The rules of vastusastra states that determining the direction of a plot where a single house would be built or a land divided into 4 or 5 plots for a villa project deserves special attention. As per the vastu rules, the entrance of houses should face south, north, east or west directions. These four definite directions are scientifically called as the magnetic south, magnetic north, magnetic east and the magnetic west. A digital compass could be used to determine whether the house is built exactly in the east – west direction or the north – south direction. This is a significant aspect in vastusastra.
In the case of some lands, we could realize that its boundaries are in different directions, only after it has been divided into plots. Usually vastu experts instruct, in such cases, that the house should be constructed in a slanting position so that the entrance would exactly face the east direction. Only if the house is built like this, can the kitchen be constructed in the south – east or the north – east directions. Then the master bedroom could be built in the south – west corner (kannimoola) of the house. Besides, the kitchen should be arranged in such a way that the food is cooked by facing the east direction.
The vastu sastra clearly states that no matter which direction the house faces, it shouldn’t be more than 15 degrees away from the four magnetic directions.
Can a house face southwards?
The vastusastra does not say that houses cannot face the south direction. It is, however, strictly instructed that the house should exactly face the magnetic south. The house could only be constructed after determining the exact magnetic south. A credible vastu expert should be invited to determine the directions in such case.
A house could be constructed facing the south direction by correctly determining the directions and not by disrupting the grihamadya soothram (vital spots). The belief that houses shouldn’t face south has almost become a superstition now. However, vastu experts reject this, clearly explaining that houses could be constructed facing south by strictly following the above vastu laws.
Direction of a house and its impact on residents
Direction plays a significant role in vastusastra. The house should face one of the four main directions. The vastu rules clearly explain the ill-effects of building a house facing the corner directions.
» It is indicated that fear and anxiety would prevail in a house built in the south – east corner of plot facing north – west direction.
» Frequent fights and unrest would erupt in a house situated in the significant 'kannimoola' or the south west corner, facing the north – east direction.
» People living in a house built in the vital spot in the north – west corner, facing south – east corner, would experience fickle mindedness which makes them unable to take firm decisions in serious matters.
» Vastusastra hints adversity for progenies in the family if the house is in the north – east corner and is facing the south – west direction.
The vastu experts provide scientific explanations for these observations. The earth rotates from the west to the east direction in 24 hours. Similarly, it revolves around the sun from the south to north in a year. This is the orbit of the earth and we clearly know that it moves, though it is not felt. It is said, in the vastusastra, that people can live long in a house if it is built parallel to the orbit and in the direction of the earth’s movement.
As an instance, vastu experts point out that we can comfortably travel in a vehicle only if we are facing the direction in which the vehicle moves. The vastu rule that the house built parallel to the direction of the earth’s movements is comfortable to stay in, has been developed from this scientific observation. Vastu experts say that though these rules may appear as mere beliefs, it is better to consider its scientific aspects.
Information provided by:
Kanippayyur Krishnan Namboothiripadu, astrologer
