, there are trees that bring luck, but there are some other trees that are important to be avoided. Some trees like mango, banana, and Jamun are not considered auspicious in the vicinity and must be avoided.

Open Spaces: 

While constructing a building make sure there are proper open spaces on all sides for proper ventilation and easy flow of energy. Make sure there are higher open spaces in the south and west parts whereas lower spaces in the north and east areas.

Flooring:

 In case, a person is planning to construct a story building, always plan the first floor of the building in the south-west region. Also, keep a check that the height of the first floor is not more than the ground floor and no storeroom must be present on the first floor.

The entrance of the House: 

Ideally, the entrance of the house should be in the northeast, north, or east directions as this will bring luck, prosperity, and harmony in the house.

Guidelines for Extra room:

 In case, a person plans to construct a big house with a guest room, make sure the extra room is in the north-west or northeast direction. This will bring happiness along with guests and a comfortable stay for the guests.

Center of the House: 

The centre of the house is one of the most important regions of the house. The centre denotes Brahmasthan; make sure the area is free from any sorts of obstructions. There should be no beam, pillar, fixture, toilet, staircase or even a wall or lift in the centre.

Shape and Size of the Door: 

A house is incomplete without its doors and windows. When it comes to the shape and size of the door, always keep the width of the door half to its height.

Paintings and Statues:

 A house is decorated with paintings, scriptures, and statues. To keep the house full of positivity and happy energies, always avoid paintings of war, violence, and any negativity like sorrow or grief. Keep paintings and statues of peaceful people, calm colors, and bright images which will bring positivity in the house.

Direction for the Living Area:

 A living room of the house must be in the east, north, and northeast direction which will enhance the livelihood of the place.

The right place for the Bedroom: 

A bedroom is one of the most important rooms of the house and constructing it in the right direction brings harmony in relationships and boosts personal connection. According to Vastu Shastra, a bedroom should be positioned in the south-west, south, or west direction of the house.

A place for the Kitchen:

 For any house, the kitchen is a vital room where food is cooked. According to Hindu Traditional system, food is the source of life and cooking it in the right place boosts the health of the members of the family. According to Vastu, a Kitchen must be constructed in the Agni Kund. The best bet for the kitchen is to construct it in a south-west direction, but, in the case, due to any reason it becomes impossible to construct the kitchen in the south-west, prefers north-west or east directions for the kitchen. Constructing a kitchen in the right place is very auspicious for the family which is not to be missed.

Study Room Placement and color scheme: 

Having a study room in the house is inevitable; it can be for children or parents. In case, a person is fond of reading and loves to have some private time reading and concentrating, make sure to construct the study room in the east or north side facing. The ideal colors for the study room are yellow, white, or pink as this will bring positive vibrations in the room and increase peace and concentration.
To conclude, these principles are tried and tested principles of Vastu Shastra which guarantees happiness and prosperity in life. Just by following some principles, you can recreate your life as per your will, all you need is to follow them and have a blissful life.