Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian science of architecture and design that aims to create harmony between the built environment and nature. It provides guidelines on various aspects like site selection, building layout, orientation, spatial planning, proportions, colors, materials etc. One of the key aspects of Vastu is the association of different directions with specific deities, elements, colors etc. This forms the basis for recommendations on placements and orientations in a house or building.
Birds have a special significance in Vastu as they are considered messengers of peace and prosperity. Their images and paintings are widely used for enhancing positive energy in homes and workspaces. However, Vastu provides specific guidelines on which bird motifs should be used in which direction for optimal benefits. Let us explore this in detail:
Significance of Birds in Vastu
– Birds are associated with freedom, imagination, hope and happiness. Their ability to swiftly soar high in the skies is linked to aspirations and elevation in life.
– Many birds like parrots, swans, peacocks etc. are considered auspicious in Indian culture. Their images invoke a sense of positivity, joy and blessings.
– Bird motifs can provide a nice blend of nature’s vitality in man-made spaces. Their presence through artworks and paintings can make indoor environments more lively, uplifting and vibrant.
– Certain birds are specifically linked with different virtues like wisdom, fortune, love, knowledge etc. Placement of their paintings in suitable directions as per Vastu can channelize their positive energies.
– Vastu emphasizes on living in harmony with nature. Bringing images of birds indoors helps maintain a connection with nature and softens the ambience.
Basic Vastu Directions
To understand the placement of bird motifs as per Vastu, we must first look at the significance of different directions:
North
The north direction is ruled by the water element and the deity Lord Kuber. It influences prosperity, wealth and abundance.
East
The east is ruled by the air element and Lord Indra. It influences health, positivity and spiritual growth. It is also the direction of the rising Sun.
South
The south is ruled by the fire element and Lord Yama. It influences reputation, fame and recognition.
West
The west is ruled by the earth element and Lord Varuna. It influences creativity, emotions, relationships and children.
North-east
The north-east (Ishan) is the most sacred direction. It is ruled by the water and air elements and influences overall well-being.
South-east
The south-east (Agney) is ruled by the fire element. It influences health, vitality and longevity.
South-west
The south-west (Nairutya) is ruled by the earth element. It influences stability, balance and strength.
North-west
The north-west (Vayavya) is ruled by the air element. It influences movement, communication and social connections.
Birds and their Directions as per Vastu
Based on the energies and characteristics associated with different birds and directions, Vastu recommends the following placements:
Parrot
Parrots are regarded as carriers of information and are symbols of wisdom and intelligence. They should be placed in the:
– North – For enhancing communication skills and knowledge flow
– East – For mental development and focus
Peacock
Peacock motifs evoke royalty, beauty and dignity. They should be installed in the:
– East – For boosting positive outlook, vitality and good health
– North-east – For overall wellness and balance
Owl
Owls represent wisdom, foresight and patience. They should be placed in the:
– North-east – To sharpen intuition and improve decision-making
– West – For clearer perspective and deeper insights
Swan
Swans denote grace, purity and discrimination. They should be placed in the:
– West – For enhancing creativity and emotions
– North-west – For developing effective communication
Pigeon
Pigeons are known for homecoming instinct and loyalty. They should be installed in the:
– South-west – For stronger relationships and family ties
– North-west – To attract new alliances and contacts
Sparrow
Sparrows represent unity, commitment and hard work. They should be placed in the:
– North – For improving focus, productivity and prosperity
– South – To boost teamwork and achievements
Crane
Cranes stand for alertness, longevity and good fortune. They should be placed in the:
– South-east – For improving health and vitality
– North – To enhance financial stability and gains
Do’s and Don’ts for Bird Paintings as per Vastu
Here are some Vastu guidelines to follow while planning bird paintings:
Do’s
– Face the paintings towards the interior to allow positive energy to spread inwards.
– Ensure the birds are painted in pairs to signify companionship and harmony.
– Opt for bright, vibrant colors to infuse cheer and vitality.
– Use medium to big sized paintings for better impact.
– Select classic postures like birds in flight, sitting on trees etc.
Don’ts
– Avoid paintings showing violent, aggressive motifs like birds attacking or fighting.
– Do not hang partially complete paintings.
– Refrain from using crying, wailing and negative motifs.
– Do not place bird paintings in the south-west or south directions.
– Avoid paintings with sharp, pointed beaks and talons.
Ideal Rooms for Bird Paintings
– Living room – For positivity and cheer
– Study room – For focus and wisdom
– Drawing room – For creativity
– Prayer room – For harmony and blessings
– Main door – For good luck and auspiciousness
– Children’s room – For playfulness and imagination
Colors for Bird Paintings
– North – Blue, dark green
– East – White, light yellow
– South – Red, pink
– West – Grey, light purple
– North-east – Sky blue
– South-east – Golden yellow
– South-west – Earthy tones like brown, beige
– North-west – Pastel shades like peach, lilac
Suitable Bird Choices for Different Rooms
Room | Suitable Birds |
---|---|
Living room | Parrots, peacocks, pigeons |
Study room | Owls, parrots, cuckoos |
Drawing room | Swans, nightingales, hummingbirds |
Prayer room | Doves, sparrows, swans |
Main door | Sparrows, swans |
Children’s room | Parrots, peacocks, ducks |
Positioning Within the Room
– East facing room – Place painting in north, north-east
– West facing room – Place painting in south, north-west
– North facing room – Place painting in east, south-east
– South facing room – Place painting in west, south-west
Conclusion
Bringing home beautiful paintings and artworks of auspicious birds as suggested by Vastu can surely help in enhancing the positive energies within your living and working spaces. However, their proper positioning as per directions is key for optimizing their benefits and aligning their symbolism with your goals. So pay attention to not only selecting bird motifs that resonate with you, but also installing them in spaces where their presence can uplift your life.