Most homes treat the mandir or prayer room with great respect, particularly in homes following Hindu religious traditions. This is the place where family members conduct their prayer and meditation. In modern homes with limited space, many would rather set up their mandir in the living room area. When constructing a mandir in the living room, thoughtful design is required to create a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
We will share several modern mandir designs that can be used in living rooms, primarily how one can fit a mandir in your space such that it not only blends with the architectural and interior styles of the room, but also brings a touch of something sacred.
Why Choose a Mandir in the Living Room?
It is very often the living room that forms the center of the house, where the family is more or less constantly gathered. Putting the mandir in this room allows it to be integrated into daily living rather than assigned to a separate area that is not entered very often. It also provides an opportunity for the whole family to pray together and thus fosters a sense of togetherness. In small houses or apartments, a living room may be the only room where a mandir can be reasonably accommodated without taking up too much space.
Key Considerations for Designing a Trendy Modern Mandir in the Living Room
Following are some of the aspects that one should consider before choosing the design of a mandir for one’s living room:
- Space Available and Required: How much space are you able to devote to the mandir? The size of the mandir depends upon how much space is available in the living room. It is also important to consider the way in which you will be using the mandir. For example, if you want to sit inside the mandir and perform puja, you will require a larger enclosed space.
- Direction: The mandir should be placed preferably in the North East, East or North direction, with the main idols facing West. According to Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural guide, these are the best and most auspicious directions a person faces while praying.
- Style and Décor: The mandir should be designed to complement the overall design of the living room. The modern mandir should be integrated with the decoration of the living room and not out of place. However, ultra modern designs may sometimes not produce a spiritual atmosphere and will require blending with traditional styles.
- Lighting: A brightly lit mandir will make the atmosphere pristine, relaxing, and calming. To make the surrounding area of the mandir in the house appealing and peaceful, one can use soft and warm lights. If possible, also try to incorporate windows or other openings nearby, to allow more natural light into the space.
Types of Modern Designs of Mandir for Living Rooms
You can merge a mandir into the living room in several ways. Some of the following modern mandir designs work well in different living rooms:
1. Wall-Mounted Mandir
This type is useful in small living rooms where there is very little floor space. It, therefore, allows you to create a sacred place without taking away much room. A wall-mounted Mandir can be in the form of a small cabinet or shelf-mounted on the wall. It can be designed with doors that open when praying and then shut to get themselves blended into the aesthetics of the room where it is located. Make sure that this mandir is mounted at the right height for your type of usage- whether you want to use it while standing or sitting on the floor.
- Pros: Saves space and goes well with modern decor.
- Cons: Insignificant space for storing prayer items.
2. Corner Mandir Design
Corners are usually free areas in rooms and hence quite ideal for a small mandir setup. A corner mandir design works well with space, creating coziness and intimacy in this nook for praying. You can place a small unit of mandir with a few shelves for placing idols, lamps, and other religious items. These can be wall or floor mounted and the main idol shelf or platform can be angled to face the right Vastu direction.
- Pros: They can be small or large depending on the area available, thereby allowing for efficient use of corner spaces, which otherwise remain inaccessible and unused.
- Cons: All parts of the living room may not always view them easily. Small nooks and corners in such units may also be difficult to clean.
3. Cabinet Style Mandir
Those who want a mandir that can be closed when not in use should go ahead with a cabinet-style mandir. In times when closed, this form of mandir appears like an ordinary cabinet attached to the TV unit or other similar units in the living room, but evokes suprise and awe while opening up into a pretty prayer room. You can opt for doors having decorative carvings or intricate glass works.
- Pros: Prayer area is kept private whenever it is not in use. Creates storage space for prayer items.
- Cons: It occupies more space as compared to a wall-mounted mandir.
Sliding doors can save space.
4. Shelf Mandir Design
The shelf mandir design consists of several open or shut shelves on a wall, leaving space for idols, lamps, and religious books. A shelf mandir should be ideal for minimalist houses since practicality is what this whole home is about.
- Pros: It is easy to set up and doesn’t require much space. It is also cost effective.
- Cons: Space for bigger idols or prayer accessories is improbable.
6. Portable Mandir
A portable mandir is a great option for those who do not have a permanent place for the mandir. These mandirs are compact enough to allow them to be moved easily within the house. Portable mandirs come in different designs that range from small-size wooden boxes to foldable units.
- Pros: Easy to reposition, can be placed anywhere in the house.
- Cons: Generally smaller in size, providing minimal room for religious items.
How to Decorate a Modern ‘Mandir’ in the Living Room
- Lighting: Warm and soft light is very important to give ambiance to this place. LED strip lights, hanging lamps, or spotlights can be used to light up the idols and give a glimpse of the area. Avoid using sharp, bright lights; this makes the space jarring and causes a disturbance to the serenity.
- Backdrops and Panels: An attractive feature of the mandir will be a decorative backdrop behind the idols. These can be done with wooden panels, marble, tiles or decorative cloth and even incorporate traditional designs like lattice or floral patterns for enhancement of the look.
- Color Scheme: Soft, neutral colors work best for the mandir. Shades of white, beige, or light brown would be great in giving the mandir an elegant and serene look. If you want boldness, then go with deep reds or sprinkled gold accents for a traditional look. Religious Symbols: Incorporate signs such as Om, Swastika, Lotus or other respective religious symbols. These give a religious touch to the environment and assist in enhancing the holy atmosphere.
- Plants and Flowers: Place fresh flowers or small potted indoor plants in the mandir area. Not only will they look nice, but they also add a touch of nature with their aroma and bring in calm and positive energies.
Vastu Tips for Temple in Living Room
The northeast corner of the living room should be kept for the mandir.
Idols or pictures of deities should face west, and you are to face East or North while praying. The mandir platform or the actual idol shouldn’t be at floor level.
Avoid placing the mandir near the bathroom or in places that can be disturbed very frequently.
Conclusion
A modern living room mandir is more than a place to say one’s prayers; it serves as a space imbibed with peace, serenity, and spirituality. From wall-mounted to shelf and portable ones, the trick lies in getting a design that would blend with the living room’s style and size, all the while retaining the sanctity of the mandir and ensuring easy usage. With proper lighting and color and material usage, a living room mandir may be truly beautiful and create a peaceful retreat within your house.
FAQs
Materials like wood and marble are considered best for the making of mandirs since they are durable and provide a traditional, classic look. However, this is subject to individual preferences, budgets and requirements.
As per Vastu Shastra, the northeast direction is the most auspicious placement of the mandir; the idols are to be kept facing west.
Yes, a portable mandir would be very nice for small houses or for those who need flexibility in moving the mandir around within the house.