Overview:

The earth is considered a sacred element in Hinduism and is revered as a Mother Goddess. Bhumi Pooja is an important ritual devoted to the earth. It is necessary to worship the land before the start of construction work. Even farmers conduct a Bhumi Puja before tilling the land. Hindu calendar months of Shravan, Kartik, Margshirsh and Paush are the most favourable for the Bhumi puja. Several negative and positive factors are associated with the auspicious time of Bhumi puja.

Avoid the Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday while Monday and Thursday are the most auspicious days for Bhumi puja. Also, Bhumi puja should not be conducted during the zero month, lunar month, Adhik month, Hadpaksha, Divaskarma, mourning time, and Shraadh Paksha. Bhumi puja should be performed in the northeast corner of the site. The puja helps in overcoming the obstacles that may occur during the time of construction.

Bhumi Puja Ritual:

Bhumi puja samagri includes earthen lamps, oil lamps, flowers, turmeric, kumkum, camphor, coconut, flowers, fruits, rice grains, betel nuts, Panchamrut (a mixture of milk, ghee, honey, sugar, and curd), Basil leaves, sweets and samagri for the Homam.

A customary dig is created using a spade. Deities are placed on the raised platform. A Kalash with coconut draped in red cloth is placed which is to be put in the dig after the puja. Bhumi puja ceremony starts with the Ganesh Puja, followed by a Navagraha puja, Shodash puja, and Vishwakarma puja according to the Vastu. Bhumi Pujan is completed with a Homam. Other major rituals include taking a Sankalpa followed by Shatkarma, Devi Poojan, Bhumi Aabhisinchan, Pran Pratishtha and Manglik Dravyasthapana. After this an Anushthan is conducted followed by aarti and apologies are sought from mother Earth.

Shlokas and Mantra:

|| smudravasne devi parvatstanmanditevisnupatni namstubhy padsparshm kshmsvame ||

Om vasundharaye vidmahe

Bhoot adhatraya dheemahi

Tanno bhumi prachodayat

Significance and benefits of Bhumi Puja and Havan:

Bhumi puja is conducted

To correct Vastu Dosh

To get protection from negative energies

To make the land fertile

To ensure wellbeing

Bhumi puja is performed to attract the positive energies and to appease the natural elements of the site. An auspicious day and time are chosen in accordance to Vaastu Muhurut when Vaastu Purush is in its full strength. Performing Bhumi puja is important before starting the construction work at a new site. It is a way to pay the regards to Vaastu Purush and mother Earth. The blessings of Vastu Purush and mother Earth ensures the safety and well-being of the people who are going to acquire the land.