Ganesha is one of the revered Hindu deities and regarded as the remover of obstacles and a symbol of happiness and prosperity. Lord Ganesha is also known as the protector of households and the god of auspicious beginnings. Thus, many people prefer to place Ganesha images and idols near the main entrance door to keep away evil energies. Vastu Shastra prescribes the right way to place Ganesha images and idols. If you are planning to bring a Ganesha murti to your home, make sure to consider these Vastu guidelines. Also, find out the right direction for the placement of Ganesh murti or photo at home.
Click to read about pooja room Vastu and the direction a mandir should face
Best Ganesh murti for home: Quick facts
| Best direction for placing Ganesha at home | West, North and Northeast |
| Direction to avoid | South |
| Best location to place Ganesha idol | Home entrance, living room, pooja room |
| Location to avoid | Bedroom, below staircase, storeroom or garage, utility area, outside house |
| Auspicious colour for Ganesha Murti | White, Vermillion, Golden |
| Benefits of placing Ganesh idol at home | Prosperity, good luck and health |
| Best offerings to Ganesha
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Which Ganpati idol is best for home as per Vastu?
| Ganesha idol material for home | Vastu significance |
| Silver Ganesha | Fame |
| Brass Ganesha | Prosperity and joy |
| Wood Ganesha | Good health and long life |
| Crystal Ganesha | Removes Vastu dosha |
| Turmeric idol | Brings good luck and is auspicious |
| Copper Ganesha | Brings luck for couples planning to start families |
| Ganesha idol of mango, peepal and neem | Energy and good luck |
| Cow dung Ganesha | Attracts good fortune and good vibes and eradicates sorrow |
| Natural stone-carved Ganesha statue | Helps overcome obstacles and brings wealth and success |
See also: Vastu tips for laughing Buddha statue
Which Ganesha idol is good for home entrance?
One can consider placing the Drishti Ganesha at the home entrance, which helps ward off bad luck and negative energies, thus inviting positivity and prosperity. The image or idol of Drishti Ganapathy must be hung on a wall opposite the main entrance. You can consider placing a pair of Ganpati idols. Back-to-back seating is recommended, with one idol facing inside and the other outside.
Vastu tips to follow when placing Ganesha idol on main door
- When placing Ganesha idol at the home entrance, make sure the idol faces towards the entrance.
- Do not place Ganesha murti in a south-facing house entrance.
- The Ganesha murti should not be placed against any south-side wall.
- Keep the entrance area clean and clutter-free. Avoid items such as shoe rack.
- Consider a white colour Ganesha idol for house entrance.
- Make sure there are no passages behind the Ganesha. The building’s rear should be visible from the road. According to popular legend, Ganesha carries the weight of poverty on his back. Thus, make sure that if a single Ganesha is placed, the deity’s back does not face inside the house.
Which colour Ganesha murti is good for home ?
| Colour | Significance |
| White | Peace and prosperity |
| Vermillion | Self-growth and success |
| Golden | Auspicious |
| Orange | Balance and positivity |
| Yellow or orange | Purity, knowledge |
| Green | Protection |
| Blue | Harmony and peace |
| Silver | Fame |
Ganesha idols or murti are available in different colours. According to Vastu, different colours of Ganesh idols have different symbolic meanings. Often, Lord Ganesha is depicted wearing red, yellow or golden clothes as these are auspicious colours. A vermillion colour Ganesha idol signifies self-growth and success while a silver Ganesha brings fame. One can choose a specific colour Ganesha idol depending on the symbolism and purpose one wants to achieve.
Key things to check when choosing Ganesha murti for home
Posture
- When bringing a Ganesh idol for home, remember to notice the posture of the deity. Ideally, the Ganesha images or idol in lalitasana is considered the best. This is also known as sitting Ganesha as it represents a state of calm and peace.
- Ganpati bappa images or Ganesh photos in reclining positions are also considered very lucky as it represents luxury, comfort and wealth.
- The dancing form of Ganesha is usually placed for aesthetic purpose.
- Images of lord Ganesh with a modak in hand is quite popular.
- A standing Ganesha idol is said to attract success and prosperity. It signifies devotion, stability, fortune and overcoming obstacles.
Direction of trunk
Ganesha with left side trunk: As per Vastu, the trunk of the Ganesha idol should be tilted towards the left, as this represents success and positivity. The left trunk represents the Chandra Nadi or the Ida Nadi. By installing Ganesha idols with left-side trunk known as Vamamukhi will bring nourishing and relaxing feminine energies and attract material riches and success. One can place this Ganesha with left trunk for success in business.
Ganesha with right side trunk: It is believed that the Ganesh idol with a trunk tilted towards the right represents a hard-to-please attitude. As per scriptures, the Pingala Nadi associated with sun’s energy is described by Lord Ganesha’s right-side trunk. Further, the right-side trunk of Lord Ganesha symbolises the attainment of Nirvana and liberation from worldly desires.
Ganesha with trunk in the front: Typically, it is difficult to find Ganesha murti with a straight trunk. It denotes attainment of divine state free from earthly pleasures and being in a healthy condition, physically and mentally. The straight trunk is associated with Sushumna Nadi as it runs down the spinal cord. However, one can place this Ganesha figurine at home, which will ensure family well-being.
Ganesha with upward trunk: Another rare form of Ganesha is where the deity’s trunk is up in the air.
Direction of Ganesha’s trunk for pooja room
When choosing the Ganesha idol for the pooja room, make sure the trunk is tilted towards the left side, as it signifies contentment and victory. One should perform the prescribed puja rituals when placing the Ganesha idol in the pooja room. Make sure to place the idol in the northeast corner. The idol should not face south direction.
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Colour and material of Ganesha idol
Ganesha idols are available in various colours. However, there are some auspicious colours. One of them is the vermilion-coloured Ganesha idol, which is ideal for those looking for self-improvement. One can choose other colours such as white for peace and prosperity or green for protection. Similarly, some ideal materials include silver or brass.
Modak and mouse
Make sure a modak and mouse are part of the structure. This is because the mouse is considered as his vehicle while the modak is considered his favourite sweet. This Ganesh murti is ideal for home entrance.
The mouse also represents material desire and our mind, which is full of desire. Although the mouse is small and has tiny teeth, it can continuously nibble and empty out a barn full of grains. The parallel drawn is that there is a ‘mouse’ in all of us – our desires. These desires can eat away even a mountain of goodness within in us.
A mouse, with its tiny sharp teeth, snips and nibbles away at ropes that bind. Hence, the mouse resembles a mantra which can cut through layers of ignorance, leading to the ultimate knowledge and truth represented by Lord Ganesha.
The prasad or modak that lord Ganesha holds in his hand signifies material, opulence, and strength.
So, it is essential to keep a note of these details when choosing a Ganesh idol for home.
Purpose
Consider whether the Ganesha idol you are bringing home is for worshipping or keeping it in the house for protection. According to Vastu Shastra, one should purchase Ganesha idol only if it is possible to worship the deity regularly without any interruptions.
Other Vastu rules for buying Ganesha idol
- When buying a Ganpati idol, make sure it is not taller than 18 cms.
- The best day to install a Ganesha idol is Sunday during the Navamsha of the Sun when Chitra or Jyeshta Nakshatra is prevailing.
Can we keep Panchmukhi Ganesha idol at home?
Panchmukhi Ganesha (Pancha means five and mukha means face) is a form of Ganesh depicted with five faces, each pointing towards a specific direction. The five faces represent the five elements of nature. According to Vastu and Hinduism, keeping the Panchmukhi Ganesha at home is said to bring good fortune, success and harmony to the house.
Which direction Ganesh should face?
Ganpati idols or images should ideally be placed in the north, north-east, east or west direction, preferably facing the north. Ganpati should face the north direction, as it is believed that Lord Shiva, who is his father, lives here. When keeping the Ganesha idol in the mandir or any other suitable area of the house, make sure the deity is easily visible. While worshipping, make sure the person does not face south as it is not recommended as per Vastu.
The Ganesha murti can be placed at the main door, facing inside. If you are placing Lord Ganesha images, it should face the main entrance of the home. Always remember that the back of the deity should face the outside of the house.
Vastu significance of Ganesha murti or photo
| Big head | To think big |
| Large ears | To listen carefully |
| Tiny eyes | To concentrate |
| Small mouth | To speak less |
| One tusk | To retain goodness (Broken tusk symbolises the person is beyond duality) |
| Big belly | To digest good and bad; absorbs negative energies |
| Long trunk | To stay adaptable, symbolise strength |
| Blessing posture | To bless and protect |
| Four arms | Four attributes -mind, intellect, ego and conscience |
| One leg raised up and the other on ground | Symbolises that one should be involved in both, the spiritual and material worlds |
Ganesha photo and idols to remove Vastu defect
As per Vastu Shastra, keeping Ganesha photos and idols at home can help in removing the negative effects caused by the Vastu defects. Lord Brahma, on the request of Vastu Purusha, created the rules of Vastu Shastra. Worshipping Lord Ganesha satisfies the Vastu deity. Building a Vastu-compliant house ensures happiness, prosperity and progress.
If an Ekdanta Ganesha idol or picture is placed at the main door of the house, then on the other side, at the same place, one must place the idol of Ganesha such that the backs of both Ganesha keep meeting, which helps reduce the negative effects of Vastu doshas.
Further, as per Vastu Shastra, keeping White coloured Ganesha and worshipping vermilion coloured Ganesha helps removed Vastu defects from the house. One must note that a Ganesha statue must have the deity’s favourite modak or laddu and his vehicle mouse, which is considered ideal for rectifying Vastu doshas.
In an office space, placing Ganesha photo, images or idols where the deity is standing helps remove Vastu defects.
Vastu tips for Ganesha placement
- Choose an altar or platform: Place the deity on a raised platform, typically, at the eye level.
- Place the deity in the forefront: Lord Ganesha is known as the lord of the beginnings. Thus, one should place the Ganesha statue in the mandir before other deities.
- Perform puja: When installing a lord Ganesha statue, proper puja vidhis must be followed.
- Keep the area clean: Make sure to keep area around the Ganesha idol clean and clutter-free.
- Adopt a positive attitude: Place the idol with a sense of reverence and positive attitude.
- Place puja essentials: Keep flowers, incense, oil lamps, etc. near the Ganesha statue.
Where to place Ganesha idol at home?
- Home entrance
- Living room
- Pooja room
- Work desk
Places to avoid
- One should avoid keeping a Ganesha idol under a staircase.
- Do not keep Ganesha idol in the bedroom
- Ganesha idol should not be kept in vacant spaces such as storeroom and garage
- Avoid placing Ganesha murti in the utility area such as laundry room.
- Ganesha idols should never be placed in washroom area or facing a bathroom.
All these areas are possible sources of negative energies and thus considered inauspicious for placing idols of deities.
Directions to avoid for Ganesha idol placement
According to Vastu, south direction is associated with the fire element and is not a favourable direction for keeping idols of deities. Hence, one should avoid keeping the idol of Lord Ganesha in the south direction.
Where to place Ganesha photo as per Vastu?
According to Vastu, one can place the photo or painting of Lord Ganesha on the northeast, north or west wall of their living room or house entrance area to invite positive energies, wealth and prosperity. One should make sure the wall is not shared with the bathroom, kitchen, staircase or utility areas.
See also: Can we keep single elephant statue at home
Which Ganesh murti is best for business?
Lord Ganesha is the symbol of prosperity, which is why many people place Ganesha idol in their offices and business establishments. Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles and the deity of auspicious beginnings. Hence, worshipping Ganesha before starting a new venture is considered highly auspicious. When choosing a Ganesha idol for business, one should look at aspects such as material, deity’s posture, etc.
Materials
- Brass Ganesha: The material is known for its durability and elegance. A brass Ganesha idol can be placed at the reception area of the office to attract prosperity and abundance.
- Marble Ganesha: Marble is considered an auspicious material, which is why it is used in temples and religious places. Choose a marble Ganesha idol, which symbolises purity and charm.
- Clay Ganesha: Clay is a natural material and can be used to craft Ganesh murtis. It is also an eco-friendly option for business spaces.
Posture
- Sitting pose (Sukhasana): Lord Ganesha idol where the deity isin a sitting pose represents stability, wisdom, and success. It is said to bring success and prosperity.
- Standing pose (Abhanga): If the deity is depicted in a standing pose, it could mean dynamism, confidence and leadership. Hence, businesses striving for innovation and expansion can choose this form of Ganesha.
- Dancing pose (Nritya Ganapati): Ganesh idol where the deity is in a dancing pose symbolises creativity and enjoyment. Offices that adopt an energetic work culture can choose this type of Ganesha for décor.
Elements
Besides the traditional elements such as Modak and Mouse, Ganesha idols in office and business spaces can be installed with the following elements for positivity and align with the specific business goals:
- Business symbols: Business logos or motifs pertaining to the specific industry to can be used to customise the Ganesh Murti.
- Mantras or affirmations: Ganesha mantras or positive affirmations can be inscribed on the base or back of the murti, which will boost the positive vibes.
- Customised accessories: The Ganesh murti can be decorated with ornaments.
How many Ganesh idols should be kept at home?
According to Vastu, it is advised to keep only one idol in a room. If there are more than one Ganesh idol together, the positive energy is bound to get disrupted. This can impact the balance of Riddhi and Siddhi, who are the wives of Lord Ganesha, and can lead to a hostile environment.
Which Ganesha idol is good for wealth?
Lord Ganesha is widely worshipped by devotees for wealth and prosperity. Some of the types of Ganesh statues for wealth are:
- Sitting Ganesha
- Dancing Ganesha
- Five-Faced or Panchmukhi Ganesha
- Laxmi Ganesha
- Ganesha with Riddhi and Siddhi, the consorts of the deity
Which Ganesha idol is good for Ganesh Chaturthi?
One can consider white Ganesha idols that denote peace and prosperity. Make sure the Ganesha should be in a sitting position, also known as lalitasana and the trunk is titled towards the left for prosperity. The idol, which is brought home during the festival, is then immersed after one-and-a-half days, three days or 10 days, as per the number of days each family follows. You can bring home eco-friendly Ganpati idols made of natural materials such as natural clay, organic soil, plant seeds and natural colours.
Which Ganesha idol is good for students?
Lord Ganesha is also known as the god of intelligence and learning. For students looking for success in academics and attainment of knowledge, one can keep a Ganesha idol where the deity is depicted with books and writing tools. Place the idol in the study desk or on a shelf in the Vastu-recommended direction. One can also place a standing Ganesh idol on the desk for success in career.
Can you place Ganesha idol outside the house?
As per Vastu Shastra, the house entrance must be decorated with auspicious symbols to invite positivity into the house. People normally place images of gods or goddesses above the door as a symbol of good luck. However, one should avoid keeping idols of Lord Ganesha at the house entrance or above the main door. This is because one should avoid placing the Ganesha idol with its back towards the house as it is regarded as inauspicious. If it must be placed; make sure to keep another statue of Ganesha on the inner side of the house entrance.
As per Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesh was once asked by his mother, Parvati to stand guard while she bathed. He did not let his father, Lord Shiva, enter the premises. In anger, Lord Shiva beheaded him. Hence, as per some beliefs, the placement of Ganesha at the doorway can lead to conflicts or troubles. However, you can keep the idol at a suitable place inside the house as per Vastu recommended direction.
Types of Ganpati Murti
| Bala Ganesha (child-like form) | Vighna Gaṇapati (lord of obstacles) | Ekakshara Gaṇapati (the single syllable form) | Riṇamochana Gaṇapati (the liberator from debts) |
| Taruṇa Ganapati (youthful form) | Kshipra Ganapati (Ganesha who is easy to appease) | Vara/ Varada Gaṇapati (the boon giver) | Ḍhuṇḍhi Gaṇapati (the sought after one) |
| Bhakti Ganesha (devotee form) | Heramba Gaṇapati (mother’s beloved son) | Tryakshara Gaṇapati (the three letters form) | Dvimukha Gaṇapati (a form with two heads) |
| Veera Ganapati (valiant Ganpati) | Lakshmi Gaṇapati (the Fortunate one, similar to Goddess Lakshmi) | Kshipra Prasada Gaṇapati (the one who gives quick reward) | Trimukha Gaṇapati (three faced form of Ganpati) |
| Shakti Ganapati (the powerful form) | Maha Gaṇapati (the great Ganapati) | Haridra Gaṇapati (the kumkuma coloured Ganapati) | Siṇha Gaṇapati (the fearless lion form) |
| Dvija Ganapati (Ganpati who is born twice) | Vijaya Gaṇapati (the victorious one) | Ekadanta Gaṇapati (the single tusked form of Ganapati) | Yoga Gaṇapati (the Ascetic form/ one in a yogic posture) |
| Siddhi Gaṇapati (the accomplished form of Ganesha) | Nṛitya Gaṇapati (the dancer form) | Srishṭi Gaṇapati (the creator form) | Durga Gaṇapati (the invincible one, similar to Goddess Durga) |
| Ucchhishṭa Gaṇapati (lord of blessed offerings) | Urdhva Gaṇapati (the elevated form of Ganapati) | Uddaṇḍa Gaṇapati (the enforcer of dharma/ justice) | Saṇkaṭahara Gaṇapati (the dispeller of troubles) |
The Hindu god, Ganesha, is known to be the god of auspicious beginnings and is worshipped in 32 different forms, as mentioned above. In India, you will find Ganpati murtis depicted in some of these forms. As per the religious scriptures, lord Ganesha took these forms to save his devotees from diverse issues of life.
Also read: Buddha statue for home Vastu tips
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Placing Ganesha statue at home brings numerous benefits. The deity bestows the owner with good luck, auspicious and protection against obstacles. If you are planning to bring home a Ganpati idol or murti, make sure to follow the vastu guidelines for maximum benefits. The various considerations for choosing a Ganesha idol includes the material, the form of Ganpati, position of the deity and its trunk and the colour of the idol. Place the murti in the Vastu-recommended direction and follow the procedure for worship.
FAQs
How can I place Lord Ganesha at the entrance?
It depends on what type of Ganesha idol/image you are placing at the entrance. Refer to this article for more details.
How do I remove idols from my house?
According to Vastu, one should not keep broken idols at home. People commonly keep the idols under a Peepal tree. One can immerse broken idols in a flowing water body such as river or sea. However, to avoid water pollution, one can immerse the idols in a bucket of water.
Which Ganesha idol is best for a work desk?
A standing Ganesha idol on the work desk brings enthusiasm to work and helps to overcome obstacles.
What is Durva and why is it offered to Ganesha?
Durva grass, which has blades in odd numbers, has a cooling effect on the body and is said to have healing properties. It is believed that the Durva has the power to attract the energies of Lord Ganesha and thus, help the devotee get His blessings.
Which is Ganesha's favourite flower?
Red hibiscus is Ganesha's favourite flower and is offered to please Him and seek His blessings for abundance and success.
Are there any rooms in which we should avoid keeping a Ganesha idol or image?
It is advised to never place a Ganesha idol in the bedroom, bathroom or even on a wall that is attached to a bathroom. The best place for Ganesh idols is at the entrance of your home.
Can we keep 2 Ganesh idol at home?
You can place two photos or idols of Ganesh in the house at two different places. One should avoid keeping more than one murti.
Is Black Ganpati good?
You can keep a Black Ganpati idol for your home to attract success, harmony, and positive energies. The black coloured Ganesha idol signifies the deity’s divinity, strength, and superiority.
Is keeping a dancing Ganesha at home good or bad?
As per Vastu, you can keep a dancing Ganesh idol in the southeast direction, which will improve the positivity in the house. Having a dancing Ganesh at home is believed to be beneficial for those who belong to the creative field. However, avoid keeping any painting or idol of dancing Ganesha in the pooja room.
Can we gift Lord Ganesha idol?
You can gift Lord Ganesh idols for Griha Pravesh and other auspicious occasions.
Can we keep 2 Ganesh idols in car?
According to Vastu Shastra, one should keep only one Ganesh idol.
Can we keep a right trunk Ganpati at home?
According to Vastu Shastra, it is advisable to avoid keeping a Ganesha idol at home with right trunk. It is believed that a Ganesha with its trunk towards the right is difficult to appease the deity and may need more care than normal worship. Typically, Ganesha with the trunk towards right is mostly seen in temples. Worshipping a Ganesha with a right trunk, also known as Siddhi Vinayaka or the bestower of boons, can provide immense benefits results.
Which Ganesha idol is good for wealth?
As per Vastu Shastra, keeping a White Ganpati photo or idol in the house will attract wealth and prosperity for the family. However, it is essential to follow all the Vastu guidelines when placing the deity. For example, the back of the deity should face outside the house.
Is Goddess Lakshmi placed on the left or right of Ganesha?
According to Vastu Shastra, the idols of Goddess Lakshmi must be seated on the right of Lord Ganesha.
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