Best direction
The north-east (Ishanya), ruled by Lord Shiva and Jupiter, is the ideal direction. The east and north are also good. Avoid the south, the south-west and rooms next to or under toilets.
Facing direction while praying
You should face east or north while praying. So place the idols on the east wall (facing west), which lets you face east, or on the north wall (facing south), which lets you face north. In most homes, idols on the east side are the simplest arrangement.
Do's
- Keep the pooja room clean, light and peaceful.
- Use white, cream, light yellow or light blue colours.
- Keep a lamp (diya) in the south-east of the pooja room.
- Use marble or wood for the altar.
- Keep a small bell, conch and fresh flowers.
Don'ts
- Do not place the pooja room under a staircase or next to a toilet wall.
- Avoid broken idols or torn pictures of deities.
- Do not use the pooja room for storage.
- Avoid placing idols directly facing each other.
- Avoid images of deceased ancestors in the pooja room.
In small homes
If a separate room is not possible, use a wooden mandir in the north-east corner of the living room or kitchen. Keep it at a height where the idols are at or above chest level when you stand.