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Ideal location and arrangement for a place of worship within a house?
Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural and design philosophy, emphasizes the significance of arranging the worship room, or puja room, in alignment with specific cardinal directions to foster a harmonious and spiritually conducive environment.
According to Vastu principles, the ideal placement for the puja room is in the North-East direction. This orientation is believed to facilitate a tranquil atmosphere for meditation and pooja (worship). The exposure to the bright rays of the morning sun in this area is considered auspicious for health and well-being.
In situations where there is ample space available, placing the puja room in the middle of the house is deemed favorable. However, if space constraints are a factor, a pooja mandir can be set up in the kitchen, specifically in the north-east direction.
One key Vastu guideline emphasizes avoiding the establishment of a puja room in the bedrooms. The puja room is considered a sacred space dedicated to spiritual practices, and keeping it separate from personal living spaces is believed to enhance the sanctity of the rituals.
The placement of idols within the pooja room is also guided by Vastu principles. Ideally, idols should be positioned in the north-east, east, or west directions. This aligns with the path of the sun’s rays, which radiate from the north-east and east in the morning and from the west in the evening. The exposure to these rays during worship is thought to intensify the sense of devotion.
Additionally, placing idols in the north direction is discouraged, as it would require worshipers to face south, which is considered architecturally unfavorable in Vastu.
In essence, Vastu Shastra provides a comprehensive guide for arranging spaces, including the puja room, to enhance the flow of positive energy and create an environment conducive to spiritual practices and well-being.
It is essential to avoid broken idols and tattered portraits. Idols should not be positioned facing each other; rather, our focus should be on worshiping them without creating a line of sight between them. Pooja items ought to be arranged in the south-east direction of the room, ensuring a clear view of the idols. Keeping pictures of deceased elders in the puja room, while done out of respect by some, is discouraged as it can be distracting and evoke memories of distressing experiences.
Valuables like gold and money are advised not to be concealed in the worship hall. Maintaining cleanliness in the puja room is paramount. Opt for a door with two shutters for the room, and having a gate is advisable. The walls should be painted in light colors such as white, light yellow, or light blue to cultivate a serene atmosphere that keeps the mind focused on spiritual devotion.