The Kitchen Vastu: A Guide to Creating a Positive and Harmonious Cooking Space

The kitchen is the heart of a home, where nourishment, warmth, and connection are shared. In Indian culture, the kitchen is considered a source of vitality and well-being. The principles of Vastu Shastra provide guidelines for creating a harmonious and energetically balanced kitchen. Understanding the dos and don'ts of kitchen Vastu can ensure that your cooking space enhances the health and happiness of your family.

Understanding Kitchen Vastu

Kitchen Vastu focuses on the directional placement, design elements, and color choices to facilitate positive energy flow and a conducive environment for cooking and dining. Cooking, being a heat-intensive activity, requires specific considerations in Vastu to maintain a positive balance of energies within the home.

Direction and Location of the Kitchen

According to Vastu Shastra, the fire element should be oriented towards the East or South-East. These directions are associated with the devatas Indra and Agni, who govern fire and water. The South-East direction is the most ideal due to the presence of Venus, which represents water. Water regulates metabolism, creativity, and relational energies, making it a conducive zone for the kitchen.

The next best choice for the kitchen is the North-West direction. However, this choice may lead to financial strain, hence it should be considered only if the South-East and East are not viable options.

Designing the Kitchen

Several key aspects need to be considered while designing the kitchen to ensure it aligns with Vastu principles:

Vastu Mandala

According to the Vastu Mandala, the kitchen should ideally be placed in the South-East or East part of the house. The North-West position can also be considered, though it may lead to financial strain.

Micro-Planning for the Kitchen

Lowered Floor Level: The kitchen floor should be lower than the rest of the house to conform to the Vastu requirement that the East and North should be relatively lower. Cooktop Placement: The cooktop should be placed along the East wall so the person faces East while cooking. If the North wall is present, ensure it does not touch the cooktop. Sink Placement: The sink, for utensil cleaning, should be in the North-East or North-West direction, as these are water-related zones. Avoid keeping both the sink and cooktop on the same platform or parallel, as water and fire are opposing elements. Refrigerator Position: The refrigerator should be in the West or South-West direction, opening towards the East, to promote tranquility. Heater/Geyser Placement: Position the heater/geyser in the South-East direction. Electrical Equipment: Toaster, Oven, Mixer-Grinder, and similar equipment should be in the North-West direction. Water Dispenser/RO System: Place these in the East, North, or North-East region. Edible Storage Granary: Store food grains and items in the North-West or South-West/South direction for good luck and prosperity. Spare Gas Cylinder: Keep in the South-East direction of the granary. Item Placement: Daily-use items should be in the North-West, while lesser-used items in the South-East, South of the granary. Avoid storing empty tins and cartons in the granary, and do not sleep there. Drainage System: Ensure the drainage is in the East or North-East to facilitate positive energy flow. Multilevel Building Kitchen: Do not place the kitchen upstairs if it's above or below the Pooja Room, Bedroom, or Toilet.

Dining Hall Considerations

The dining area is equally important in Vastu principles and should be treated with the same level of care:

Vastu for Dining Hall

Direction: The dining area should face the West, with doors in the East, North, or West. Avoid South. Entry Door: The entry door should not align with the main door of the house. Seating Direction: The family head should face East while eating, and other family members should face North or West. Avoid eating while facing South. Dining Table: The table should be square or rectangular; oval or round tables are not ideal. Chairs: The number of chairs should be even. Drinking Water: Place drinking water in the North-East, while the washbasin should be in the North or East. Refrigerator Position: Keep the refrigerator in the South-East, to maintain a peaceful environment.

Colours in the Kitchen

Using vibrant colors like green, orange, red, and white can enhance the energy and aesthetics of the kitchen. White is particularly effective in the North-West, as it spreads positive energy. Each color contributes to a harmonious and joyful cooking environment, ensuring your kitchen is not just a functional space but also a haven of positive vibes.