According to legend when the Goddess went to Vaikuntha (abode of Lord Vishnu) for the first time, she took up the broom and cleaned the entire Vaikuntha with it. So the humble often inconspicuous broom is very dear to her. The broom is treated reverentially by the Hindus for this very reason. Disrespecting the broom displeases Ma Lakshmi. Therefore, vaastu shastra has laid down several rules for the broom.
Certain days of the week are not suitable for buying a new broom. The fortnight during the descending moon (Krishna Pakshya), Amavasya (No moon), and three days of the week namely Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday are considered ideal (days and times) for purchasing a broom. DO NOT buy a broom during the time of the ascending moon.
One must be careful in discarding the old broom too. It should not be disposed on Thursdays, Ekadasi (eleventh day), Purnima (full moon day) and Tuesdays. If disposed on these days, poverty may befall the household.
Do not keep the broom at:-
1. NEVER keep the broom at the Northeast of the house. This is the place of worship and keeping the broom in the Northeast angers the Gods. The flow of money gets affected.
2. DO NOT keep the broom in the dining room.
3. DO NOT keep the broom in the bedroom or under the bed. Doing this will cause clashes between the husband and wife.
4. NEVER keep the broom in the kitchen. Doing this will adversely affect food resources.
There is a right and wrong time for sweeping:
When the head of the family is going out to work, the house should not be swept behind him. It will affect his work. Sweeping should not be done in the middle of any religious function or puja.
As far as possible, DO NOT sweep the house after sunset.
Some other rules
The broom should be clean and solid. Avoid broken or half wound brooms. This signifies poverty and using such brooms will result in poverty.
The broom should be kept hidden so that passerbys cannot see it.
DO NOT keep the broom in a standing position. Doing this drains away finances.
Never keep the broom near the main door or entrance. However, some experts say that it can be kept near the main door at night only.
Care should be taken so that nobody steps on the broom. Doing this angers goddess Lakshmi.
Using the broom to beat others or to even kill insects etc. is a gross and cardinal sin. The broom should never be used for any violent or malevolent activity as this amounts to disrespecting goddess Lakshmi. The broom should be used for cleaning purposes only.
Vaastu and the Neem Tree
The Hindus have been worshipping trees from time immemorial. Some trees like Ashoka, Peepal, Neem etc. are treated with respect for several reasons. The neem tree has several religious uses besides its medicinal properties.
The neem leaves are very good for the skin. Dried neem leaf powder has a lot of medicinal properties. Neem leaves purify the air. According to astrology, the neem tree is associated with Shani (Saturn) and Ketu. So the neem tree should be planted in the house to get relief from these two malefic planets. Taking a bath with neem leaves can reduce bad effects of Ketu. Similarly, performing havan (Fire worship) with neem wood can remove ill effects of Shani.
Direction of the Neem Tree
It is said that Mangal Devta (Mars) resides on the neem tree. So it should be planted at the South which is ruled by Mars. It can also be planted in the Northwest, which is the direction of the air element.
Some uses of Neem trees
The neem tree is regarded as Ma Durga by some people. It is also regarded as Goddess Shitala in parts of the country. Shitala literally means cool and she controls many infectious diseases including small pox. Taking a bath with neem leaves is recommended during small pox. The smoke of neem leaves can remove negative energy.
A mala (Garland) with neem seeds can remove ill effects of Lord Shani. It is also believed that a neem bath can cool down Ketu.
Since Lord Shani likes the neem tree, it is a very good and auspicious tree for those born under Makar (Capricorn) and Kumbh (Aquarius) rashis because these two rashis are ruled by Lord Shani. Needless to say, people born under these two signs should plant a neem tree around their houses. Doing this will bring name and fame to them.
Some rules for Tuesdays:
The Hindus regard Tuesday as the day of Lord Hanuman and the day of the Mangal Graha (Mars). As Mangal or Mars is a fiery or potent (Ugra) graha (planet), Tuesday is treated with utmost care. Lord Hanuman is worshipped with his favourite items on Tuesdays. Since the monkey god likes fruits and sweets, people consume fruits and sweet foods on Teusdays. They also refrain from non vegetarian fare. Many people also avoid alcohol on Teusdays to avoid the malefic effects of Mars. Fasting is recommended on Tuesdays.
AVOID wearing black clothes on Tuesdays. Red and orange colours are recommended on Tuesdays to please Lord Hanuman and reduce the bad effects of Mangal (Mars)
Girls or ladies should not buy cosmetic items on Tuesdays. This may hamper their marital life or relationships.
It is an age old custom not to have a haircut, shave or trim nails on Tuesdays. Doing this leads to financial losses. You may notice that in North India, many barber shops have a holiday on Tuesdays.
DO NOT give or take a loan on Tuesdays. This will increase financial problems.
Reader Query
Q. I have a small restaurant on the highway that serves simple ethnic food. Owing to a pronounced demand from truck drivers and other passengers, I am thinking of setting up a Tandoor for making tandoori roti and other non vegetarian tandoori items. My shop is South facing and I have space at the Northeast. Can I have the tandoor there?
Utpal Deka, Pathsala
Putting a fireplace at the Northeast is asking for trouble. All your finances will evaporate! Have it at the Southeast near the road and spare the Northeast. If you have it at all, you may consider a small area at the South or Northwest.
Also Read: Green your World by Planting a Tree
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