1. To remove any land, structure, and interior arrangement faults or the Vastu Doshas.
2. To ask for forgiveness for any direct or indirect harm to the Nature and other living beings while construction of the house
3. To pacify any forces that may disturb the overall happiness of future occupants.
4. To request Vastu Purush to protect the home and the occupants from natural calamities
5. To solicit His blessings to bring health, wealth and prosperity to the occupants and
6. To resolve proper use of the house and to convert it into Home and Praasad.

Vaastu Shastra

Vastu in Sanskrit means nature, a surrounding or environment or Prakriti. The word “Vaasthu” denotes anything existing such as house, shelter building etc. Ancient sages of India laid down several principles for constructing buildings taking advantage of the nature, the Panache Mahan Bhootas, ( Earth, Space, Air, Fire and Water), Gravitational and Magnetic effects and rotational influences of Sun, Moon, Earth and other planets on the life in Earth. These principles, called Vastu Shastra, were evolved over thousands of years out of experience and foresight of ancient Sages of India and are very valuable for the well being of man-kind. The primary objective of Vastu Shastra is to bring balance and harmony between man, nature and his buildings and thereby ensuring peace, prosperity and happiness.

Vastu Purush Mandala

The Vastu Purush Mandala is the magic diagram (yantra) and the form (rupa) of the Vastu Purush.

The birth of Vastu Purush is narrated in Matsya Purana.. In an encounter with a Rakshasa called Andhikasur, Lord Shiva became tired and exhausted, and he began to sweat profusely. A man was born out of the drops of Lord Shiva’s sweat. He looked very cruel. He was very hungry and began to make penance to appease Lord Shiva and to get a boon from him. Lord Shiva was pleased with his penance and appeared before him. The devotee prayed to Lord Shiva, “Oh Lord! Please permit me to eat away all the three worlds.” Lord Shiva granted his prayer. He got possession of all the three worlds and was about to eat the terrestrial world. The celestial beings, Brahma, Shiva, and the demons were terrified and they caught hold of the devotee and encircled him. Forty-five deities caught hold of the devotee and pressed him down. This Devotee has been in that position ever since that time. Lord Brahma blessed him and said that he would be the deity of all the plots and constructions, and offerings would be made to him. In return, Vastu Purusha is said to be taking care of the inmates of the building.

Key Rituals involved in Vastu Shanti

This Vastu Shanti is primarily based on the ceremony described by Jana Prabodhini. It is a shorter and less exhaustive version than normally practiced in India. We need half hour for set up and about an hour for pooja.

1. Toran on the entrance door and planting of an auspicious tree, preferably Tulsi
(This can be done a day earlier)
2. Symbolic House Inspection, Sutra Veshthan (measurements)
3. Graha Pravesh
4. Formal lighting of fire and house purification
5. Vastu Purush story and Vastu Mandal
6. Sankalpa, Poonyahvachanam, Ganesh Pooja
7. Kalasha Sthapana, Nava Graha Pooja
8. Varun and Vastu Purush Pooja
9. Vastu Purush Yagnya
10. Prayers to Vastu Purush and Resolutions
11. Aarati and Prasad
12. Burying the Vastu Purush in the North East Corner of the house.

Items for Vastu Shanti Pooja
• Small metal Ganapati, Kuldevata (if available)
• Metal image of Vastu Purush (local Indian stores may have this available) Small plastic box to bury the Vastu Purush after pooja.
• A low profile wooden pedestals (chowrang) for Pooja
• Halad, Kunku, Udbatti, Neeranjan, Aarti, sandalwood paste
• Variety of flowers in sufficient quantity
• Bell, Conch, towels, Oil lamps, matches
• Betel Leaves (30), Supaari (30) Coconuts(2)
• Metal Bowls (4), Stainless / Copper plates (4 small, 4 large )
• Water Kalasha (2), Pali (Small ladle), 4 spoons
• Rice (half a pound), Fruits
• Panchamruta – Small bowl filled with Ghee, Sugar, Yogurt, Milk and Honey
• Liquid ghee for Neeranjan and oil for lamps
• Something for Sitting for everybody (rug or wooden platforms)
• I will bring Agni Kund and Fire material. I light a very small fire, no bigger than 2-3 inches in Diameter, 3-4 "high with flames. Need to pay attention to fire alarm location. Provide airy area for pooja.
Other Preparations:
• Toran – Decoration at the front Door plus Rangoli.
• Plant a Tulsi, a flower shrub or a fruit tree or Crepe Myrtle at a suitable place on that day or a day before.
• Hosts should fast until the pooja is over (Tea/coffee/Juice ok)
• Find a suitable location, behind the house, preferably North East corner, with least traffic and no waste disposal pipes, for burying the Vastu Purush.