Importance of Vastu Directions

Directions and Elements

Vastu shastra divides a plot into 8 directions and 16 zones, each with a Sanskrit or Hindi name, a ruling element and a ruling planet. The four cardinal directions are uttar (north), dakshin (south), purva (east) and paschim (west). The four corners are ishanya (north east), agneya (south east), nairutya (south west) and vayavya (north west). The table below gives every name, its English equivalent and what the zone governs.

Vedic Vastu is a natural law based architecture. Many ancient structures including religious worship places are based on the orientation principle of Vastu. Pyramids are a true example of orientation. Five important elements of Vastu shastra – Fire अग्नि, Water जल, Earth – पृथ्वी – भूमि, Air / Wind – वायु and Space are mutually related to the four cardinal Directions and four inter-cardinal directions of the compass.

Each Vastu direction is associated with an element and a different area of your life. If you build a structure with proper orientation as per Vastu then it eliminates lots of problems faces by a person in his/her day-to-day life. Vedic Vastu guides us on the quality and impacts of four cardinal and four inter-cardinal directions on a human being.

Vaastu is an ancient Indian design philosophy that aims to harmonize human beings with their natural environment. One way it does this is by valuing directional orientation and movement in space, which has proven valuable for architects worldwide who try to balance building structures from all angles so they are able to maximize sunlight exposure on every floor

In order for a house or other structure not only to be aesthetically pleasing but also functional, designers need plans that ensure proper flow throughout spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms – preferably without any obstacles like furniture blocking pathways between these areas. 

In Vastu Shastra, it is necessary to know the direction your premises faces in order to assess various factors. The only way to find this out is with a compass and even then there are many different interpretations of what you get back from the reading.

Click here to read how to read the compass to check directions with Vastu plan

Direction names in Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil and Malayalam

Vastu direction names change across Indian languages. If you have been given a direction in Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil or Malayalam and want the English equivalent, find it here.

The 16 zones (each direction split in two)

Importance of north-east direction as per Vastu

A tranquility zone i.e northeast corner is highly charged with divine energy. This is the direction from which the cosmic, divine, godly, spiritual, intellectual, intuitive, and also knowledgeable energies enter the home or business premises. It must be kept more open, lightweight, clear, and spacious around the home, inside the home, and even in every room. What applies to the macrocosm, applies to the microcosm.

According to Vastu principles, the northeast direction is considered an auspicious location for water resources. In Vastu, it is believed that a northeast zone adorned with flourishing green fields, rivers, or water streams brings positive energy and prosperity. The presence of these natural elements in the northeast is seen as a favorable feature according to Vastu guidelines.

Missing the northeast corner is a serious Vastu defect. Additionally, having a bathroom located in the northeast corner, which makes space polluted, falls into the category of a “serious Vastu defect.” This defect negatively impacts the overall energy flow and balance within the space.

Importance of  South-east direction as per Vastu for home or workplace

The Direction that lies midway between the east and the south is known as Agneya (south-east). Agni (fire) is the in-charge of this direction. Fire is the preserver and defender of every being. Agni also carries the message of people who worship and offer oblations with devotion to the creator. Worshippers of Agni are economically strong as well as long-living. This is the best Vastu direction for the kitchen in the house. Even the pantry in the office should be in the southeast zone.

Vastu defects in the southeast corner may cause financial worries, quarrels, litigation &, also illness depending upon the type of fault.

Read Vastu Review on Apartment in Metropolis, Andheri

Importance of south direction as per Vastu 

According to Vaastu Shastra, the South is the direction of  Yama who is the in charge of death. Be careful while planning a construction having a door towards the south, as influences of the south are very destructive. Most noteworthy,  south-facing south is not always bad but surely it requires careful planning. The Vastu defect in the south zone may cause illness or short life.

Importance of  south-west direction as per Vastu

The South-West (Nairutya) corner is said to be occupied by Nairuti personifying death, decay and sorrow. Vastu defect in this corner may lead to illness, short life, unwanted expenses, and also a loss due to theft. Avoid the main door, cut or extension at the southwest corner. Properties having a cut in the southwest remains unsold for a longer period of time. People staying in the southwest zone are found more prosperous. A royal area in Mumbai in the southwest has all multi-millionaire and trillionaire’s residences.

Read article on The Southwest in Vastu: Why It Rules Wealth (Southwest Setsquare in Vastu: Why a Perfect 90° Corner Matters)

Importance of  north direction as per Vastu 

Like the east, the North is also a nourishing direction. It has a positive flow. Also, the North is considered a direction for Kubera -protector of wealth and success.  Keeping your money and valuables in this zone means a blessing from Kubera. Blockage, as well as heavy structure in this zone, may result in financial loss. Also, clutter in the north zone causes financial obstacles.

Importance of  east direction as per Vastu 

According to Vastu, the sun is the prime energy force we experience. A sun rises in the east and brings all nutritional energies for the whole day. This is a very positive direction in the Vastu. Ultimately the earth’s relationship to the sun gives life to the plant foods we eat, creates our rhythm of night and day, as well as the seasons. The entrance in this direction is considered as a  victory door. It bestows name, fame, success, and also social connectivity in life. Missing a window or door towards the east zone could highly impact on prosperity.

Importance of  centre (brahmasthan)  direction as per Vastu

The Brahmasthan, a space central to any premises is the calmest as well as cosmically connected place. The Brahmasthan is the heart of the house, and it should always be left open and free of obstructing objects. While designing the house or office, do not put pillars, staircase, toilets, kitchen, or any heavy objects at the center. These are very serious Vastu defects and cause damage to health as well as finance.

Don’t miss the article on brahmasthan, Click here to read

Importance of  north-west direction as per Vastu 

It lies midway between the north and the west. This direction is capable of making a person either rich or poor as per the arrangement and use of the premises.

According to Vastu, any missing or defect in the northwest corner of a living space can have a significant impact on not just friendship, but also personal contacts. The northwest corner is believed to be associated with social connections and networking. Therefore, it is important to ensure that this area is well-maintained and free from any negative energies to foster healthy relationships and interpersonal communication.

Furthermore, the north-west corner of a building holds great significance in Vastu Shastra. It is believed that if this area is missing or improperly utilized, it can hinder the flow of positive energy and affect business growth. Therefore, paying attention to the placement and arrangement of this particular corner can greatly enhance networking opportunities and contribute to overall success in the business world.

Importance of west  direction as per Vastu

Varuna rules the western direction. Proper Vastu arrangements in the west lead to monetary gain as well as success in life. Varuna also blesses children with creativity in their projects.

Contact team Vastuplus International today to schedule your on-site or off-site consultation and quickly understand how Vastu can dramatically improve your home and your life.

We are looking forward to balancing your space !

Vastu & Sleeping direction Read the article

Vastu consultant in Mumbai, Read the case study

How to find the direction of your own house

Stand at the geometric centre of the house, not at the main door. Hold a compass flat at waist height and let the needle settle. Note the degree, not just the direction name, because 22 degrees and 44 degrees are both called north east on an eight-direction chart and are completely different zones on a sixteen-zone chart.

1. Remove your phone, keys, steel measuring tape and any magnet from the area. All of them pull the needle.
2. Stand at the centre of the plot or room, compass flat on the palm.
3. Wait for the needle to settle fully, then read the degree.
4. Take a second and third reading a few feet apart. If they disagree by more than a few degrees, there is steel reinforcement or wiring below you.
5. Mark the zone boundaries on a floor plan before deciding on any remedy.

A phone compass is fine for a rough check but drifts badly near an inverter, meter board or reinforced slab. For zone-level work use a proper vastu compass with an overlay chart.

Frequently asked questions

What is dakshin disha in English?

Dakshin disha is south. It is ruled by the earth element and the planet Mars, and in vastu it governs fame, stability and rest.

What is uttar disha in English?

Uttar disha is north. It is ruled by the water element and the planet Mercury, and it governs career opportunity and cash flow. North is also called Kubera disha, after the treasurer of the gods.

What is ishanya or eesanyam in English?

Ishanya is the north east corner. In Tamil and Malayalam it is written eesanyam or eeshanyam. It is the water zone, ruled by Jupiter, and is considered the most important corner in a home. It should be kept open, light and clutter free.

What is agneya or agneyam in English?

Agneya is the south east corner. In Tamil and Malayalam it appears as agneyam or aagneyam. It is the fire zone, ruled by Venus, and is the standard location for the kitchen.

What is nairutya disha in English?

Nairutya is the south west corner. It is the earth zone, ruled by Rahu, and governs stability, savings and the head of the household. The master bedroom belongs here.

What is vayavya disha in English?

Vayavya is the north west corner. It is the air zone, ruled by the Moon, and governs movement, opportunities and support from others.

How many directions are there in vastu?

Eight primary directions, which are further divided into sixteen zones for detailed work, and thirty two entrance padas for reading a main door precisely. Most home vastu is done at the sixteen-zone level.

Which direction is best for a house?

There is no single best facing. Every facing works when the internal zones are correctly placed. What matters far more than the facing is where the kitchen, toilet, bedroom and entrance sit within the plot.

Does vastu direction change in the southern hemisphere?

The compass is read the same way. Adjustments are discussed case by case for properties in Australia, New Zealand and southern Africa.