There is no doubt that our abode is our personality. A house speaks a lot about its owner just as they say– har ghar kuch kehta hai.Â
Certain elements mirror the inclinations and tastes of its owner. It could be their fondness for a certain colour, specific materials or most significantly– spiritual inclinations.
Home is where you breathe life into your dreams, laugh, rest and rejuvenate. This is why one leaves no stone unturned to embellish their abode with the tiny elements collected from all over the world, hand-picked with love reflecting the positivity and effort. Even a sparrow selects the choicest of twigs to shape its nest, where it animatedly hurries to at the first sign of dusk or tumultuous weather; this is the shelter for its offsprings to hatch, to take their first flight and leave some day. We Homo sapiens have wider access to articles and we put our heart and soul into mindfully selecting each piece so they lend just the right ‘feel’ to our homes, ergo.
  Has it ever occurred to you that you entered a home and felt something eerie about it? There are homes that look like a madhouse and have certain elements that disturb you. You can never explain that feeling or that element, but notice something is wrong about the aura of that house. Homes that drain out energy and a feeling of sadness prevails over and you feel like leaving immediately. On the other hand, there are homes that make you feel instantly energised, happy and cheery; appearing so warm and inviting. This brightening of mood and draining off the energy indicates that houses exude positive and negative energies. Due credit for this goes to the Vastu of the house but a lot of it also depends upon the artifacts placed.
It is commonly observed that faith plays a crucial role in home decor. While we wander showrooms in search of ornate articles to accentuate the beauty of our homes with, our hands reach for the idols that may add spiritual and positive element to our homes.
It is said that each idol has a personality and exudes relative energy. Similarly, Buddha statues are the reflection of his teachings. Having originated in the Indian subcontinent back in the late sixth century BC by Gautam Buddha, Buddhism is now one of the major religions in the world.
Buddha statues come in different shapes, sizes, mudras and styles of representation. Porcelain, granite, sandstone, clay or a bronze idol; the statues are available in different kinds of material. Depending on which part of your home you want to place it in, the material is chosen. For example, a granite Buddha is best suited for outdoors as it will be immune to weathering and complement the green landscape, imparting a serene look to your garden. Similarly, a porcelain figurine for the living room while a bronze for drawing room will act as great accents. Most people who meditate daily, have at least one Buddha idol in their homes. It is because many see ‘the awakened one’ as a source of inspiration and motivation to attain higher spiritual self. Since Buddha himself attained enlightenment practising meditation and peace, is the reason why we notice so many houses with Buddha idols. They are known to radiate inner peace and happiness. Nowadays, many people gift Buddha statues in ceremonies to the guests and hosts that happen to be meditation-enthusiasts. Deeply centering, spiritual and calming in nature, one cannot deny how these statues accentuate the beauty of our living spaces. One can place Buddha statues at the entrance of the room, where it is accompanied by indoor plants and decorative water fountains or singing bowls. This arrangement helps to attract positivity and calmness to the mind.
Another good place is the study room or the worktable itself. The statue calms the environment of the place and is known to reduce the anxiety levels of a person. A stable and clear mind concentrates better.
The north-eastern corner is considered the most pious location as per traditional architectural systems, Vastu and Feng shui. It also serves as a great direction to keep the statue in the dining room. Whereas a metal Buddha placed in the northern sector of your home is an outstanding choice. They attract cosmic energy and enhance well-being. It is advisable that the idol should be strategically placed in area where the family spends most of its time. A large-sized Buddhist mural can also be painted on the wall.
One must remember that the placement of the idol should never be disrespectful. Do not place Buddha directly on the ground. The Buddha statue can be placed at the entrance but should ideally face inwards so that when you leave the house, you get to see the God, elevating your energy for the rest of the day. Some also suggest that placing a Buddha idol at the front door appears welcoming whenever someone enters home and the negative energy is prevented from entering your abode. One must also not place the statuette in bedroom or any other place of passion.
Northeast, also known as the Ishaan corner is the most auspicious location for any idol, including the kinetic Shiva idol. Most of us are not aware of appropriate places for holy idols in accord with the vibrations they produce. The most appropriate placement is the altar table. Do not place the Shiva statue near the end of the bed or under anything such as clothesline. Unlike Ganesha, Lord Shiva doesn’t belong to the workplace as his energy is way too strong. The Shiva statue comes in two variants– a meditating Shiva has a calmer energy and the dancing Shiva which has stronger, more forceful energy as it is the dance of creation. This should be considered while choosing the idol for home. A high energy person doesn’t require more of that type of energy and should go for a meditating idol of the deity. Keeping two or more Shiva statues counteract their energies. Thankfully Shiva is not a very difficult deity to appease.
To invite good fortune and wealth, many keep symbols of Om, swastika, a picture of Goddess Laxmi or a Nandi idol at the entrance.
Another most commonly found deity in homes and offices alike is that of Lord Ganesha. Known to bring joy, good fortune and wealth, he is worshipped before beginning anything new in life.
This idol is known to shield its devotees from any possible hindrance. But even Lord Ganesha must be strategically placed to reap maximum benefits or it might reverse the effects. A poster works equally well.
A Ganesha idol guards your home against any untoward incident. Thus, it can be placed just opposite to the entrance of your home, such that his drishti (vision) falls on the main gate or door. A Drishti Ganesha, the 33rd form of Ganesha, can prove beneficial at this location.
Ganesha can be placed at the entrance to ward off any evil from entering your abode but it is said that the back of the deity should never face your home or room. In order to achieve this, place another Ganesha statuette back-to-back with the former one. This should nullify any adverse effects.
One can also display idols in a showcase but remember to have at least an-inch of gap between both the idols.
The Ganesha with his trunk facing left, straight or in the air is preferred for homes. The one with its trunk to the right is generally avoided as it requires special worship. The idol should never be placed under the staircase. Energy under the stairs is stagnant and nothing of importance should be kept there. As per Vastu Shastra – the Hindu architecture system, a Ganesha idol should never be placed in South or south-east sectors. Additionally, anything made with leather should not be placed alongside the idol because it is made using the skin of dead animals, hence leather purses, bags, and shoes should be avoided in proximity to such idols. You can place Ganesha statue in your home-office to attract auspicious energy for your career. If you want to attract more wealth, happiness and prosperity, bring home a white Ganesha idol.
