The sacred space of the Mandir in our homes often makes us feel more connected to the Gods, the universe and ourselves. Be it in times of great joy or peril – it is where we often find ourselves sitting in front of God. This is why it is crucial to make this space the epi-centre of positive energies and an oasis of calm inside your home.
Here is where Vastu Shastra comes into the picture as it gives you a set of simple guidelines so that you may harness the blessings of the Gods. So, read ahead as we give you some easy Vastu tips that are bound to transform your puja room into a peaceful environment at home.
Place the Temple in the Right Direction
The location of the Puja room is pivotal to the planning of the entire house. The ideal direction for this room is in the north-east as this is the direction that experiences the maximum of the Sun’s energy. While you may also consider the North or East directions, you should avoid the South, South East, and South Western sections of the house.
Alternatively, you can also place the altar right in the centre of your home. Vastu Shastra calls this point as Brahmasthan as it is the holiest zone in the house, which disperses good energies in all directions.
In cases where the puja room is not feasible in the house, many opt for placing the Mandir in the living room or the kitchen. Provided that the Mandir is still in the northeast direction, these are good alternatives. However, we suggest that you avoid placing it in the bedroom, under the staircase, or against the bathroom wall as it is believed to be inauspicious.
Pro tip: Ensure that you place the temple on the ground level of your home. Avoid areas like higher floors or the basement.
As for idol placement – it should be such as to have you facing the North or the East while praying to the Gods. You should also ensure that the Idols are placed a few inches above the ground. In this way, the feet of the Gods will be at your chest level when you sit down to pray in the puja
Similarly, avoid placing the idols too close to the wall. A separation of a few inches allows for free airflow around them. In fact, this is an easy Vastu tip to follow if you want the aroma of the incense sticks to infuse well all around the idol. Additionally, place the idols in such a way that they do not face each other.
Design and Colour of the Puja Room
The design of the Mandir should be such that it adds symmetry to the puja room. A low ceiling coupled with a pyramid roof (gopura) will create the perfect divine surrounding for you to pray, so that you may slip in a meditative state with ease. For the Mandir itself, you can look for beautiful ones made from white marble or carved wood.
Finish the look with a threshold and a two-way shutter door that keeps out unwanted negative energies as well as insects out of your puja room. Ensure that there is enough space in the room for your entire family to sit and participate in the puja.
For the colours, look for lighter shades that tend to reflect the light in the room. Classic hues like white, cream, yellow, and pale blue add an ethereal sense of serenity to the puja room. Avoid bold colours like red or black as they will obstruct natural light and create a dark mood instead.
Manage Storage of Puja Items
Puja items if left unchecked can soon become clutter in the puja room. So, we suggest that you keep only the most necessary items in this room.
According to Vastu, you should avoid storing items above the idols. For holy books, diyas, incense sticks, and other such items – have minimal storage space pointing in the South East as it will not obstruct natural light from entering the room.
While many keep pictures of deceased family members, it’s best to avoid doing this as your puja room is a space for the hopes and prayers of the Living. And lastly, add fresh flowers at the altar, light some incense, and use copper vessels to give a mesmerising vibe to this entire space.
Lighting Inside the Puja Room
Ensure there is enough ventilation in the puja room to allow in lots of natural light during daytime. You may light lamps or install artificial lighting inside the temple to light up the puja room during evenings. According to Vastu, you should light the diyas on the right side of the person performing puja.
At Ashwin Sheth Group, we’ve given you the perfect Vastu guide to set up a beautiful puja room in your home. Be it a grand home temple or a small simple altar – these Vastu tips are bound to bring bouts of happiness, good health, and a peaceful energy in your household.
