The decision to construct a new house marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in one's life. However, before the foundation is laid, a significant ritual known as the Bhoomi Pooja or Bhoomi Pujan must be performed. This ancient Hindu tradition is believed to invoke the blessings of the divine and ensure the well-being of the occupants in their new abode.
In this comprehensive guide by Bhoomi Pooja experts at Indian Estate Group (IEG), we'll explore the intricacies of the Bhoomi Pooja Vidhi, its significance, procedures, and everything you need to know about this auspicious ceremony.
In Indian tradition, pujas, or the worship of the gods, mark the start of any auspicious occasion or task. Before beginning the construction of a new house or any other structure, the Bhumi pujan or Bhoomi pooja is performed. This Hindu ceremony honours Vastu Purusha, the deity of directions, and Goddess Earth (Bhoomi). It is said that doing a Bhoomi pooja can provide peace and prosperity to the land's occupants while eradicating all bad energies and Vastu dosha. The foundation stone is laid to begin the ceremony.
During the Bhoomi Pooja, several deities are invoked and worshipped. The primary deity is Bhumi Devi, the goddess of the Earth, who is revered for her nurturing and grounding qualities. Additionally, Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is honoured to pave the way for a smooth construction process. Other deities such as Vishwakarma (the divine architect), Brahma (the creator), and the Navagrahas (nine planets) are also invoked to bestow their blessings on the new structure.
Deities |
Benefits |
Goddess Earth |
Invoke divine energy and clear obstacles |
Vastu Purusha |
Invite harmony |
Lord Ganesha |
Auspicious beginnings |
Snake god |
Protection |
Five elements of nature |
Positive energies |
The Bhoomi Pujan Vidhi holds profound significance in Hindu culture. It is believed that the Earth, being a sacred entity, should be treated with reverence and respect before any construction takes place. By performing this ritual, one seeks forgiveness from Mother Earth for disturbing her surface and requests her blessings for a strong and stable foundation. It is also believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and harmony to the future residents of the house.
There are innumerable benefits associated with the process of doing Bhoomi Pooja, here are some of them:
Before building a structure or using land for cultivation, it is imperative to ask Mother Earth for her blessings.
This ceremonial pooja guarantees that all negativities are diminished and the earth is cleansed of all ills.
In addition, Bhoomi Pooja facilitates the seamless and problem-free execution of tasks.
Additionally, it ensures the happiness and well-being of the individuals who are prepared to live on the land. When the land is being used for agricultural purposes, Bhoomi Pooja ensures better yields.
By invoking the Vaastu Purusha, Bhoomi Pooja bestows his blessings onto the worshipper.
By doing this pooja, the building site is purified and all negativity is removed. It aids in calming down every area of the future home.
It is important to know the correct Bhumi Pujan Vidhi and use a Hindu calendar to determine an auspicious day for the Bhumi puja. It is advisable to verify the favourable month, muhurat, tithi, and nakshatra.
The pooja rituals vary according to the area and community. The following actions are typically included in the bhumi puja ritual:
Site choice: Determine the best location for the Bhumi Pujan. After taking a bath, the region needs to be cleansed first thing in the morning. Gangajal needs to be used for cleaning and cleansing. In the northeast corner of the building site, draw the 64-part drawing of many deities (Vastu Purusha).
Direction of Vastu: The priest should face north, while the person leading the puja should sit with their back to the east. The only person who should do the Bhoomi pooja is a trained priest. The puja, which helps get rid of all Vastu doshas and bad energy, needs to be performed by an expert priest.
Ganesha ritual: As the god of good beginnings and the remover of barriers, Lord Ganesha is usually worshipped before beginning any puja or labour. Worshipping the deity ensures that there are no obstacles in the way of building the dwelling and gives wealth and good fortune.
Worshipping other gods and snakes: In the puja area, light a lamp with oil or ghee. The following phase of the bhumi pujan entails the worship of a kalash and a silver idol of Naga, the snake god. The fact that the snake is worshipped signifies that Lord Vishnu's servant, the goddess Sheshnaag, rules the earth. For the building and defence of the house, his approval and blessings are requested. By singing mantras and offering ghee, milk, and curd, the deity is called upon.
Kalasha Puja: A pot or kalash is filled with water, and an inverted coconut is placed on top of the mango or betel leaves. To ask Goddess Lakshmi's blessings, coins and betel nuts are kept inside the Kalash. Vastu holds that the Kalash channels divine energy onto a piece of land and symbolises the universe.
Bhumi Pooja
The principal bhumi pujan ceremony, which includes the havan and Ganesh Puja, is performed on the auspicious muhurat. The god of directions, Dikpalas, the serpent god, Panchabhutas (the five elements of nature), and Kuldevata (the family deity) are typically worshipped during the puja. Rituals like Sankalpa, Shatkarma, Pran pratishtha, and Manglik dravya sthapana are good to perform.
Holy mantras and hymns are recited by the priest while offering flowers, akshat (raw rice), vermillion (roli), turmeric, sandalwood paste, incense sticks, Kalava (holy thread), fruits, betel leaves, supari, sweets, and other offerings during the puja. Fruits and sweets are passed around to everyone present for the bhumi puja.
Other rituals like Balidaana, or special offerings, Hala Karshaana, or levelling the site, and Anukuraa-Roopana, or seed sowing, come next. The following phase is called shilaanyaasa, or laying of the foundation stone. Four bricks are placed there at the foundation-laying ceremony, in accordance with Vastu.
Excavation and building: The excavation of a well or water source takes place during the next phase of the Bhoomi puja. Then, while the nag mantra is chanted, the ground is prepared for construction. It is advised to speak with a vastu shastra consultant and astrology specialist to determine the construction's auspicious muhurat. Door frame repair should come first, then the other construction-related tasks.
When the building is finished, one can begin the Griha Pravesh or enter into the new home.
Traditionally, the Bhoomi Pujan Vidhi is conducted by a qualified Hindu priest or a knowledgeable elder in the family. They hold the wisdom and expertise to perform the intricate rituals correctly, ensuring the proper invocation of the deities and the recitation of sacred mantras. However, in some cases, the homeowner or the head of the family may also perform the ceremony, provided they have a sound understanding of the rituals involved.
The timing of the Bhoomi Pooja is crucial, as it is believed to influence the overall well-being and fortune of the new house. Astrological calculations based on the lunar calendar and the positions of celestial bodies are taken into account to determine the most auspicious muhurat (auspicious time) for the ritual. This ensures that the ceremony is performed under favourable cosmic influences, maximizing its positive impact.
The auspicious timings for Bhoomi Pooja ceremonies in 2024, ensuring an auspicious beginning for your land-related ventures.
March
Date |
Day |
Time |
02 March 2024 |
Saturday |
02:42 PM to 06:56 AM |
06 March 2024 |
Wednesday |
02:52 AM to 04:13 AM |
11 March 2024 |
Monday |
10:44 AM to 06:49 AM |
15 March 2024 |
Friday |
10:09 PM to 06:46 AM |
16 March 2024 |
Saturday |
06:46 AM to 09:38 PM |
27 March 2024 |
Wednesday |
06:36 AM to 04:16 PM |
29 March 2024 |
Friday |
08:36 PM to 06:34 AM |
30 March 2024 |
Saturday |
06:34 AM to 09:13 PM |
April
Date |
Day |
Time |
03 April 2024 |
Wednesday |
06:29 PM to 09:47 PM |
July
Date |
Day |
Time |
17 July 2024 |
Wednesday |
07:33 AM to 08:25 AM |
September
Date |
Day |
Time |
14 September 2024 |
Saturday |
07:15 AM to 09:07 AM |
October
Date |
Day |
Time |
14 October 2024 |
Monday |
07:11 AM to 09:28 AM |
17 October 2024 |
Thursday |
07:18 AM to 11:35 AM |
November
Date |
Day |
Time |
02 November 2024 |
Saturday |
05:58 AM to 06:40 AM |
04 November 2024 |
Monday |
06:40 AM to 08:04 AM |
07 November 2024 |
Thursday |
12:34 AM to 06:42 AM |
08 November 2024 |
Friday |
06:42 AM to 12:03 PM |
13 November 2024 |
Wednesday |
01:01 PM to 03:11 PM |
16 November 2024 |
Saturday |
07:28 PM to 06:47 AM |
18 November 2024 |
Monday |
06:48 AM to 03:49 PM |
25 November 2024 |
Monday |
06:52 AM to 01:24 AM |
December
Date |
Day |
Time |
05 December 2024 |
Thursday |
12:49 PM to 05:26 PM |
11 December 2024 |
Wednesday |
07:02 AM to 11:48 AM |
21 December 2024 |
Saturday |
06:14 AM to 07:08 AM |
25 December 2024 |
Wednesday |
07:09 AM to 03:22 PM |
May, June And August 2024
In May 2024, June 2024 and August 2024, there are no auspicious Muhurat dates for Bhoomi Pujan. However, you can seek guidance from a skilled astrologer to determine favourable dates for laying the foundation based on your horoscope and zodiac sign.
The Bhoomi Pooja Vidhi requires a variety of sacred items and offerings. These typically include:
Samagri/ Things required |
Quantity |
Kumkum (red sindoor) |
100 grams |
Turmeric powder |
100 grams |
Camphor /Karpuram |
1 packet |
Sandalwood powder |
1 box |
Incense (agarbatti) sticks |
1 packet |
Fruits |
5 types 2 each |
Beetle nuts |
100 grams |
Beetle leafs |
30 |
Coconuts |
5 |
Rice |
4 lb |
Flowers |
3 bunches |
The Bhoomi Pujan Vidhi consists of several rituals, each with its own significance:
Site Purification: The ceremony begins with the purification of the construction site through the sprinkling of sacred water and the chanting of mantras.
Invoking the Deities: The priest or elder invokes the various deities through sacred chants and the performance of havan (sacred fire ritual).
Bhoomi Pooja: The main ritual involves offering prayers, flowers, and other offerings to Bhumi Devi and seeking her blessings for the new house.
Navagraha Pooja: Prayers are offered to the nine celestial bodies (Navagrahas) to mitigate any potential astrological influences.
Foundation Stone Laying: The auspicious foundation stone or brickwork is laid, symbolising the commencement of the construction process.
Home-related muhuratas are classified into the following stages according to ancient scriptures:
Bhoomi Pooja is the celebration honouring Mother Earth.
Hinduism's offertory rite is called Balidaana.
The next site where the levelling of the area occurs is Hala Karshaana.
The seed-sowing process, known as Ankuraa-Roopana, then begins.
Then it's time for the foundation stone to be laid or Shilaanyaasa.
The process of excavating a well or other water source is then finished.
After that, door frame fixing happens.
The final stage is Grha Pravesh, which is the process of entry into the new residence.
After the successful completion of the Bhoomi Pooja, the construction of the house can begin. It is essential to adhere to the principles of Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian system of architecture and design, to ensure harmony and balance within the new structure.
Once the construction is complete, another significant ritual called the Griha Pravesh (house-warming ceremony) is performed before the family moves into the new house. This ceremony invokes the blessings of the deities and ensures a prosperous and joyful beginning in the new abode.
Certain practices and actions are discouraged during the Bhoomi Pooja ceremony to maintain its sanctity and ensure its effectiveness:
Avoiding inauspicious timings or dates as per astrological calculations
Refraining from any form of violence, anger, or negative emotions
Maintaining silence and focus during the rituals
Avoiding any form of disrespect towards the deities or the sacred elements involved
According to Hindu astrological principles, the position of the moon and its relationship with various lunar constellations (nakshatras) can have a significant impact on the auspiciousness and outcome of the Bhoomi Pooja. Certain nakshatras are considered highly favourable for this ritual, while others may require additional precautions or remedial measures. Consulting an experienced astrologer can provide valuable insights into the most suitable timing and recommendations for the ceremony.
The Bhoomi Pujan Vidhi is a sacred and time-honoured tradition that holds immense significance in Hindu culture. By performing this ritual with utmost devotion and adherence to the prescribed procedures, one invites divine blessings and positive energies into the new house. It is a celebration of the bond between humans and the Earth, a manifestation of gratitude and respect for the land upon which the new abode will be built. Whether you are a devout believer or simply seeking to honour cultural traditions, the Bhoomi Pooja Vidhi is a powerful ceremony that sets the foundation for a prosperous and harmonious new beginning.