Vastu directions and what each is traditionally used for
Vastu divides a home into eight directions plus the centre, and each has a traditional use. North-east (Ishanya) suits prayer and water, south-east (Agneya) the kitchen, south-west (Nairutya) the master bedroom. Different texts and practitioners vary, so these are common preferences and not laws.
2 min read ·
How are the eight directions measured on a plan?
Directions are read from the centre of the plan, the Brahmasthan, outwards. Find North first with a compass app, mark it on the plan, then divide the plan into eight equal wedges. A room belongs to the wedge where most of its area falls.
A compass reading near steel, wiring or a large appliance can drift, so take it in a few spots and compare. If you live in a flat, take it inside your own flat.
| Direction | Sanskrit name | Commonly preferred for |
|---|---|---|
| North | Uttara | Entrance, living room, balcony, study |
| North-east | Ishanya | Pooja room, entrance, living room, underground water |
| East | Purva | Entrance, living room, balcony, study |
| South-east | Agneya | Kitchen stove |
| South | Dakshina | Staircase, heavier rooms |
| South-west | Nairutya | Master bedroom, staircase, valuables locker |
| West | Paschima | Children's bedroom, staircase, home office |
| North-west | Vayavya | Guests, children's bedroom, toilet, store room |
What are the eight Vastu directions?
Vastu uses north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-west, west and north-west, plus the centre. Each direction has a Sanskrit name and, for four corners, a traditional element. The table gives the name, the element where one is commonly taught, and the uses most texts mention.
Corners carry the strongest associations. North-east is linked with water, south-east with fire, south-west with earth and north-west with air, and the centre with space.
Which rooms go in the corner directions?
The north-east is preferred for the pooja room, an open living space and underground water. The south-east is preferred for the kitchen stove. The south-west is preferred for the master bedroom, the staircase and the valuables locker. The north-west suits guests, children's bedrooms and toilets.
Toilets are avoided in the north-east, south-west and centre. A kitchen is avoided in the north-east and south-west.
Does a house's facing make it good or bad?
The facing alone does not make a house good or bad. A house faces the direction its main entrance opens to. Where the rooms sit and where the entrance falls along that side matter more.
If a room does not match
These need no building work.
- Recheck North first. A wrong North reading shifts every other finding.
- Take compass readings in several spots, away from metal, and compare them.
- If a room sits across two wedges, look at where most of its area falls.
- Ask a qualified architect or engineer and the local authority before any structural change.
In VastuLive
VastuLive reads the North marking on your plan and asks you to confirm it when it is unsure, because it will not guess North. It then places each room in a direction and explains the rule behind each finding.
See how the app worksQuestions
Which direction is best in Vastu?
No single direction is best, because each is traditionally preferred for certain rooms. North, north-east and east are the usual choices for the main entrance, the north-east suits a pooja room, the south-east the kitchen stove and the south-west the master bedroom. Traditions differ, so read these as common preferences.
What is Brahmasthan?
The Brahmasthan is the centre of the plan, traditionally kept open, light and uncluttered. Texts advise against a toilet, staircase or heavy construction there, and directions are read outwards from it. It is linked with space among the five elements. A cleared, bright centre suits any home whatever tradition you follow.
Can I use a phone compass?
Yes, a compass app is a reasonable start for finding North. Readings can drift near steel, wiring or a large appliance, so take it in a few spots and compare them with the plan. If you live in a flat, take the reading inside your own flat, and recheck North if a finding surprises you.
Keep reading
Based on traditional Vastu texts and practice. Traditions differ, and nothing here promises a result. For structural, legal or safety questions, ask a qualified architect or engineer.