Why is Grihapravesh So Significant for the Hindus?
A cursory look at Hindu culture is enough to tell you that it believes that all living and non-living beings carry an entire universe within themselves and are animated with God’s touch. A man’s home, or griha, is the most intimate of places on the planet. It is more than a few walls and a ceiling; it’s his refuge in the storm and a home for his family. In India, there was a time when it would take all of a man’s savings to build a home for coming to a few generations. Grihapravesh, as such, became more than a ceremony; it was the start of a dream journey.
Kinds of Grihapravesh
1. Moving into Husband’s Home After Marriage
In Hindu culture, a woman moved into her husband’s home after marriage. To mark this sacred event, grihapravesham was performed. The manner of her entry into the man’s home and family signified the future, their progeny, and their lives. This external ritual is an extension of the woman’s internal emotions and an important stepping stone for their conjugal life. Though in present times, the rituals are less elaborate. This remains a kind of grihapravesh that brings prosperity and honor to people’s lives and homes.
2. Bringing a Space to Life
This is when you build a new structure and then breathe life into it. It could mean anything from a new home to a new factory site. The design of the space is important; the aesthetics, the paint, and the layout – all matter. But more than all of these, you must pay attention to the kind of energy that will flow in the new space.
Many Indians cannot imagine moving into a new house without performing a sacred ritual to bless the space. It sounds strange and absurd to them. That's because Grihapravesham is a minor form of consecrating the space. It is an essential part of making a new house a home. It's not just a superstitious belief, but a practice to create positive vibes, uplifting the energy of the living space. By performing Grihapravesham, the new occupants naturally move towards a happy and healthy life.
In ancient times, people knew the importance of creating a sacred space before settling down in a new home. The kings, being wise and caring leaders, took it a step further by consecrating the whole town. They believed that everyone, from businessmen to residents, should have access to a sacred space that will enhance their well-being. So in bygone days, Whether you were walking down the street or working in the town. You would be constantly surrounded by life-affirming energy.
Grihapravesh and a Sense of Nourishment
In the past, when lives were not so fast and not everything was measured in money, every family had the privilege of performing the sacred ritual to enhance the energy and ambiance of their new home; it was pivotal to creating an ideal environment for personal growth and development. Unlike today's world which measures success by the size of your bank account, success in the past was measured by one's state of happiness, self-awareness, and social recognition. Wealth and material prosperity were just a small part of the equation. In fact, no matter how much money one had if one didn't earn the love and respect of their community, they were not deemed successful.
It’s More than HousewarmingGrihapravesh is not just celebrating moving into a new house. Like a plant would need fertile soil to grow into a giant tree, the ritual also turns a material space into one that has a heart and a soul. It does not have to be elaborate nor does it depend on your show of wealth. More than anything else, you need to have good intentions and have your heart in the right place to build a nest in this ever-shifting world.
