ARCHITECT'S IDEAS & ADVICE ON A TO Z OF HOUSE CONSTRUCTION IN INDIA

WHAT ARE THE EIGHT CARDINAL DIRECTIONS ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA?
In Vastu Shastra, energy lines run like a large grid across the earth, from North to South and from East to West. The science of Vastu Shastra identifies eight directions on which all are activities are based, each of which has a particular significance. According to Vastu Shastra, if our living and working spaces are oriented according to these directions, it has a direct positive influence on the residents. Actually there is logic and scientific reasoning behind the fixing of different activity zones in the eight cardinal directions.
Here, I have explained as per Vastu Shastra, the eight cardinal directions and the preferred rooms in each direction. I have also attempted to give the reasoning behind this.

EAST (PURVA) - The East, from where where the sun rises represents the essence of all begnings. It is recommended that the main doors and windows of a house face East.
The Logic - This is both as a sign of veneration to the Sun and also a way to optimize the amount of sunlight and air entering the building early morning, since the UV rays of the morning sunlight can enter the house directly and kill all the bacteria that would have multiplied during the night.

NORTH (UTTARA) - The North is the direction of the Pole star, the fixed point in the sky that denotes stability and security. The North is also the direction of Kubera or wealth. Hence, this is the direction to transact all business and so the main door can be placed here too. Open spaces can be placed here as well.
The Logic - In India, (being in the northern hemisphere), there is constant light form the North. Hence it makes sense to have open spaces in the North, so that the light is not obstructed. Therefore, the Main entrance door and hence the living room can be on this side. Naturally any business transactions will be done here as the outsiders will be entertained here.

NORTH-EAST (EESHANYA) - This direction is considered to be the direction of the Supreme Being. Hence it is suggested that there be no dirt, garbage, heavy structure or toilets or bathrooms in this direction. it is preferrable to have the well or pond or water source in this direction.
The logic - This being the corner where the North and East directions meet, it is the ideal place to have open space so that there are no obstructions to the constant and morning sunlight. It also makes sense to have the water source (in ancient times there was generally an open well) here, in the available open space, as the UV rays can purify the water. Naturally it is not advisable to have toilets or a garbage pit near the water source.

WEST (PASCHIMA) - As the sun dims we are reminded of endings, the unknown and darkness. The West or Paschima should be avoided for sleeping. Bathrooms, toilets, staircases, store rooms can be placed here. Trees can be planted here.
The Logic - The West gets heated up both by the evening sun and the reflection of the infra red rays from the ground -thus retaining the heat till late at night. Hence it is not comfortable to sleep here. Instead, less used rooms like toilets, staircase rooms, store rooms and trees can be placed here as they will serve as a buffer and prevent the rest of the house from getting heated up. Also, the toilets and store rooms will remain dry and hygienic.

The NORTH-WEST (VAAYAVYA) - This is the direction of the wind. Vaastu recommends placing toilets in this direction.
The Logic - The north west also gets heated up by the evening sun. So the less used rooms like toilets, staircase rooms can be placed here as they will serve as a buffer and prevent the rest of the house from getting heated up. Also , the toilets will remain dry and hygienic.

SOUTH (DAKSHINA) - The South represents the past and our ancestry. Guest and Chuildren's bedrooms can be placed here. No open space like gardens, balconies, terraces should be in this direction.
The Logic - This side does not get too heated up nor too cold at night and hence is the ideal place for bedrooms. Also, by avoiding open spaces and balconies, the direct sunlight is obstructed and hence the house does not get heated up.

SOUTH-WEST (NAIRUTYA) - This is the direction where the owner of the building should have his master bedroom, wardrobes, safe.
The Logic - This being the corner where the South and the West meet, it is best to have a master bedroom as the room can get good cross ventilation. Since the owner sleeps here it makes sense to have his safe and wardrobes here. Also the wardrobes should be on the West wall to reduce the heat.

SOUTH-EAST (AAGNEYA) - This is the direction of heat & high levels of energy. It is advised that all cooking and kitchen related activity be in this direction.
The Logic - This is the corner where the South and East directions meet and hence is suitable for a kitchen as it can benefit from the germicidal UV rays of the morning sun. Also in this position, the S-W wind direction does not affect the fire flames (as in ancient times cooking was done in open air).