Good Vibes Only: Here Are Expert Tips For Adding A Puja Room To Your Home

When it comes to adding a pooja room to your home, the first consideration would be the location. It could either be a part of the main areas, adding a peaceful vibe, or could be placed discreetly. According to Vaastu, the ancient Indian science of architecture, the north or the east, or the northeast corner of the home, is the best orientation for a pooja room, as it is believed to emanate positive energy. 

The size of the pooja room depends on the space available. It doesn’t have to be a particular size as long as you designate a specific room or set aside a portion of your open-plan living and dining as the sacred area. A raised platform, a semi-open partition, or a lattice screen can be used to separate the pooja area from the rest of the house. 

Traditionally, marble and wood (specifically Sheesham wood) have been the choices for creating a mandir, and they continue to be popular choices; other than this, you can even use local stones. Usually, brass, copper and silver are used extensively for decorative pooja accessories and lights. In contemporary design, glass is extensively used.  

Neutral hues like white, cream, and beige help evoke a calm and tranquil environment ideal for concentration while praying. Warm tones of wood are also a good option. Employing gold accents here and there imparts an abundant appeal to the prayer room.

Pooja room flooring needs careful consideration as we usually sit on the floor to pray. You could create an eye-catching and innovative design using intricate patterns and colours. There are quite a few options for this one: stone inlay, marble with brass or semi-precious stone highlights, patterned ceramic and porcelain tiles, or coloured concrete floor. Go with what appeals to you.

The design of the walls, especially the backdrop, sets the tone for the pooja room and simultaneously enhances the overall appearance. A carved white marble backdrop or a lattice screen adds a beautifully crafted look while also introducing an elegant light and shadow play. Backlit Corian or onyx helps add an ethereal glow. If you're looking for quick and budget-friendly ways then wallpapers, painting the walls with a textured finish or embellishing with vintage decals, stencil art, and motifs are the way to go.

Illuminating the pooja room, allowing it to exude a peaceful, positive energy, is important. Traditional diyas in brass or silver light up the space, and also add a decorative element. In contemporary times, a small chandelier, pendant lights or string lights are also used innovatively to add grace and brightness to the room.

What are some innovative ways in which you decorate your pooja or prayer room? Tell us in the comments.