7 Guidelines for Setting up a Beautiful Mandir at Home
Mandir or prayer room is an essential element typically found in most Indian households. Every individual in a family has an allocated space. Likewise, Gods are allocated mandir as a place in any home. Since ages, individuals give a different zone in their home for practising their rituals. Every morning people mediate in mandir as it is considered the most energetic and positive spot of a home. Depending upon one's dedication, capacity and lifestyle, an individual decorates their mandir with different designs consisting of lights, marble, wooden panels and even gold. Setting up a pooja room requires one to follow specific rules. Here is a compiled guide to making the perfect mandir at home.
Finding the Appropriate location:
Mandir represents a sacred place in the house which imparts positivity and peace by keeping negative energies at bay. Devotees begin their day with this holy place. People have built homes with their opening in different directions. According to Vastu Shastra principles, a home mandir, if positioned correctly, can bring fortune, wellbeing and success in one's life. One should position the mandir in the northeast direction of the house or eastern corner of the home. You must choose the west part of that room that is known as Ishan Kona, meaning Ishwar's place.
What Should mandir be made of?
The construction of a home mandir depends on the economic capacity of the devotee. Ideally, a mandir should be constructed either using wood or marble as the main material. Refrain from making mandir from glass or acrylic. Mandir should always be kept on a stable raised platform. One can also purchase ready-made wooden mandir widely available in the market at low cost. Just make sure that the quality of wood is top-notch.
Which deity should be placed in mandir?
Well, there is no definite answer to this question. The Gods' idols are symbolic icons. One can keep idols of all gods being worshipped in their home. Usually, one's pooja starts with Guru Vandana, followed by Ganesha pooja, Ishta Devta pooja, Mahalaxmi & Kuber pooja. Since, Hindus worship many deities, the gods placed in the home mandir, therefore, should not be limited to Shiva, Krishna & Ganesha Statue. Some people prefer to worship only one deity while others love to have different gods placed at one spot. Despite several deities dwelled in the holy place, the idol of Ishta Deva (undisputed top choice) is preferred to be placed in the centre of the mandir. Choosing an Ishta Devta is subjective to one's own religion and beliefs.
What should a Mandir Constitute?
A home Mandir can be of any size depending on the availability of space at home. It should have at least about a 25 inches wide platform, to place multiple idols comfortably. Besides this, you can place an incense burner, a bell, a diya, and a small jar to hold Dakshina (Money offerings). The statues can be kept in standing & sitting positions. Just make sure no cracked idol, the photo frame is kept in mandir as it is considered inauspicious. Two idols of the same deity should not be kept in the mandir.
How should murti be placed in mandir?
God Statues should be placed facing towards the devotee. Ideally, the murti should be facing the west direction with the diya's lit in the south-east direction. Additionally, refrain from keeping two idols facing each other as it brings bad luck and negative effects in the home environment. For enhanced isolation, while praying, the devotee should also place a puja mat or chowki. Furthermore, regardless of the number of deities places in mandir, you should make sure that you keep your mandir well organized and clean.
Things to Avoid while setting up a home mandir
A mandir is a place which is considered to have positive and divine energies. Hence, most importantly, refrain from setting up a home mandir in the south direction. It should be ensured that the mandir is not placed in the bedroom or behind the wall of a washroom. Never place any inherited picture in the mandir as it is considered inauspicious.No damaged statues should be kept in mandir, as it attracts ill luck. Nothing should be stacked on or beneath the mandir.
Install a cabinet for supplies:
A home mandir is incomplete without pooja samagri. One should always install a cabinet to keep all the essential mandir supplies like diya's, ghee container, puja books and general upkeep used during puja.
Conclusion:
Temple is a sacred place dedicated to God, which brings prosperity and happiness in one's home. Accurate placement of mandir and hindu sculptures therein fetches positive energies. The above guidelines would surely help you to position your mandir efficiently and pray peacefully to the God Almighty and be blessed in the form of prosperity, wealth and good health for all your family members.
