Nowadays, everyone wants to have their own independent house. However, when building a house on a new plot, it is essential to check if the land was previously a burial ground, how many years it has been vacant, and if there has been any growth on that land. It is not advisable to buy any land just because it is available at a low price or because you have some money.

Before building a house, a ground-breaking ceremony (Bhoomipujan) must be performed. During this ceremony, the contractor or the person who will build the house should be formally entrusted with the responsibility by applying a tilak and offering sweets. This is a very important task. After performing the Bhoomipujan, a Vastu Purusha (spirit of the land) should be created and buried at least one foot deep in the ground. It is important for the Vastu Purusha to be satisfied and say 'Astu Astu' (so be it) for the prosperity of the house. He should not say 'Tathastu' (granted). The Vastu deity should be established in a corner of the house that will never be altered.

The main door of the house should not face south, as death comes from the south. Traditionally, the kitchen was in the southeast direction, the prayer room in the east, the water arrangement in the northeast, and windows in the northwest direction. Small wells or water tanks were built inside the courtyard for water.

To purify the environment, a fire ritual (Havan) should be performed, and Vedic chants should be recited by Vedic Brahmins. During the Vastu Puja, the Vastu should be created. Friends, neighbors, and relatives should be invited to share in your joy. It is also important to seek the blessings of saints or revered individuals. Having people visit your home is a symbol of prosperity. You never know what someone might bring at any time.

There is no direct connection between Vastu Shanti (peace ceremony) and Satyanarayan Puja (a religious observance). These two rituals should never be performed together. Satyanarayan Puja is a private matter, while Vastu Shanti is essential. Guests invited for Vastu Shanti should be served a full meal, not just snacks. The tradition is to send them off satisfied after a full meal. We must fully embrace the high tradition we come from and live in. Serving a full meal to guests is considered a true sacrificial act.

|| shree gurudev datta ||