Vastu Shastra — the science of sacred space
The 5,000-year-old classical architecture system that balances the five elements in your living space for health, wealth, and harmony.
The five elements
Vastu balances these five fundamental forces within every structure.
The 8 directions and their zones
Each direction is governed by a traditional deity and carries specific energy for that area of life.
Governs: Wealth, career
Best for: Office space, locker, water features
Governs: Spirituality, health
Best for: Puja room, meditation corner
Governs: Social life, new beginnings
Best for: Main entrance, living room
Governs: Fire energy, vitality
Best for: Kitchen, electrical equipment
Governs: Rest, stability
Best for: Master bedroom
Governs: Stability, authority
Best for: Owner's bedroom, heavy furniture
Governs: Children, creativity
Best for: Children's room, bathroom
Governs: Movement, guests
Best for: Guest room, storeroom, garage
Room-by-room guidelines
Practical placement rules for each room in your home.
- Use bright, welcoming colours
- Keep the entrance clean and clutter-free
- Avoid placing shoes directly in front of the door
- Fix nameplate on the right side of the door
- Avoid toilets or staircases directly facing the main door
- Sleep with head pointing South or East — never North
- Avoid placing a mirror directly facing the bed
- Use earthy tones: beige, cream, peach
- Keep electronics minimal near the bed
- Avoid water features or aquariums in bedroom
- Stove should be in the SE — cook facing East for health
- Keep knives and sharp objects covered when not in use
- Avoid black colour in the kitchen
- Water (sink) and fire (stove) should not be directly opposite
- Refrigerator in SW or West is ideal
- Face East or North while praying
- Use yellow, white, or cream colours
- Keep idols or images on the West or South wall
- Avoid placing puja room below a staircase or toilet
- Natural light is auspicious — keep a window or skylight
- Keep the centre of the room open — no heavy furniture in Brahmasthan
- Avoid heavy furniture or clutter in the NE
- Use light colours: white, cream, light yellow
- Place TV on the SE or South wall
- Sofas should face East or North
- Study table should face East or North for concentration
- Avoid placing study table directly under a beam
- Use green or yellow to stimulate learning
- Bookshelf on East or North wall
- Bed in SW direction of the room
Vastu remedies
Correct imbalances with these simple, non-structural remedies.
Place bowls of rock (sea) salt in corners and under beds to absorb negative energy. Replace monthly.
Mount a brass or copper sun symbol on the main door to attract positive energy and protect the home.
Place in North or Northeast, facing the main door, to attract wealth and good fortune.
A sacred Tulsi plant in the Northeast purifies the air and brings divine blessings. Never neglect it.
Place a small indoor fountain in the Northeast or North to activate wealth and prosperity energy.
Hang metal wind chimes in the Northwest zone to activate the Vayu (air/movement) energy and invite helpful people.
Place copper or crystal pyramids in afflicted zones to neutralise doshas without structural changes.
Mirrors can extend small spaces and reflect positive energy. Never place facing the bed, main entrance, or each other.
Frequently asked
Classical Vastu texts suggest that imbalanced elemental energies in a space can affect sleep quality, emotional health, relationships, and financial well-being over time. Modern practitioners consider it as one factor among many.
Most Vastu corrections can be achieved through remedies, colour changes, and furniture placement — structural demolition is rarely necessary. Focus on the five elements and eight directions.
Absolutely. For rented spaces, focus on furniture placement, colour palettes, and placement of Vastu remedies. Structural changes are not required or advisable in rented property.
Keeping the Northeast zone clean, open, and light is considered the most critical Vastu principle. This zone governs health, wisdom, and divine energy. A heavy, cluttered Northeast is said to cause the most damage.