The elephant figurine holds an important place in Hindu mythology and other cultures and is often used in home décor, to symbolise power, integrity and strength. Ganesha is the elephant-headed God, who bestows blessings and clears obstacles. Elephants have also been associated with Gautama Buddha. The elephant vehicle of Goddesses Lakshmi and Lord Indra represents divine knowledge and royal power. Elephants, in Feng Shui, symbolise power, wisdom, good luck and fertility. People often include statues and paintings of elephants, to bring positivity to a home.
Elephant showpieces, as per Vastu and Feng Shui, should be placed near the front door or main entrance of the house or office. The The best direction to keep an elephant statue is facing north direction to attract good luck and positive energies.
Elephant Vastu guidelines
- Best direction to place elephant statue: North
- Best location: House entrance, bedroom, children’s room, study room and office
- Location to avoid: Bathroom and kitchen; across the window or entrance door
- Elephant statue significance: Good luck, health, wealth, love and faithfulness, knowledge and career growth
- Number of elephant statues: Two or three
- Elephant trunk: Upwards represents good luck; downward represents longevity
- Colour: Select the elephant statue colour based on the energy you want to attract.
- Orientation: Should face inside the house; avoid facing the statue towards bathroom or kitchen
- Expressions: Elephant statue or painting should have a calm and joyful look and should not depict negative emotions
- Maintenance: Keep the statues clean and dust-free. Avoid broken statues.
Elephant statue cultural significance and benefits
- Strength, power, and wisdom: Elephants are often depicted standing on two feet with their trunks raised, signifying strength and power. In Chinese culture, the elephant is seen as a symbol of power and intelligence.
- Positive energies: Elephants, which symbolise dignity and majesty, are known to invite positive energies into the house and life.
- Auspicious symbol: In Buddhism, white elephants are considered very auspicious. It is said that the Buddha’s mother dreamt of a white elephant, before she gave birth to him. Seeing elephants in dreams is believed to bring prosperity, wealth and career growth.
- Good luck and success: Lord Ganesha, the elephant god, is said to bring lots of goodness in the form of luck, success and protection. They are known for their powerful memory and sharp mental acumen.
- Wealth and prosperity: Elephants are represented in images to serve Goddess Lakshmi, bringing wealth and prosperity.
- Protection: Placing an elephant figurine with its face towards the house ensures protection of the house and its occupants.
- Family harmony: Elephants are known for their strong family bonds and protective instincts. The elephant symbols can be placed in the living rooms to promote harmony. They can be placed in the bedroom to promote fertility.
Best directions to place elephant statue
| Position of elephant statue | Effect |
| Front door | Good luck, protection and strength to the household |
| Bedroom | Promotes love and faithfulness |
| Family / children’s room | Makes the bond stronger between family members |
| Children’s room | Brings knowledge and academic success |
| North direction | For career growth |
| Master bedroom | Place seven elephants in couple’s bedroom as a solution for infertility |
- North: North is the ideal direction to place an elephant statue, especially near the house entrance facing north to attract success and wealth. The direction is ruled by the god of wealth, Kuber, and is associated with career growth and prosperity
- East: The east direction signifies positivity and harmony. One can keep an elephant statue in the east direction to bring peace and boost family bonds.
- Southeast: Keeping a silver or golden elephant figurine in the southeast direction brings financial stability.
What direction do you face an elephant for good luck?
You can place elephants at house entrance to invite good luck. Place a pair of elephants on either side of the door for good luck and blessings for your family. The trunks, in this instance, should be raised as a symbol of trumpeting to attract luck into your home. Make sure the elephant statue is facing inside the house as it symbolises good luck. Elephant figurine facing the main door will protect the house from negative energies. You can also keep the elephant statue on each of the bedside tables, facing the bed.
Should elephants face the door or window?
One pay attention to the orientation when keeping elephant statues. An elephant figurine can face the main door as it helps remove negative energies and invite positive vibes. AN elephant facing the door symbolises protection. According to Vastu, one should avoid positioning an elephant statue facing towards a window as it can let the good energies flow outside.
One can also place a statue of seven elephants together in the bedroom as it is symbolises fertility.
Where to keep an elephant statue at home?
Home entrance
As elephants are considered to act as saviours and protectors, placing the statues at the front door is considered to be lucky. You can place a pair of elephants with their trunks raised up if your home has a wide entrance, facing inwards. You can also place the auspicious Gajalakshmi elephant near the front entrance or the north-east corner of the house. If you want to guard your home from evil or negative energy, you can place it facing outwards, according to Feng Shui.
Office
If you have a small home office or workspace, you can also place an elephant statue near the door or entrance space. Elephants are the guards and the protectors of an office and the household. Placing an elephant statue or painting near the front entrance will prevent the chi energy from leaving. Placing the statue on the work desk aids increased concentration, focus and helps to deal with pressure.
If you are looking for growth in your career, place an elephant figurine at the workstation. You can keep a picture of an elephant in your work diary or work stationery, to enhance your leadership qualities and improve your performance under pressure.
Children’s room
Hanging elephant paintings in the study room or office, is also considered lucky as recommended in Vastu. Opt for a mother-child combination of elephants, if you want to hang one in your children’s room. According to Feng Shui, you can also place the figure in the form of wallpaper or toys, to strengthen their knowledge and improve their focus level. If possible, keep the statue of the toy on their study table.
Bedroom
According to Vastu, hang a painting of elephants in the bedroom, for strengthening your relationship with your spouse. You can also place a pair of elephants in the form of a statue or painting or even cushion covers.
If you do not prefer a statue, you can go for a beautiful elephant painting, which brings good Vastu effects in the house.
Placing an image of a mother elephant and her baby in the parent’s bedroom or child’s bedroom, strengthens the bond between the child and the parents. This nurturing symbol can be placed in the family room too.
How to choose elephant statues for home?
- Purpose: There are different types of elephant figurines, each having a specific significance. For example, a pair of elephants is widely placed at the house entrance for protection and positivity.
- Aesthetic appeal: Choose elephant figurines and paintings that match with the overall décor of the house, creating a welcoming space.
- Posture: Elephants with the trunk up and trunk down have different symbolism. While both are considered auspicious, they bring different benefits.
- Avoid negative representation: Avoid keeping elephant painting or pictures depicting war, violence and animal cruelty, as per the rules of Vastu Shastra.
Significance of elephant statue posture: Trunk up vs Trunk down
Elephant with trunk up
The elephant raises its trunk to greet friends and express happiness. An upward-pointed elephant trunk is said to bring energy, luck, prosperity, success and kindness. Place an elephant with an upward trunk to be showered with good fortune and compassion. Moreover, elephants with their trunks upwards and standing on the rear legs represent power and protection.
Elephant with trunk down
The trunk in the downward direction represents ability to solve challenges and longevity. Contrary to popular belief, an elephant trunk in the downward direction, does not mean bad luck. Therefore, such statues are suitable for offices, warehouses, etc. According to Vastu, an elephant with trunk down stores luck and energy. It symbolises wisdom and knowledge to overcome obstacles. Keep an elephant with a trunk pointing downward to stay grounded at work or to reserve strength and vitality at home.
Types of elephant statues and their Vastu significance
| Type and colours of elephant figurine | Significance |
| White elephant | Richness, luxury, wealth |
| Red elephant | Fame and recognition |
| Black elephant | Prosperity and success |
| Green elephant | Good luck and power |
| Trunk in the upward direction | Fortune, success |
| Trunk in the downward direction | Longevity, fertility and stability |
| Elephant standing on rear legs | Power, protection |
| Two elephants crossing their trunks | Bonding, friendship |
| Two elephants with one of them without tusk | Healthy relationship between males and females |
| Three elephants | Peaceful family life |
| Elephants holding crystal ball | Will help to bring harmony and balance in one’s life |
| A proud elephant standing on coins | Symbolises power, wisdom, wealth and protection of the home |
| Elephant with a baby elephant | Protection and nurturing nature |
See also: Vastu tips for the bedroom
#1. Pair of elephants
According to Vastu, placing a pair of elephant figurines at home, especially in the bedroom, is considered auspicious as it is a symbol of love and fidelity. A pair of elephants can also be placed near the house entrance. Keeping a pair of elephants with their trunks intertwined can be used as a Vastu remedy to promote a harmonious environment and strengthen relationships.
For couples aspiring for a child, place a pair of elephants on either side of the door opening into your bedroom. Considered a strong symbol of fertility, an elephant statue with her trunk down placed in your home’s fire element will play a key role in your marital relationship.
Two elephants crossing their trunks signifies bonding and friendship. If one of the elephants has a tusk and the other does not, it signifies a healthy relationship between males and females. Such statues are believed to have a positive impact on couples, if placed in the bedroom.
#2. Brass elephants statue Vastu direction
Brass elephants statue as per Vastu are considered the best, for keeping in the bedroom, as it eliminates differences between couples.
Placing brass elephants in the meeting room brings peace and prosperity at the workplace. In addition, it also works to give success in every sphere of life.
#3. Silver elephant statue Vastu direction
Placing a solid silver elephant in the house brings luck and fortune. A solid silver elephant figurine should be placed in the north direction. Silver is considered auspicious. Keep a silver elephant figurine wrapped in a red cloth inside the safe at home or office, to invite blessings and attract wealth.
#4. White elephant Vastu directions
White is considered an auspicious colour and it denotes peace and purity. Thus, one can keep a white elephant in the house to attract good fortune and luxury to the home.
#5. Black elephant Vastu direction
One can keep a black elephant in the house, which is said to attract prosperity and success.
#6. Elephant statue Vastu for spouse
One can keep a set of elephant figurines or a painting in the bedroom, which strengthens relationships between couples and works as a solution for infertility. Thus, it ensures positivity in couples planning for a baby.
#7. Elephant statue Vastu for children
Elephants symbol denote sharp memory and can be placed in the children’s bedroom or study room. This will attract good luck and success in academics. A painting or figurine depicting a mother elephant with a younger elephant helps strengthen the bond between parents and children.
#8. Seven elephants Vastu
You can also place seven elephants statue in a line, as it represents eternity and symbolises longevity and overcoming of death. These seven elephants represent happiness, wisdom, prudence, royal dignity, invincible power, longevity and intelligence.
One can also place a statue of seven elephants together in the bedroom as it is symbolises fertility.
#9. Red elephants Vastu
Red is a strong colour and symbolises fame and recognition as per Vastu. One can keep a red elephant figurine in the south zone of the house to achieve fame and recognition at work. It can also be placed at the house entrance to safeguard the house against negativity.
#10. Elephant with baby elephant
A statue of a baby elephant is considered auspicious as per Vastu as it brings protective and nurturing vibes. It is an ideal choice if you have children in the house or plan to start a family to create a safe and caring environment. The best placement for a baby elephant statue is near children’s bedrooms or in the family.
#11. Wooden Elephant
Wood is considered an auspicious elephant as per Vastu Shastra. The southeast direction is associated with the southeast. Hence, you can place a wooden elephant figurine in the southeast corner of your living room. It will promote growth and positive energies.
#12. Ceramic or resin elephant
Ceramic is another popular material used for designing elephant décor items and figurines. According to Vastu, ceramic is associated with the earth element, representing stability and nourishment. You can ceramic elephant figurines in the north or east directions.
See also: Know which tortoise is good for home decor
See also: Vastu tips for Ganesha images and idols
Elephant showpiece Vastu: Décor ideas for good luck at home
To bring positivity and harmony, one can creatively use elephant figurines and designs in various ways at home. Elephant idols or figurines, in addition to their Vastu effects, can enhance any home done up in contemporary, vintage, industrial or minimal style.
Elephant painting
For the right effect, you can choose a painting of an elephant. Choose an image that depicts positive imagery. Avoid destructive, violent, or cruel images.
Elephant statues
Elephant statues can be used in décor at home or in office. One can incorporate elephant figurines as coffee table legs, in fountains, piggy banks, lamps, bookshelf holders, pen stands, elephant-shaped pottery, door handles, etc.
Vastu elephant photos
One can use elephant paintings, as prints on wall paper, decal wall art, or as designs on the cushions. Elephant photographs can be very powerful but they should be soothing images.
Vastu elephant images on textiles
If not possible to get a sculpture, you can use prints of elephants on textiles. Tapestry wall hanging, wallpaper, murals, draperies, and upholstery are equally effective.
According to Vastu, the main door decorated with Goddesses Lakshmi (with coins), seated on a lotus with elephants, is considered auspicious.
Placing Nettipattam at home
A lot of people place Nettipattam at home for Vastu reasons. Also called Caparison, Nettipattam is available as wall hangings, in different sizes.
Material of lucky elephant
Lucky elephant can be made from various materials, such as jade, silver, wood, marble, metal, poly resin, glass, porcelain, lac, etc. Besides plain elephant figurines one also can keep elephant figurines that are studded with gemstones, brightly painted or have ornate leafing done on them.
See also: How to place 7 horses painting at home
How many elephants can we keep at home?
You can keep figurines of two elephants at home to attract good luck. You can also keep three elephant statues as it denotes a peaceful family life and prevents conflicts among the family members.
However, one should keep Elephant statues at different places of the house in the Vastu-recommended direction to optimise the flow of positive energies.
Can you keep single elephant statue at home?
You can keep a single elephant statue in the house. However, make sure to follow the Vastu-recommended guidelines. For maximum benefits, it is always best to go for a pair of elephant figurines.
Housing.com News Viewpoint
Placing an elephant statue at home or office is an excellent idea to attract various benefits, including wealth, health and success. One can choose figurines of different colours and materials, which have specific significance. Also, note the correct Vastu direction when placing elephant statues at home or office.
FAQs
No, it does not represent bad luck.
You can place an elephant statue, as per Vastu guidelines, anywhere, depending on the type of effect you want.
Airavata is the sacred white elephant belonging to Indra and is the king of elephants.
Elephant figurines can be white, grey, brown, red, green or any colour. All are associated with good luck.
When placing elephant idol as per Vastu, it should be placed in the northern direction of the house.
When placing elephant figurines at home, they should face inwards towards the north direction. Is it bad luck for the elephant trunk to face down?
How do you place an elephant statue in your house?
Who is Airavata?
Which colour elephant is good for home?
Which direction we should keep elephant statue at home?
Should an elephant face east or west?
What does elephant symbolise in Buddhism?
Elephants are known for their wisdom and intelligence. In Buddhism, elephants are seen as guardians of Buddha and the earth, denoting physical and mental strength. As per popular beliefs, Buddha reincarnated from white elephants that descended from the heaven.
Can we keep elephant statue in pooja room?
Keeping elephant figurine is considered auspicious as per Vastu Shastra. You can keep elephant statues in your pooja or living room area in the Vastu recommended direction to invite positive energies.
What do three elephants symbolise?
A figurine or painting of three elephants is considered auspicious and eliminates negative energies symbolising good luck, health and harmony.
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