Importance of eight directions in Vastu Shastra
According to Vaastu Shastra, the entire universe exists in endless space and has no direction whatsoever. However, on Earth our directions are defined with respect to the Sun. Vastu Shastra identifies eight cardinal directions on which all are activities are based, each of which has a particular significance. India is the only country where the 4 sub-directions also have a special name assigned to them just like the main directions. This emphasises the importance directions played in ancient times.
Orientation is very important in In the technology of Indian architecture. The basic rules of Vastu Shastra are based on the eight directions – Four principle directions:
North (Uttara, ruled by Lord Kuber, God of Wealth)
  South (Dakshina, ruled by Lord Yama, God of Death)
  East (Purva, ruled by Lord Indra, King of Gods, and Lord Aditya/Surya, God of Sun/Energy)
  West (Pashcima, ruled by Lord Varun, God of Rain/Water)
Four secondary directions:
  North-East (Ishanya,ruled by Lord Ishanya, God of All Quarters)
  North-West (Vayavya, ruled by Lord Vayu, God of Winds)
  South-East (Agneya, ruled by Lord Agni, God of Fire)
  South-West (Nairutya, ruled by Pitru or Ancestors)
Center Zone(Brahmasthan):
Brahmasthan is an important and significant part of plot which should be kept vacant and free from any construction. It is the main centre of any plot from where Vastu directions are determined which makes it extremely important point. According to Vastu this area of plot should be fixed for open space with no construction because Brahmasthan is the root of energies that are dispersed to every corner and surrounding of plot. So construction in the centre of plot means blocking the main energy that keeps a living place lively.
According to Vaastu, all the eight directions are governed by different gods who have their own respective influences on human beings as described below.
| Direction | Embodiment | Presiding Deity | Element | Ruling Planet | Colors | Trees Plants |
| North/ Uttara | Prosperity and happiness, wealth and career | Kuber (Lord of Wealth) | Water (jal) | Budha/ Mercury | Light blue, light green, cream, beige, white | Pakad, Neem, Bilva, Shami, Kaith, Tulsi |
| Northeast/ Ishanya | Knowledge spiritual wealth source of power and health | Ishvara (Lord of All Quarters, the Supreme Lord) | Water (jal) | Guru Jupiter | Bright yellow bright white | Basil, herbs |
| East/ Purva | Enlightenment, affluence fulfilment, seeing the world | Aditya (god of energy/ Health) and Indra king of gods | Light, power | Ravi/ Sun | Orange, yellow, bright white | Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, Bamboo, Bargad |
| Southeast/ Agneya | Health, women’s issues, source of heat and food energy generating | Agni(Lord of Fire) | Fire-agni | Shukra/ Venus | Warm colors, sky blue, yellow, silver white | Herbs, mint, basil, rose, annar |
| South/ Dakshina | Negativity problems suffering, legal affairs and struggle | Yama (Lord of Dharma and Death) prevents the evil eye from taking control of our lives | Earth | Mars | All earthy colors, brown pink, red, blue | Rose, Neem, Udumbura (goolar) Panas |
| Southwest/ Nairutya/ Pitru | Fame, income, longevity, source of character | Nairuthi (lord of dissolution) ruled by Pittru or ancestors | Earth | Rahu | All earthy colors, purple grey light green blue | Heavy leaf bearing trees like Ashoka |
| West/ Paschim | Poverty, lack of vitality and creativity | Varuna (god of rain/ Waters) | Air moisture | Shani/ Saturn | Peach, dull white, light green, blue | Bilva, Kair, Neelgiri, Madhuka, Peepal |
| Northwest/ Vayavya | Communication, social life, source of change, | Vayu (Wind) | Air | Chandra Moon | Light blue, dull white, pista green | Small Plants |
| Center | Balance, creativity, spiritual growth and desire | Brahma – creator of the universe | Space | Ravi sun | White, bright yellow | Tulsi |
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Earth here means composition of the surface of the earth , the soil and other minerals present in the soil. The upper part of the surface is called soil ,Stone, sand, iron, lime etc., all these are parts of soil. All these physical elements are available in limited quantity and on a particular place. This depends on the composition of surface, its form and size, trees and vegetation grown upon it etc. that whether it will be appropriate to inhabit at such a place or not . Moreover if there is a residence there , what type of construction should be there. Availability of essential building materials and their transportation also depend upon the formation of soil . Soil can be categorized on the basis of its shape , touch , taste and sound . We must take care that it suits our physique while selecting land for building and collecting building material.
This is represented by rain ,river ,sea and is in the form of liquid , solid(ice) and gas (steam , cloud ) . It forms part of every plant and animal. Our blood is nothing but water with haemoglobin and oxygen.
Fire circulates energy in the form of light and heat . The sun is the main source of light and heat for us. The movement of the earth in relation to the sun causes day and night and change in seasons .
As a life supporting element, air is very powerful life source. Human physical comfort values are directly and sensitively dependent on correct humidity, air flow, temperature of air, air pressure, air composition and its content. Foul air should not gather in the building and fresh air should come continuously . From which direction air should enter or not is also important .
Space is the most widely spread over of the five basic elements. The unending region of the universe in which all the heavenly bodies exist is called space ( Aakaash ). There is no place in the universe where this space does not exist. Gravitational pull of various heavenly bodies, magnetic power, different kinds of radiations and waves like ultra -violet rays, infra- red rays, light rays , cosmic rays, etc. are always present in space. There is an invisible and constant relation between all the five elements. Thus, the man can improve his conditions by properly designing his buildings by understanding the effectiveness of these five natural forces.