4 min learnNew DelhiJul 22, 2026 10:00 PM IST
The Dwelling Edit is a weekly sequence curated by Shiny Varghese that invitations architects and designers to share their hands-on experience on concepts in your house. Whether or not you might be constructing, renovating, or just refreshing an area, the sequence supplies actionable recommendation and inspiration that can assist you make higher selections for the place you reside. On this a part of the sequence, Kapil Aggarwal shares ideas for designing a sacred nook.
A house temple or altar is greater than a delegated place for prayer, it’s a area for reflection, gratitude and on a regular basis rituals. Whether or not built-in right into a compact condo or a bigger residence, a thoughtfully designed sacred nook can convey a way of calm and objective to day by day life. Listed here are a couple of sensible dos and don’ts to think about when planning one.
1. Select the Proper Location
Do: Choose a quiet and comparatively undisturbed space of the house the place you possibly can sit comfortably for prayer or meditation. Pure mild can improve the expertise and create a way of openness.
Don’t: Place the temple in high-traffic zones, instantly adjoining to leisure items, or in areas which are primarily used for storage. A sacred area ought to really feel intentional somewhat than incidental.
2. Prioritise Simplicity and Proportion
Do: Design the altar in proportion to the out there area. A compact area of interest, wall-mounted unit, or devoted room can all work equally properly when deliberate thoughtfully.
Don’t: Overcrowd the world with extreme ornamental components, giant idols in a restricted area, or too many objects that make upkeep troublesome. Simplicity usually permits the non secular significance of the area to face out.
Permit the area to mirror your loved ones’s traditions and practices (Picture: Areas Architects@KA)
3. Pay Consideration to Supplies and Lighting
Do: Use sturdy, easy-to-maintain supplies equivalent to wooden, stone, metallic or laminate finishes. Layered lighting, together with hid lights or delicate accent illumination, can create a serene atmosphere.
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Don’t: Use harsh lighting or extremely reflective finishes that create visible muddle. The main focus ought to stay on the altar somewhat than on ornamental results.
4. Guarantee Sensible Performance
Do: Incorporate storage for prayer books, incense, diyas, and different necessities. Correct air flow can be necessary, notably if incense or lamps are used commonly.
Don’t: Ignore sensible wants in favour of aesthetics. A wonderful temple that’s troublesome to make use of or preserve will ultimately lose its objective.
5. Make It Private
Do: Permit the area to mirror your loved ones’s traditions and practices. Art work, handcrafted components, or significant heirlooms can add depth and authenticity.
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Don’t: Replicate designs solely as a result of they’re trending. A house temple is most significant when it displays private beliefs and day by day rituals somewhat than a list picture.
6. Prioritise Hearth Security
Do: Place diyas and candles on secure stone, metallic, or ceramic surfaces, and hold them away from curtains, materials, and ornamental gadgets. If delicate furnishings are used close to the temple, go for fire-retardant or fire-resistant supplies wherever attainable. Guarantee sufficient air flow, particularly in built-in temple items. Make it a behavior to extinguish flames earlier than leaving the home or retiring for the night time. For longer intervals of illumination, enclosed lamps or LED alternate options could be a safer alternative.
Don’t: Go away burning diyas or candles unattended, particularly in enclosed niches, beneath overhead cabinets, or close to materials and ornamental components. Keep away from putting oil lamps the place they are often by accident knocked over by youngsters, pets, or passing motion.
Kapil Aggarwal is principal architect, Areas Architects@KA. His works embrace the UNESCO-awarded restoration of Haveli Dharampura in Previous Delhi
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