North, Northeast, East — each direction of your home governs a different part of life. Here is the complete map.
Vastu Shastra divides the world around a dwelling into eight directions — four cardinal points (N, E, S, W) and four intercardinal corners (NE, SE, SW, NW). Each direction is governed by a deity, associated with one of the five elements, and predisposed to certain activities. Match a room to its direction and the house feels effortless; mismatch and the same room fights its own position.
Before applying any of this, make sure you can find directions on your own plot — the Plot Direction Finder shows you how.
| Direction | Sanskrit Name | Element | Presiding Deity | Governs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | Uttara | Water | Kuber (wealth) | Prosperity, career, income |
| Northeast | Ishanya | Water | Ishana (Shiva) | Spirituality, mind, purity |
| East | Purva | Air | Indra | Health, growth, social success |
| Southeast | Agneya | Fire | Agni | Energy, ambition, kitchen |
| South | Dakshina | Earth | Yama | Strength, reputation, rest |
| Southwest | Nairitya | Earth | Nirriti | Stability, authority, legacy |
| West | Paschim | Water | Varuna | Fulfilment, service, gain |
| Northwest | Vayavya | Air | Vayu | Movement, guests, quick gains |
The money corner. A north that stays open, bright, and clutter-free is said to keep income steady. Ideal for offices, study areas, and living spaces; never place a toilet or heavy store in the north.
The most delicate and divine zone — the "high north-east." Keep it the lightest, most open corner: pooja room (see guide), meditation area, or open balcony. Bathrooms, staircases, and kitchens here are the classic doshas to avoid.
The sunrise direction of health and growth. Exposed to the gentlest morning rays, East suits the living room, children's rooms, verandas, and study (guide).
The kitchen direction. Heat, energy and appetite live here, which is why the kitchen belongs in the SE. Acceptable for entry in businesses but too hot for bedrooms and studies.
The heavy, shaded direction of authority and deep rest. It balances the north and east's lightness. Large, heavy rooms are fine here; the master bedroom and staircases prefer the south.
The strongest earth zone — the anchor of the whole house. Keep it heavy, open, and stable: master bedroom, owner's desk (office Vastu), staircase. The main door and kitchen should avoid the SW.
The direction of fulfilment and service. Works well for dining, study, guest bedrooms, and toilets. It is a "receiving" side; heavy goods and storage also sit comfortably to the west.
The direction of movement, guests, and quick gains. Perfect for guest bedrooms, garages, and utility spaces. A good home for bathrooms too. Avoid putting the worship area here.
| Room | Ideal Direction | Detailed Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Main Entrance | N, E, NE | Entrance Guide → |
| Kitchen | SE, NW, E | Kitchen Vastu → |
| Master Bedroom | SW, S | Bedroom Vastu → |
| Pooja Room | NE, E, N | Pooja Room → |
| Study | NE, N, E | Study Room → |
| Office / Desk | SW cabin, N/E facing | Office Vastu → |
| Living Room | N, E, NE | — |
| Dining Room | W, NW, E | — |
| Bathroom / Toilet | NW, W | Toilet Vastu → |
| Staircase | S, SW, W | Staircase Guide → |
| Garage / Store | NW, W, S | — |
For sharper planning, divide each of these directions into sub-zones — the 16 Zones Guide does exactly that. And remember the centre: the Brahmasthan must stay open above all. When you're ready to see how your own rooms line up, run Analyze My House or lay out a correct plan with Create House Plan.
Based on traditional Vastu principles. Not scientifically proven.