Pooja ghar is the most sacred space in your home - a place where you can unwind from all worldly affairs and devote yourself to the almighty.
If you are planning to set up a dedicated pooja ghar in your home, it's important to be mindful of certain things that can literally make or break your idea of a perfect spiritual space.
This blog will guide you through some tips to set up and decorate your pooja ghar to give it a divine touch and feel.
1. Choosing the Right Space
First things first, location is key.
Ideally, your Pooja Ghar should be in the northeast corner of your home, as per Vastu Shastra. The Northeast direction is considered auspicious and attracts positive energy. However, if that's not possible, the east or north direction works well too.
Things to remember: Make sure the pooja space is quiet, clean, and free from clutter.
2. The Foundation – Mandir or Altar
Your Mandir (temple) or altar will be the focal point of your Pooja Ghar, hence make sure to choose the one that rightly fits your space and budget.
For your mandir, you can choose from various materials like wood, marble, or metal, depending on your preference. Wooden Mandirs with intricate carvings give more of a traditional touch, while marble ones add a bit of elegance and serenity to the overall setup. In case you're short on space, you can even consider wall-mounted Mandirs that are perfect for apartments or small homes.
However, regardless of what you choose, ensure it's proportionate to the space you have and has enough compartments for idols, lamps, and other pooja essentials.
Things to remember: Avoid going for mandirs that are too large for your space.
3. Idols and Pictures
When it comes to idols and pictures, know that less is more.
Hence, try selecting idols of gods you truly place your faith in. The most common deities found in Hindu households include Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
Besides, while purchasing the idols make sure they are not chipped or damaged, as it is considered inauspicious. Talking of the pictures, opt for photos with simple and elegant frames.
Things to remember: NEVER place pictures of deceased ancestors in the Pooja Ghar; they should have a separate place in your home.
4. Lighting – The Divine Glow
Lighting can help you create a serene and divine atmosphere.
For this, you can go for traditional brass diyas. Light them during morning and evening prayers to purify the space and ward off negativity. Meanwhile, you can also use warm, white LED lights to decorate your Mandir or hang lamps or chandeliers to give a whole different look and feel to your pooja ghar.
Things to remember: Just make sure they are not too bright as the idea is to create a calm and peaceful ambiance.
5. Flowers and Garlands
No pooja ghar setup is complete without fresh flowers and garlands. They not only add beauty but also bring fresh, positive energy to your space.
You can choose from a whole variety of flowers including marigolds, roses, jasmine, and more to decorate your pooja ghar.
Things to remember: Change the flowers daily to keep your pooja space fresh and vibrant.
6. Incense and Fragrance
The sense of sweet and warm smell helps enhance the aura of your spiritual space, making it feel more calm and relaxing. You can use incense sticks, dhoop, or essential oil diffusers to fill your pooja room with a pleasant fragrance.
Things to remember: Ensure the fragrance is not too overpowering; it should be subtle and calming.
7. Storage Solutions
Keep your Pooja Ghar organized with smart storage solutions. For this, you can use small cabinets or drawers to store essentials like matchboxes, incense sticks, oil bottles, and extra wicks. This will help maintain a clutter-free environment and make everything easily accessible to you.
Things to remember: Use decorative boxes or trays to keep items like kumkum, haldi, and Chandan well in place. It not only keeps things tidy but also adds to the overall aesthetics of your space.
8. Decorative Elements
You can add different decorative elements like decorative door hangings, bells, cotton or silk mats, antique brass lamps, traditional motifs, and more to give a personalized touch to your space. You can even consider adding a beautiful backdrop behind the god idols. It could be a piece of fabric, a painting, or a wooden panel. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also make the deities stand out.
Things to remember: Avoid cluttering the space by placing too many decorative items.
9. Maintaining Cleanliness and Sanctity
A clean and tidy Pooja Ghar is essential for maintaining its sanctity.
Hence, clean your pooja space daily – this involves everything from dusting the idols to wiping down the surfaces. Also, make sure to replace old flowers with fresh ones and wash the altar cloth and mats on a regular basis.
Things to remember: Avoid placing anything unrelated to prayer or rituals in the Pooja Ghar. It should remain a dedicated space for spiritual activities.
10. Seasonal and Festive Decor
Change the decor of your Pooja Ghar with the seasons and festivals. Like during Diwali, you can add extra lamps and fairy lights to make it more appealing. For Navratri, you can decorate the space with vibrant flowers and colorful fabrics. This keeps the space lively and aligns it with the festive spirit.
Things to remember: Be mindful of using non-toxic and eco-friendly materials for decor to maintain a pure and safe spiritual environment.
Takeaway
Creating a Pooja Ghar is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. It’s not just about decoration; it’s about creating a space where you can connect with the divine and find peace. Remember, simplicity and sincerity go a long way in creating a space that exudes positive energy.
So, go ahead and start decorating your Pooja Ghar with love and devotion. May your space be filled with peace, positivity, and divine blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What 5 things should be kept in the pooja room?
- Brass god idols and diyas, Ganga Jal, holy scriptures, fresh flowers & incense sticks are a few things you should keep in your pooja room.
- What should not be kept in the pooja room?
- Avoid keeping broken idols and photos of deceased ancestors in the pooja room.
- Which god photos to keep in the pooja room?
- You can place photos of any god you believe in. Keeping idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Laxmi, Goddess Durga, and Radha-Krishna are considered auspicious.