Vastu Shastra, generally known as Vastu, is the ancient Indian system of construction. Literally meaning ‘the science of architecture,’ Vastu describes the principles of construction, which include layouts, designs, measurements, and space arrangements. This traditional system aims to blend architecture with nature through geometrical patterns, symmetry, and alignments.
West-Facing House and Vastu
People attach much importance to the direction a house faces. While opinions differ about houses facing different directions, people hold varied opinions about a west-facing house, in particular, some of which can only be called misunderstandings. A residence facing the western direction, when well-aligned with the Vastu Shastra principles, can hold a lot of promise for many unique benefits.
West is associated with strength and stability and, hence, with grounding. Any west-facing house should have its main entrance towards the West. This aspect can be propitious when people design the residential place in line with Vastu Shastra, which can transform it into a haven of beneficial energy and welfare.
Here, let us learn some Vastu principles that can help us get the most out of such a residence for harmonious living and well-being.
West-Facing House- Placement, Design and Direction
Main Entrance: It is ideal that the main entrance of the house is in the northwest or western part of the house. This can mitigate any adverse effects associated with the West and enable the free flow of positive energy from that direction into the house.
Living Room: The living or drawing room should be in the northern, northeastern, or eastern portion of the house. This room remains the area used the most, and such a positioning can help it receive abundant natural light and positive vibrations with good balancing of the energy.
Master Bedroom: The Vastu recommended placement for the master bedroom is the southwest portion/corner of the house. This part is regarded as stable, balanced, and supportive and can support robust and harmonious relationships.
Kitchen: According to Vastu, the southeast corner is associated with Agni, the fire element, so it is best for the kitchen to remain in that southeast corner of the house. If, for some reason, this is not possible, the kitchen can also remain in the northwest. Wherever the kitchen is, as above, the orientation of the cooking platform should be such that the cook (the person cooking) should face the east.
Bathroom and Toilet: Vastu principles state that the bathroom and toilet should be placed in the western or northwestern part of the house. Even if people are unable to do such a placement, they should at least not have them in the northeast or southwest corners because these directions are regarded as highly inauspicious for cooking and preparing food items.
Other Rooms: Spacious houses may have exclusive spaces for Divine worship, children, and guests. In such cases, the Pooja room can be constructed in the northeast corner. Called Ishana, this space is regarded as ideal for worship and meditation, and a clean and clutter-free northeast corner can enhance spiritual energy and tranquility.
People can have rooms for children and guests in the northern, western, or northwestern parts of the house. These can promote children’s good health, creativity, and advancement and ensure the guests have a comfortable stay.
Ventilation: Fresh air and natural light are essential for a healthy home environment. To brighten up the living space, people can have adequate windows in the eastern and northern directions, commensurate with the size of the rooms.
Garden: Many would love to have a garden in their house if only they had the space, financial resources, and inclination. If gifted with these, they can definitely grow and maintain a garden, for which the northern, eastern, or northeastern parts of the property can be ideal. They should avoid the west and southwest directions, especially refrain from planting large trees here, as that could block positive energy flowing into the living space.
Thus, designing a west-facing house according to Vastu principles should help its occupants lead lives of prosperity, well-being, and fulfillment.