FAQ

Question : In what order, construction of a house should begin? What are the religious activities involved during the inception of construction?

ANUP SINGH, JAIPUR

Answer : The start of construction should be from digging a pit in North-East direction of the plot. This pit can be used for the purpose of foundation and vastu poojan ceremony. The religious faith associated with this ceremony is to put a pair of Nag-Nagin inside this pit. As per ancient Hindu belief the load of earth is balanced on Shesnag. A pair of Nag-Nagin below foundation keeps the load and balance of building uniform and protects it from earthquake and any other natural disaster. This pit can also be used for the underground water storage, tube well or water boring. The idea is that North-East should be a depressed and watery zone. The logging of bricks should start from South to North and from West to East. It is always beneficial to first make compound walls all along the plot, only after that the main structure of building shculd start.

Question : I'm very fond of cactus plants. In my house I have around 27 varieties but in one of your articles I read that cactus is not good in a house. What should I do. I cannot throw them out from my house.

SHEFALI, NEW DELHI

Answer : All thorny plants give rise to tension in the environment. The sharpness of thorny plant is nature's device of emitting negative currents, The negative effect of cactus can be drastically curtailed by keeping Tulsi plants close by. Tulsi has an exquisite quality of neutralizing negative currents and spreading health in the environment. Tulsi should be best placed in North-East or Brahmasthan of a house.

Question : I live in a society flat. My entrance door opens into a narrow lobby and after that there is the toilet door, i cannot change the layout (dead load) of the flat. Is it a bad vastu? How can I rectify this?

MANOJ SHARMA, GHAZIABAD

Answer : Yes, the front door shouldn't directly face the entrance to a toilet. If it is so, place a mirror on toilet door so that it reflects the entrance door. Also, use mirror on one side of area either in North or East wall of lobby to visually double the size of lobby.

Question : Where should be the position of garage in a house?

AMI. CHAUHAN, JALANDHAR

Answer : The most suitable zone for garage in a house is North-West zone i.e. Vayavya. Alternatively, it can be made in South-East. The precaution should be taken that garage shouldn't touch the compound wall of the plot or the walls of main building. Always avoid garage in Southwest zone. It will result in frequent breakdown of vehicle. If portico is used for parking then it should be North, East or North East. Portico should be 1' to 2' below the roof level of the main building. A vehicle should face North or East, when parked

Question : I don't get sound sleep at night.Give me some Vastu tips about proper sleeping position?

RAM PRAKASH, NEW DELHI

Answer : Always sleep with your head towards south or east. I t V i l l ensure good health sound sleep and long life. Never sleep with your head towards North Only dead body is placed with head towards North and legs toward South. It is strictly prohibited for; living person. Again for persons suffering fron Vata and Kapha dosha, sleeping or one's left is recommended. It is beneficial in chronic constipation, back pain, paralysis, arthritis, obesity, bronchitis and cold-related ailments. Sleeping on one's right is recommended for pitta related disease like rashes, liver disorder, itches etc.

Question : I want to have lots of different kinds of plants and trees in my house. Are there any vastu guidelines for them to be kept in the house?

SUSHMITA, NEW DELHI

Answer : The south and west is an ideal place for any kind of plants and trees. No trees should be grown in the North and the East, since it is not ideal for them. Lawns and flowerbeds should be in the Worth- East. Except rose and a few medicinal plants, all thorny plants give rise to tension in the environment. Cactus should be strictly prohibited. Plants exuding white sap should also be; kept off. Tulsi is best when kept in the North or in the East. Also creeper/climber which needs the support of the compound walls or a house wall should be avoided. It symbolises dependence on others.

Question : What is the use of mirror and glass in Vastu. Even Feng Shui experts also advocate its usage in a house oroffice. Where should one put mirror or

SATISH, NEW DELHI

Answer : Mirrors and glasses are effective tools of vastu rectification. They depict the theory of reflection and refraction. If one would like to provide entrance of external light and energy, glasses are used. If one would like to debar the outer light, mirror is used. Vastu and Feng Shui both advocate its usage to create proper balance and management of energy flow in a particular place. Inside a house, a mirror can be placed in a Northern/Eastern wall but never on a southern wall. Replace a broken mirror or a glass in a house as soon as possible.

Question : In bur tradition, we used to wear gold chain in the neck but modern fashion and trends prefer necktie. Oneof my friends told me about vastu advantage of wearing gold chain. Does this really work?

SANJANA, GURGAON

Answer : Yes, earlier lot of people used to wear gold chains. Even today, the baniya community still wear heavy gold chains. Vastu very much propagates the use of gold chain in the neck. Gold is the symbol of planet Jupiter that gives leadership quality, good judgement and dynamism to motivate people. Gold also attracts live force energy towards our throat chakra making our communication skills more efficient. Whereas necktie creates an obstacle around throat chakra.

Question : How effective are wind-chimes in vastu rectification? What are the types of wind-chimes?

AASHISH, LUCKNOW

Answer : Wind-chimes have a quality to disperse the stagnated energy in the surrounding and this technique is used in the imbalanced protruded angles where the structural alteration cannot be carried out. Wind chimes have a quality to intensify new career opportunities and create spiritual vibrations. Wind chimes also nullify the evils of vastu defects of doors and windows. Quality of wind chimes depend on the prolonged surrounding. Wind chimes can be of metal, ceramic or wood. It can be 5, 6 or 7 membered chimes.

Question : I want to plant trees all around my house. As I have a huge land, I've the luxury to grow big trees also. My main structure is as per vastu. Can vastu help me in landscaping and gardening?

HEMANT, AHMEDABAD

Answer : In general, almond x'mas trees have a pyramodial shape and can be described as living pyramid. So, their importance to south and west excessive margins is of great importance. The direction of mango tree should be South-East. Audumber tree traditionally represents prithvi tatva so its importance to South-West point in plot will lead to holistic positivity. Auromatic fragrance related plants to North West zone will naturally give a new dimension to wind that is vayu tatva. Lawns and flower beds should be in North and East.

Question : I've placed a picture of Lord Ganesha on my entrance door facing outside on the advice of vastu consultant, but it doesn't bring any result. Still, my finance is draining out after that. What should I do? Should I remove Ganesha from that place?

SAHIL JOSHI, NEW DELHI

Answer : Position of Ganesha facing outside above the main entrance door is a good thing to do but with a little extra care. The back of lord Ganesha attracts poverty in a house whereas its front restricts the entry of evil things. So, to overcome this situation one should place another picture of Lord Ganesha from the inside of the house above the entrance door in such a way that the back of two Ganesha either touches each other on the same axis.

Question : Where should one place a toilet in a house?

MAHESH, JAIPUR

Answer : The ideal location for a toilet in a house is West, North-North West or South. Always avoid corner toilets i.e. in North- East, South-East, North-West or Southwest. Toilet at North-East is worst. In a toilet while performing daily activity never sit facing East bit West or in other words W.C. should be North-South axis. The flooring level of toilet should be higher than rest of the floor. Never make toilet in front of kitchen.

Question : I've very tensed relations with my wife, i am also facing a departmental enquiry in my office. After reading your column I came to know that South-East of my house is extended which is the cause of my problems. How can I rectify this corner?

RANJAN SINHA, PATNA

Answer : The use of white colour in South-East zone will reduce the effect of excessive fire element. The effect of extended South-East can also be treated with white marble flooring in this zone. It is not possible either to paint or change the flooring then use white light in South-East zone of your house.

Question : I've three daughters. All of them are of marriageable age but despite all my efforts I'm not getting suitable match for them. Can vastu help me in this regard?

SUNDER LAL, NEW DELHI

Answer : Please find the direction / zone of your daughters' rooms. If it is in any other direction except North-West then move them in North-West zone immediately. It will definitely enhance their marriage prospects.

Question : According to Vastu, a slope or a depression in a house should be towards North-East, but in India 80 per cent of population lacks the facility of public sewage line in which the pipes from the lavatories and bathroomscan be connected. So the only option is septic tank, which is considered as depression in a house/ plot. As per Vastu, North-East is also called Eashyana i.e. direction of God. So, is it feasible to make septic tank in North-East? If not, what are the best directions?

MANISH, NEW DELHI

Answer : Yes, North-East is Eashyana zone in a house so septic tank in this direction is strictly not recommended. North-East zone is also attributed to water element. This area is highly recommended for underground water storage, tubewell/borewell etc. So, it is also not practical to have septic tank next to water storage. The best directions for making a septic tank are North-North West & West- North West. The length of the septic tank should be towards East-West axis and breadth towards North-South axis. It shouldn't be higher than the plinth level of building.

Question : I have read somewhere that vastu is the science of five great elements of nature i.e. panchtatva. How are these elements related to our house?

SANGITA, JABALPUR

Answer : Our houses are an extension of human body. Similarly, universe is an extension of our house. These five elements are present in all these forms i.e house, human body and universe in the form of energy. Fire is represented by solar energy. Air is represented by wind energy, water by rain, earth element by gravitation/ magnetic field and space element is represented by sound energy.

Question : What are the auspicious mahurats to start construction or to perform Greh Pravesh Pooja?

SIDDHARTH SINHA.'LUCKNOW

Answer : Following are the guidelines for calculating an auspicious mahurata: Always avoid Bhadra. Ditiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Shasthi, Saptami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, triyadashi and Pooranmashi are auspicious dates. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday are good days to start the work. Shukla Paksha of Vaishaka, Shravana, Moogshira, Pushya, Phalguna, Maaga Kartik are the good months.

Question : I want to make a basement in my house. Which is the best direction for basements? Can I have basement in the whole structure of the house?

SHIVRAJ PATEL, AHMEDABAD

Answer : The whole structure shouldn't have a basement, only Eastern & Northern part should be used. In south and west heavy goods can be kept. The preferred directions for basement are East, North & North- East. If the boring or water storage arrangement can be done in theNorth-East corner of a North-East basement, it is very beneficial. A basement in South West is worst.

Question : I am facing union problem in my factory, which I shifted recently from Delhi to Faridabad. Earlier there was no such problem. Is there any vastu defect in my new premises?

JAIRAM SINGH, NEW DELHI

Answer : You have not sent me the layout/ plan of your factory so it is very difficult to say about any vastu defect. You please check the activity in South West zone of your factory. This portion should either be occupied by you as your cabin or used as godown/store. This is the zone of dominance. Whoever uses this place will dominate the affairs of factory, so better take control of that area.

Question : I want to paint my house in a different colour scheme. Can you give me some vastu tips regarding the colour.

GAUTAM, NEW DELHI

Answer : Use flashy white in North-East zone of the house. Apply pink or Reddish brown in South-East zone. Paint North-West corner of your house in blue or light blue colour. Use yellow in South-West zone of the house. Paint the ceiling of whole house in white colour.

Question : I am planning to buy a wrought iron bed but somebody told me about negative energy of such bed. is it right?

AMIT SEHGAL, LUCKNOW

Answer : Yes, it is very much true. Vastu is the science of balance of energy. Wrought iron, being a good conductor of heat and electricity disturbs the energy flow in the surroundings. It also emits infra red rays which are very harmful. Wood is the best option to make bed or any other piece of furniture as it is a bad conductor of heat and electricity. It doesn't get involved in the energy management inside a room.

Question : What is the significance of the squared circle in ancient Indian architecture?

MRINAL, MUMBAI

Answer : Square represents Earth and Circle represent Heaven. When these two shapes are unified by being made equal in area or perimeter it is called squared circle, meaning earth and heaven or matter and spirit, symbolically combined.

Question : I'm reading your column Vastu Wisdom regularly. I find the contents very interesting and informative. In your last column you mentioned about 16 directions. Will you please classify and list them?

RAGHURAJ, LUCKNOW

Answer : Thanks for reading and enjoying our regular column on vastu and writing your queries to us. As we mentioned earlier, Vastu is the science of the orientation of direction. The 16 directions as per .vastu are classified & listed below: Cardinal Directions: North, South, East and West. Diagonal Directions: North East(Eashyana), South East (Aagneya), South West (Nairthuya), North West (Vyavaya) Sub-Diagonal Directions: North North East, East North East, East South East,South South East, South South West, West South West, West North West,North North West.

Question : How can one check the directions of one's plot/ house? Is to check the direction of sunrise good enough? Also, where should one stand to fix the direction i.e. inside or outside of house?

MRINAL, NEW DELHI

Answer : The first step to do any vastu evaluation is to identify and fix all the directions. Roughly identification of direction can be done by sunrise direction as sunrises ineast and sets in west via south. But if identification is based on sunrise direction there is a chance of mistake. There is a sizeable difference between sunrise position on June 21 and December 22, the longest and shortest day respectively. Sunrises on true east only on the days of equinox which are September 23 and March 21. On these days the day and night are equal.The best way to fix the directions is by using a magnetic compass. There are two types of compass. One is floating disc compass and another is pivotal needle compass. To check the direction, always stand at the centre of plot / house i.e. naval point of vastu purusha. This way you can correctly position the diagonal directions also.

Question : How directions and five element of nature are inter related? I can understand the presence of direction in a house. A house can be south facing, north facing etc but how can these five elements be present in a house?

SUDHA PANDEY, PATNA

Answer : The introduction of directions and five elements of nature in building science is the only difference and significance of vastu over modern architecture. North and North East contribute to water zone. South & South West direction is for earth element. East & South East is Agni Zone. Similarly West & North West contribute for air element. Centre of plot or a house is for element space. These five elements i.e. Panchtatwa resides in the form of energy. Air element is present in the form of wind. energy, water in form of rain, earth element is represented by gravitational / magnetic energy while space element is represented by sound energy.

Question : I'm facing union problem in my factory. One of my friends pinpoints the location of union office as the cause of this problem. That office is in southwest corner. How can this be the cause of the problem?

RANJIT SINHA, KANPUR

Answer : Your friend is right in his approach. South West zone in a house or a factory is a dominance zone. This zone is for the earth element, which provides balance and gives stability. That is why this area is highly recommended for master bedroom in a house and MD room / senior executive rooms in an office or factory. In your case this zone is occupied by union office. That is the reason they are dominating the affairs of the company. You've to immediately change the locationof this office to any other direction. You yourself can occupy this zone. If it is not possible, make storeroom here but never leave this space empty or to be occupied by other staff.

Question : I'm facing lot of problems from the day I changed my flat. I know that there must be some vastu defect in my house but I fear to consult a vastu consultant because I cannot change or demolish a single brick of my house as it is a society flat. Is there are any other alternative to overcome vastu defect?

SUSHANT, GlJRGAON

Answer : Who told you that vastu consultant will ask for demolition or alteration of structure? Majority of vastu consultants understand the dilemma ana problems of doing anything to dead load of a house. That is the reason we normally play with the live load of the building i.e. furniture placing, colours, pyramids, water fountain, aquarium, wind chime, etc. These alternative therapies are competent in themselves to rectify any vastu defects.

Question : I'm very fond of vastu reading.Can you give the name of some original texts available on vastu.

RAGINI SINGH, NEW DELHI

Answer : Some of ancient texts on vastu subject available in market are: Vishwakarma vastu shastra, Vasturajvallabh, Maya vastu, Manasara, Samaraangaa sutradhara and Brihat Sanhita.

Question : What is Feng Shui? Does it have any connection with Vastu Shastra?

VIKAS NANAVATI, MUMBAI

Answer : Feng Shui is the Chinese version of our ancient vastu shastra. In 6th BC whenthe Buddhist religion spread in China, along with other literature and reading, vastu aiso moved there. Buddhist and Jain literature are full of Vastu references. Lord Buddha is supposed to have given instructions to his disciples about the construction of Vlharas and Chaityas. Each region has a unique style in harmony with geographical and environmental requirements. Their beauty and vastness will fascinate those who have visited our temples in the South. They are the marvels of Vastushastra and people are often surprised how these massive and magnificent structures could be created. Similar is the case with the ancient forts, which have survived the vagaries of history and nature. This knowledge of Chinese custom and tradition' comes up in a new science of building technique now known as Feng Shii in the world.

Question : I'm very fond of gardening. Is there anyVastu guideline for trees and plants?

SUSHMTTA, NEW DELHI

Answer : Following are the points one should take care of for growing trees and plants in one's house: For trees, the South in itself is good and so is west. No trees should be grown in the North slid the East. The one at the North-East is worst. Lawns and flowerbeds should be in the Norfh-East. Except rose and a few medicinal plants, all thorny plants give rise to tension in the environment. Cactus is worst. Plants exuding white sap should also be kept off. Tulsi is perfect for home's Brahamesthan i.e. naval point of vastu purusha. Growing creeper/climber with support on the compound, walls or a house wall is best avoided.

Question : Today, there is lot of hype about Vastu. What Vastu is all about? What does it mean and signigy?

ABHINAV, MUMEAI

Answer : Vastu is nothing but the science of construction of human dwelling. Even Hindi version of architecture is vastukala and architect is calledvastuvid. Vastu is defined as science of orientationof direction. In vastu, we deal with 16 different directions. The better terminology could be "Ancient Architecture" or "Vedic Architecture". An architect can build you a very good house with all comforts and amenities but hecan't guarantee you a feeling of peace, happiness contentment in that house. Vastu can guarantee this. This is the significance of vastuover architecture.

Question : I've recently purchased a plot? Now I'm planning to build a house over there. Can you give me some Vastu tips regarding theconstruction of

GURMEET SINGH, PUNJAB

Answer : It is always advisable to follow vastu principles before construction. Some of the basic rules are: Master bedroom should be in South-esti.e. nairthuya zone of the house. Kitchen should be in South-East i.e. Agneya. Prayer room, underground water storage or bore well /tube well should be in North-East i.e. Eashyana Zone. Guest room / Daughter room should be in Northwest i.e. Vyavaya Zone. Bathroomshould be in the Eastern direction. Drawing room should be in the Northern direction.

Question : We had an ancestral house. After the demise of my father, we two brother mutually consented to divide the property between us. Afterthe division, my fortunes are going downward whereas my brother is doing well in life and business. Is there any Vastu defect in myportion of the hosue?

ANAND SINGH, HARYANA

Answer : Yes. It is certainly because of vastu dosha, which comes because of vertical split ofyour ancestral house. A vertical division generally disturbs the direction of one portion of the house while it favours the direction ofse condportion of house. Therefore, a horizontal split i.e. floor-wise division is recommended as per vastu. As vastu is the science oforientation of direction, a bad direction causes evil effect while good direction favours one's prospects and fortune.

Question : Why is it not advisable to sleep with one's head towardsNorth direction? What should be the ideal position?

SACHIN SEHGAL, NEWDELHI

Answer : Human body in itself possesses magnetic field with head as North Pole and legs as South Pole. According to magnetic laws,like chargesrepel whereas opposite ones attract each other. So when one sleeps with one's head towards North direction, there Manoj K Juyalarises a force of repulsion between North Pole of earth i.e. North direction and North pole of human body i.e. Head. This repulsiondisturbs the central nervous system, whi^h causes tension, sleeplessness, increase of blood pressure etc. It is proclaimed invastushastra that in his/her own house one should sleep with his/her head towards East of South - in others' house and during journeywith the head towards West. Head towards South ensures Dhrigaayush (long life), head towards East ensures Jnanadoyam (enlightenment), head towards West causes Shookam (unhappiness) and head towards North Maranam (death).causes

Question :Are Vastu and Jyotisha interrelated? How far can Jyotisha and Vastu define the destiny of a human being?

BHARTI, AGRA

Answer : Yes. Vastu and Jyotisha are very much interrelated and interdependent also. While Jyotisha is a Vedanga or limb of the Vedas, Vastu issaid to be anup Veda i.e. a minor veda.The fourth house in a horoscope has reference to the kind of house, property and inheritance aperson iskely to get in his lifetime. Yes it is true that vastu cannot supercede the fourth house indication in a horoscope,but can optimisethe positive signals and reduce the impact of depressing indication in one's horoscope- Life is always a balance between fate andfreewill. If to rain is fate, holdingn umbrella and going about our work is freewill. Here, Jyotisha is fate while vastu is freewill. There is acommon saying that dasha and disha changes one's destiny. While dasha is related to Jyotisha, disha i.e. direction has specific referenceto vastu. They together can totally change one's destiny and fortune.

Question : My house is a South-facing one with entrance at South South-East. I reld lot of books on Vastu. They generally consider South as baddirection. Then what shall be ideal entrance for a South-facing house?

MAHESH PATEL, DELHI

Answer : First of all, entrances shouldn't beconfused with the main gate of the compound wall. Entrance relates to the entry into the main structure bounded by its own walls and not the compound walls. The main entrance for a South-facing house should be South South-East,which is exactly your entrance but it is not enough in itself. It has to be accompanied by a corresponding entrance, though smaller atNorth North-East and/or at East North-. East also. This way you can always counter the evil effects of south entrances. South direction initself is not bad direction for the houses, but their main gate & main entrance should never be.in South,South-West and South, South-west.

Question : I don't have any space for a separate prayer room in my flat. Can I make it in my bedroom? Is there any other option available?

AJESHSKHA, BIHAR

Answer : Never make prayer room in bedroom, but if by any reason it is in bedroom that bedroom shouldn't be used by married couple and if ithappens then place curtains on all the four side of temple. The ideal place for a separate prayer room in a house is North-East corner. Ifdue to lack of space separate prayer room is not possible then temple can be put in North-East corner of kitchen. Prayer room shouldn'tbe above, below or next toilet, it shouldn't be under the staircase.

Question :I am a housewife. For thelast 6 years I am suffering from high blood pressure & diabetes. One of my friends has keen interest in vastu. She told me that my kitchen is not as per Vastu. She specifically pinpoints the placing of my cooking range which is in North-East ofmy kitchen. According of her, all my health problem is due to this. My problem is that I can't change the position/ location of mycooking range due to practical reasons, sons.

BHAVNA, ALLAHABAD

Answer : The best place for a kitchen in a house is South-East zone.The second alternative is North-West zone. In kitchen itself the ideal position of cooking range is again South-East. In your case, it is in North-East corner of your kitchen, which is very wrong and hazardous.Thebest remedy is to change the position of cooking gas from North-East to South-East of your kitchen. If it is not possible, asyou have written in your letter, then always put a big copper vessel filled with water under the slab. Change the water daily. Clean thespace immediately after completing the cooking. Put a red bulb in South East corner of kitchen. If cooking gas is placed on floor, put acopper vessel nearby it.

Question : My child doesn't concentrate on studies. Can vastu helps in this regard?

AARTL DELHI

Answer : Following are the vastu tips to increase the intelligence and concentration of a child: -Children's room should never be in North-West position of the house.-The best direction isWest. It can be North or East also. -The entrance of children's room should specifically be in North, East or North-East. -A studentshould face East while studying.-His head should1 be towards East while sleeping.

Question : I have a Gomukhi plot. Is it good forresidential purpose?

AMT KHANNA, CHANDIGARH

Answer : Plots which are narrow in front and broad at rear i.e. frontage is less than the widthat rear, are called Gomukhi plots. Gomukhi plots are good for residential purposes provided the road is in southern or western sideonly and not in eastern and northern sides. South or west-facing Gomukhi plots result in extension of north-east corner of plot which isvery auspicious, while north or east facing.

Question : I have read somewhere that southern and western walls of a house should be the thickerand heavier than northern and eastern walls, and south-west zone should be heaviest and thickest zone. Is there any remedy tomake that portion heaviest, without significantly altering the dead load of building?

JNENDRA Dmr, MUMRAI

Answer : Answer Yes remedies are there: Clad stone or slate on southern and western walls. One can paint south-west zone of his house in yellow colour. Place apyramid with a square base in south-west zone. Put a picture of your ancestor's on the southern or western wall. One can putcabinet,sofa, alrhirah etc towards southern and western walls to make that zone heavy. Put any heavy object i.e. stone or metalsculpture, planter etc on extreme south-west of your house. Devoid south-west zone from any water element i.e. tap, waterstorage, tubewell/borewell, aquarium, fountain etc.