Bhumi Pujan and Shilanyas: Beginning Construction Properly

Building a house is among the larger undertakings of a life. In Hindu tradition it is not treated as a construction project alone but as a sacred resolve, which is why Bhumi Pujan is performed before the foundation is laid.

What the rite expresses

Three ideas underlie it.

The first is asking pardon of the earth. We are about to dig it and build upon it, and in doing so countless small creatures are disturbed. Bhumi Pujan asks forgiveness for that.

The second is the worship of the Vastu Purusha, held in the Puranas to reside on every plot of land. His blessing is sought for the work.

The third is the worship of Sheshnag, on whose hood the earth is said to rest, invoked here for stability.

Choosing the time

Among months, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Magha and Phalguna are favourable.

Construction is not begun during Chaturmas, running from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devuthani Ekadashi, nor in an intercalary month.

Among nakshatras, Rohini, Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada, Chitra, Anuradha, Dhanishta and Revati are suitable.

Among tithis, the second, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, tenth, eleventh and thirteenth are favourable.

Among weekdays, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are suitable.

Beyond the calendar, the condition of the fourth house in the owner's chart and the dasha currently running are examined.

The direction of the foundation stone

The stone is generally laid in the north east, the Ishan corner, which Vastu treats as the most auspicious direction and the quarter of the deities.

In some traditions the direction is determined from where the Vastu Purusha is held to be facing at that point in the year.

Materials

A kalash, coconut, mango leaves, Ganga water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, turmeric, kumkum, rice, mauli, betel nut, coins, the five gems, the five metals, a silver pair of serpents, a brick or stone, flowers, incense, a lamp, camphor, sweets, fruit and materials for the homa.

The method

Clear the site and purify it with Ganga water.

Raise a canopy and install the kalash.

Begin with Ganesha, then worship the nine planets.

Take the sankalpa, stating your name, gotra, place and the purpose of the construction.

Invoke and worship the earth, then the Vastu Purusha, and then Sheshnag.

Perform the Shilanyas. Dig a pit in the chosen direction and place in it the silver serpents, betel nut, coins, the five gems, the five metals, turmeric and rice.

Lay the first brick or stone over it with the prescribed mantras.

Close with the homa, the arti, feeding of brahmins, charity and the distribution of prasad.

Points of observance

It is best for both the owner and their spouse to be present.

Once Bhumi Pujan is done, construction should begin without long delay. Leaving the work suspended for an extended period is not considered appropriate.

Meat and alcohol are kept off the site during construction.

One further point belongs to the tradition and is often forgotten. Workers should be treated with respect and paid on time. The texts hold that a building raised through the labour of dissatisfied people does not carry auspiciousness. This is a moral instruction, not a ritual one, and it deserves to be stated.

For construction abroad

Where the building is outside India, the muhurat must be computed from that location's own sunrise, tithi and nakshatra.

Directions are determined from magnetic north, which is available everywhere, so the principles of Vastu apply unchanged anywhere in the world.

Local substitutes for materials are entirely acceptable. What matters is the resolve, the method and the sincerity behind them.