Harishyam Arts Blog

10 Things You Should Never Keep In Your Pooja Room

By Lakshay Sharma | On 13 May, 2025 | Views

A pooja room is the most sacred corner of your home. It is a space where divinity, devotion, and positivity come together. Maintaining the purity of this space is not just about rituals—it’s about energy, discipline, and alignment with ancient Vastu principles.

Whether you’re setting up a new home temple or reevaluating your existing setup, it's essential to know the things not to keep in a pooja room. Many people unknowingly store objects that disrupt the spiritual energy of the space, inviting negative vibrations.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through what should not be kept in a pooja room as per Vastu, and offer practical tips to keep your sacred space positive and powerful.

1. Broken or Damaged Idols and Photos

Keeping broken idols or torn religious images in the pooja room is considered inauspicious. Vastu Shastra strictly advises against it. These objects are believed to carry stagnant or negative energy.

What to do:
Gently immerse broken idols in flowing water or bury them respectfully under a tree. Do not store them inside drawers or cupboards in the pooja room.

2. Photos of Deceased Family Members

While remembering ancestors is important, placing their photos in the pooja room is not recommended. Vastu suggests keeping photos of the deceased in a separate remembrance area, not in the temple space which is dedicated to deities.

3. Expired Prasad, Dry Flowers, or Wilted Garlands

Offering prasad and fresh flowers is part of daily worship, but many people forget to remove them once they are spoiled. Old or decaying offerings can disrupt the energy flow.

What to do:
Dispose of wilted flowers and old prasad in a clean place every day. Always use fresh items for pooja.

4. Unclean or Torn Cloth Used for Deities

Gods and goddesses are traditionally adorned with clean, vibrant fabrics. Torn, dusty, or unwashed cloth covers and deity dresses show disrespect and lower the sanctity of the space.

Tip:
Keep a dedicated set of clothes and change them regularly. Clean altar clothes and covers frequently.

5. Weapons or Sharp Objects (Unless They Belong to the Deity)

While weapons held by gods like Kartikeya or Durga are symbolic, random sharp objects like knives, scissors, or tools should not be stored in the pooja room.

6. Money, Valuables, or Official Documents

Many people convert their pooja room into a safe or locker room. While it may feel secure, mixing materialism with spirituality is not advised.

Avoid keeping:

Jewellery boxes
Bank files
Cash bundles

Instead, focus on maintaining a spiritually charged atmosphere.

7. Dustbins or Waste Bins

A dustbin in a pooja room directly contradicts the concept of purity. It symbolizes waste and should be avoided completely.

8. Onion, Garlic, Alcohol, or Non-Vegetarian Items

These items are Tamasic in nature and are known to dull spiritual energy. Avoid storing or consuming such food items near the temple area.

9. Excess or Duplicate Idols

According to Vastu, too many idols or photos of the same deity can cause energetic imbalance. Keep the temple minimalistic and focused.

Ideal Tip:
One idol per deity is enough. Avoid overcrowding with similar statues or framed pictures.

10. Mirrors in the Pooja Room

Mirrors are believed to reflect energy. If not placed properly, they can bounce spiritual energy away from the pooja room instead of amplifying it.

If needed:
Use mirrors thoughtfully and ensure they don't reflect idols or diyas directly.

What You Should Keep in Your Pooja Room

Clean idols made of marble, brass, or wood
Fresh flowers and fruits
Copper utensils for rituals
Ghee or oil lamps
Fragrant incense sticks or dhoop
Holy books and scriptures
Bell or conch (shankh)
A serene and clutter-free environment

Pooja Room Vastu Tips

Following the right Vastu guidelines for your pooja room can greatly enhance the spiritual energy of your home. Simple practices like facing East or North while praying, placing idols on the right wall, and ensuring cleanliness and proper lighting can make a big difference. These small but powerful changes invite positivity, peace, and divine blessings. To understand the complete set of recommendations, you can explore our detailed article on Pooja Room Vastu Tips and make your sacred space truly Vastu-aligned.

Conclusion

A peaceful and spiritually charged pooja room starts with mindful choices. By understanding what not to keep in temple at home—such as broken idols, expired offerings, or unrelated items—you help preserve the sanctity and positive energy of your sacred space. Following essential Pooja room Vastu dos and don’ts ensures your devotion takes place in an environment aligned with divine energy and spiritual balance. Keep your pooja room clean, clutter-free, and spiritually focused—and divine blessings will naturally flow into your home.

FAQ’s

1. Can we keep broken idols in the pooja room?

Ans: No, broken idols should never be kept in the pooja room. As per Vastu and tradition, they are believed to carry negative energy and must be respectfully immersed or buried.

2. Is it okay to keep photos of deceased family members in the temple?

Ans: No, it is not advised. Deceased ancestors should be remembered respectfully but not in the pooja room. You can keep their photos in the living area or a dedicated remembrance corner.

3. Can I store cash and jewellery in my pooja room?

Ans: It's better not to. Mixing spiritual space with material possessions disturbs the sanctity. Use a separate locker or storage area.

4. Why is keeping a dustbin in the pooja room inauspicious?

Ans: Dustbins represent waste and impurity. The pooja room must remain clean and free from such items to maintain its positive energy.

5. What should I do with old flowers and prasad?

Ans: Remove them daily. You can dispose of old flowers under a tree or in a garden. Do not keep spoiled or expired offerings.

6. Can I keep two or more Ganesh idols?

Ans: It is generally advised to keep only one idol per deity. Too many idols of the same god can create imbalance in energy flow.

Explore Premium Murtis & Mandirs for Your Pooja Room

Looking for beautiful and Vastu-compliant Gods and Goddesses statues and temples?

Visit Harishyam Arts – your trusted destination for:

Customised Marble Murtis
Pooja Mandirs for Home
Worldwide Shipping (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Dubai & more)

Call/WhatsApp us at: +91-9782397360

Harishyam Arts

Get Personalied Solution for Your Home Interior

Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.