A Mandir or prayer room is an essential element typically found in most Indian households. Every individual in a family has an allocated space. Likewise, Gods are allocated Mandir as a place in any home. For ages, individuals give a different zone in their home for practicing their rituals. People mediate in the Mandir every morning as it is considered the most energetic and positive spot of a home. Depending upon one's dedication, capacity and lifestyle, an individual decorates their Mandir with different designs consisting of lights, marble, wooden panels and even gold. Setting up a Pooja room requires one to follow specific rules. Here is a compiled guide to making the perfect Mandir at home.

1. Finding the Suitable location:
Mandir serves as a sacred place in the house that gives positivity and agreement by keeping cynical spirits at bay. Devotees start their day with this spiritual place. People have created homes with their availability in various directions. According to Vastu Shastra systems, a home Mandir and brass idols if put correctly, can cause fortune, wellbeing and progress in one's life. One should place the Mandir in the northeast direction of the house or eastern corner of the home. You must choose the west part of that room known as Ishan Kona, meaning Ishwar's place.

2. What Should Mandir is made of?
The development of a home Mandir depends on the financial capacity of the believer. Ideally, a Mandir should be created either using wood or marble as the main material. Abstain from making Mandir from glass or acrylic. Mandir should forever be stored on a firm raised platform. One can also purchase ready-made wooden Mandir widely available in the market at a low cost. Just make sure that the quality of wood is top-notch.

3. Which deity should be placed in the Mandir?
Well, there is no definite answer to this question. The Gods' idols are symbolic icons. One can keep idols of all gods being worshipped in their home. Usually, one's pooja starts with Guru Vandana, followed by Ganesha pooja, Ishta Devta pooja, Mahalaxmi & Kuber pooja. Since Hindus worship many deities, the gods placed in the home Mandir should not be limited to Shiva, Krishna & Ganesha Statue. Some people worship only brass god idols, while others love to have different gods placed in one spot. Despite several deities dwelled in the holy place, the idol of Ishta Deva (undisputed top choice) is preferred to be placed in the centre of the Mandir. Choosing an Ishta Devta is subjective to one's religion and beliefs.

4. What should a Mandir Constitute?
A home Mandir can be of any size, depending on the availability of space at home. It should have at least about a 25 inches wide platform to place multiple idols comfortably. Besides this, you can place an incense burner, a bell, a diya, and a small jar to hold Dakshina (Money offerings). The statues can be kept in standing & sitting positions. Just make sure no cracked idol; the photo frame is kept in Mandir as it is considered inauspicious. Two idols of the same deity should not be kept in the Mandir.

5. How should murti be placed in the Mandir?
Brass idols for home should be placed facing towards the devotee. Ideally, the murti should be facing the west direction with the diya's lit in the south-east direction. Additionally, refrain from keeping two idols facing each other as it brings bad luck and negative effects in the home environment. For enhanced isolation, while praying, the devotee should also place a puja mat or chowki. Furthermore, regardless of the number of deity’s places in the Mandir, you should make sure that you keep your Mandir well organized and clean.

6. Things to Avoid while setting up a home Mandir
A Mandir is a place that is considered to have positive and divine energies. Hence, most importantly, refrain from setting up a home Mandir in the south direction. It should be ensured that the Mandir is not placed in the bedroom or behind the washroom wall. Never place any inherited picture in the Mandir as it is considered inauspicious. No damaged statues should be kept in the Mandir, as it attracts ill luck. Nothing should be stacked on or beneath the Mandir.

7. Install a cabinet for supplies:
A home Mandir is incomplete without pooja samagri. One should always install a cabinet to keep all the essential Mandir supplies like diya's, ghee containers, Pooja lamp and general upkeep used during puja.

Conclusion:
Temple is a sacred place dedicated to God, which brings prosperity and happiness to one's home. Therefore, accurate placement of Mandir and Hindu sculptures therein fetches positive energies. The above guidelines would surely help you to position your Mandir efficiently and pray peacefully to the God Almighty, and be blessed in the form of prosperity, wealth and good health for all your family members.