Question

Arrange the four cardinal directions in their correct clockwise order starting from the East:
A. Paścimā (West)
B. Uttarā (North)
C. Dakṣiṇā (South)
D. Pūrvā (East)

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. D, C, A, B
• C. B, C, D, A
• D. C, A, D, B

Hint:

Mnemonic: East (Start) -> Right (South) -> Opposite (West) -> Left (North). D-C-A-B is the standard circle of the horizon used in almost all Vedic spatial sciences.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In Vāstu Śāstra and Jyōtiṣa, directions are of paramount importance as they are linked to specific planetary lords and 'Dikpālas' (guardian deities). The four cardinal directions (East, South, West, North) are always viewed in a clockwise 'Pradakṣiṇā' (circumambulation) manner to understand the flow of energy across the 'Vāstu Puruṣa Mandala'.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The traditional sequence of directions, starting from the sunrise point (East), follows a clockwise path:

1. Pūrvā (East): Labeled as D. This is the direction of the Sun (Sūrya) and the deity Indra. It represents the beginning of the day, health, and new opportunities.
2. Dakṣiṇā (South): Labeled as C. This is the direction of Mars (Maṅgala) and the deity Yama. It represents discipline, protection, and also legal matters. In the clockwise sequence, moving from East towards the right leads to South.
3. Paścimā (West): Labeled as A. This is the direction of Saturn (Śani) and the deity Varuṇa. It represents sunsets, completion, and material gains. It is directly opposite the East.
4. Uttarā (North): Labeled as B. This is the direction of Mercury (Budha) and the deity Kubēra. It represents wealth, intelligence, and business. It completes the cycle back towards the East.

The resulting sequence is D (East) \(\rightarrow\) C (South) \(\rightarrow\) A (West) \(\rightarrow\) B (North). This clockwise order is vital for rituals, the placement of rooms in a house, and for understanding 'Digbala' (directional strength) of planets. For instance, Mercury and Jupiter have full Digbala in the East (D), while the Sun and Mars have it in the South (C). Knowing this sequence is a fundamental requirement for anyone practicing Vāstu or interpreting the directional influences of planets in a birth chart.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct clockwise sequence of directions starting from East is D, C, A, B.