Vastu Chakra, a crucial element of the ancient Indian school of architecture Vastu Shastra, is the geometric representation of the cosmic energy grid. It guides building orientation to ensure the architecture of the home is aligned with energies of the nature. Vastu Chakra mapping is an intense process that positions the home’s structure with nine zones and eight directions. Read on to know the benefits of Vastu Chakra for home and how it helps in energy balance and home planning:
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Understanding the elements of Vastu Chakra
The Vastu Chakra is a symbolic representation of the universal energy flow in a building or space. It is divided into nine equal zones, each associated with a specific direction and energy:
Brahmasthan: Typically located at the centre of the plot, Brahmasthan is considered the most sacred and powerful point. This point represents the balance of all energies, and therefore, is a vital component of a Vastu-compliant home.
Agni (Fire) zone: Ruled by Agni, the zone governs energy, activity, and transformation, making it ideal for placing the kitchen area. Agni zone is situated in the southeast direction.
Prithvi (Earth) zone: This zone is in the southwest direction and is ruled by Prithvi. It represents stability, support, and grounding, ideal for placing bedrooms and storage rooms.
Varun (Water) zone: Governed by water and situated in the northwest direction, this zone signifies wealth, growth, and prosperity, suitable for creating children's rooms and study areas.
Vayyu (Air) zone: The northeast zone as per Vastu Chakra is ruled by Vayyu. It represents knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality, making it ideal for placing puja rooms and meditation spaces.
Ishanya (Lord of the northeast): This zone is a combination of water and air elements, promoting spiritual growth and knowledge.
Nayrutya (Lord of the southwest): A combination of earth and fire elements, this zone is associated with stability and support.
Vaayvya (Lord of the northwest): This zone combines air and earth elements, representing creativity and innovation.
Aagneya (Lord of the Southeast): A combination of fire and water elements, this zone governs energy and transformation.
Directions and their significance
Vastu Chakra assigns specific qualities to different directions. Each direction is believed to influence different aspects of life, from material abundance to emotional well-being and spiritual growth. By harnessing the directional energy of Vastu, homeowners can create a living space with balanced energies. The following are the nature of benefits represented by each direction:
Vastu Chakra: Directions and significance | |
---|---|
Direction | Significance |
North | Prosperity, wealth, knowledge |
East | New beginnings, health, spirituality |
South | Power, authority, stability |
West | Creativity, happiness |
Northeast | Auspicious, knowledge, spirituality |
Southeast | Energy, action, transformation |
Southwest | Stability, support, grounding |
Northwest | Growth, expansion, travel |
How does Vastu Chakra influence home design?
Vastu Chakra influences home design in numerous ways:
Spatial organisation
The Chakra describes specific zones for various activities, thereby influencing room placement and layout. For instance, the northeast direction is often allocated for spiritual spaces, and the southeast direction is suitable for kitchens.
Directional alignment
The orientation of the building aligned with cardinal directions as per Vastu Chakra is crucial as it influences the energy flow within the structure. Vastu Chakra provides guidelines for optimal placement to invite wealth and sound health and to ensure spiritual growth.
Energy flow optimisation
The Chakra emphasises the importance of clear pathways that enable energy to flow smoothly. Several tips like using more ventilations, and large windows facilitate this flow, promoting openness and balance.
Elemental harmony
Vastu Chakra stresses the harmonious integration of the five natural elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space. These elements are believed to influence human life and the home environment. Hence, these elements should be attracted to the living space correctly to create a prosperous home.
Other factors
Vastu Chakra also influences the aesthetic choices for a home. It suggests investing in its prescribed colour palettes, lighting and materials, to ensure the energy flow undisturbed by aesthetics.
Also Read: How to Find Vastu Dosh in House?
Applying Vastu Chakra to home layout
Utilising Vastu Chakra strategically is considered a great idea when creating a living space as per the principles of Vastu. It is a conceptual tool used in Vastu Shastra to offer tips that align each nook and corner of the home with the presiding energy. More about applying or mapping Vastu Chakra for home layout:
- Vastu Chakra is used to calculate the Brahmasthan (Geometric centre) of the house, a crucial area that ensures the inflow of positive energy. Therefore, the area should not be occupied with heavy objects as this would lead to energy blockages
- The kitchen is associated with the fire element, and therefore, should always be in the southeast direction
- The living room or area facing the entrance should be in a north or north-east direction. This not only helps to harness directional energy in Vastu but also fosters productivity and prosperity
- It is believed that the energies of the deities reside in the northeast direction, which makes the direction suitable for placing a pooja room. This allows residents to channelise the positive energies reflected by the space promoting calmness and peace
- West is often associated with the energy of creativity and focus. Hence, it is the perfect direction for a study room or home library as it brings focus to learning
- North is the direction of the Hindu God of wealth Kuber, and therefore, things such as Galla (Cashbox) and locker should always be kept in this zone
- Vastu Chakra is a powerful tool that develops the orientation of the home. The layout of the home should align with the principles of cardinal directions as suggested by the Chakra
Benefits of implementing Vastu Chakra
The primary objective of integrating Vastu Chakra into home planning is to optimise the flow of positive energy. While it plays a crucial role in achieving prosperity, health, and vitality, its benefits extend beyond these and include the following:
- The primary function of a Vastu Chakra is to establish and maintain equilibrium and harmony within the space. It serves as a common point that facilitates the flow of cosmic energy between individuals and their surroundings
- The Chakra plays a crucial role in identifying and rectifying energy blockages within a space. It unblocks the energy flow enhancing the functionality of the environment. This can be achieved when Vastu Chakra is embedded into the architectural design of a building
- Beyond physical benefits, the Chakra also affects the psychological well-being of occupants, as it creates an ambience that brings positive energy. This eventually leads to improved mood, increased productivity, focus and concentration
To sum up, the strategic application of Vastu Chakra principles influences a home's layout and energy distribution. By meticulously incorporating the nine directional zones and their associated energies, homeowners can create living spaces that foster harmony and well-being.
Featured image source: Pinterest/Vastu Home