ASTROLOGY IN HUMAN LIVES by Thinesh Silvaraju

Griha Pravesham is a ceremony performed on the occasion of one's first entry into a new house. Once the house is ready, the family moves in on an auspicious day that is determined by the astrological charts. Purity of the panchangam (almanac) and auspicious time or muhuratam must be considered during the griha pravesham. Three types of griha pravesham have been mentioned in our ancient scriptures:

Apoorva: First entry to newly constructed house on a newly selected land

Sapoorva: Entry into an already existing house after traveling abroad or migration elsewhere.

Dwandwah: Entry into a house to after reconstruction or renovation subsequent to damage due to fire, flood or earthquake

For apoorva griha pravesham, the exact auspicious time needs to be adhered to. For sapoorva griha pravesham or dwandwah griha pravesham, the purity of the panchangam should be given due consideration.

Vastu pooja

Vastu pooja for vastu devata is performed outside the house before the actual entry into the house. A copper pot is filled with water, navadhaniyam (nine kinds of grains) and one 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 yaagam (ceremonial fire).

Vastu Shanti

Vastu shanti or Griha shanti, involves the offering to the devas or yaagam. A yaagam 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 Ganapathi pooja, the Satyanarayan pooja or the Lakshmi pooja are optional, and can be performed if priest recommends them.

Griha pravesham is not complete until the doors of the house are fitted with shutters, the roof is covered, the Gods of vastu have been worshipped or offered sacrifices, the priests have been offered feast.

House-warming ceremony should not be performed when the lady of the house is pregnant or on Tuesdays.

Once the griha pravesham ceremony has been completed, the family can then move into the house.