Tips For Kerala-Style Pooja Room Designs in Apartments

Kerala, located on the southwest coast of India, is famous for its culture, magnificent buildings, and spiritual significance. Kerala’s architectural mastery is evident in its exquisite Pooja room designs, which feature intricate carvings, colorful murals, and vibrant hues. If you want to infuse your apartment’s Pooja room with this rich cultural heritage, you’re in for an exciting experience.

Things to Consider Before Pooja Room Design:

1. Space: Unlike traditional Kerala homes, modern apartments might not offer vast spaces. Thus, gauge the space available in your apartment before conceptualizing your design.
2. Orientation: As per Vastu Shastra, the North-East corner is the most promising for setting up a Pooja room. It’s considered the zone of divinity and spirituality.
3. Lighting: The ambience of your Pooja room is largely influenced by lighting. Natural light is a boon, but with apartments, this could be a challenge. Consider how to incorporate artificial lighting without compromising on serenity.
4. Ventilation: Ensure that your space has sufficient ventilation, especially if using incense sticks, lamps, or diyas.

Top Tips For Kerala Style Pooja Room Designs:

1. Traditional Woodwork: Kerala architecture is known for its elaborate woodwork. You can have a wooden mantap or a carved wooden door for your Pooja room. Teak or rosewood with brass embellishments gives an authentic touch.
2. Incorporate Elephants: Elephants hold a sacred position in Kerala’s culture. Incorporate small brass or wooden elephant figurines or carvings in your Pooja room.
3. Brass Lamps (Nilavilakku): A staple in Kerala homes, the brass lamp or Nilavilakku is both a decorative and spiritual element. You can hang them or place them on a pedestal.
4. Mural Art: Bring in the rich mural art of Kerala to the walls of your Pooja room. Depictions of deities or spiritual symbols add a touch of tradition.
5. Folding Wooden Screens: Use these as separators if you’re demarcating a Pooja space within a larger room. They’re functional and enhance the traditional aesthetic.
6. Colours: Stick to earthy tones like browns, golds, and greens. These colors resonate with Kerala’s natural landscapes and temples.
7. Natural Elements: Consider bringing in natural elements like a small water body, river sand, or even Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant, which is often found in traditional Kerala homes.
8. Rangoli and Traditional Art: Rangoli or ‘Kolam’ in the front of the Pooja room is a common sight. Additionally, consider incorporating traditional wall hangings or fabric with Kerala’s traditional art forms.
9. Flooring: Opt for red oxide flooring or tiles that give a rustic and traditional look to your Pooja space.
10. Storage: Create storage cabinets or shelves to store Pooja essentials. Consider wooden cabinets with traditional Kerala carvings.

Conclusion

Designing a pooja room kerala style in an apartment is about merging the old with the new. While staying true to the traditions, one can adapt and modify designs to fit a modern setting. With the above tips, you can craft a sacred space that resonates with serenity, spirituality, and the rich heritage of Kerala.