WHEN a couple is expecting a child, the dos and don’ts, remedies, and list of things to observe coming from family, relatives, friends, and neighbours is endless.
Similarly, in Vasthu Sastra, almost all activities in a house should come to a standstill during this period, which is regarded as a vulnerable time for both mother and child. The ancient Indian science of construction states that an expectant mother must not be exposed to any environmental changes during her pregnancy.
In fact, there are more don’ts than dos in Vasthu for mothers-to-be and it is vital that they understand the reasons and conduct themselves carefully. Moving to a new house or making renovations is strictly prohibited, as these changes can disrupt her well-being. This is because any reorientation of the house can infuse a different flow of energy that may not be in harmony with the occupants.
Furthermore, noise and dust pollution from renovation work can adversely affect the pregnant woman. Strictly speaking, not even a nail should be knocked into the wall during this stage. She is also not allowed to visit any unoccupied houses, such as those for sale or rent. Visiting such properties can be harmful to her because spaces that have not been cleansed may have unholy or unseen entities that can affect her. In her house, Vasthu recommends that the mother should occupy the south-west bedroom as the first choice, the south (second choice) and west (third choice). Her sleeping position should face west or east. She should avoid resting or sleeping in the north-east direction, which may cause complications to her pregnancy and may even lead to a premature birth.
South-east, the fire quadrant, is another area she should not occupy, as it can cause other health issues and difficulties during delivery. Her bedroom should have images or posters of babies, dim yet warm lighting, and pleasant colours like pink, light green, or pastel shades. When she goes to bed, the room should be lit with a night light to avoid sleeping in total darkness.
Vasthu also suggests that her food should be prepared in the south-east (face east when cooking) or north-west (face north when cooking) quadrant of the kitchen. Meals cooked and consumed in these two locations do not give health issues and indigestion. If possible, the mother-to-be should avoid taking heavy food after sunset owing to the weak cosmic energy at night.
When she wakes up, she should go for a walk to get some fresh air and watch the sunrise. She should also try to walk barefoot on the grass or in the park to connect with the earth’s energies. Such activities harmonise her and her unborn child. During any eclipse of the moon, she should avoid consuming heavy meals and going out of the house during the unfavourable hours. Other taboos that she should observe include not cutting her hair during her pregnancy, not going out at night alone, and, if possible, avoiding attending funerals. She can return to her normal lifestyle 30 days after she has delivered and performed the rituals in her own faith to protect herself and the child.
Although some of these measures may not be practical or appear extreme in modern times, the ancient beliefs do have some logic. We may not see the adverse effects immediately, but there will be a long-term impact on the individual’s well-being.
Dr. T. Selva is the author of the best-selling book Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, contact 019-2728464. He can be contacted at drtselvas@gmail.com
