Vastu Shastra guide for first-time homebuyers

Vastu Shastra is an ancient system of architecture. Today, there is a growing awareness about this ancient science in house construction. Many homebuyers prefer Vastu-complaint houses. However, if you are a first-time homebuyer, you may have several questions about choosing a Vastu-complaint house. In this article, we have curated some easy Vastu tips for you to identify a house that brings positivity and prosperity.

What is the significance of Vastu Shastra in house construction?

Vastu Shastra is based on the concept of balancing the five elements of nature – earth, air, water, fire and sky. Applying this concept to designing and arranging a house ensures inner tranquillity and establishes a harmonious environment. Moreover, Vastu rules for house promote healthy relationships, achieve success and growth in life and provide various benefits impacting different aspects of life.

For the design and construction of houses, Vastu lays down certain principles for the right orientation, direction and layout of the building. This includes the correct shape of plots and avoiding unfavourable elements in the surroundings. Moreover, Vastu guides regarding furniture placement, lighting and ventilation, spaciousness and aesthetics.

Following Vastu for home design can attract good fortune, positive energies and overall well-being. Vastu expert, Dr. Anand Bhardwaj, in one of his social media posts, shared that if one purchases a property that has negative effects from the previous owner, it can negatively impact the new owner. This is because the new owner or tenant will receive the same negative vibes and face its effects. Thus, when buying a new property, one should ensure it does not have any drawbacks.

House Vastu direction

The foremost thing a new homebuyer should check is the direction the house is facing. To determine the Vastu direction of a house, one can refer to the sun’s orientation or use a compass. A property facing the north, east or northeast direction is favourable as per Vastu. One should avoid properties facing the south or west direction.

Plot shape

The plot’s shape is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a Vastu-compliant house. A residential plot must have four corners, denoting the four basic directions. As per Vastu experts, one should go for a plot with a standard shape, such as a square or rectangle. Vastu recommends ‘Gaumukhi’ (the shape of a cow’s face) and ‘Shermukhi’ (the shape of a lion’s face) as auspicious plot shapes. While Gaumukhi plots are best for residential buildings, Shermukhi plots are ideal for commercial structures. The ideal length and breadth ratio for any building is 1:1, 1:1.5 or 1:2. One should avoid irregular plot shapes, such as circles, ovals or triangles.

For things to consider when selecting Gaumukhi or Shermukhi plots, read about Vastu tips for Gaumukhi and Shermukhi plots.

Building shape

In addition to the plot shape, first-time homebuyers must check the building’s shape. Vastu experts suggest that residential structures must not have extended corners except in northeast corners.

House Vastu Plan

A house plan depicts the layout of the house. When buying a house for the first time, study different rooms to check if they are Vastu-compliant.

• Main entrance: The entrance gate should be on the east side of the house.
• Living rooms: The living room can be in the northwest direction as it is associated with wealth and prosperity.
• Dining room: The dining space must be created in the east, west or south directions.
• Kitchen: The best direction for a kitchen is the southeast corner or Agni Kon, which is associated with the fire element.
• Bedroom: The master bedroom must be constructed in the southwest corner.
• Children’s room: The children’s bedroom should be designed in the southwest direction. 
• Guest room: The guest room, according to Vastu, should be located in the northwest direction. 
• Storeroom: A store room, which has become an essential feature in modern homes, can be designed in any direction except the northeast direction. 
• Bathroom: The ideal direction for a bathroom should be in the northwest direction. The toilet should be in the northwest or north direction. It should not be in the northeast direction.
• Staircase: The staircase should be designed in the south, west and northwest corners. The northeast corner or the centre of the house or Brahmasthan should not have stairs.

Water features in the house

Water features, such as fountains, are constructed to enhance the aesthetics. These water features can be useful in balancing the energies. However, incorrect placement of water features can have negative effects, such as financial issues. A water fountain should be installed in the north direction.

Lighting and ventilation

According to Vastu, a well-lit and well-ventilated house ensures a smooth flow of positive energies. Thus, when buying a new house, check whether there are sufficient windows in the house to let in natural light and air.

Vastu for colour scheme

The choice of colours for the walls, furniture and other interior elements impact the overall energy in the house. According to Vastu, choose lighter colours, such as orange and yellow, for a bright and welcoming space. Avoid dark and solid colours.

Things to avoid in new home for Vastu compliance

• Bedroom in the basement: According to Vastu, building a bedroom or living area in the northwest corner in a basement room is not recommended as it can disrupt the air energy flow.
• Dark-coloured walls: Dark colours such as black or blue symbolise negative feelings and are seen as depressing as per Vastu. Applying these colours on northwest corner can lead to stagnancy. 
• Objects below the bed: One should avoid storing things underneath a bed as the presence of clutter under a bed can restrict the flow of positive energies, leading to sleep disturbances.
• Mirrors reflecting bed: As per Vastu, mirrors must be placed strategically to boost positive energy flow. One should avoid placing a mirror in a way that reflects a bed. This can cause sleep problems.
• Thorny plants: One should avoid keeping thorny plants in the house as they are associated with negativity and obstacles. 
• Water fountain inside the house: A water fountain should be placed outside as keeping it inside the house can lead to instability, causing financial difficulties. 
• Paintings that depict negative emotions: Any painting or artwork that depict violence, sadness or any negative emotion should be avoided. 

What should you do if you cannot find a Vastu-compliant house?

It is important to ensure that the new house that you have selected should follow some basic Vastu rules. However, there are some key Vastu tips that you can follow to remove any Vastu defects and make the house Vastu-compliant:

• Perform Vastu shanti puja: Consult a Vastu expert and perform a Vastu Shanti puja to remove the Vastu dosha.
• Replace defective doors and furniture: Make sure to replace any broken glass on doors and windows. Fix creaking doors or windows and broken furniture items. 
• Illuminate the entrance: Light up the house entrance by placing yellow lights, which mimic sunlight and help bring positivity to the space.
• Use gemstones: Place nine red carnelian gemstones at the entrance gate facing southeast to remove dosh. 

Housing.com News Viewpoint

A house that does not adhere to the Vastu principles may cause disruptions in the energy flow. This can have negative effects on its inhabitants. These may include stress, conflicts, financial problems or health issues. When buying a house, make sure it follows the basic Vastu guidelines. In the case of Vastu dosha, see if suitable changes or remedies can be applied to correct the defects. In case you buy a property with Vastu defects, consult a Vastu expert who can guide you in making the right decisions.

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