Height and size
- Idols should be placed so that their feet are at least at the level of your chest when you stand.
- Home idols should ideally be small, under 9 inches (about 22 cm).
- Place idols on a raised platform, not on the floor.
Arrangement
- Lord Ganesha is often placed on the left side of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Keep idols a little away from the wall, about an inch, so air can circulate.
- Do not place two idols of the same deity facing each other.
- A Shivling at home should be small and kept with water flowing towards the north.
Which idols to avoid at home
- Broken, chipped or damaged idols
- Very fierce forms of deities in large sizes
- Too many idols of the same deity
Care
Clean the idols regularly, offer fresh flowers and replace dried ones daily. Light a lamp morning and evening. Immerse broken idols respectfully in flowing water or under a peepal tree.