Directions in Vastu
Vastu divides a home into eight directions plus the centre. Each has a guardian deity, a planet and its own character, and each suits particular rooms: north-east for prayer, south-east for cooking, south-west for the master bedroom.
Also known as: vastu directions
The eight directions, or dishas, are the four cardinal points and the four corners between them. Each is guarded by a dikpala: Kubera in the north, Ishana in the north-east, Indra in the east, Agni in the south-east, Yama in the south, Nirriti in the south-west, Varuna in the west and Vayu in the north-west. Brahma holds the centre.
Each direction also carries a planet: the Sun in the east, Venus in the south-east, Mars in the south, Rahu in the south-west, Saturn in the west, the Moon in the north-west, Mercury in the north and Jupiter in the north-east. The corners hold the elements: water in the north-east, fire in the south-east, earth in the south-west and air in the north-west.
To map your home, stand at its centre with a compass and mark the eight zones on a floor plan. Most consultants use a magnetic compass. In India magnetic north lies within a degree or two of true north; in parts of North America or Australia the gap can be 10° or more, so it is worth knowing which one your consultant uses.
A home rarely gets every direction right, and Vastu does not expect it to. Consultants weigh the important placements, the entrance, kitchen, master bedroom and pooja room, and suggest simple adjustments for the rest.