Role Of Directions In Hindu Culture

Buying a residential property is a symbol of financial success. It is also a very emotional journey. This is the home in which you and your loved ones will live and grow, and your family will spend beautiful hours of togetherness and will make memories. Setting up your apartment to optimise the energies flowing in and to attract abundance, luck, health, and joy, is one of the important ways you can turn the house into a home. In ancient Hindu scriptures, each direction of the home is significant and holds certain energies. This philosophy is reflected in the various Vastu Shastra manuscripts as well.

The importance of directions

According to Hindu scriptures that date back thousands of years, such as the Manu Smriti, every home or residence is impacted by the flow of energies. It is considered a living entity represented by the Vastu Purusha, who is worshipped during the bhoomi puja (prayer done before the commencement of construction). Each direction is assigned its ruling deity, influencing the planet or celestial body and energetic vibrations. Hindu scriptures encourage homeowners to honour the rulers and characteristics of all eight directions – North West, North, North East, East, South East, South, South West, and West. Only by constructing a home in accordance with these energies or setting up a home can we create harmony and attract peace, joy, and growth.

Homeowners often wonder which direction to face while praying, which is the best suited for the bedroom or kitchen, and which direction to face while studying. Here is a guide to the different directions in your home.

Puja room direction

If you are wondering which direction to face while praying, Hindu scriptures have an easy answer. The northeast is considered one of the most auspicious directions. It is governed by Lord Shiva and harnesses the energies of the planet Jupiter. It represents everything purity, divinity, and clarity. This makes it the right direction to place the home temple or puja room. It is also the right direction to build a lounge or relaxing yoga space. Lighting a small earthen lamp in this corner is highly recommended. It symbolises the light that the household receives. The northeastern corner of the home should always be kept clean and clutter-free.

Designing the kitchen

Like the northeast, the southeastern direction of the home is also considered very significant in the Hindu tradition. It is governed by Goddess Lakshmi and ruled by the planet Venus. This is the direction that symbolises safety, security, growth, and nourishment. In a home, all these are represented by the food we eat, and it is only apt that Hindu diktats recommend placing the kitchen in this corner. It is the food that we cook and eat that forms the basis of our health and happiness. It is not a good idea to place a water feature like a fountain in this corner as it may attract legal disputes.

Bedroom placement

To ensure the best possible positioning, Hindu scriptures recommend that the master bedroom be situated in the southwest corner of the house. As for the guest bedroom and children'schildren's bedroom, the prime location would be the northwest corner. The southwest direction is ruled by the demon Niruth and governed by the shadowy planet Rahu. When this corner is slightly more elevated than the rest of the home, it brings fame and renown. The northwest is ruled by the wind god Vayu and governed by the Moon, the celestial lord of emotions and creativity. This naturally exuberant corner is best for children.

Which direction should your bed face?    

Whichever direction your bedroom faces, it is important for the bed to face east-west. This is the best direction for sleep for those living in the northern hemisphere. If this is not possible, placing the bed to face northeast or southwest is recommended. The head of your bed should not be placed to the north, according to Hindu traditions. The south is the direction ruled by Yama, the god of death and facing south while sleeping is not a good idea. Several scientific studies indicate that due to the earth's magnetic pull, this guideline may also be scientifically substantiated.

Home office and success

Most of us prefer to work from home these days and set up a small home office. According to Hindu scriptures, the western direction is ideal for a home office. The direction is ruled by the god of rain, Varun, and governed by Saturn. This direction rewards diligence, hard work, and integrity and brings fame and prosperity.

Conclusion 

The Hindu system of belief is all-inclusive and believes in giving every living and non-living entity due respect. Considering the movement of the sun and the celestial bodies and their directions is also very important in living a healthy and fruitful life.