Many Indian homes have a home temple or shrine, for daily spiritual practices, meditation and prayer. Many devotees follow the traditional rules of Vastu Shastra and astrology about the direction of facing during puja and try to keep the puja area clean and peaceful.The direction of worship affects the overall ambience of the prayer room and the spiritual connection and concentration, opine vastu experts and astrologers. These recommendations may have their roots in old superstitions rather than science, but they are still used all over the country.East-Facing: Traditionally considered the most auspiciousThe experts of Vastu Shastra suggest that a person should pray daily facing the east. East is associated with the rising Sun. The rising Sun is seen to be a symbol of positivity, vitality, knowledge and new beginnings.Some devotees believe that praying with your back to the east is good for spiritual growth because it can lead to greater confidence and clarity. The east direction is called Surya (Sun) in Vedic astrology.North-Facing: Another preferred directionIn the traditional vastu also it is good practice to pray with the back to the north. The north is said to be associated with Lord Kubera, the God of wealth. It is believed that the north direction signifies prosperity, wisdom, and good opportunities.Direction is another tradition of astrology. Mercury signifies intelligence, communication, and learning.Where should the home temple be?According to Vastu Shastra, the Northeast Corner (Ishan Kon) is the best place to have a home temple. It is said to attract positive spiritual energy, hence this direction is often discussed in terms of devotional practice and meditation.If the northeast corner is not available, practitioners may advise the east or north direction as alternatives.Directions traditionally avoidedAccording to Vastu experts, it is not advisable to sit facing the south during your daily worship. In Hinduism, Yama is worshipped in the South direction. Similarly, some temples and rituals may follow specific traditions reflecting local customs and religious practices. However, worship directed toward the west is considered less favorable for daily prayers.Depending on the deity being worshipped, family traditions and temple customs, the recommendations can vary, experts say.Create a peaceful environment for prayerVastu not only advocates but also stresses the importance of a clean, well-lit and clutter-free prayer room. Fresh flowers are placed in the home and a diya is lit to set a serene and devotional mood. Incense is also burnt.Religious scholars also encourage the faithful to participate in a daily regimen of prayers, regardless of the length of the worship service.
