Create an environment of prayer

A space for meditation, prayers, and congregation

A Pooja room is an integral part of an Indian home and psyche. In Hyderabad, the emphasis on having a space for Pooja is dictated by both culture and Vaastu, unlike other cities in India. In humble and luxury apartments like MyHome Bhooja, we see Pooja rooms marked prominently and clearly in plans. Bhooja has a beautiful temple in the campus itself. In Villa projects like MyHome Ankura, we are able to create multiple options for Pooja rooms within the house.

Think Studios has a distinction of creating these spaces like no other, and no two of our projects are comparable. Everyone has a particular need for this room, that we understand and design to delight!

Obeisance to God is personal, but is universal as well. The all pervading, in His wisdom, has granted us key sciences like Vaastu to guide us. As per these guidelines, we need to be facing east when we are performing prayers. The deity should be placed in the north or east side of the house, and face south or east. Most of the apartments take care of this. In Ankura, we have used a couple of spaces depending on the need of the occupants of the house.

While a small Pooja room is sufficient for paying respects, meditating or praying for a small time everyday; a larger space is required when the need is to hold satsang and prayer meetings in the home. For such clients, it is paramount that no one can walk above the Pooja room, and the Pooja rooms must also not be adjacent to toilets and duct pipes. Ankura is great in this aspect since we were able to transform the top floor into a praying area with the toilets carved out separately. In this room, clients usually ask for home theater. We were able to convert this to a spiritual theater.

A Pooja room must be a place for peace and tranquility. Understandably, in an apartment, this may be difficult. But depending on the time of the day, matched with soothing colours and diffused lighting, we are able to design such a space that is an oasis of peace in an otherwise chaotic home. We also recommend praying in early hours since that helps connect the mind with the universe without interruptions.

The method of praying also determines a few aspects. The deity is usually placed 1.5 feet from the ground to aid praying sitting or standing. For chanting and praying, we have also used some sound absorbing materials so that echoes are avoided in smaller rooms. In rooms where a lot of people will be praying, it is important to think about simple designs so that its easy to clean, and sitting, praying, and regular utilisation of the space is seamless.

In some cases, the integration of a prayer room into the living spaces was uncomfortable for the clients. They could not verbalise this, but this is due to the subconscious association of the Pooja room with the other set of spaces in the human mind. In such cases, we try to keep the rooms separate using a partition or doors, or shutters with embellishments like bells that can be closed.

With a Pooja room, we aim to create a feeling of wonder and awe. The materials thus should convey tranquility, and be warm and inviting while being distinct from other elements in the home. We use warm, layered light. There is a focused light on the Deity, or Inscriptions, and there is a diffused light which lights up the area. This creates depth and distinction. Paintings, traditional art like mandalas, brass ornaments like bells and lamps, are other elements that help. The Diety itself may be in white, pure marble. The background can be a backlit stone like onyx. Marble reflects light prominently and its important to use the right focused lighting for Pooja rooms. Marble, especially inlay work reminds us of the grand
temples of yore and are a great element to add. Gold and silver accents create am ambience of energy and positivity. Small temples, made in wood or marble are also great features for smaller spaces in apartments.

Many other elements can be used to enhance the wow factor. Big mirrors are a no-no, but we have used lippan art to great effect in MyHome Ankura. Getting a water body in this space lends a calm, peaceful vibe to the atmosphere, especially if its a small moving fountain.

Most of the Pooja rooms use marble and smooth, polished stones, we had an instance where we used Tandur stone with water for a great effect in a project. In this project, the aesthetic was different and so was the lighting, since the deity was the entire focus of the space. While Pooja rooms are all about divinity, there needs to be space to keep the practical things like books, Pooja samagri, mats, silver and brass utensils. Take care of keep flammable material separate. The enclosures must be below the deity, or in another cabinet entirely.

We know the importance and significance of the praying area in your home, and have delighted clients who are very happy with the Pooja rooms that have been custom built for them. Please do get in touch with us to help you with building your dream home.