Vastu Shastra Basics for the Home

Vastu Shastra is the Indian science of architecture and space. Its texts — the Mayamata, the Manasara and chapters of the Brihat Samhita — describe how buildings should be oriented and laid out so that they support the health and prosperity of those living in them. Like Jyotish, it is built on directions, elements and presiding deities.

The Vastu Purusha Mandala

A site is imagined as a square grid with the Vastu Purusha, the spirit of the land, lying face down with his head in the north-east and feet in the south-west. A home is usually planned on a grid of 81 squares (9 by 9), each presided over by a deity. The central squares form the Brahmasthan, which is kept open, light and free of heavy structures or pillars.

The eight directions

• North-east (Ishanya) — water and the divine. Best for the puja room, open space and water sources; keep it light, clean and low.
• East (Indra) — the rising Sun. Good for main windows and entrances, and for living spaces.
• South-east (Agni) — fire. The ideal place for the kitchen, with the cook facing east.
• South (Yama) — rest. Suits bedrooms and heavier walls.
• South-west (Nairutya) — earth and stability. The master bedroom and heavy storage belong here; avoid water tanks and openings.
• West (Varuna) — suits the dining room, children’s rooms and study.
• North-west (Vayu) — air and movement. Good for guest rooms, garages and storage of goods that should move.
• North (Kubera) — wealth. Keep it open; it suits the living room, cash and valuables.

Entrances

Each side of the house is divided into nine padas, and some are auspicious for a main door while others are not. In general, entrances in the north, east and north-east are preferred, and the south-west is avoided. A south-facing house is not bad in itself; what matters is the position of the door within the wall.

When you cannot rebuild

Most people live in flats or homes they cannot change. Traditional correction is done without demolition: keep the north-east clutter-free and bright, move heavy furniture to the south-west, place the stove in the south-east if possible, sleep with the head to the south or east, keep the centre of the home open, and fix leaks and broken items promptly. Mirrors, colours and plants are commonly used for adjustment.

A sense of proportion

Vastu describes favourable conditions; it does not promise outcomes, and a home that breaks a few rules can still be a happy one. Be wary of advice that requires expensive demolition or products, and prefer simple changes that also make a home cleaner, brighter and better ventilated — which is much of what Vastu asks for.

Our Vastu page lets you place each room of your home on a 3 × 3 grid and compares it with the classical placements, with simple corrections where a room is in a discouraged zone.