Vaastu Shanti
Vaastu Shanti is performed to help correct the vaastu dosh (fault) and to help remove all the faults in a house if it is not constructed according to Vaastu Shastra. This puja is also said to improve the health of family members, increase their longevity, maintain harmony and stability in the family. It also helps in expansion of business and bringing in profits.
It is basically a religious and spiritual process to worship Vaastu Purush, the protector, soul and Lord of the house. Purush means Soul, Power and Energy. The primary objectives of Vaastu Shanti puja are as follows:
- To seek blessings from Vastu Purush to protect the home and the occupants from natural calamities
- To resolve proper use of the house and to convert it into Home and Praasad.
- To remove any arrangement faults related to land, structure, and interior arrangement faults
- To ask for forgiveness for any kind of harm to the Nature unintentionally and other living beings while construction of the house
- To appease any kind of force that may disrupt the happiness of future occupants
- To ask for His blessings to bring health, wealth and prosperity to the occupants
Key Rituals involved in Vastu Shanti
This Vastu Shanti is primarily based on the ceremony described by Jana Prabodhini. But it is a shorter version and also less exhaustive than what is normally practiced in India. Half an hour is required for the set up and around an hour is required to complete the puja.
1. Toran on the entrance door and planting of an auspicious tree, preferably Tulsi
(This can be done a day earlier)
2. Symbolic House Inspection, Sutra Veshthan (measurements)
3. Graha Pravesh
4. Formal lighting of fire and house purification
5. Vastu Purush story and Vastu Mandal
6. Sankalpa, Poonyahvachanam, Ganesh Pooja
7. Kalasha Sthapana, Nava Graha Pooja
8. Varun and Vastu Purush Pooja
9. Vastu Purush Yagnya
10. Prayers to Vastu Purush and Resolutions
11. Aarati and Prasad
12. Burying the Vastu Purush in the North East Corner of the house.
Items for Vastu Shanti Pooja
• Small metal Ganapati, Kuldevata (if available)
• Metal image of Vastu Purush (local Indian stores may have this available) Small plastic box to bury the Vastu Purush after pooja.
• A low profile wooden pedestals (chowrang) for Pooja
• Halad, Kunku, Udbatti, Neeranjan, Aarti, sandalwood paste
• Variety of flowers in sufficient quantity
• Bell, Conch, towels, Oil lamps, matches
• Betel Leaves (30), Supaari (30) Coconuts(2)
• Metal Bowls (4), Stainless / Copper plates (4 small, 4 large )
• Water Kalasha (2), Pali (Small ladle), 4 spoons
• Rice (half a pound), Fruits
• Panchamruta ;ndash; Small bowl filled with Ghee, Sugar, Yogurt, Milk and Honey
• Liquid ghee for Neeranjan and oil for lamps
• Something for Sitting for everybody (rug or wooden platforms)
• Agni Kund and Fire material.
Other Preparations:
• Toran ;ndash; Decoration at the front Door plus Rangoli.
• Plant a Tulsi, a flower shrub or a fruit tree or Crepe Myrtle at a suitable place on that day or a day before.
• Hosts should fast until the pooja is over (Tea/coffee/Juice ok)
• Find a suitable location, behind the house, preferably North East corner, with least traffic and no waste disposal pipes, for burying the Vaastu Purush.