Vastu Shastra is the ancient Indian science of architecture that integrates nature and human dwellings, emphasizing the balance of natural forces for harmony, prosperity and well-being. Vastu applies to various architectural spaces such as homes, offices and apartments. ‘Which floor is best according to Vastu Shastra?’ is one of the most important questions asked when looking for a house.
It works on the belief that a balanced interaction between the five elements: Earth, water, fire, air and space can bring positive energy and enhance the quality of life.
So, is this still relevant in modern apartment living? Yes. The principles of Vastu Shastra are adapted to high-rise buildings and smaller spaces. Many modern developers, such as Raymond Realty, are also building Vastu-compliant flats.
However, since some of them are pre-built flats, Vastu for apartments usually involves adjusting layouts, floor selection and interior arrangements and positive energy. Residents can also alter the flat entrance as per Vastu,the placement of rooms, and the flow of energy.
Vastu plays an important role in deciding the ideal floor for the flat to be located in. Vastu Shastra believes that every floor of an apartment building is associated with different elemental energies, which influence the well-being and balance of the residents. For example, higher floors have more of an air element, which promotes emotional upliftment, but sometimes creates a sense of instability. Lower floors, on the other hand, are more grounded and are often associated with the earth element, promoting stability and practicality.
Vastu Shastra for flats often focuses on selecting a floor based on the direction the apartment faces and the energy flow on that floor. North or East facing apartments are often preferred more, as they are believed to bring prosperity and positive energy. The floor level also influences how these energies flow, and each floor offers different benefits.
The ground floor is associated with stability and a strong connection to the earth element. It is ideal for those who want a grounded and secure life, such as families with young children or elderly people. However, ground floors may also have security concerns or privacy issues compared to higher floors.
The first three floors offer a good balance of practicality and stability as they combine the air and earth elements. They are closer to the ground and provide a sense of security and connection to the earth. Lower floors are considered to be Vastu compliant, making them favourable for balanced living.
The middle floors provide the perfect blend of air and earth elements, and this is the best environment for emotional balance and practicality. These floors are high enough to avoid noise and pollution from the street, and low enough to maintain a connection to the earth. They are considered the most balanced for well-being according to Vastu principles.
The upper floors of an apartment are dominated by the air element, which promotes emotional upliftment and openness. However, they may lack the stability of the lower floors, which could mean restlessness or imbalance if not managed properly. Upper floors are ideal for those who seek creativity, lightness or a spacious feeling, but not for those who want grounding energy.
Vastu also directs which facing flat is good. Let’s have a look at each direction’s auspiciousness.
North-facing apartments:
These are generally considered auspicious for wealth and prosperity. Apartments on floors 1 to 3 are preferred north-facing, to maintain a connection to the earth and enhance financial stability.
East-facing apartments:
East is associated with health and overall well-being. Mid-level floors, (4th to 6th) are considered ideal as they balance the influence of the rising sun with the air element.
South-facing apartments:
While traditionally not considered favourable, south-facing apartments can be balanced if you choose middle or higher floors, thus ensuring that the sun’s heat and energy do not become overpowering.
West-facing apartments:
West is linked to stability in career and relationships. Middle to upper floors are recommended to harness the positive influence of the setting sun while maintaining a practical connection to the Earth.
The optimal floor levels for each direction are:
North-facing: 1st to 3rd floors
East-facing: 4th to 6th floors
South-facing: 4th floor and above
West-facing: 4th to 7th floors.
Vastu Shastra emphasises the importance of the main entrance, as it acts as the gateway for energy to enter the home. For different floors in an apartment:
Avoid southwest and southeast directions for main doors, as they may lead to financial instability or health problems.
The entrance should be well-lit and clutter-free. Follow these Vastu tips for flat entrances to enhance positivity:
The way the placement of rooms in flats will adhere to Vastu principles often depends on the floor level. Ten X Era, Thane, by Raymond Realty follows these Vastu placement rules to enhance harmony.
However, different floors may have specific Vastu challenges, thus calling for adjustments such as:
Balcony and Window placements for each floor:
Vastu recommends the following placements for balconies and windows:
Common Vastu Myths for Apartments
One of the reasons why Vastu Shastra is at times skipped while buying homes is the various myths that surround this science, especially when it comes to modern high-rise apartment buildings. Let’s debunk some of them!
Myth | Fact |
Higher floors are less affected by Vastu. | Vastu principles apply to all floors, and energy flow can be guided by proper room placement and flat entrance as per Vastu. |
Vastu is irrelevant in modern apartments. | Modern living spaces can still adhere to Vastu principles for better harmony and energy flow. |
Vastu doesn’t apply beyond a certain number of floors. | Vastu principles are equally applicable to high-rise buildings; adjustments in room layout, entrance and lighting can still enhance positive energy. |
Only houses with plots need Vastu compliance. | Vastu for flats influences the well-being of residents as much as it does for independent houses. |
Many people have wondered about this, and the answer is: yes, it is relevant for flats and apartments. Even though buyers can’t control the overall building structure, individual adjustments within the flat can create a balanced and harmonious environment.
In cases where the flat doesn’t comply with Vastu, here are some tips to make it a Vastu apartment:
You can use basic guidelines such as the following:
Modern interpretations of Vastu integrate technology and sustainability. These include:
Balancing Vastu with personal preferences and modern amenities:
It’s important to follow Vastu, but your style should also shine through. After all, it is your home!
In apartment living, applying Vastu principles can create a balanced, harmonious environment. The selection of the right floor and orientation based on Vastu Shastra can positively impact the residents’ well-being, financial stability and emotional health.