Vastu Shastra literally means the science of architecture. This ancient Indian science is all about integrating the principles of design, layout and measurements with nature to create a positive and happy living environment. While vastu can help you create a peaceful home, a lot of vastu principles doing the rounds today are just myths which will do you no good. To debunk these common myths, we got in touch with renowned vastu expert, Mr Vijendra Bathija, founder of InVasthu. Read on for 10 FAQs on vastu and their real, vastu expert-approved answers.

#1: Can Vastu Shastra Help You Earn Wealth?

A: You would often hear people telling you that houses built facing a particular direction or placing jewellery in the southwest direction can help you grow your wealth. This is a myth, as Vastu Shastra has nothing to do with directly growing your wealth. Rather, it’s focused on your well-being.

The basic ideology of vastu revolves around maintaining a positive mindset and good health. This is achieved by creating home that exist in harmony with nature. Once you are healthy both physically and mentally, you are equipped to earn wealth. In other words, your own individual energy is most vital in vastu.

#2: Is the Northeast the Most Auspicious Direction for Your Entryway?

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The people living in a home will determine the entryway direction

A: This is a myth. Technically, in accordance with Vastu Shastra, your entryway or main door should be around 1/5th to 1/6th away from the northeast corner. That’s largely because the eastern radiation and northern magnetic waves might make this corner the healthiest space. But it’s not meant for people going in and out of the house. Rather, it’s meant for positive energies to enter your home.

In addition, the direction also all depends upon energies flowing through the home as well as the names of the people residing in that space.

#3: Should Your Pooja Room Specifically Be in the Northern or Eastern Directions?

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Evoke divinity in your pooja room by following the correct vastu rules

Contrary to what many people believe, it isn’t mandatory for your pooja room to be in the north or east. Rather, these directions are preferable options due to the northern magnetic waves and the sun towards the east, which helps in clearing microbes and creating a serene and positive environment.

However, if your bathroom is towards the north or east, building your pooja room there will only bring negativity into your home. Similarly, if the bathroom in your neighbour’s home faces your pooja room, the positive effects of the northern or eastern directions will be negated. Hence, the direction of your pooja room will ultimately depend upon your home and surrounding, as well as the flow of energy in your space.

In addition, don’t build your pooja room near the entryway. The reason is that the ambience in your holy space depends upon the mental wavelengths of the people entering that space. As such, people with a negative mindset entering your home might ruin the atmosphere in your mandir.

Also Read: 9 Essential Pooja Room Vastu Tips for a Happy Home

#4: Is It Fine to Paint the Master Bedroom and Living Room in Generic Colours?

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Choose pastel colours like peach for your bedroom

A: You will often hear that it’s alright to paint the master bedroom, the kids’ room and the living room in any generic colour. This is a vastu myth.

According to vastu shastra, the direction of the room determines the colour. For instance, a master bedroom in the southwest can be painted in peach, as a light colour like peach, creates a peaceful space.

In addition, as per vastu, you’re not supposed to have a large window in the southwest. Choosing a colour like peach helps create a light and airy space when your room lacks a window. Know more about the best vastu colours for each room.

#5: Can the Entrance Be Towards the Southeast?

A: A southeast entry is unlucky as it is the place of the Agni Kund — again, a Vastu Shastra myth. In reality, the southeast can prove to be lucky for you. As per Vastu Shastra, no direction is ‘bad’ and the best direction for a home depends upon the people living in it, as well as the surrounding homes.

#6: Does Vastu Have Any Scientific Significance?

A: Many people believe that Vastu Shastra involves religion and superstition. This is a vastu myth. Vastu Shastra literally means the science of architecture. Vastu rules have been tried and tested by science.

For instance, vastu considers metal beds unhealthy. The reason is that the metal can combine with the Earth’s magnetic energies and harm your body. While Vastu Shastra is more than 5000 years old, rules do change due to the Earth’s tilt and consequent shifts in the northern and southern hemispheres.

#7: Does the Eldest Member of the Family Have to Occupy the Master Bedroom in the Southwest?

A: This is a Vastu Shastra myth that was relevant at one time, but is no longer mandatory today. Earlier, most homes were north or east-facing, due to which the room in the southwest corner was towards the backend, the most secure part of the home. In addition, this room had minimal window space. This guaranteed the safety of the eldest member or the breadwinner of the house. Also, money brought in by the breadwinner was also kept in this safe location.

#8: Is Southeast the Only Ideal Direction for Your Kitchen?

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The kitchen is ruled by Lord Agni

A: This Vastu Shastra principle used to be applicable at one time, but is no longer relevant today. In ancient times, kitchens did not have exhaust fans. As such, building the kitchen in the southeast corner ensured that wind would enter the home and help you get rid of smoke and smells. Today, most homes are fitted with exhaust fans, chimneys etc. Thus, you do not have to build your kitchen in the southeast. Get some exclusive kitchen vastu tips.

#9: Can I Place Mythological and Nature-Inspired Photos Anywhere in My Home?

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Avoid artwork depicting violence

A: This depends upon the types of photos. According to vastu, you should never place images depicting violence, war, disaster or death in your home as this can affect your mindset negatively. However, you’re free to install mythological or nature-inspired photos in your home provided they depict peaceful scenes. 

#10: Is a South-Facing Home Bad?

A: This is a very big vastu myth commonly propagated by vastu experts and other people. As per vastu, no direction is bad for you. Vastu Shastra does not define directions but asks you to integrate principles of design with nature. During the old days, this idea was propagated as homes were porous and magnetic waves could harm you.

However, homes today are made of concrete, making them sturdy and durable against the Earth’s magnetic waves. As such, even if you have a south-facing home, you can definitely prosper and be happy there. In fact, several successful and well-known business personnel have south-facing homes. Read more about south-facing house vastu.

At a Glance

10 Vastu Shastra Myths Busted!
Myth #1: Vastu Shastra can help you earn wealth
Vastu Myth #2: Northeast is the most auspicious direction for your entryway
Myth #3: The toilet shouldn’t be in the northeast corner
Vastu Myth #4: The pooja room should be in the northern or eastern directions
Myth #5: The entrance should not be in the southeast
Vastu Myth #6: Vastu has no scientific significance
Myth #7: The eldest member of the family should occupy the master bedroom in the southwest
Vastu Myth #8: The kitchen should only be in the southeast corner
Myth #9: Mythological or nature-inspired photos can be placed anywhere in the house
Vastu Myth #10: You should avoid buying a south-facing home

We hope these FAQs about vastu myths helped you.

Also Read: 5 Vastu-Approved Decorative Items to Bring Good Luck Into Your Home

About Mr Vijendra Bathija

A professional vastu expert with an excellent understanding of modern architecture and designing since 2003. He founded InVasthu to spread the pride and knowledge of vastu throughout the world.

For more vastu insights, follow @InVasthu on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Quora and Telegram. You can also book an appointment for vastu advice on 9663955442.

Check out this vastu-friendly home designed by Livspace:

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