SCIENTIFIC VASTU | RITUALS BEFORE CONSTRUCTION | An Architect Explains
It is recommended in Vastu Shastra, that one must perform certain rituals before and during the Construction of a House. These rituals vary from place to place and according to different customs. I have collated some of the most common rituals followed in India, before the start of the construction. The purpose of doing a pooja is to psychologically give the Owner the confidence that the seemingly huge task of building a house can be accomplished without any problems, since the bare earth of the site (bhoomi) has been blessed and has acquired a divine life.
Being an Architect, I have been asked by my clients whether the Vastu guidelines regarding rituals before and during construction (Bhoomi pooja, griha pravesha etc) have any scientific basis. To that I say, they give you positivism and psychologically make you feel that you have sent away the old spirits dwelling in that space so that you can start a new, fresh life.
Here, I have explained the Vastu Guidelines for Rituals to be done before the commencement of the Construction. Vastu Shastra advocates five rituals or Poojas to be done before the actual construction begins. Since Vastu is a science, every guideline is based on logic and reasoning. As an Architect, I have attempted to explain each of these guidelines rationally and scientifically under the following headings, so that you have a choice and can decide what you want to follow or don’t instead of looking at Vastu as a superstition:
What is the first ritual to be done before the start of construction?
What is the second ritual to be done before the start of construction?
What is the third ritual to be done before the start of construction?
What is the fourth ritual to be done before the start of construction?
What is the fifth ritual to be done before the start of construction?
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA WHAT IS THE FIRST RITUAL TO BE DONE BEFORE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION?
Bhoomi (Vastu) Pooja: The first ritual to be done before starting the construction, is a Vastu pooja or Bhoomi Pooja. This is a pooja and should be done at an auspicious time and on an auspicious day, as fixed by your astrologer (normally it is done in the morning). The Reasoning: An auspicious day means the panchanga or the five components (Dina, Nakshatra, Thithi, Yoga, Karan) of that particular date or day is favourable for the person starting the construction of a house. These components are dependent on the position of the moon and the earth. However, a day with a good panchanga does not necessarily mean that particular day is auspicious for every person. The deciding factor is the janma nakshatra (birth star) of that person. If the person’s janma nakshatra is auspiciously compatible with the nakshtra of that particular day, then that day and date is considered auspicious. Duration of an auspicious moment (shubha muhurtha) is usually 3 – 4 minutes. So to decide the auspicious date and time, it is best to consult an astrologer or your family priest.
WHICH DAYS SHOULD BE AVOIDED FOR STARTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSE?
Note: Vastu Pooja is performed thrice during the construction as explained here:
At the start: As explained above, just before the start of the Construction.
In the middle: The second time is in the middle, at the time of fixing the Main door.
At the end: The third time is at the end during the Grahapravesham (House Warming Ceremony).
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA WHAT IS THE SECOND RITUAL TO BE DONE BEFORE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION?
Balidaana (Offertory ritual): This is the second ritual done before the start of Construction. Offerings are made and spirits and demons are requested to leave. The Reasoning – With this ritual, the Owner will psychologically feel that the site is purified and freed from any old associations and is receptive to a new beginning. It is like starting life from scratch without any stains.
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA WHAT IS THE THIRD RITUAL TO BE DONE BEFORE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION?
Hala-Karshana (Levelling of site) : This is the third ritual, the leveling of the site wherein the Site is sloped according to Vastu guidelines for Site Slope, so that the Site is at a higher level than the road level and the South-West corner is higher than the North-East corner. Vastu also recommends that the whole site be ploughed to rid it of the past and give the soil a new life. The Reasoning – The leveling is done to create a proper slope from the South-West corner to the North-East corner to facilitate the proper flow of rain water. The reason for having the whole site ploughed is to remove any debris, unwanted stones, rocks etc or expose any pests which may be underground, as normally, the ground is dug only where the trenches for the foundation are marked. So some spots where there are pests may remain undetected and can cause problems after the structure comes up.
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA WHAT IS THE FOURTH RITUAL TO BE DONE BEFORE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION?
Ankuraa-Roopana (Sowing of seed): This is the fourth ritual, the sowing of the seed and a final offering to the memory of those who have left the place and is also the first offering to the new ploughed ground. The Reasoning – The germination of the seed gives a psychological feeling that the new undertaking will be fruitful, that a building will emerge from the ground without any problems.
ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA WHAT IS THE FIFTH RITUAL TO BE DONE BEFORE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION?
Shilaanyaasa (Foundation laying): This is the fifth ritual, the foundation laying ceremony. The groundbreaking ceremony for the house should only be done during the Uttarayan period, when the sun is in the northern hemisphere, from December 21 through June 20. The Reasoning – It makes sense to start construction in the Uttarayan period, when the days are longer than the nights as the construction activity can go on at a rapid pace as there are more daylight hours during this period.
Digging of the foundation trenches should always begin in the North-East. The scientific reason: This is to ensure that the North-East level is always lower, thus allowing morning and constant light into the whole site.
The stone which is consecrated at the time of the Vastu Pooja, is laid first in the South-West corner of the trenches dug up for the foundation. The construction of building should be started at South-West and proceeds towards North-West / South-East and should end at North-East. The scientific reason: This is also to ensure that the North-East level is always lower, thus allowing morning and constant light into the whole site.
This post was about the Rituals to be followed before construction. For a detailed explanation of the Vastu guidelines for conducting the Bhoomi Pooja, go to:
The next step in Construction, after the Rituals is the digging of the well/borewell. Read about it here:
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Related Topics:
- Vastu Shastra | Explained By An Architect
- Vastu Shastra | Principles For A House
- Vastu Shastra | Factors That Impact A House
- Vastu Guidelines | Designing A House
- Vastu Guidelines | Interiors Of A House
- Vastu Guidelines | Exteriors Of A House
- Vastu Guidelines | Selecting The Right Site
- Vastu Guidelines | Construction Of A House
- Vastu Guidelines | Rituals For A House
- Vastu Guidelines | Non-Residential Buildings
- Remedies For Vastu Defects
Hi can I start construction of additional room on janma nakshatra
Hello, I want to know if actual construction starts in 15 days after bhoomi Pooja, is that considered ok?
we had purchased plot in 2016 and now want to do bhumi puja ! can it be done on 30 october?
I want to start construction for my small factory unit. Kindly guide for its all three steps Pooja.
I bought a new site, want to do bhoomi puja to my site. In Shukla paksha or Krishna paksha, which one will be the good one to do bhoomi puja.
What is the best date in this month to do bhoomi pooja?
There is a ritual to do bhoomi puja while constructing a building. Online booking of a pandit will be easy
to do the rituals. From puja n pujari people can book the pandit through online, can select the dates of bhoomi puja, pandit will arrange all puja materials on puja day, and perform puja on time. One can ask the pandit about any questions they have and can get the answers through phone, pujanpujari.com provides all pujas according to the hindu rituals.
Hello sir,
We have purchased and under construction apartments and we are planning to do lintel ( vasakaal ) Pooja this week..vastu date is June 4th and subha muhurtham is on June 6th..on vastu date is on Tuesday and also mentioned marana yogam in calendar .please suggest when can we do Pooja ( subha muhurtham or on vastu date itself)..if on vastu date will thr be no problem ??? Expecting reply asap
SIR I HAVE DONE MY BHUMI PUJAN 6 MONTH BEFORE . NOW CAN I START TO BUILD MY HOUSE AFTER 6 MONTH OF BHUMI PUJAN,
we had constructed the 2 bed room house in the year 2000 and staying in the house since February 2014. We will continue to stay in the ground floor house, we have decided to construct two more floors, i.e first floor and second floors. we got all approvals from civic authorities. Can we start the construction process for first floor in October or November 2017 and if so, on which dates in October or November 2017 are very good/ suitable as per vastu and auspicious.
so please provide these dates during October 2017 or November 2017 at the earliest please. we are in the process of finalising the builder. Suggest what are DOS and DONTS during the construction phase.
I want repair of my house through change my front elevation and extending the ground floor for cover the parking area.
sir the same can be do in June & July as per hindu vastu.
thanks
Hi Vijay.
You are most welcome.
Admin
vijyaswamy
November 10, 2014 at 6:02 am
Sir
I am from maharashtra. I am going to constr ct my old house in my village,Now I want to know that can the boomi puja be done in June and now the jayshtha month will begining,can ido the digginig of bhoomi, Can you please guide me as per vasthu.
Hi,
I have a doubt regarding bhoomi puja i.e; for performing bhoomi puja we have to dig in North east direction only or it is ok at the center of the site? Another query is when to start construction after bhoomi puja? Plz clarify my doubts.
Regards,
Ajay.
I am about to sell a part of my land at the back side of my house.it is not getting sold and it’s keep on delaying. Should I perform any vasthu Pooja.Pls advise how to perform and on wwhich date.
once done bhoomipooja. Howmany months it prevails? Is it necessary to do again, if expires one year?
I wanted to construct a house in our site, started discussions with the architect,suddenly my father-in-law who was bedridden passed away. Completed all the death rituals properly,when can we go ahead with construction
I wanted to construct a house in our site, started discussions with the architect,suddenly my father who was bedridden passed away. Completed all the death rituals properly,when can we go ahead with constructiin
hai sir I want a suggestion, I want to start construction next month my wife is 2months pregnant. can I start or not a construction sir.
Sir
I am do a bhoomi puja at the center of the plan.after two months i want to change my plan,now how i do another bhoomi puja for new plan? How reject previous bhoomi puja.pl.give me sugetion what i do.
My daughter is 3 months pregnant. Can I do bhoomi pooja newly purchased plot.
MY DOB IS 14/06/1980 I AM PLANING TO START IInd floor very soon on ground floor i m leaving from past 5 years. please suggest me good dates to start construction
Hello,
I have booked a flat & should get possesion in next 6 months. I have been suggested by a friend that I should place some auspicious stones in 4 corners & one in centre of the flat before the flooring is completed, as it would help to have positive energy in my flat.
Plz let me know
– Which are these 5 types of stones?
– What should be the grammage of these stones?
– Where can i get more information about it to read on?
Rgds,
Mandar.
Hi Mandar,
I am not sure about these stones. Best to consult your friend or a poojari.
Admin
Hi sir,
Is it ok if the bhoomi puja is done alone if the lady of the house is unable to join due to monthly cycle.pls suggest as the date is fixed in advance.
Hi Pradeep,
I personally believe that for a griha pravesham, when your dream house is completed, both husband and wife should perform it together. But for the initial bhoomi pooja function, it is okay if she skips it.
Admin
Hi sir ,
We are going to lay foundation for our new home here in USA due to certain restrictions by the Texas state we are not allowed to pour anything in the dugged pit so what should I do can I say some prayers and what are the mantras required for bhoomi Puja
Hi Kothari,
You can do the regular bhumi pooja, just avoid putting something into the dug pit.
Admin
Namaste,
We got a land in US and planing for construction. I am not pregnant yet but wanted to plan for another baby. Is it okay to plan for a baby when digging the earth for foundation and house construction.
I heard people saying that one should not be pregnant when digging the earth for foundation. Please help me on this?
Hi Sowmya,
It is inconvenient to do poojas (that require sitting down) during pregnancy, so that is why it is discouraged. I dont feel there is anything wrong in planning for a baby.
Admin
I want to purchase a plot and have searched in HUDA sector. Which plot I like that’s No is 1013. Some people say 13 number is not good. So that, I am in confusion. Kindly guide me at this stage.
Thanks
Hi Sardar Singh,
If you are looking at numbers then your houses number is 1013 and not 13. So why fear.
Admin
My wife is two months pragnent i want advice for boomi puja in octobwr -2016
Hi Sreedhar,
By october, I assume she will be 3 months and she should not have much difficulty in performing the rituals. So it should be fine.
Admin
Hi Sir
Need your help
1. I am planning to start construction immdly due to fund related because after that I am getting the fund in time
2. My wife 2nd pregnancy 6th month now, pls advice whether we will do pooja & start construction 6th month pregnancy time
3. If not, pls advice if there any solution
Need your helpful suggestion
Hi Rajesh,
You can start of with the pooja. There may be a little discomfort for your wife but it has to be borne, since you need to start immediately.
Admin
Dear sir,
I want your advice for bhoomi pooja date & time in august2016
Pooja place in chennai-61
Hi Saravanan,
Consult an astrologer.
Admin
Dear Sir,
Need your suggestion.
I am planning to have the boomi puja done for my site in chennai. I have been given a date as 26.07.2016 as vastu day by one prohit for preforming the boomi puja. My doubt is
1.This is in aadi masam or ashada month (tamil calender)
2. secondly it is a Tuesday but a vasthu day.
Pls advise me whether this date is O.k. in connection to these 2 points.
(I am told on a vasthu day nothing matters regarding day and months. Kindly clarify)
Hi Shyam
I am neither an astrologer nor a vastu pundit. So It is better you consult another astrologer for a second opinion/date.
Admin
Dear Sir,
I want to make Bhoomi Pooja and start the construction on 3rd June 2016. But my wife is pregnant 7 Months. Kindly suggest to whether can i make the bhoomi pooja or not.
Hi Ranjith,
A bhoomi pooja may not have many rituals that require squatting. So it may not be a problem for your wife.
Admin
Hi,
We are planning to buy a almost constructed house in US, just the wood polishing on the floor, fitting the appliances (fridge, oven, lights) is left. My wife is 3 months pregnant(Dec 2015).If we buy it now, we get it in 3 months from now (March 2016). can we buy it at this stage now? If yes, when can we do the house warming? Please let us know as early as you can.
Thanks,
Anil.
Hi Anil,
You can buy the house anytime, but the housewarming pooja should be done only after her delivery because most Indian grihapravesh poojas entail sitting on the floor cross legged, doing a lot of physically strenuous activities. But if you want to shift in before that, it can be done by doing a very basic pooja (boiling milk) on any auspicious date as recommended by your astrologer. Good luck with both the house and the baby!
Admin
I am purchasing a newly constructed flat, and would do no further construction but am planning to do significant interior works. My questions:
– should griha pravesh be prior to start of interior works or post?
– prior to griha pravesh can I light a few lamps in house on Diwali?
– what are the best days for doing puja in Dec 2015 / Jan 2016…
Hi Shivesh,
I am not an astrologer or vastu pundit. So I request everyone to stop asking me questions related to auspicious dates or horoscopes etc. It makes sense to do a griha pravesh after all construction works including interior works are completed. In fact you should move into the house immediately after the pooja.
You can light lamps etc after you have shifted in.
Admin
Hi
We bought a land in US and going to start construction . we have planned of doing vastu pooja and I am now 9 months pregnant . shall we proceed or should consider this after delivery .
Hi Gayathiri,
Postpone it for a few months. It is not practical to do the pooja while you are so heavily pregnant.
Admin
HI;
my name is Ramakrishna G and my Brother Muralikrishna G we bought a site and planning to construct a house as soon as possible trying to know best dates and time to perfom bhoomi pooja to start construction, we are in Hyderabad, telangana.
please suggest and our house site Road is on South so planning to construct house door facing east and gate facing south please suggest.
Hi Ramakrishna,
Planning an east facing door is fine. But I do not know anything about good dates and horoscopes. You will have to consult an astrologer.
Admin
please repost ritual/puja to add front door during construction. That part is missing recently. I had seen it on this site a few months ago.
Thanks,
Hi Yamini,
Thanks for pointing this out. Will post it soon.
Admin
Sir
I am in Bangalore. I am going to constr ct my old house in Chennai. We have done all legal procedure and applied for approval.Now I want to know that can the boomi puja be done in June or July ? As we expect the approval by June 15 we can do after that. Vasthu dates in the panchangam are June 4 and July 27. Pundits differ. Can you please guide me as per vasthu.
Vijayalakshmi
Hi Vijayalakshmi,
Do the pooja after getting approval. Since the dates given to you are June 4th and July 27, but you expect the approval after June 15th, do it in July.
Admin
Incorrect info.Kindly consult the Manayadi Sastra book
HI Shiva,
I am aware that different books have different suggestions. I have given a rough summary of the most common Vastu suggestions. If you have expertise in this matter, please feel free to share it here, so that my readers can benefit from it.
Admin