When we search for a place to call home, our attention is usually drawn to location, price, accessibility, or the aesthetic appeal of the property.
Yet, in the ancient science of Vasthu Sastra, a deeper dimension is considered: the unseen flow of energies that surround us.
According to this timeless wisdom, the site of a home is not merely physical space but a living field of vibrations that can deeply shape the lives of those who dwell within it.
Two types of locations that Vasthu strongly discourages for residential living are houses near graveyards and properties adjoining or facing places of worship.
At first glance, this may seem puzzling after all, temples, churches, and mosques are revered spaces, while graveyards are simply part of life’s natural cycle.
However, the reasoning lies in understanding how different environments radiate different energies, and how continuous exposure to those vibrations can affect the subtle balance of our body, mind, and spirit.
Graveyards are sacred spaces meant for the departed. They carry the vibration of endings, detachment, and release from worldly life.
While this atmosphere is appropriate for remembrance and prayer, it is considered unfavourable for daily living.
Vasthu Sastra teaches that such spaces are filled with energies that can weigh heavily on the mind and emotions.
Residents of houses near cemeteries may experience restlessness, disturbed sleep, or unexplained anxiety.
The aura of sorrow and detachment can unconsciously influence one’s outlook on life, leading to reduced enthusiasm and vitality.
In ancient times, there was also a practical reason for this rule: graveyards were often viewed as sources of soil contamination or disease transmission, which posed real risks to nearby residents.
Furthermore, traditional belief holds that graveyards may attract restless or wandering souls. Even if invisible to the naked eye, their presence can disturb the harmony of a household. Families might notice increased quarrels, poor health, or financial stagnation without being able to attribute it to an obvious cause.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Vasthu also cautions against living too close to temples, churches, mosques, or other places of worship.
At first, this may seem counterintuitive. After all, aren’t these places the very embodiment of peace and divine blessings?
Indeed, holy sites are charged with very high levels of spiritual vibration. They are designed to uplift worshippers, calm the mind, and help people transcend worldly worries during prayer.
However, when such powerful energy becomes part of one’s everyday environment, it may create an imbalance.
A home is not only a place for prayer, it is also where children grow, families bond, and householders pursue careers, wealth, and worldly duties.
Continuous exposure to intense spiritual vibrations can unintentionally pull residents away from material responsibilities, creating a state of disinterest or detachment that is not ideal for family life.
Not long ago, I met a family who had bought a spacious, modern home at what appeared to be a bargain.
The only peculiarity was its proximity to an old cemetery in Kajang, which they dismissed as irrelevant.
Within a year of moving in, however, they began noticing strange patterns: their teenage son developed severe insomnia, the parents felt constantly fatigued, and small disputes flared up into heated arguments.
Despite consulting doctors and counsellors, there was no improvement. It was only when they sought Vasthu guidance that the connection became clear.
The heavy vibrations of the graveyard were subtly draining their energy.
On moving out, the family reported an immediate sense of relief, and their lives gradually returned to harmony.
This story is not meant to instil fear but to highlight how environments shape our lives in unseen ways.
What seems logical or affordable in material terms may have hidden energetic effects that only become apparent later.
Basically, Vasthu highlights the importance of harmony. Just as our bodies consist of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—a home should also embody balance and neutrality in its surroundings.
It is important to remember that Vasthu does not discourage visiting temples, nor does it disrespect the sanctity of cemeteries.
Both have their rightful place in society. The principle reminds us that a home must be a neutral space, where worldly life and spiritual practice can coexist peacefully.
If someone already resides near such locations, remedies are suggested, such as creating a strong boundary wall, planting protective greenery, or performing a Vasthu yantra ceremony to stabilise energies.
These measures may help neutralise external influences and bring balance back to the dwelling, but there is no guarantee.
At its heart, Vasthu Sastra teaches us that the environment we live in is never neutral; it is constantly shaping our well-being, thoughts, and destiny.
A house is more than four walls; it is a living container of energy. Choosing the right location is as important as designing the interiors or arranging the furniture.
By avoiding sites near graveyards or places of worship, we are not rejecting the sacredness of these spaces.
Rather, we are recognising that each has its role and rhythm. Graveyards are for the departed. Temples and churches are for worship. Homes are for the living to nurture families, to pursue the nature of reality, and to grow in both worldly and spiritual ways.
When we align with these principles, our dwellings become more than shelter and they become sanctuaries that support our health, happiness, and prosperity.
Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra