Vastu Shastra is an ancient design science for buildings, developed thousands of years ago in India. Verandah Vastu Shastra relates to the direction, arrangement and placement of objects in the verandah, along with its location and shape. It highlights correct utilization of space available in a protruded portion of the building called verandah. It is also called a portico, porch or vasara. A verandah is a roofed open space and can be constructed in any direction of the house. It is often partly enclosed by a railing and frequently extends across the front and sides of the building. It is generally the space that one enters after entering through the main gate. Vastu shastra is followed to bring about and maintain harmony between man and nature. It is followed with the belief that positivity along with peace and prosperity will prevail in the house, if the rules of vastu are strictly followed. It is also believed that if the buildings are constructed according to ones whims and pleasure, then it might lead to defective vastu which is not considered auspicious.

Guidelines for Verandah Vastu
These are the rules enumerated by vastu science for the correct location, shape, roof, windows, furniture, color and floor of the verandah. It is based on the premise that good luck will enter the house from the appropriate directions of different objects and parts of the verandah, along with it"s location in the house. Scientific reasons are also highlighted for designing the verandah in a particular way.

Location of the Verandah
East, north or north east portions of a house are generally preferred to build a verandah for two simple reasons. The first rays of the sun would be concentrated in the area and would be a source of vitamin D, essential for the bones of the body. A verandah is an open space, so it is thus suitable for relaxation, refreshment and rejuvenation in close contact with nature. But the verandah is generally preferred to be covered or closed, if it is built in the south or west side of the house. Vastu shastra highlights that north, north-east and eastern directions are positive directions, while south and south-west are directions enhancing the negativity of the house. Also, the west and south sides tend to get too heated up since the sun is in the south and west at midday and in the afternoon. It should also be noted that if a verandah is constructed in the south direction then one is essential in north and if a verandah is constructed in the west direction then one is essential in east direction.

Verandah Shape
The corners of the verandah should not be cut or rounded. This is advised because if the corners of the verandah are curved and one pushes back the chair to sit down, he might miscalculate and end up falling off the Verandah. The ends of the sides of the verandah should be sharp and proper neatness should be maintained. According to vastu, square, rectangular or triangular shaped verandahs are generally preferred in the house.

Roof of the Verandah
While constructing the roof it should be kept in mind that it should be at a lesser height than the roof of the main building. Given verandah is a small space so it will look proportional only if the roof is a bit lower than the rest of the building. The slant or the slope of the roof should be towards the north-eastern direction. If north-eastern direction is not possible due to design limitations, then north or east is the next option. The roof should not be built of tin or asbestos as tin or asbestos roof absorbs and traps heat within a space, making it extremely hot. Also, such roof will produce a lot of noise during the rainy season. Therefore, the roof should be cemented. The sunlight can directly enter the house if there are ventilators above the verandah roof.

Windows in the Verandah
Maximum number of windows of the verandah should have opening into the rest of the house. The windows should be kept open for maximum period of time because it would allow the free passage of fresh air which would make the area fresh. Eastern wall of the verandah should be used to dry the clothes.

Furniture Position in the Verandah
Furniture decorates the verandah and can make it a better resting place. South-west portion of the verandah is advised by vastu shastra for heavy furniture and seating. The east-west line is preferred for the swing as the person would be facing the north or south direction and would therefore not be obstructed by the sun rays. Flower pots in the verandah should be small in size because if they grow too tall or grow up a pillar, they will obstruct the light into the verandah. Flower pots with creepers in the verandah should be avoided. Light plants and flowers can be placed in the north-east portion. This is because plants need sunlight to thrive where there is constant morning sunlight. A shoe rack can be built in the north-west portion. Any switch or electric meter must be placed in the south eastern side of the verandah.

Colour of the Verandah
Vastu shastra suggests that the verandah should be painted with light colors like green, lemon yellow or white.

Floor of the Verandah
The height of the floor should be lower than other rooms of the house.

If these guidelines, laid down by the vastu shastra are followed, then it is believed to bring compatibility between man, nature and the constructed positive environment.

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