Garbhanyasa

Garbhanyasa is a ritual performed to bring ‘alive’ a new building. Bringing the building ‘alive’ means propitiating the right energy into it. The word ‘garbha’ means ‘womb’ indicating the creation of life. This ritual is done in strict conformance to the Vaastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of structures and architecture. It is performed on the evening or night after the construction work has been completed.

Garbhanyasa is carried out either in the center, called ‘brahmasthana’, or the north, west, east or south direction inside the building. A small cavity is dug out and a box made of copper or silver is placed into it. This box contains 9 grains, 9 gems, minerals and herbs. The box is made up of either 9 or 25 compartment. The 9 compartment box is called ‘peetha padam,’ while the 25 compartment box is called ‘upapeetha padam.’ The eastern side compartments contain offering of gold and silver meant for Lord Surya and Lord Indra. The western compartments contain silver for Lord Varuna, while the northern ones contain silver for Lord Soma.

The southern compartments are dedicated to Lord Yama and Lord Simha with iron and gold offerings. This box is believed to be the source of life and movement. It is believed to invoke the good energies and impart life to the building. The pit containing the box must contain small quantities of earth collected from different places. A wooden lid is placed over the box and the pit is filled amidst chants and prayers.