SPACES | POOJA ROOM
SPACES | POOJA ROOM
BY CHROMOHOMES BUREAU
The space to
SEEK SOLACE
There are a lot of things to be kept in mind while designing
a pooja room in the house. Let’s take a look on some of the
specifi cations related to this divine space
W
hen it was not possible for a sepa-
rate abode of gods in apartments
due to paucity of space, it was
usually a niche in a wall, a shelf
in the kitchen or perhaps a little mandapathat
would accommodate all the icons and the
paraphernalia. But, with an increasing interest
in spirituality, a space dedicated to the gods is
making a comeback in many homes across the
country. The new avatar trend becomes so very
special when Diwali is around the corner.
Not only builders these days accommodate
spaces for bedrooms, kitchen, store room, bal-
conies, toilets and bathroom, but they dedicate
a special space for pooja room in their basic
architecture plan as well. Even the particularity
of pooja room in the house is not confined to
old or elderly people, but young residents also
like to have pooja room in their house.
There are a lot of things to be kept in mind
while designing this special room in the house.
Let’s take a look on some of the specifications
related to this divine space.
LOCATION
According to vastushastra, the pooja room
should preferably be in the north-east corner
of the house with idols and deities not facing
south and the person off ering prayers facing
either east or west. It may not always possible
in apartment complexes to have north-east cor-
ner, people have to go for the east or north as
the second choice for pooja room. In any case,
pooja room in north quadrant provides good
results. Avoid other directions if possible.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Many urban dwellers, especially the
younger generation prefer a no-fuss
space with clean lines and minimal fur-
niture, and the same philosophy can be
applied to pooja rooms as well.
A low shelf or counter can provide
adequate space for the object to be
venerated. In case of a picture, it can be
accommodated in a custom sized niche in
the wall.
For the worshippers, mats on the fl oor
are the best option. In case of an elderly
family member, a low counter can be
built along one wall, which provides for
seating on the top, and storage below.
Instead of curtains, consider using
paper screens or roll down blinds.
DESIGN PALETTE
In most cases, an ethnic palette is a way
to go. While keeping the walls white or
pastel, use splashes of colour to liven up
52
CHROMOHOMES OCTOBER 2017
URBAN DWELLERS PREFER A NO-FUSS SPACE
WITH CLEAN LINES AND MINIMAL FURNITURE,
AND THE SAME PHILOSOPHY CAN BE APPLIED
TO POOJA ROOM AS WELL.
the space.
Wooden furniture and shelves can be
treated with rich dark brown polish to
enhance the natural texture; while chat-
taisand mats of cane contrast well with
bright borders.
ACCESSORIES
Diyas are available in a variety of hold-
ers – from clay ones to those with sleek
metal fi nishes. A long row of diyascan
highlight the space, as can those that are
contained in metal holders, suspended
from the ceiling.
While not going overboard with the
fl oral decorations, consider a chain of a
single type of fl ower, highlighted by a
few fl owers of a contrasting shape, size
and colour.
Water elements in pooja rooms, in the
form of a long shallow tray, dotted with
fl oating diyas and fl ower petals radiate a
soothing eff ect.
OCTOBER 2017 CHROMOHOMES
53