Mumbai: In Indian homes, the temple is considered the most sacred space — a spiritual centre that radiates peace, harmony, and divine energy throughout the household. However, according to Vastu Shastra (the ancient Indian science of architecture), certain items, if kept in the home temple, can invite negativity and disturb the flow of positive energy.
Often, people unknowingly place things in the mandir (temple) that may seem harmless but are actually inauspicious. These items can potentially block blessings, create unrest, or even affect the family’s emotional and financial wellbeing. Here’s a guide to what you must never keep in your home temple — even by mistake.
Items You Should Never Keep in a Home Temple
1. Broken or Damaged Idols
According to Vastu, broken statues or damaged pictures of deities should never be kept in the temple. They are believed to attract misfortune and disturb divine vibrations.
2. Dried Flowers and Garlands
Old, dried flowers or wilted garlands represent decay and negativity. Always remove them promptly and offer fresh flowers instead.
3. Torn Religious Books or Scriptures
Sacred texts that are torn or damaged must be removed respectfully. Keeping them in the temple is considered disrespectful and can invite negative energies.
4. Torn or Worn-out Pictures of Deities
Just like broken idols, torn images of gods and goddesses can disrupt spiritual harmony and must not be placed in the temple.
5. Photos of Deceased Ancestors
As per Vastu, the temple is meant only for worshipping deities. Pictures of deceased family members should be kept in a separate space designed for remembrance, not in the mandir.
6. Sharp or Pointed Objects (like Scissors)
Items like scissors, knives, or other sharp tools emit aggressive energy and should never be placed near the temple.
7. Matchsticks or Lighters
Though often used for lighting lamps, storing matchboxes in the mandir is considered inauspicious. It is believed to bring unrest and conflict.
8. More than One Shankh (Conch Shell)
Only one sacred shankh should be placed in the home temple. Keeping multiple conch shells is said to cause Vastu defects.
9. Fierce or Aggressive Deity Forms
Forms of deities like Nataraja (Shiva’s fierce cosmic form) or Kaal Bhairav should be avoided in the home mandir, as they are worshipped with special rituals and are believed to require disciplined sadhana.
10. Duplicate Idols of the Same Deity
It’s best to have only one idol or image of each deity. Multiple idols of the same god or goddess can create energetic imbalance in the sacred space.
11. Broomsticks (Jhaadu)
A broom in the temple is considered extremely inauspicious. It symbolizes impurity and can block prosperity if placed in the puja room.
Your home temple is a gateway to divine energy. Keeping it clean, simple, and aligned with Vastu principles ensures peace, happiness, and spiritual growth. Make regular offerings, remove inauspicious items, and treat your sacred space with reverence. Sometimes, just a small change in your home mandir can make a big difference in your life.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)