Residential Vastu · 19 September 2026 · 5 min read
Photos of Ancestors: Placement as per Vastu
Where should you hang photographs of parents and grandparents who have passed on? Ancestor photo direction as per Vastu, where to avoid, and gentle ways to honour family memories at home.
By Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar, Vastu consultant, Andheri East, Mumbai
01
Why does Vastu guide the placement of ancestor photos?
Vastu guides the placement of ancestor photos so that family memories are honoured with respect while the home remains a place of warmth for the living. Photographs of departed parents and grandparents carry deep emotion, and where they hang shapes how the family feels passing them each day.
In many Indian homes, remembering पितृ (Pitru, ancestors) is part of family life, especially during Pitru Paksha. Vastu offers a calm, respectful framework for this remembrance.
There is no single right way to grieve or remember. The suggestions below are gentle guidance, and your family's own customs always matter.
02
Which direction is suitable for ancestor photos?
The South or South-West wall is generally considered suitable for ancestor photos, with the photographs facing North or North-East. The South is the direction of Yama and is traditionally associated with ancestors, while the South-West is linked with Earth, stability and family lineage.
01
South wall
The most commonly recommended wall, in a living room or a quiet family area.
02
South-West wall
Also suitable, associated with steadiness and the heads of the family.
03
West wall
An acceptable alternative when the South or South-West is not available.
04
Facing direction
When hung on a South wall, the photos naturally face North, which is considered respectful.
03
Where should ancestor photos not be kept?
Ancestor photos are generally not kept in the pooja mandir with deities, in bedrooms, in the kitchen, or directly facing the main entrance. These guidelines come from respect for both the ancestors and the purpose of each room.
01
In the mandir
Traditionally, deities and ancestors are honoured separately; place ancestor photos near but not inside the mandir.
02
In the bedroom
Bedrooms are spaces for rest and privacy, so memorial photos are usually kept elsewhere.
03
In the kitchen
The kitchen is the fire zone of daily cooking, not a place for remembrance photos.
04
Facing the main door
Avoid hanging them where they are the first thing seen as people enter.
05
The North-East
The North-East is usually reserved for the divine, so ancestor photos are kept on other walls.
04
What about photos of living family members?
Photos of living family members follow different, happier guidance. Joyful family photographs suit the South-West of the living room, and couple photos can go in the South-West of the master bedroom.
Keep memorial photos of departed ancestors separate from photos of the living, rather than mixing them on the same wall or shelf.
05
How should ancestor photos be framed and hung?
Ancestor photos should be framed simply, hung at a respectful height and kept clean. Care for the frame reflects care for the memory.
01
Simple frames
Wooden or plain frames in calm colours suit memorial photos.
02
Respectful height
Hang at or slightly above eye level, not near the floor.
03
A small shelf
A clean ledge below the photos can hold a diya or fresh flowers.
04
Garlands
Fresh garlands on special days, replaced before they wilt; many families avoid plastic garlands.
05
Condition
Replace cracked glass or faded prints; digital restoration can refresh old photos.
06
How can families honour ancestors at home?
Families can honour ancestors at home through small, sincere rituals and by sharing memories, rather than elaborate displays. Remembrance is most meaningful when it brings the family together.
01
Light a diya
On death anniversaries, during Pitru Paksha or on family occasions.
02
Offer flowers
Fresh flowers or a small garland on meaningful days.
03
Share stories
Tell children about grandparents' lives, values and humour.
04
Acts of kindness
Feeding others or donating in their name is a traditional way to honour ancestors.
05
A prayer for peace
Ending with ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः (Om Shantih Shantih Shantih), a wish for peace, is a gentle close.
07
What if grief feels heavy at home?
If grief feels heavy at home, be gentle with yourself; there is no deadline for mourning. Some people find comfort in seeing photographs daily, while others need time before they can. Both are natural.
Vastu, Reiki and space cleansing can offer comfort but do not replace emotional support. If you are struggling, please reach out to a mental-health professional. In India you can call the free Tele-MANAS helpline on 14416 (or 1-800-891-4416), available 24×7.
08
When to consult a Vastu expert
Consult a Vastu expert when you are unsure where memorial photos can go in a compact flat, or when the home has felt heavy after a loss. A consultant can suggest respectful placements and gentle space cleansing.
Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar of VastuKimaya offers compassionate home consultations on-site across Mumbai from her Andheri East office, and distant consultations using floor plans and photographs.
Questions
Frequently asked
In which direction should ancestor photos be placed?
Ancestor photos are generally placed on the South or South-West wall so that they face North or North-East. The West wall is an acceptable alternative.
Can ancestor photos be kept in the pooja room?
Ancestor photos are traditionally not kept inside the mandir with deities. Place them on a separate wall or shelf nearby instead.
Can I keep my late parents' photo in the bedroom?
Vastu generally suggests keeping memorial photos outside the bedroom, which is a space for rest. A South wall in the living room is a common alternative.
Should ancestor photos be garlanded?
Many families garland ancestor photos on anniversaries and special days. Use fresh flowers and replace them before they wilt.
Can ancestor photos be hung in the living room?
Yes, the living room is a common and suitable place for ancestor photos, ideally on the South or South-West wall, away from the main entrance.
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