Properly arranging a home altar requires careful attention to several important factors. First, the altar should be placed in a suitable direction, such as the north, east, or northeast. It should also not be placed in unsuitable locations, such as near a bathroom, beneath a beam, or near a doorway. Another point that many people overlook is the arrangement of the sacred images on the altar. This is especially important if you worship more than one sacred image. Arranging them correctly is believed not only to bring auspiciousness but also to invite divine protection and help bring peace and harmony to the household.
According to traditional practice, there are seven levels for arranging a home altar. The topmost level should be reserved only for Buddha images, with the remaining sacred images arranged in order on the lower levels.
In addition, there are three other important factors that should not be overlooked when arranging a home altar:
1. Choosing the Location of Your Home Altar
When setting up a home altar, the direction is an important consideration. According to traditional beliefs, choosing the right direction is especially important for those who believe in good fortune. A favorable direction is believed to enhance feng shui, bring good fortune, strengthen one’s blessings, and promote harmony within the family.
North — This direction is associated with health. It is believed that placing a home altar in the north helps family members enjoy good health, stay free from illness, and live peacefully.
East — According to traditional belief, the east is the direction of kings and authority. Placing a home altar in this direction is believed to promote career advancement.
Northeast — This direction is believed to represent wealth and prosperity. Those who wish to attract wealth, especially families engaged in business or trade, are believed to benefit from placing their home altar in this direction.
2. The Order of Sacred Images on a Home Altar
If you have more than one sacred image at home, they should be arranged in the following order:
- Buddha Images: Buddha images, which represent the Buddha, should be placed on the highest level. More than one Buddha image may be placed on the altar, but the principal Buddha image of the household should be only one.
- Arahants: Arahants should be placed on the second level below the Buddha images. They may be images of arahants worshipped by members of the household, such as Phra Sivali Thera.
- Noble Monks: These are revered monks, such as Luang Pu Thuad, Somdet Phra Buddhacarya.
- Portraits of Revered Monks: Portraits or photographs of respected meditation masters or monks worshipped by the household should be placed on the fourth level.
- Royal Portraits: Royal portraits should be placed on the fifth level, below the portraits of revered monks.
- Hindu Deities: Many Thai people worship Hindu deities, which may also be arranged on the altar according to this order.
- Offerings: The lowest level is for offerings, such as incense burners, candle holders, flower vases, pedestal trays, and other offerings.
3. Places to Avoid When Setting Up a Home Altar
According to traditional belief, a home altar should not be placed just anywhere. Certain locations are considered inauspicious and are believed to bring unfavorable influences to the household. The following are locations where a home altar should be avoided.
- Under a Stair Beam or Staircase: Placing a home altar beneath a beam or staircase is believed to suppress the spiritual energy of the sacred images, preventing auspicious blessings.
- At or Above a Doorway: Some people believe this is a suitable location. However, according to traditional belief, placing a home altar at or above a doorway may allow positive energy to flow out through the door.
- In or Near a Bathroom: A bathroom is regarded as an unsuitable place for a home altar because it is considered an unclean area. Therefore, it is not recommended to place a home altar in or near a bathroom.
- In a Bedroom: A bedroom is used for many daily activities, some of which are considered inappropriate in the presence of a home altar. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to place a home altar in a bedroom.
We hope this article has helped you better understand how to arrange a home altar appropriately. We hope it will be useful for those who are looking for suitable guidance on setting up a home altar. If you are interested in more articles, please visit the ARM’S ARMOR website. You can also like and follow the ARM’S ARMOR Facebook page for more updates. Thank you for your support.