Gruhapravesham
- Griha Pravesh :
- It is a ceremony performed on the occasion of one’s first entry into anew house. Once the house is ready, the family moves in on an auspicious day that is determined by the astrological charts. Purity of panchang (almanac) and auspicioustime (muhurat) must be considered during the griha pravesh. Three types of griha pravesh have been mentioned in our ancient scriptures:
- Auspicious Times or Muhurats:
- In a newly built house, the first entry is auspicious when the sun is in the uttarayan position; in old, renovated houses, when Guru (Jupiter) or Shukra (Venus) is setting (the tara or star does not matter in this case). Auspicious months for griha pravesh, that are based on the lunar calendar, and their outcome have been provided
- Dwandwah:
- Entry into a house to after reconstruction or renovation subsequent to damage due to fire, flood or earthquake, is termed as dwandwah (old) griha pravesh. For apoorva griha pravesh, the exact auspicious time need to be adhered to. For sapoorva griha pravesh or dwandwah griha pravesh, the purity of the panchang should be given due consideration.
- Apoorva:
- First entry to newly constructed house on a newly selected land is called apoorva (new) griha pravesh . Sapoorva: Entry into an already existing house after travelling abroad or migration elsewhere is called sapoorva griha pravesh.
- Vastu pooja:
- for vastu devata is performed outside the house before the actual entry into the house. A copper pot is filled with water, navadhanya (nine kinds of grains) and one rupee coin. A coconut is then placed on the top of the pot. Coconut is covered with the red cloth and tied with the red thread called moli. After this the priest performs the pooja, add the husband and wife take this copper pot in the house together and place it near the havan (ceremonial fire).
- Vastu shanti or Griha shanti:
- involves the havan. A havan is performed to prevent harmful influences of the planets, remove negative vibrations and create a peaceful environment. Once all the poojas are concluded, a feast is offered to the priest. He is also given some dakshina or fees for his services and good wishes. These two poojas are essential. Other poojas like the Ganpathi pooja, the Satyanarayan pooja ot the Lakshmi pooja are optional, and can be performed if priest recommends them.