Locating the Center of the House and Identifying 16 Directions Through Angular Techniques in Vastu Shastra
Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science of building architecture, places tremendous importance on the orientation and spatial layout of a house. One of the basic Vastu practices is to locate the center of the house or plot (Brahmasthan) and the 16 directions (Shodasha Disha) correctly in order to help plan the placement of rooms, doors, toilets, kitchens, and other features. The angular method is a scientifically correct and geometrically precise approach to ascertain these directions. This article will walk you through the step-by-step procedure of locating the center and marking all 16 directions with angular measurements.
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Understanding the 16 Directions in Vastu
In Vastu Shastra, the 16 directions include:
Primary Directions (Cardinal – 4):
- North (0°)
- East (90°)
- South (180°)
- West (270°)
Intercardinal Directions (Ordinals – 4):
- North-East (NE – 45°)
- South-East (SE – 135°)
- South-West (SW – 225°)
- North-West (NW – 315°)
Secondary Intercardinal Directions (Sub-Directions – 8):
- North-Northeast (NNE – 22.5°)
- East-Northeast (ENE – 67.5°)
- East-Southeast (ESE – 112.5°)
- South-Southeast (SSE – 157.5°)
- South-Southwest (SSW – 202.5°)
- West-Southwest (WSW – 247.5°)
- West-Northwest (WNW – 292.5°)
- North-Northwest (NNW – 337.5°)
Each of these directions is in charge of particular energies and affects, and proper placement is necessary to achieve harmony in health, wealth, and relationships.
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Step 1: Find the Center of the House (Brahmasthan)
The Brahmasthan is the spiritual and energetic core of a structure. Here’s how to locate it:
Method:
- Get an accurate floor plan of the house or plot.
- Measure the total length and width of the built-up area.
- Divide both the length and width by two to find the midpoint of each axis.
- Draw intersecting lines from the midpoints of opposite walls (horizontal and vertical).
- The intersection point is the Brahmasthan—the geometric center of the house.
Note: The Brahmasthan should ideally be kept open or clutter-free in Vastu. One should never have a toilet, kitchen, entrance, elevated ground or open roof in this zone.
Step 2: Establish the North Direction
Before marking directions, determine True North:
- Use a magnetic compass, Google Earth Pro, or a survey plan to determine the North direction.
- Draw a North arrow from the center (Brahmasthan) toward the top of the paper or drawing.
Once North is marked, other directions can be calculated as angles clockwise from North or marked using Shakti Chakra.
Step 3: Mark the 16 Directions Using Angular Measurement
From the center, use a 360° protractor, CAD software, or a directional template to plot the angles.
Directions with Angular Bearings:
Direction | Bearing (Degrees) |
North | 0° / 360° |
North-Northeast (NNE) | 22.5° |
Northeast (NE) | 45° |
East-Northeast (ENE) | 67.5° |
East | 90° |
East-Southeast (ESE) | 112.5° |
Southeast (SE) | 135° |
South-Southeast (SSE) | 157.5° |
South | 180° |
South-Southwest (SSW) | 202.5° |
Southwest (SW) | 225° |
West-Southwest (WSW) | 247.5° |
West | 270° |
West-Northwest (WNW) | 292.5° |
Northwest (NW) | 315° |
North-Northwest (NNW) | 337.5° |
Steps:
- From the Brahmasthan, use a protractor or compass to mark each angle.
- Draw rays or lines extending outward from the center at the respective angles.
- Label each direction clearly on the drawing.
- If you’re working digitally, use the “Polar Tracking” or “Angular Snaps” feature in CAD software to lock in angles.
Step 4: Map the Zones to the House Layout
Once the 16 directions are marked:
- Superimpose the directional grid on the floor plan.
- Divide the house into 16 directional zones radiating out from the center.
- Match Vastu principles for ideal placement:
Pro Tips for Accurate Marking
- Always use True North, not magnetic North (account for magnetic declination if needed).
- Ensure the drawing is to scale for accurate plotting.
- Keep the Brahmasthan clutter-free for optimal energy flow.
- If a physical site is under construction, you can mark directions on the ground using lime powder or chalk lines based on compass bearings.
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Finding the center of the house and marking the 16 directions using the angular method bridges the precision of geometry with the spiritual science of Vastu. It ensures your home aligns harmoniously with natural forces, enhancing well-being, prosperity, and peace. Whether you’re constructing a new home or evaluating an existing one, this method provides a solid foundation for Vastu-compliant living.