In Indian culture, people begin any auspicious event or work with a Puja, that is, worshipping the deities. When starting the construction of a new house or any structure, people perform the Bhumi pujan or Bhoomi pooja. It is a Hindu ritual performed to honour Goddess Earth (Bhoomi) and Vastu Purusha (the deity of directions). Performing Bhoomi pooja is believed to eliminate all negative effects and Vastu dosha in the land while attracting peace and prosperity for the inhabitants. The ritual starts by laying the foundation stone.

How to perform Bhoomi Pujan?

One should be aware of the right Bhumi Pujan Vidhi and choose an auspicious date for the Bhumi puja by referring to a Hindu calendar. One should check for the auspicious month, muhurat, tithi and nakshatra.

The pooja rituals differ based on the community and region. Generally, the bhumi puja ritual involves the following steps:

Site selection

Identify the ideal spot for the Bhumi Pujan. The area should be cleaned in the morning after taking a bath. Gangajal must be used for cleansing and purification purposes. Create the 64-part drawing, which represents different deities (Vastu Purusha), in the northeast corner of the construction site.

Vastu direction

The person organising the puja should sit facing towards the east direction while the priest faces the north direction. The Bhoomi pooja should be performed only by a qualified priest. The presence of an experienced priest is necessary for the puja, which helps eliminate all Vastu doshas and negative energies.

Ganesha puja

Lord Ganesha is widely worshipped before starting any puja or work as he is regarded as the god of good beginnings and remover of obstacles. Worshipping the deity brings prosperity and good luck and ensure there are no hurdles in the construction of the house.

Worship of snake and other deities

Light an oil or ghee lamp in the puja area. The next part of the bhumi pujan involves the worship of a silver idol of snake god (Naga) and a kalash. The significance of worshipping the snake is that the deity Sheshnaag governs the earth and is a servant of Lord Vishnu. His blessings and approval are sought for the construction and protection of the house. The deity is invoked by chanting mantras and pouring milk, curd and ghee.

Kalasha Puja

A kalash or a pot is filled with water, mango or betel leaves are placed on top of it with an inverted coconut. Coins and betel nuts are kept inside the kalash to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. According to Vastu, the Kalash symbolises the universe and it channelises the divine energy on the plot of land.

Bhumi Pooja

On the auspicious muhurat, the main bhumi pujan ritual is conducted, including the Ganesh Puja and havan. Usually, the puja involves the worship of the god of directions, Dikpalas, the snake god, Panchabhutas (the five elements of nature) and the Kuldevata (family deity). One should participate in rituals such as Sankalpa, Shatkarma, Pran pratishtha and Manglik dravya sthapana.

During the puja, flowers, akshat (raw rice), vermillion (roli), turmeric, sandalwood paste, incense sticks, Kalava (sacred thread), fruits, betel leaves, supari, sweets, etc. as directed by the priest while reciting sacred mantras/hymns. Sweets and fruits are distributed among those gathered for the bhumi puja.

This is followed by other ritutals such as Balidaana or special offerings, Hala Karshaana or site levelling and Anukuraa-Roopana or sowing of the seeds. Shilaanyaasa or laying of the foundation stone is done in the next step. According to Vastu, four bricks are laid at the spot during the foundation laying ceremony.

See also: Bhoomi Pooja Muhurat Dates in 2023 for house construction

Digging and construction

In the next stage of the Bhoomi puja, digging of a well or water source is done. Then, the land is dug for construction while chanting the nag mantra. It is recommended to consult a Vastu and astrology expert to know the auspicious muhurat for the construction. One should start by fixing door frames, followed by the other construction activities.

Finally, one can start the Griha Pravesh, entry into the new house, after the construction is fully complete.

See also: Griha Pravesh Puja and House Warming Ceremony 2023