In today’s fast-moving world, the vital resources for the spiritual, moral and emotional well being of a person are rapidly depleting. Hence, it is important to have Vastu compliant prayer room to retain health, wealth, peace and happiness.
Individuals are caught up in the rat race of success and rewards, thereby, having very less time for any introspection within them. The sacred necessities to all humans, such as, meditation and peace of mind have been gradually losing ground.
A home is supposed to be a place for a person’s calm, repose and peace of mind. People try and follow their prayer routine for this exact reason. A prayer is not just seen as the fulfilment of an obligation in religion, but it is practised to bring about positive energy and to recharge the holy atmosphere in our homes. This is where the prayer room comes into prominence. A Vastu compliant “puja ghar” ensures that the family has peace of mind, emotional and financial stability.
- The Ideal Location for the Prayer Room or “Puja Ghar”
The north-east direction is considered the best direction for the construction of the prayer room as per the Vastu Shastra. This direction is believed to be the “Divine” direction.
If an option for building a prayer room in this direction is not available then the north or the east corners are said to be the second best directions. Vastu encourages “puja ghar” in the east because it is a common belief that the deities should receive the first rays of the sun in the morning as the sun rises.
West can be taken into consideration if the above options are unavailable. However, the Vastu Shastra strictly prohibits the placement of the prayer room in the south direction as it is believed to attract negativity.
The prayer room is never to be built under a staircase, adjacent to the bathroom or toilet or in the basements as these spaces are believed to contain negative energy.
The prayer room should always be in the ground floor. Avoid the top floors as best as possible.
- Shape of the Prayer Room
The Vastu Shastra states that having a pyramid shaped “puja ghar” is highly auspicious. A pyramid shaped roof can also be built somewhat duplicating the “gopura” of a temple. This design is said to help create symmetry with the relatively small “puja ghar”, thereby making it easier to transcend into a meditative state.
- Colours of the Walls and the Floors
The desired colours for the walls of the prayer room would be subtle colours such as white, yellow or light blue. Since the prayer room should be calm these lighter shades facilitate the soothing ambience of the room. White or cream toned marbles are usually recommended for the floors. Avoid dark colours or any shades that interfere with the tranquil of the “puja” room.
- Doors and windows of the Prayer Room
The doors of the prayer room must have double shutters and should be preferably wooden. It is preferred that the doors and windows open to the northern or the eastern directions. The entrance door could have a threshold. The threshold keeps the ants and insects away from entering this holy space.
- The Idols
According to the Vastu Shastra, idols should be best avoided instead replacing them with divine images. But if you insist, the idols should not be over nine inches and not be less than two inches in height. Ideally they should be placed in the north-east direction. It should be kept in mind that the idols should never face the south. Simultaneously, the idols should never face each other or the door.
They must be placed at least an inch away from the walls and above the ground ensuring that the air circulates around the idols. The feet of the idol should be at the height of your chest when you are seated for prayer.
The idols should not be chipped or damaged. Remember never to keep idols from old temples in your prayer room and never to chisel walls to install the idols. Nothing should be placed above or over the idols.
- The Puja/Prayer Vessels, Lamps or “Diya” and the “Agnikund” or the Fire pit
It is desirable to have various “puja”/prayer vessels such as the “kalash” (pitcher), “thaali” (plates), “diyas” (lamps), bells etc made of copper in the prayer room.
The “Agnikund” (fire pit) and the “Diya” (lamps) are to be placed in the south-east direction.
- Where to face while Praying
The ideal direction to face while praying is the east as the worshippers are said to benefit from the radiance of the rising sun in this direction. Vastu also suggests that worshippers praying for wealth should face the north, the ones striving for knowledge should face the east and those in search of peace and happiness should face the west.
- The Storage
Wardrobes, cupboards or any form of storage meant to accommodate the various prayer vessels, utensils, accessories, books or prayer room essentials, are best located in the west or the south walls therefore not obstructing the sunlight entering the room.
Avoid placing any items that do not belong to the prayer room ensuring a clean and clutter free environment.
- Things to Avoid
- Do not hang pictures of the deceased in the “puja ghar”
- Avoid placing images portraying war, battles, death or any kind of violence.
- Never keep pictures or paintings of animals or birds in this space
- Though a prayer room should be kept clean, do not place a dust bin for it reduces the positive energy present in the room.
- Avoid sleeping in the “puja” room
- Never conceal money or other expensive valuables in the prayer room
- Installing “Puja Ghar”/ “Mandir”/ Prayer Room in the Kitchen, Living Room or other areas of the House:
Though the Vastu Shastra always advises the construction of a separate “puja ghar” in the house, it may not always be feasible, especially in small houses or rented flats. Due to limited space but also due to the importance of the presence of a “puja ghar” in the house, one may have to think of an alternative. Placing a “mandir”/ “puja ghar” in the kitchen or the living room may be permissible, but it should always be placed in the north-east direction.
Bedrooms for placing the “mandir” is best avoided. However, if this is the only choice, it should be placed in the north-east direction. Also, one should note never to sleep with feet pointing towards the “mandir”.
Benefits of a Vastu compliant Prayer Room
“Puja ghar” in the north-east is believed to be of prime importance especially in helping to connect with the Divine and improve the mental concentration of the person. The north-east is also significant to worshippers of Lord Shiva.
“Puja ghar” in the east benefits the devotees from the radiance of the rising sun in this direction.
“Puja ghar” in the west gives strength to maintain morals. It also attracts immense gains in all fields of life.
In general a “Vastu” friendly prayer room attracts prosperity, spiritualism and good health to a family.
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