VASTU GUIDE FOR GRIHA PRAVESH
This document contains descriptions and guidelines that will guide you through the entire process, from selecting the site to building it, as well as the orientation of different rooms in directions and the positions of the doors. Vastu Shastra. Vaastu Shastra is the text that guides us in planning and building a town, temple or residential house. Vaastu Shastra also emphasizes the importance of the first entry to a newly constructed house.
Once the house has been completed in every way, it is possible to start living there at an auspicious moment determined by astrological considerations. The Graha Pravesh ceremony marks the first entry into the house at an auspicious time. House warming is a holistic event for any house that has been built. This custom is to prevent evil forces from entering a new home. After land acquisition, a prayer (puja), later called Bhumi Poojan is performed. The Vaastu–shanti house warming ceremony is also done.
Once the house is ready for occupancy, a muhurta will be selected to perform grihya pravesha. This consists mostly of Ganesha puja, or Ganapati. The mandala is drawn in order to invoke the gods. Offerings in the form fire (Agni), which are supposed to be conveyed to the gods. The havan kunda is carried by the family into each room. The smoke from the havan contains many medicinal ingredients that purify and disinfect the air.
Three times, the house is enclosed with thread from the east, which corresponds to the most auspicious direction. These are used to protect the house from evil influences. The pit is filled with a brick box that contains corn, moss and flowers. This is believed to bring prosperity because corn is a symbol of fertility. Holy water is sprinkled around the house to repel evil spirits.
The Grihyasutras provide detailed instructions on how to choose the right land for building a house or temple. They also explain the direction the temple should face. The Matsyapurana explains which stages are crucial during construction, such as laying the foundation and raising the first floor. It also explains why grihya pravesha Puja should be performed at each stage. The traditional way of performing this ceremony is used. The universal symbol of fertility, the Ganesha puja is completed by placing the water jar on top of a corn heap.
The scriptures mention three types of Graha Pravesh
1. Apoorva – First entry to a house constructed on a newly selected plot of land is Apoorva (new).
2. Sapoorva- After traveling abroad or migrating elsewhere, you can enter a house and live there. This is Sapoorva graha pravesh.
3. Dwandwah- Entry into a house to live in it after reconstruction/renovation of the house damaged by fire, flood waters, electricity, wind etc. Dwandwah (or old), Graha Pravesh is the name of this house.
The procedures of Grahapravesh at auspicious times (muhurat), and purity (defectless), of Panchang are described in Scriptures. Apoorva Graha Pravesh should observe the perfect auspicious times and fro Graha Pravesh should be in a reconstructed home or after migration to ensure the purity of Panchang.
If the doors to a house do not have shutters or are not covered, the God, Vaastu, or priests have not been worshipped or offered sacrifices. If they have not been invited to a feast, the first entry into such a house (Graha Pravesh), should not be made until all of these things are done. Otherwise, living in such a house will bring you miseries and troubles. Living in a house should only be begun after performing the rituals of worshipping Vaastu and offering sacrifices.
You can enter a house made of grass, leaves, etc. You can enter a house made of grass and leaves on any auspicious occasion. Bricks, stone, cement, and mud are all acceptable. Uttarayan is the best time to enter a house. It is best to complete Graha Pravesh in one day. It can usually be done at any time of the day or night. Guru (Jupiter), or Shukra (Venus), being set (invisible), i.e. Tara is not relevant in the case of Graha Pravesh, who lives in an old house that has been renovated.
Anna Prashan is the ceremony to give food to a child (Anna Prashan), and includes new clothes, daily travels and the first entry into an old renovated home. The bride will also be present. In such cases, Tara should not even be considered. Only the purity and auspiciousness that the Panchang is to be considered should be. The auspicious months of Graha Pravesh are listed below.
| Month | Results |
|---|---|
| Magh – | Wealth creation |
| Falgun – | Wealth and the acquisition of children |
| Baishakh – | Growth in wealth & prosperity |
| Jeshtha | Gain of sons and cattle |
These months, along with Margshirsh and Kartik, give moderate results. Graha Pravesh during the months of Ashadh and Shravan, Bhadrapad and Ashwin Paush are inauspicious. It causes loss, troubles, pains, and fear for enemies. Avoid the tithies (4/9/14 and 30 (Amavas – no moon night) and Graha Pravesh on Tuesdays.