It is a practice in most homes in India and also in other parts of the world to have a prayer room or prayer altar. This is a special room or corner for worship and prayer. Pictures or images of God and Guru are kept here. A lamp or candle is lit, incense burned and worship is offered to the Supreme Power of the Universe.
Each room in our home has a purpose. Every room is furnished and decorated in a different manner. We have the living room used for family gathering and relaxation, the bedroom for resting and sleeping and the kitchen and dining room for cooking and having food. The prayer or puja room is found where the homes are larger. Else most people in the world have a corner or altar for worship and prayers. Here daily worship is offered. Other spiritual practices like meditation, japa, reading of the Holy Scriptures, devotional singing, ceremonial worship etc are done here. Special worship is also offered here on days of festivals, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other thanksgiving functions. Special worship is also offered when we face troubles and are grieved and need solace and comfort from the Divine Father and Mother. This corner of the home is a special place for all members of the family.
All that we have are gifts from Divinity. Our bodies, our homes, all our properties, our children, family and friends are all treasures given to us by God. We recognise that God is the resident of our heart and body. Likewise He is the main power and resident in our homes too. When the soul leaves the body, the body is declared dead and is discarded. A home where there is no prayer corner is like a body without soul. It is lifeless. The altar corner or prayer room is the heart and soul of each home.
When we live with the acceptance that God is the resident of our heart and bodies, we take care in maintaining internal and external cleanliness of self. We watch our thoughts, words and deeds. We are conscious when we exhibit the negative traits of anger, pride, lust, greed, vengeance and possessiveness. We do our best to remove such ugly traits from within as the Lord of the Creation is the resident of our heart and body. Similarly, when we accept and live with the consciousness that God is the owner of our home, we will keep our homes neat and clean and well maintained. By acknowledging that our home is a gift of God and that we are mere caretakers of the home, we get rid of false ego and pride of possession.
A prayer room or altar at home also keeps us aware of the Omniscience of God. God is all pervading. We remember this each time we pass by the prayer room or altar. When we offer prayers and thanksgiving at the altar or prayer room, we are able to accomplish the most difficult tasks, for grace of God is what gives the results. It is up to us to do the work to the best of our ability and leave the rest to God.
When prayers are offered in a special prayer room or altar or corner of the home dedicated to God, that area carries healing vibrations. Prayers and feeling the presence of God in that place makes the place peaceful and holy. The mind calms down quickly and we can meditate and pray. Regular prayers, mantra japa and meditation accumulate spiritual thoughts and higher vibrations in this place. Whenever we are tired or agitated or grieved and we seek solace in this place, we will receive comfort due to the presence of these vibrations. We feel calm, energised and rejuvenated in this corner. In homes, where worship is regular, the holy vibrations from the altar or prayer room pervade the entire home and the home becomes restful and the occupants peaceful and balanced.
Have a special corner in your home for prayers, japa and dhyana. Encourage all members of the family to worship here on a daily basis. Have family prayers daily or weekly. This will bond the family with the glue of Divine Love and Vibrations. A family that prays together stays together. Keep your personal asan/ seat for japa and meditation clean and do not share it. Light a candle or lamp every time you pray. Offer incense and flowers to the Lord there. Do not shout or use abusive language here. Maintain the sanctity of this place. Then this place will become a sanctuary to you and you will find peace and comfort here each time you need it.
