An aquarium is the best and most common water feature which can be installed easily in the house.
Traditionally, Feng Shui recommends placement of an aquarium in the Southeast because water helps the growth of the wood element of the Southeast. There should be nine gold, orange or red fishes with one black fish. Some also keep eight orange fishes with one black fish. If there is a shortage of space, three gold or orange fishes or multiples of three (thereof) with one black fish may be considered. The movement of fish helps in the circulation of the energy or chi.
Installation of a pump to circulate the water and providing oxygen for the fish will also have a very good effect.
If nine coins are added to the aquarium, it will stimulate the metal element too. But caution should be taken so that the metal of the coin does not harm the fish. The following may be added into the aquarium to energise and stimulate all the five elements:-
1) The water in the aquarium for the water element.
2) Vibrant green plants or weeds for the wood element.
3)Coins for the metal element.
4) Small pebbles or rocks for the earth element.
5) Red, orange or gold coloured fish to stimulate the fire element.
The North is the direction for the water element. It is also the sector of career as per the Ba Gua principle in Feng Shui. So the placement of an aquarium at the North is good for career growth.
The aquarium should be avoided at the South, which is the direction of the fire element. That is why it should be avoided inside the kitchen. Water also dissolves earth.
One should not keep a water feature in the bedroom, because the earth element of the bedroom helps in relationships, which gets adversely affected by the water element. The bathroom already has plenty of water elements in it. Placing an aquarium here is unnecessary.
The Brahma Kamal plant
The Brahma Kamal plant is found in the Himalayas (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and South-West China). The Brahma Kamal is an auspicious flower that is used to worship Lord Shiva in the Hindu tradition. It is the official state flower of Uttarakhand. This plant, also known as the orchid cactus, mainly belongs to the night-flowering species of the cactus. In other words, the flowers blossom only during the night and remain open till sunrise. Thus, it is rare to witness the flower in full bloom. A single flower lasts only for one night. The average time for the buds to flower is around two to three weeks. The blooming period of this flower is from end August to the middle of September. The plant produces white, pink and red coloured flowers. Some varieties have flowers in purple shades.
The flower has lot of spiritual uses. It is widely used for worshipping Lord Shiva, especially in the holy temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath and Tunganath. Brahma Kamalam is named after Lord Brahma and is the same flower that the deity holds in his hand. Some people believe that offering this flower to Lord Shiva fulfils all wishes. Many also believe that if one wishes for something while the flower is blooming, the wish comes true.
This plant/flower is also used in traditional medicine and in some dishes such as soups and juices. However, its uses in Vaastu Shastra are fairly pronounced. According to Vaastu Shastra, the Brahma Kamal plant attracts happiness, good luck and prosperity and maintains psychological balance in a person's life. Moreover, the flower has the power to protect the owner from evil forces. However, as per vaastu rules, one should not buy, sell or use the Brahma Kamal as a gift.
The Brahma Kamal plant is a sacred plant, which should be kept in the centre of a house or the Brahmasthan because the centre of the house is ruled by Lord Brahma.
An Important Vaastu Tip: - Medicines after the expiry date should be disposed ONLY at night- Put this in a box
Reader queries
Q. 1. My house has a cut at the Southeast. Can this cause any bad effects? Is there any remedy for this?
S Duarah, via email
The cut can have an adverse effect on your finances and relationships. It can also affect the health of the lady of the house. You should go for the following remedies.
1. Fix vaastu pyramids along the cut on the walls.
2. Paint the cut area with red colour.
3. Install a 'Shukra Yantra' at the Southeast on a Friday.
4. Keep a crystal lotus in the Southeast corner. The Lotus is associated with the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmiji and Lord Buddha.
5. Place a copper-made sun on the wall of the South east corner.
Q.2. My friend has invited me for the Grihapravesh of his newly acquired apartment. What is the best gift having Vaastu uses for the new house?
Subodh Gupta, Guwahati
There are several items which can be given as vaastu gifts. They are:-
1. Idol of Ganesha which is a symbol of peace and prosperity
2. Laughing Buddha which also brings wealth, prosperity and good luck.
3. A metal tortoise on a plate which brings wealth and prosperity.
4. The money plant is also an excellent vaastu gift. Ask your friend to keep it at the Southeast.
5. The bamboo plant is very good for health and money.
6. The 'Sri Meru Yantra' brings strong positive energy. The best placement for this yantra is in the place of worship like your temple or pooja room
Q.3 My house faces the North and there is a large veranda in the North. Due to shortage of rooms, I am making a guest room in the Northwest part of the house. What colour should be used for that room?
Ranjan Borah, Nagaon.
The Northwest is ruled by the moon. So go for colours like silver, golden or white. Keep windows or balcony at the Northwest to let the air element in.
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