Q&A for How to Create a Home Shrine (Hinduism)

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Question

Do I need to be fully converted before I make my shrine?

Community Answer

Hinduism doesn't support conversion, because it includes and provides for everybody, whatever the religious belief. All you need to do to "become" a Hindu is to read, understand and believe some of its basic tenets. Set up whatever type of shrine that satisfies your religious needs. Ask other religious people whom you respect and trust. Read books on Hinduism. One great source is books published by Ramakrishna Mission.

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Question

Can I cover the shrine after using it?

Community Answer

Leave the shrine uncovered for at least an hour after using it. Then, you can cover the shrine after putting out the lamp.

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Question

Can I worship foods or any random animals?

Community Answer

Yes you could, but I don't think that would be very useful. If you love your pet a lot you could make a shrine to it after it died, but you could also make a shrine to plants.

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Question

Should the mandir be on the floor of the house or can we use a table?

ShrUtiable

Community Answer

Yes, you can use a table, but it's best if the table is exclusively used for your mandir and not shared with other things.

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Question

Other than Ganesha, what other deities can be in the shrine?

Community Answer

Ganesha is considered to be worshiped first before other deities, and the correct way is to light a diya using the Ganpati Puja oil along with the White Madar wicks to get the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha and Lakshmi should be placed together, and Lakshmi Puja oil with Lakshmi Grace wicks should be used for pleasing Maa Lakshmi to get prosperity, positivity, and good energy in the place where the Diya (oil lamp) is lit. It's also important to light a 5 Mukhi Diya, also known as the Panch mukhi diya, the right way to do Lakshmi Puja. Apart from this, on every Friday, you should use the Lakshmi Puja oil along with the Lotus Stem wicks to light a lamp in front of the Maa Lakshmi idol.

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Question

What if I need to travel and there's nobody to look after the shrine? What am I supposed to do in such a situation?

Community Answer

You don't have to really look over it unless it is low to the ground and you have a pet but if you don't you can just put water on the shrine and leave it. God won't be mad.

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Question

Can you make a Hindu shrine on the floor?

Aarya Handa

Community Answer

Yes you can. However, the idea usually is that you place your shrine at a slightly elevated level above head height to symbolise the importance and God's "authority" above you.

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Question

Can I pray without an idol and photo?

Community Answer

Yes. Idols and photos are used to help one concentrate on Krishna (God), but you can pray without them. The most important thing is that you pray sincerely to Krishna.

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Question

If I want to pray to Lord Shiva how do I decorate my shrine? Is it possible to use a Ganesha image beside him?

Tango Echo

Community Answer

If you want to pray to Lord Shiva, you can use a photo, idol and you can use a Ganesha image beside him.

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