Kitchen Direction and Placement as Per Vastu

Why Kitchen Direction Matters

In Vastu Shastra, the kitchen is governed by Agni (fire), one of the five essential elements. The placement of your kitchen affects not only the physical health of family members but also their mental well-being and financial status. Food prepared in a Vastu-compliant kitchen is believed to be more nourishing and promotes positivity.

The person who cooks absorbs the energy of the kitchen space. When the kitchen is in the right direction, cooking becomes a positive activity that nurtures the entire family. Conversely, a wrongly placed kitchen can lead to health problems, financial issues, and family conflicts.

Best Direction for Kitchen

According to Vastu Shastra, certain directions are ideal for kitchen placement:

1. South-East (Agni Corner) - Best

South-East is ruled by Lord Agni (fire god) and is the most auspicious direction for a kitchen. This direction naturally aligns with the fire element, making cooking activities harmonious with cosmic energies. A kitchen in the South-East promotes:

• Good health for all family members
• Financial prosperity and stability
• Harmony in relationships
• Positive energy in food preparation

2. North-West - Second Best

If South-East is not available, the North-West direction is an acceptable alternative for the kitchen. This direction is governed by the air element (Vayu), which supports the fire element. While not as ideal as South-East, a North-West kitchen generally does not cause major Vastu defects.

3. South - Acceptable

The South direction can be acceptable for kitchen placement with proper precautions. The cooking stove should still be placed in the South-East corner of the kitchen room.

Directions to Avoid for Kitchen

Certain directions are highly inauspicious for kitchen placement:

North-East - Strictly Avoid

North-East is the direction of water element and divine energy. Placing the fire element (kitchen) here creates a conflict of elements, leading to:

• Severe health problems, especially digestive issues
• Financial losses and debts
• Mental stress and anxiety
• Conflicts among family members

South-West - Avoid

A kitchen in the South-West can cause instability and health problems for the female members of the family. It can also lead to ego clashes and relationship problems between family members.

Center of House - Never

A kitchen in the center (Brahmasthan) of the house is one of the worst Vastu defects. It can cause severe health problems, financial ruin, and constant misfortune for the family.

Stove (Gas/Cooking Range) Placement

The cooking stove is the most important element in the kitchen. Its placement is crucial:

• Direction: Always place the stove in the South-East corner of the kitchen
• Facing: The person cooking should face East while cooking
• Height: The stove should be at a comfortable height, not on the floor
• Gap: Keep at least 3-4 inches gap from the wall
• Avoid: Never place the stove directly in front of the kitchen entrance

Kitchen Sink Placement

The sink represents the water element, which is opposite to fire. Proper placement is essential:

• Best Direction: North-East corner of the kitchen
• Alternative: North or East wall
• Important: The sink and stove should not be adjacent or directly facing each other
• Reasoning: Fire and water elements in direct conflict can cause relationship problems

Refrigerator Placement

The refrigerator should be placed carefully to avoid Vastu defects:

• Best: South-West, West, or South direction
• Avoid: North-East direction (conflicts with water element)
• Note: Keep a few inches gap from the wall for proper air circulation
• Never: Place the refrigerator adjacent to the stove

Storage and Cabinets

Kitchen storage follows specific Vastu guidelines:

• Grains and Food Items: Store in the South or West cabinets
• Water Storage: North-East is ideal for water filters and stored water
• Heavy Items: South-West cabinets for heavy utensils and appliances
• Light Items: North and East for lighter items

Kitchen Colors as Per Vastu

Colors significantly impact the energy of your kitchen:

• Best Colors: Orange, red, yellow, green, and brown (fire and earth tones)
• Good Options: White, cream, and light shades
• Avoid: Black and dark blue (water element colors in fire zone)

Dining in Kitchen

If you have a dining area within the kitchen:

• Place the dining table in the West or North-West portion
• Face East or North while eating
• Keep the dining area clean and clutter-free
• Avoid eating facing South

Vastu Remedies for Wrong Kitchen Direction

If your kitchen is in an inauspicious direction, try these remedies:

• Place a Vastu pyramid in the kitchen
• Keep the kitchen well-lit and ventilated
• Use fire element colors (orange, red) in decor
• Keep sea salt in a bowl near the stove (replace weekly)
• Place a picture of fire or sun on the South wall
• Keep the kitchen spotlessly clean
• Ensure proper exhaust and ventilation

Conclusion

The kitchen is where nourishment is created for your family, making its Vastu compliance extremely important. While South-East remains the ideal direction, proper arrangement of elements within any kitchen can significantly improve its energy. Pay attention to the placement of stove, sink, and refrigerator to avoid elemental conflicts.

Remember, cooking with positive intentions in a clean, well-organized kitchen enhances the positive effects of Vastu. Even small adjustments based on Vastu principles can bring noticeable improvements in your family's health and harmony.