5 golden rules of buying a home as per Vastu Shastra

We look at five basic Vastu Shastra rules that home buyers can check on their own, to ensure that their house conforms to Vastu norms

Everybody wishes to buy a house that brings happiness, peace and positive vibes, while living in it. It is believed that a home that complies with Vastu Shastra norms, brings good fortune to its occupants. Vastu is all about harmonising the concepts of engineering, optics, acoustics and spirituality. Given below are five important rules that home seekers can check, to ascertain if the property they intend to buy conforms to the basic Vastu principles.

Rule 1: The direction of the plot and construction should face north or east

Rakesh Patekar, project head, Elysium Abodes, points out that some directions have positive impacts, while the others may have a negative impact on the occupants of the house. “According to Vastu, east and north-facing plots are appropriate for construction of homes. Care should be taken, while designing houses facing west or south direction,” adds Patekar.

Rule 2: The shape of the plot should be square or rectangular

Experts suggest that the shape of the plot, on which the house is constructed, should be square or rectangular, facing squarely on the four cardinal directions. Ideally, the ratio between the length and the breadth of the building should be 1:1 or 1:1.5 or a maximum up to 1:2. “Home buyers must avoid plots whose shape is irregular, oval, circular, triangular, or if any of the corners in the north, east, south or west are missing. A plot with four corners and in a square shape is best, subject to compliance with other norms of Vastu,” explains Vikash Sethi, CEO and founder, A2ZVastu.com

Rule 3: Shape of the building/structure should comply with Vastu norms

The ‘Shermukhi’ and ‘Gaumukhi’ shapes are given importance in Vastu, because these shapes decide the overall prosperity and wellbeing of inmates present in a property. A Gaumukhi shape is narrow at the point of entry and broad at the back, whereas a Shermukhi house shape is broad at the entrance and narrow at the back. Gaumukhi is considered good for housing purpose, while Shermukhi is suitable for commercial properties. Similarly, extended corners (except on the north-east) are not considered suitable for residential properties.

Rule 4: Interiors and colours for a house, as per Vastu principles

Dark colours such as black radiate negative energy. Therefore, try to avoid dark colours in your home’s walls, furniture, floors, etc. Light colours such as pink, yellow, orange, etc., radiate positive energy and can be used in the home interiors, as per the direction of the constructed area. For example, orange colour is suitable for the dining area and cream colour for the master bedroom (in the south-west).

Rule 5: Placement of objects in the house

Patekar adds, “There are few rules under Vastu when it comes to the placement of furniture items/objects:

• The bed should always be kept in the south-west direction of the bedroom.


• Shoe racks should also be placed in the south-west direction.


• The dining table should always be installed in the north-west part of the dining room.


• While studying, children should face the north direction.”

Home buyers should also consider the placement of areas like kitchens, toilets, staircase and the main door, which should not be in the south/south-west direction. Finally, property seekers should ensure that there is proper harmony between the five elements, to derive the positive effects of Vastu.