Shiva Om Dear Friend,

You have indeed raised a very pertinent question and that is in regards to the misconceptions of having a door or any kind of an entry in the South direction. There exists multiple unsubstantiated notions among both the common man and many a practicing Vastu Shastra consultant. In fact a great number of people have indulged in fear mongering in regards to the South door, which is so very untrue.

In the course of my three and half decades of professional practice as a Vastu Shastra consultant I have come across so many of my clients fretting on the very thought of acquiring a South facing door flat or plot. I have gone to great lengths in convincing them that this notion that they are holding on to is so very wrong and misplaced and they have to let it go. I take pride in stating that I have virtually convinced all of them. It is not only the South facing factor which is of consequence but all other relevant factors of the Vastu which need to be duly studied and looked into.

Speaking from the view point of Climatology, Sun path and Geography, India being a Tropical country it gets most of the Almighty Sun’s glare and heat from the South direction irrespective of the season. The same is heightened in the case of the summer time. However, this factor is of no consequence in a flat where on opening the door you either get to see another flat’s door or the lift or the staircase. The glaring heat of the South is completely shielded. In cases of row houses, twin bungalows and individual bungalows there are multiple methods of cutting of the heat related factors in the course of planning a South facing premise. Even in the existing premise there are many easy methods by which we can curtail the agony caused by the scathing heat of the Sun. All you need for this is a well experienced and learned Vastu Shastra consultant who will give you simple but yet highly effective tips to deal with this issue at hand.

If you have in reality a door in the accurate “Pada” ( Section / division ) as per what the Classical Texts / Ancient scriptures of Vastu Shastra then nothing can go wrong on account of the Gate or Door. However, most on the basis of either hearsay or incomplete knowledge, place the door in the inappropriate “Pada” and hence have to face the negative consequences of the same. You should ideally take the professional advice of a learned and well versed Vastu consultant to check if your Gate /Door is truly in the correct section or not.

There are certain other vital norms which need to be adhered to even beyond just placing the Gate / Door in the accurate “Pada”, like for instance the door should open in a clockwise manner when the Gate / Door is looked at from inside the said premise and so on and so forth. There are certain auspicious elements which need to be placed on the Main Gate / Door both from the inside as well as from the outside in order to ensure Peace, Prosperity and Protection to the people residing in the premise. You should ideally comply with all of that in order to take advantage of even a South facing door.

Before signing off, a small piece of advice. Do not rely on what people have put up on the internet as not all of that may necessarily hold true.

I earnestly hope that this humble Blog has been both meaningful and useful to you.

Shivam Kalyanam,

Prof. Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Lit

Eshans Emporium.

Shiva Om Dear Friends,

This is a common predicament faced by many as the houses especially in urban areas are shrinking in size and there is a battle for space among the varied elements of the house. It is at this juncture that this question comes up and it is indeed both very interesting and a tricky question. Regardless if the balcony under consideration is enclosed within the home or not, it is regarded inappropriate to have a Mandir in the same. The Mandir occupies a very special place in a home or rather any other Vastu. It is the “Cosmic Connection” which ensures that the Vastu is always protected and further it ushers in Peace and Prosperity too.

Having a Mandir in the balcony, even if it is placed in the Vastu appropriate direction ( Northeast ), it is more like keeping the Mandir out of the home and not integrating the same with the main elements of the home. It clearly gives the signal that the Mandir is of secondary importance and hence the balcony space which is otherwise used for storage or plants or some subsidiary activity is used for the Mandir.

I in my professional practice as a Vastu Shastra consultant never advice the Holy and Pious Mandir to be treated in this manner and hence equipped with the limited understanding and experience I would advice you to not place a Mandir in the balcony.

I earnestly hope that this humble Blog has cleared any doubts present in regards to the placement of the Mandir in the balcony.

 Shivam Kalyanam.

Prof. Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D,D.Sc,D.Lit.

Eshans Emporium

Shiva Om Dear Friends,

Rudrakshas of varying Mukhis provide for a wide range of benefits to mankind. They range from Physical, Mental, Financial, Emotional, Marriage, Social, Political, etc well being and progress. Virtually every sphere of life is covered by the Holy Rudraksha. One has to identify the right Rudraksha or the right combination of Rudraksha’s in order to provide for the need of the wearer. It is vital that you consult a competent, knowledgeable and well experienced consultant in order to not only guide you as to which Rudraksha one is to wear but also provide you with necessary details like the Muhurat, Beej ( Seed ) Mantra, cleaning, cleansing, energisation, etc procedures of the Holy Rudraksha.

As far as the One Mukhi Rudraksha is concerned you have three types in them:

1. The most commonly available one is the Crescent Moon shaped Rudraksha ( Ardha Chandra Akaar / Kaju Dana ), which comes from Southern India. It actually does not belong to the original species of Rudrakshas. It is a sub species and commonly referred to as a “Bhadraksha”. It is abundantly available and not prohibitively expensive. The larger the bead the costlier it will be.

You have to be very careful while purchasing this Rudraksha as there are a number of fakes crafted in “Fiber” which are doing the rounds. There are “Wooden” One Mukhi’s also that you will find in this shape.

2. The second variety hails from Indonesia and is pretty tiny in size. It’s availability is scarce in comparison to the  first variety of One Mukhi’s and it is certainly costlier than the earlier Rudraksha type. Fundamentally the Indonesian One Mukhi is very small in size and the larger it gets the more expensive it is.

In this case to one has to be careful in getting stuck with a fake bead, as it is a common practice to blur one Mukha of a two Mukhi Indonesian bead and then sell it as a One Mukhi bead. Given the fact that this bead is very small it is mostly difficult to identify accurately this blurring process by a common man and many a seller. One needs to ideally put it under a Microscope in order to be doubly sure.

 3. As far as the elusive Nepali One Mukhi is concerned . There are too many controversies surrounding it. I can write a book on only a Nepali One Mukhi. But if you are a novice or not well entrenched into the field of Rudraksha kindly do not fall prey for the Nepali One Mukhi Rudraksha. These are the classical rounded One Mukhi beads and the same are very rare.

They can be phenomenally expensive.

We take pride in stating that we keep original and genuine One Mukhi Rudraksha’s of all the three varieties mentioned above. The classical and elusive rounded Nepalese One Mukhi can also be sought from us. We deal only in the best qualities of beads and do not compromise on quality.

Prices of the same are not disclosed over the phone and interested parties are suggested to take a prior appointment and meet us personally.

I earnestly hope that my humble Blog has been able to satiate your desire to understand more about the One Mukhi bead.

Shivam Kalyanam,

Prof. DR. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D,D.Sc,D.Lit

Eshans Emporium

Shiva Om Dear Friends,

Rather than a single bead I would suggest a combination of 3 Rudraksha beads to be worn by a child. I would in this case assume that the prime objective of the Rudraksha is to enhance the learning and retention ability of the child. In such cases it is the 4 ( Brahma Rudraksha ), 5 ( Kalagini Rudraksha ) and 6 (Kartikeyan Rudraksha ) Mukhi which makes the ideal combination. Along with these beads there are certain energizers also suggested to be incorporated in between these beads depending upon case to case. It is then that these lethal combination ensures that the child has enhanced concentration, retention ability is also at its peak, a healthy body and there is a general sense of well being in the child. The child will have a balanced personality and not get perturbed by small negative incidences. He will also relatively have a sound physical as well as mental and emotional health with this given regular combination.

I take pride in stating that we at Eshans have a “Saraswati Combination” for general educational purposes and “Siddha Gyan Vardhak Combination” for higher and competitive studies. We also make tailored combinations as per the Horoscope or Palm Reading of children. The cases where there is Ill health or Najar Dosha special combinations are also provided.

You are advised to use either Nepal or Indonesian beads to make these combination. A number of children prefer the Indonesian variety as the beads are small and they do not protrude out of the dress. It hence does not embarrass them. However, when one put’s to use the Indonesian beads then one has to be very selective and choose only those which are of pristine quality. This aspect becomes very relevant as from within Indonesia you have scores of qualities as the beads hailing from varied islands vary vastly in quality.

Needless to say that the Rudraksha’s have to be of the best quality. They should be strung to each other carefully adhering to the set norms, wherein the Head touches the Head and the Tail touches the Tail of each Rudraksha. There has to be a specific knot in between these Rudraksha’s.

I personally see that children are easily influenced by the powers of the Holy Rudraksha. It gives me pleasure to invest in them for a bright and safe future.

I earnestly hope that this humble blog has helped you gain meaningful insight and also comprehend how the pious Rudraksha beads combination can be of extreme significance and benefit to our younger generation.

Shivam Kalyanam,

Prof.Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Lit

Eshans Emporium

Shiva Om Dear Friends,

Let me be candid to you in regards to my personal opinion on the efficacy of this colossal science and art of “Vastu Shastra” even though I am a professional Vastu Shastra consultant.

Vastu Shastra like any other Vedic discipline has its roots thousands of years ago. This factor works both to the advantage as well as disadvantage of this science. The brighter side is that this science was formulated by Rishi Munis who were Cosmic Scientists. They comprehended the larger principles of not only Mother Earth but also the various forces impacting Earth and Mankind emanating from the Universe. Further, they were not commercial in nature and were confined to deep forests or Ashrams. Hence, the rules laid down by them were all comprehending and at a scale which we today are unable to comprehend as we have for our own interests developed myopic materialistic view points.

The fall out of this Vedic science is that many a rule with the passage of time and radical change in lifestyle, cultures, constructional patterns and over all modernization, many a rules have become redundant.

Hence, it is very important for a learned and professional Vastu Shastra consultant to decipher which of the rules of those times have relevance and functionality in these modern times.

Sadly in a country like ours we have more quacks practicing this science rather than learned and professionally trained consultants. Most of them are unaware of the rationale governing these rules. They simply dictate it to the gullible clients and create a sense of fear. One also needs to understand that though one may not be a qualified civil engineer or an architect but it is still mandatory for a Vastu Shastra professional to learn all the basics of construction. Otherwise his advise turns out to be impossible to follow or then following his advise results in a chaos of functionality.

Vastu Shastra is effective and does have impact on human life. This is my personal belief and experience of over 3.5 decades.

However, one cannot say that it is Vastu Shastra alone which has a role to play in life. There are many other factors like Karma, blessings of one’s elders, guru’s, etc which all play an important role in one’s life.

Let me give you an analogy. Let us say that a car is life for instance and the tyres are Vastu Shastra. The car cannot run without tyres but also does not run only because of tires.

I earnestly hope that I have satiated your desire to understand the impact of this rather greatly misunderstood science of “Vastu Shastra”.

Shivam Kalyanam,                                                                                                       

Prof. Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Lit.

Eshans Emporium.

Shiva Om Dear Friends,

It is perfectly acceptable for one to wear a single Rudraksha around the neck. The source of the Rudraksha may be either Indonesia or Nepal, both of them are perfectly okay. Avoid wearing Indian beads altogether as they do not have a natural central hole. The hole is manually drilled thereby desecrating ( Khandit or Bhang ) the Holy Rudraksha. Hence the Indian bead is to be avoided regardless of the Numbers or Size or the Mukhi.

Further the number of Mukhi / Faces of the Rudraksha is also not a matter of concern when you wear a single Rudraksha. You will simply need to ensure that the Rudraksha is genuine and of pristine quality. It should have good density, roundness, equal spacing between the Mukhas, the Mukhas should be clearly demarcated and complete, etc. Also do meticulously ensure that the Rudraksha is not damaged, chipped, cracked, broken or moth eaten in any way.

You should methodically follow the appropriate procedure of adorning the Rudraksha as stated in the classical texts. You should also be guided well in the matters of taking care of a Rudraksha. This involves it’s cleaning, cleansing and energisation. This kind of an appropriate upkeep of the Rudraksha will help you retain the powers of the Rudrakshas for a very very long time span.

I sincerely hope that my humble answer with my limited knowledge and experience has been useful to you.

Shivam Kalyanam,

Prof. Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Lit

Eshans Emporium

Shiva Om Dear Friends,

In the first place a good Rudraksha bead is regarded to be a very hard bead and it is known to last for centuries. It is only as and when there is a major impact on it that it will crack, chip or break. If that is not the case and yet the Holy Rudraksha has broken into two clear pieces the possibility of it not being a superior quality are very high.

It could also be Moth eaten or Insect infested and the same could be covered up by fraudulent sellers. There is a new breed of Rudraksha’s from Indonesia which are termed Pappua Rudraksha beads and they are very large in size, these beads, are very prone to breaking very easily. Hence, overall it could only be a huge impact or a poor quality bead which has lead to the bead breaking into two pieces,

Now coming to the procedure that needs to be adhered post the breakage of the Rudraksha. I would suggest that you immerse the same in clean flowing water post offering “Kshama Yachana pooja“ (prayer asking for forgiveness ). Do not hold on to the bead as any broken bead is considered to be inauspicious as it is desecrated.

You may face a challenge of finding clean water as most of the rivers and even canals or the ocean has also been contaminated in so many ways that they can no more be considered as pious and holy. Hence, the second best option for you is to go to any ancient Lord Shiva Temple on an auspicious Monday or Pradosh and offer it to the Shivalinga after offering “Kshama Yachana”.

It is also considered a good practice to re wear another good quality same Mukhi bead after following the due procedure again.

I sincerely hope that with my limited knowledge and experience I have been able to satisfy your query.

Shivam Kalyanam,

Prof. Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Lit.

Eshans Emporium.

Shiv Om dear friends,

Off late some Vastu Shastra consultants and Pandits are of the view that one should not place the photographs of the deceased elders referred to as “Pitru’s at a residence or the work place. This idea has caught up the fancy of the common man and many of them have begun removal of their parents and grandparents photographs and literally disposing them off.

Is this morally right ? Do these photographs have no right to stay in your premise. Was there role limited to only as long as they were living ?

This very thought of doing away with their photographs is morally corrupt. How can anybody simply forget their sacrifices to the family. Just because they are deceased does not mean that they have turned into some evil spirits and are targeting and are now tormenting you and your family. They, regardless of their form are always there to bless you from there bottom of their hearts. They are the very core of our existence in this world today.

I most vehemently oppose this shallow view and condemn it in the harshest of words. In fact let me bring to your notice that the South west corner of any premise has been referred to as the “Pitru” Pada / Division in Vastu Shastra and this is the most appropriate Pada for having the photographs of the deceased.

Ideally and more accurately they should be placed such that the photos should be placed on the South of the Southwest corner facing the North direction. In other words the person offering prayers to the deceased elders would be facing the South direction while the photograph of the deceased elders would face the North direction.

In case the Southwest direction happens to be the Master bedroom then it is not advised to place the “Pitru or the Deceased Elders photographs” there and rather place them in the South of  the Southwest of a neutral room like the Living room or the Dining room.

I personally am of the opinion that one should offer prayers to the photographs of the “Pitru’s” and then respects and prayers to be offered to the Almighty Gods. That is the level of significance and importance attached to the “Pitru’s”.

I earnestly hope that this humble Blog has been both meaningful and useful to my esteemed reader.

Shivam Kalyanam,

Prof. Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Lit.

Eshans Emporium

Shiva Om Dear Friends,

You have indeed posed an interesting as well as a controversial question. You will get tons of conflicting views on this question without any classical references or logical basis. Nevertheless, let me give you my take on this question that may cross your mind.

First of all you should not place a single tiger in the form of a painting / photograph / sketch / mural, etc . You should depict two or a family in the painting. This is primarily because “Singularity” or purely an individualistic approach   is not promoted in a home  as a home is a place for union of many. In a home one always has to put up any picture which portrays more than one element or figure so that it brings forth the “Duality” or “Multiple” concept.

Secondly, though a tiger is known to be a ferocious animal if it is shown in a serene form with either its partner or cubs it is very much advisable to adorn your home wall with such a painting.

In case the tiger is shown attacking another animal or in any kind of ferocious form then then it needs to be discarded and by no means should it be placed either at home or office. As it gives rise to a negative “Bhava” / “Rasa”. It generates “Bhaya” ( fear ) , may be even feelings of “Bibhahatsa” ( Disgust ) or Raudra ( wrathful ). These are all negative emotions and hence, they need to be shunned.

Only on the basis that it is a tigers painting you simply do not dismiss it.

I earnestly hope that the answer given by me has been both useful and meaningful to my esteemed reader.

Shivam Kalyanam,

Prof.Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Lit

Eshans Emporium

Shiva Om Dear Friends,

It is believed that the ancient science of Vastu Shastra came into existence around 5,000  years ago and its main originators and founders are the following :

1. Bhrugu,
2. Atri,
3. Vashishta,
4. Vishwakarma,
5. Maya,
6. Narada
7. Nagnajitha,
8. Vishalaksha,
9. Purandara,
10. Brahama,
11. Kumaraswamy,
12. Nandisa,
13. Sounaka,
14. Gaarga,
15. Vasudeva,
16. Anirudha,
17. Shukra,
18. Bruhaspati.

These are in all Eighteen celebrated authors who are referred to as Vastu Shastropadesakas or instructors in the science of Vastu Shastra.

I earnestly hope that this humble answer has given you a clear picture of the answer you had envisaged.

Shivam Kalyanam,

Prof. Dr. Manoj Kalantri. Ph.D, D.Sc, D.Lit.

Eshans Emporium