AGNELO PIRES
Ganesh Chaturthi is an exuberant unique festival celebrated in Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka and other regions in India with much pomp and gayety.
According to Hindu religion Lord Ganesha symbolizes supreme wisdom, intellect and removal of physical and spiritual obstacles. Lord Ganesha is worshiped first and foremost, before starting something new and auspicious.
It is an undeniable fact that every Hindu household will be adorned with a sacred idol or a photo frame of Lord Ganesha. In a way he is close to the heart of every Goan Hindu family as like a sacred magnetic force it pulls all the family members back to their ancestral home during Chaturthi festival.
Just as Lord Ganesha lavishes peace, prosperity and good health upon the household and its members when worshipped and prayed with devotion so also Vastushatra plays a very vital role in showering positive results when its principles are followed.
The core concept of Vastushashtra, which is an ancient Indian science of architecture is based on the harmonious balance of five elements such as Water, Fire, Earth, Air and Space. Each element when aligned properly within a structure or any living spaces it enhances a smooth flow of positive energies which eventually become a harbinger of peace, prosperity, success and good health to the inhabitants of that space. This applies to a house, office, shop, business establishment, educational institution, clinic, hospital, government office and buildings, factories and land and property etc.
During Ganesh Chaturthi festival it is pertinent to note no negative energies due to wrong placement of Ganesh idol should collide with the blessings showered by Lord Ganesha upon a household. The best way to eliminate negative energies is to keep the house and the living spaces and its surroundings clean and tidy. Cleanliness is next to godliness.
The wooden canopy or matoli above the Ganesha idol where the seasonal fruits and plants will be hanged should be away from the kitchen, toilet, bath and staircase. The Ganesh idol should not have its back to the main entrance of the house and should not be placed on the Southern or South-Western wall. Ganesh idol worship should be performed in the North-East (Ishanya) corner of the house. If it is not possible there, then East or North direction is the next best option. Person should pray facing East, North-East or North as these are the best directions that emanates positive energies and vibes. The surrounding area should be clean without any clutter, cobwebs and unwanted materials.
During puja or prayer, the lamp should be kept towards the South-Eastern side and water tumbler should be kept towards North-Eastern side. No black colour shades should be used anywhere in the matoli or surrounding Ganesha idol.
The entrance door should be always kept clean. No shoes, sandals, slippers or any other obstacles should be kept directly in front of the main entrance door. Fresh flower or marigold garlands and door bunting always helps in bringing more positivity.
A clean house and a clean heart with a clean positive mind will go a long
way in multiplying the blessings showered by Lord Ganesha during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
(The writer is a Panjim-based Vastu consultant with over 12 years experience)
