Incorporating a pooja room or mandir is fundamental to many Indian households. Typically modest in dimensions, a pooja room should serve as a tranquil and peaceful area, allowing individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, and self-reflection. No matter if it's a pooja room or a pooja unit, use these design concepts and themes to create a serene space for your interiors.
Recommended direction and idol placement as per Vastu Shashtra
Northeast (Ishan) Corner: This is the most auspicious location for a mandir according to Vastu Shastra. It is believed to attract positive energy and divine blessings. If possible, dedicate a room or space in the northeast corner of your home for your pooja room.
North or East Wall: If you cannot allocate an entire room to the mandir, you can place it along the north or east wall of a room. Ensure that the idols or deities face the west or east, respectively, in these positions.
Center of the House: Some Vastu experts suggest placing the mandir in the exact center of the house (known as the Brahmasthan). However, this placement may not be practical in all homes.
North-Northeast or East-Northeast: If it's not feasible to have the mandir in the northeast corner, you can consider the north-northeast or east-northeast directions. Ensure that the idols face the appropriate directions as mentioned earlier.
Living Room or Prayer Nook: If you have limited space, you can create a small mandir or prayer nook in the living room or any quiet and clean area of your home. Just make sure it follows the directional guidelines and maintains a sacred atmosphere. To ensure that your home radiates positive energy and harmony, it's crucial to follow Vastu principles. Check out our blog on harmonizing homes with Vastu Shastra principles to learn how you can apply these guidelines across all areas of your home.
Directions to avoid placing mandir as per Vastushastra:
Bedroom: It's generally not recommended to have a mandir in the bedroom as it may disrupt the tranquility of the space associated with relaxation.
Kitchen or Dining Area: Placing a mandir in these areas may not align with Vastu principles, as they are associated with food preparation and consumption.
Basement or Below Ground Level: Avoid creating a mandir in the basement or below ground level, as it is believed to bring negative energy.
Sizing the Pooja room
Depending on the available space within your home, you have the option to establish a distinct area for your pooja room, or you can create a pooja nook within your space.
In homes with an open layout, you can distinguish this space from the rest of the house by incorporating a raised platform or using a decorative divider to segregate the space from the rest of the house.
For smaller spaces, you might want to consider a standalone pooja unit, transform a niche into a dedicated pooja room, or opt for a wall-mounted unit as a space-saving alternative.
Preferable materials to use for pooja room and idols
When creating a mandir or a pooja room, the choice of materials plays a significant role in enhancing the sacred and aesthetic aspects of the space. As per Vastu Shastra, these are some specific recommendations for the best materials to use in making your mandir or pooja room:
Wood: Wood is highly favored in Vastu for crafting the mandir or the pooja room. It is believed to have a spiritually grounding energy. Teak, neem, and sandalwood are considered auspicious choices. You can also use CNC and WPC jali inserts made of wood to make the space stand out. Visit our blog for an in-depth insight on the same.
Marble: White marble is a preferred material for creating idols and for the construction of the altar or pedestal. It is associated with purity and tranquility. Avoid using broken or damaged marble.
Brass or Copper: These can also be used for the metal CNC or WPC dividers as mentioned above, but usually these materials are more preferable for crafting idols, bells, lamps, and other accessories within the pooja room. These materials are believed to enhance the spiritual energy of the space.
Stone: Stone finishes can be used for the making of the room. Light-colored stones like white or beige are considered good choices. Avoid dark-colored stones, as they may create a heavy atmosphere. These are a very good choice to use for the flooring of the room. Choosing the right materials is key to crafting a pooja room that feels both sacred and stylish. Read our blog on selecting the best materials for your wardrobe to get insights on finishes and materials that bring your design to life
Color scheme to use
According to Vastu principles, colors wield significant influence over a room's energy and vibe. They symbolize the natural elements and, when adhering to Vastu guidelines, can have a positive impact on the household.
In line with Vastu for the pooja room, shades like white, pale yellow, and blue are regarded as highly auspicious for the mandir. White signifies purity, while blue instills a sense of tranquility, making them excellent choices. Hence, it is preferable to opt for neutral hues such as white, cream, and beige, or introduce the comforting warmth of natural wood's brown tones.
Additionally, opt for light-colored flooring, considering materials such as natural tone stone finish, white marble, or cream tiles for the flooring. Embrace shades like white and yellow to foster an atmosphere of peace and serenity, which is especially conducive to prayer. It's important to note that neutral colors contribute to a calming ambiance and a soothing atmosphere. You can also opt for patterned or decorative flooring that aligns with the color scheme to add a sense of spectacle within the space.
Conversely, it's advisable to avoid darker colors like black, navy blue, or violet in this sacred space. If you already possess a dark-toned pooja unit that you'd prefer not to replace, you can contemplate painting the wall behind the unit in a lighter shade. Furthermore, ensure ample lighting within the unit to counterbalance the darker color scheme. Choosing the right colors for your pooja room is essential for creating a calming and sacred atmosphere. Check out our blog on the emotions of color and how different colors impact your home's energy, Explore the Emotions of Color: A Journey into Color Psychology
Lighting to use in the pooja room or mandir
Light serves as a wellspring of positive energy, and it's crucial to incorporate a source of natural light within your pooja room. The most favorable placement for a window is in the northeast direction, based on Vastu principles.
In line with Vastu guidelines for the pooja room, it's imperative to maintain constant illumination within the space. Vastu experts recommend the installation of bright artificial lighting to ensure the room remains well-lit even after sunset.
Enhance the illumination of the pooja room by integrating recessed ceiling lights or spotlighting into the design, and consider introducing a touch of opulence with a crystal chandelier or a central light. To create further visual interest, add a pendant light that casts intriguing patterns on the walls and floor. Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a peaceful ambiance in your pooja room. For innovative lighting ideas, explore our blog on stunning false ceiling designs that can elevate your home's lighting solutions.
Storage
The pooja room or mandir has pooja accessories like diyas, prayer books, prayer mats, and oils apart from the idols. It is crucial to have enough storage for the necessary items as it is a pivotal aspect of a well-designed pooja room. As per Vastu Shastra, it's imperative that nothing is positioned above your idol, suggesting that all types of storage be located beneath the idols. This arrangement not only aligns with Vastu principles but also offers practical convenience, as items placed at ground level are easily accessible.
To maintain the sanctity of your pooja room and facilitate positive energy flow, remember to keep the space free of clutter and ensure cleanliness. Here are some key considerations:
Place storage cabinets in the west or south quadrants of the room, ensuring that they do not obstruct the entry of natural light.
Store prayer books neatly within the cabinets to keep everything organized and avoid clutter.
Keep wicks organized and ensure the lamp remains consistently clean.
Accessorize
Fill your pooja room with positive vibes and decorate it with temple bells, prayer mats, and the holy tulsi plant. It's essential to maintain a balance and avoid overloading the temple space since it's a sacred place of prayer.
Adhering to pooja room Vastu principles, refrain from displaying images depicting negative energies such as death or war within the space. Additionally, avoid placing a dustbin within the area. Instead, incorporate copper vessels aligning with Vastu traditions.
In accordance with Vastu for the pooja room, maintain a primary focus on the idol and avoid filling the space up with accessories. Opt for a minimal and subtle approach to decorating the room's background and overall decor. Excessive decoration can result in the pooja room appearing congested and disorganized.
Incorporating Traditional and Modern Elements
The modern Indian home often blends traditional beliefs with contemporary design. Your pooja room can be a reflection of this balance by integrating elements from both worlds. Consider combining sleek, minimalist furniture with traditional materials like wood or marble. This creates a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually significant.
Modern Lighting Fixtures: Install modern pendant lights or chandeliers that align with the room's spiritual aura.
Minimalist Decor: Keep the design simple yet elegant, focusing on a few key traditional elements.
Natural Materials: Use materials like wood and stone, which bring a grounded, natural feel to the space.
Nature-Inspired Pooja Room Design
Connecting your pooja room with nature can enhance the spiritual experience. Incorporate natural elements like indoor plants, stones, and water features to create a calming environment. The addition of natural light can further elevate the peaceful ambiance of the space.
Indoor Plants: Place plants like tulsi or bamboo for a touch of greenery.
Water Features: Consider adding a small fountain or water bowl for tranquility.
Natural Light: Ensure that the pooja room is bathed in natural light, possibly through a northeast-facing window.
By adhering to these tips and Vastu guidelines for your pooja room, you can infuse your home with a sense of divine energy. If you're seeking additional information on Vastu Shastra, explore our blog for harmonizing your new home. For any interior design assistance, feel free to contact Pescora Designs.
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