Seva & Home
How to Set Up a Vaishnava Home Mandir (Shrine)
6 min read · Updated 2026-07-16
You do not need a whole room or an elaborate altar to worship at home. A clean shelf, a beloved form or Name, and a steady daily habit are enough to make a true Vaishnava mandir. Here is how to begin simply and keep it sustainable.
Where to place it
- Choose a clean, quiet spot — a dedicated shelf, cabinet or corner used only for worship.
- Traditionally the deity faces west (devotee faces east) or the shrine is set in the east or north; do what your space allows with respect.
- Keep it a little raised and away from the floor, shoes and everyday clutter.
From the Treasury
Singhasan for Naam Seva
₹150
What to keep at the centre
At the heart of the shrine is the object of your worship. This may be a deity image or cutout of Radha–Krishna, Sitaram or Jagannath; a carved kadamb-wood Name for naam seva; or a picture of the Lord or your guru. Placing it on a small singhasan (throne) gives it a fitting seat.
From the Treasury
Radha Krishna MDF Cutout – Home decor
₹180
A simple daily seva
- Rise and wash, then clean the shrine gently each morning.
- Offer something simple — a lamp or incense, a flower, a little water or food.
- Offer fragrance with alcohol-free attar or light a dhoop stick.
- Sit before the shrine and chant your rounds of the Holy Name.
From the Treasury
Kasturi Dhoop Sticks
₹120
Frequently Asked
- How do I set up a home mandir?
- Choose a clean, dedicated shelf or corner, place your deity image or carved Name on a small throne (singhasan) at its centre, and keep a simple daily seva of cleaning, offering a lamp or incense, and chanting the Name.
- Which direction should a home mandir face?
- Traditionally the shrine is set in the east or north, with the deity facing west so the devotee faces east while worshipping. Do what your space allows, with cleanliness and respect.
- What is a singhasan?
- A singhasan is a small decorative throne on which the deity image or carved Name is seated in the home shrine, giving the object of worship a fitting and honoured seat.