What is the Ideal Size for a Puja Room?
Here we discuss different puja room sizes along with their key measurements
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
9 augusti 2018
For many Indian homes, it is mandatory to have a puja room or mandir in the north-east part of the home, as per vastu. Although the size of the puja ghar is usually very small in comparison to the overall carpet area of the home, it is one of the most important spaces for a family. Here are five types of puja rooms, with their basic dimensions that ensure comfort while praying, are practical and look proportionate.
1. An enclosed puja room
The measurement of an enclosed medium-sized puja room should be at least 5x7 feet so that two or three people can comfortably pray together. Note that this size of a puja room can be accommodated only within homes that have a carpet area of more than 1500 square feet.
Some homeowners like to position their puja room near the open or common areas of the home, such as the dining or living room, so that during festivals or kirtans, the mandir can extend into the common areas to accommodate more people.
The measurement of an enclosed medium-sized puja room should be at least 5x7 feet so that two or three people can comfortably pray together. Note that this size of a puja room can be accommodated only within homes that have a carpet area of more than 1500 square feet.
Some homeowners like to position their puja room near the open or common areas of the home, such as the dining or living room, so that during festivals or kirtans, the mandir can extend into the common areas to accommodate more people.
The doorway of the puja room should be at least 2 feet 6 inches wide and 7 feet high. Consider a ceiling height of around 8 feet 6 inches (with a false ceiling) to make the space feel proportionate.
Tip: For small puja rooms, opt for double-door shutters that can open out the entire width of the mandir. Also, it is essential to make provision for windows and ventilation so that the smell and smoke from the incense sticks is replaced with fresh air.
Tip: For small puja rooms, opt for double-door shutters that can open out the entire width of the mandir. Also, it is essential to make provision for windows and ventilation so that the smell and smoke from the incense sticks is replaced with fresh air.
2. Puja room for elaborate rituals
For a traditional mandir where the family performs elaborate pujas, havans and rituals, the minimum size of the puja room should be at least 9X9 feet (or more). This ideal size of a puja room will be able to accommodate an agnikund in the centre of the room and a circulation area of about 4 feet around it for the family.
For a traditional mandir where the family performs elaborate pujas, havans and rituals, the minimum size of the puja room should be at least 9X9 feet (or more). This ideal size of a puja room will be able to accommodate an agnikund in the centre of the room and a circulation area of about 4 feet around it for the family.
3. Standalone mandir
If there is no space for a separate prayer room but you still wish to have an elaborate space for it, then go for a standalone mandir. These mandirs just need to be placed on the floor (like loose furniture). Most of them are readymade or can be customised as per your design in materials like marble, wood or solid surface. They are available in varied sizes ranging from 2 feet 6 inches to 5 feet across.
In this example, don’t miss the puja asana (prayer mat) that demarcates the mandir from the common area and reminds people to take off their shoes before approaching it and to keep a respectful distance when just walking past.
One can also opt for lightweight wall-mounted mandirs. These mandirs are available in materials like wood or MDF ( some with silver-foil finish) and can be fixed on a wall with screws. Their width is 12-18 inches.
If there is no space for a separate prayer room but you still wish to have an elaborate space for it, then go for a standalone mandir. These mandirs just need to be placed on the floor (like loose furniture). Most of them are readymade or can be customised as per your design in materials like marble, wood or solid surface. They are available in varied sizes ranging from 2 feet 6 inches to 5 feet across.
In this example, don’t miss the puja asana (prayer mat) that demarcates the mandir from the common area and reminds people to take off their shoes before approaching it and to keep a respectful distance when just walking past.
One can also opt for lightweight wall-mounted mandirs. These mandirs are available in materials like wood or MDF ( some with silver-foil finish) and can be fixed on a wall with screws. Their width is 12-18 inches.
4. Within an alcove or niche
Another way to introduce a mandir within an apartment is by converting an alcove into a puja space. The depth of the alcove should range between 15 and 18 inches.
Another way to introduce a mandir within an apartment is by converting an alcove into a puja space. The depth of the alcove should range between 15 and 18 inches.
Here, a decorative double wall is constructed and a niche is carved out of it to accommodate the idol. According to puja room location as per vastu, the deity should be above the level of the navel when one stands and prays. So, the height between the floor and the base of the mandir/ niche should range between 32-36 inches.
For small homes like studio apartments, one can demarcate a niche within the cabinet. The minimum length, width and height of the niche should be at least 15 inches each.
An easier way to incorporate a symbolic mandir is with 8- to 10-inch-deep wooden or glass shelves.
Tip: As a precaution, avoid lighting a candle or a deepak in compact mandirs, for safety from fire.
An easier way to incorporate a symbolic mandir is with 8- to 10-inch-deep wooden or glass shelves.
Tip: As a precaution, avoid lighting a candle or a deepak in compact mandirs, for safety from fire.
5. Within a common room or area
In some homes, the north-east area of the home is within a common room so the same room has to simultaneously function as a prayer space. To demarcate the mandir, one can create a spatial separation with an elevated platform that segregates the living area of the room from the puja space. The clearance between the floor and the base of the mandir should be at least 18 inches so that one can sit and pray, and have the deities at a suitable height. Also, the idols should never be at one’s feet.
Note: According to vastu, a mandir is not be installed within a bedroom.
In some homes, the north-east area of the home is within a common room so the same room has to simultaneously function as a prayer space. To demarcate the mandir, one can create a spatial separation with an elevated platform that segregates the living area of the room from the puja space. The clearance between the floor and the base of the mandir should be at least 18 inches so that one can sit and pray, and have the deities at a suitable height. Also, the idols should never be at one’s feet.
Note: According to vastu, a mandir is not be installed within a bedroom.
How about demarcating a blank wall as a puja space? In this example, a blank wall incorporates pictures of the deities, a small mandir cabinet for storage of basic puja items and a marble top for placement of the idols. Make sure that the wall is at least 3 feet 6 inches wide so that the space does not look narrow and cramped.
Read more:
A Stepwise Guide to Building a Puja Room
35 Serene Puja Room Designs
Tell us:
What challenges did you face while designing your mandir? Share your experience in the Comments section below.
Read more:
A Stepwise Guide to Building a Puja Room
35 Serene Puja Room Designs
Tell us:
What challenges did you face while designing your mandir? Share your experience in the Comments section below.
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very good areticle and useful tips for small,mid,big spaces.elederly person not able to sit on floor, generally they tends to stand or sit on chair, in that case mandir shoud placed at 39" to 41" from floor level
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i want 36" tall idol for my mandir what about vastu