The pooja room holds special significance in Indian homes—a sacred space for daily prayers and spiritual connection. In Bangalore apartments ranging from compact 2BHKs to spacious villas, pooja spaces vary from wall-mounted units to dedicated rooms. This guide covers 6 pooja design types with Vastu considerations, material options, and realistic costs for 2026.
Pooja Unit Types: Quick Comparison
| Type | Space Needed | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted unit | 3×2 ft wall | Compact apartments | ₹35-80K |
| Floor-standing mandir | 3×2 ft floor | Living room corner | ₹50-1.2L |
| Dedicated room | 25-60 sq ft | Religious families, villas | ₹1.5-3L |
| Corner unit | 2×2 ft corner | Space-constrained homes | ₹25-60K |
| Modern minimalist | Varies | Contemporary interiors | ₹40-90K |
| Traditional carved | Varies | Heritage aesthetics | ₹1-2.5L |
Wall-Mounted Pooja Unit: Space-Saving Solution
Wall-mounted pooja units are ideal for Bangalore's compact apartments. They require no floor space, can be placed at comfortable height, and range from simple shelves to elaborate temple-style designs. Most popular choice for 2BHK apartments.
Wall-Mounted Pooja Configurations
- Open shelf unit: Simple shelves with optional back panel, ₹25-45K
- Cabinet with doors: Enclosed when not in use, ₹40-70K
- Temple-style with dome: Traditional appearance, ₹60-1L
- Niche in wall: Recessed into wall during construction, ₹50-90K
Wall-Mounted Unit Dimensions
- Width: 2-4 feet (based on idols/photos)
- Height: 2-3.5 feet
- Depth: 10-15 inches
- Installation height: 4-5 feet from floor (comfortable for standing prayer)
Wall-Mounted Costs
| Type | Basic (Laminate) | Mid (Veneer) | Premium (Solid/Carved) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2×2 ft | ₹25-35K | ₹35-50K | ₹50-80K |
| 3×2.5 ft | ₹35-50K | ₹50-75K | ₹75K-1.1L |
| 4×3 ft | ₹45-65K | ₹65-95K | ₹95K-1.4L |
Floor-Standing Mandir: Freestanding Temple
Floor-standing mandirs are complete temple structures that sit on the floor. They offer more storage, elaborate designs, and can be moved if needed. Common in living room corners or dining areas near the entrance.
Floor-Standing Mandir Features
- Base storage: Drawers/cabinets for pooja items
- Multiple tiers: Different levels for various deities
- Dome/shikhara: Temple-style top element
- Bells: Traditional brass bells at entrance
- Lighting: LED diya lamps or spotlights
- Doors: Optional closing doors for cleanliness
Floor-Standing Costs
- Basic (plywood + laminate): ₹50-80K
- Mid-range (plywood + veneer/acrylic): ₹80K-1.2L
- Premium (solid wood/intricate carving): ₹1.2-2L
Dedicated Pooja Room: Complete Sacred Space
A dedicated pooja room is a separate space exclusively for worship. Minimum 25 sq ft (5×5 feet) provides basic functionality; 40-60 sq ft allows comfortable seating and storage. Common in 3BHK apartments and essential in traditional households.
Dedicated Pooja Room Elements
- Main mandir: Wall-mounted or built-in unit
- Seating: Floor seating with mats or low platform
- Storage: Cabinets for pooja items, books, seasonal decorations
- Flooring: Marble, granite, or vitrified tiles (easy to clean)
- Ceiling: Decorative false ceiling with pendant light
- Ventilation: Window or exhaust for agarbatti smoke
- Door: Traditional wooden door, often with carved panels
Dedicated Pooja Room Costs (40 sq ft)
| Element | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in mandir unit | ₹50-80K | ₹80K-1.2L | ₹1.2-2L |
| Wall/ceiling treatment | ₹30-50K | ₹50-80K | ₹80K-1.2L |
| Storage cabinets | ₹25-40K | ₹40-60K | ₹60-90K |
| Lighting | ₹15-25K | ₹25-40K | ₹40-60K |
| Door (if adding) | ₹20-35K | ₹35-55K | ₹55-90K |
| Total | ₹1.4-2.3L | ₹2.3-3.4L | ₹3.4-5.5L |
Corner Pooja Unit: Utilizing Dead Space
Corner pooja units fit into 90-degree room corners, utilizing otherwise unused space. Ideal for compact homes where floor space is premium but a corner near the entrance or living room is available.
Corner Unit Configurations
- Triangular unit: Fits exactly into corner, minimal footprint
- Quarter-circle: Curved front, softer appearance
- L-shaped: Wraps around corner with arms on both walls
Corner Unit Costs
- Compact (2×2 ft corner): ₹25-50K
- Medium (3×3 ft corner): ₹40-70K
- Large with storage: ₹60-1L
Modern Minimalist Pooja: Contemporary Spirituality
Modern minimalist pooja designs feature clean lines, hidden storage, and seamless integration with contemporary interiors. They avoid traditional temple elements while maintaining sanctity. Popular among young Bangalore professionals.
Modern Pooja Design Elements
- Floating shelf: Simple platform for idol, no enclosure
- Back-lit panel: LED backlighting creates ambient glow
- Jaali screen: Geometric or abstract patterns instead of traditional
- Hidden unit: Cabinet that blends with wall, opens when needed
- Materials: White lacquer, light wood, glass, metal accents
Modern Pooja Costs
- Floating shelf with backlight: ₹30-50K
- Concealed cabinet unit: ₹50-80K
- Full modern pooja niche: ₹70K-1.2L
Traditional Carved Mandir: Heritage Craftsmanship
Traditional carved mandirs feature intricate woodwork, temple architecture elements, and heritage craftsmanship. They're statement pieces that require skilled artisans and premium materials. Suited for families who value cultural heritage.
Traditional Design Elements
- Carved pillars: Temple-style pillars with motifs
- Dome/Shikhara: Temple spire element
- Jaali work: Intricate lattice screens
- Brass fittings: Bells, handles, decorative elements
- Marble platform: Base for idol placement
- Gold leaf: Gilded accents on premium pieces
Traditional Carved Costs
- Moderately carved (plywood base): ₹80K-1.3L
- Intricately carved (solid sheesham): ₹1.3-2L
- Master craftsman (solid teak): ₹2-3.5L
Vastu Guidelines for Pooja Room
While individual beliefs vary, many Bangalore families follow Vastu principles for pooja room placement. Here are the common guidelines:
Direction Recommendations
- Best: Northeast (Ishaan corner) - most auspicious
- Good: East or North - positive energy flow
- Acceptable: West - if facing East while praying
- Avoid: South-facing pooja room/unit
Placement Guidelines
- Deity facing: West or East (you face East or West while praying)
- Not above: Toilet, bedroom, kitchen stove
- Not below: Toilet, bedroom
- Height: Idols at chest or eye level
- Entrance: Should not directly face main door
Apartment Considerations
In Bangalore apartments, perfect Vastu compliance isn't always possible. Prioritize Northeast corner if available; otherwise, choose the most peaceful corner away from toilets and heavy traffic areas. Modern Vastu practitioners suggest intention and regular practice matter more than perfect placement.
Materials & Finishes for Pooja Units
Wood Options
| Material | Pros | Cons | Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Teak | Most auspicious, durable 50+ years | Expensive, heavy | 2.5-3x |
| Sheesham (Rosewood) | Beautiful grain, traditional | Expensive, maintenance needed | 2x |
| Plywood + Teak Veneer | Looks like teak, affordable | Less durable than solid | 1x (base) |
| Plywood + Laminate | Budget-friendly, easy clean | Less traditional appearance | 0.7x |
| MDF (Avoid) | Cheapest | Swells in humidity, short life | 0.5x |
Finish Options
- Natural wood polish: Shows grain, traditional warmth
- Lacquer: White/ivory for modern looks
- Gold/silver leaf: Accent details on traditional pieces
- Marble/stone cladding: Premium base or back panel
- Brass inlay: Decorative patterns
Pooja Room Costs: Bangalore 2026
| Type | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted unit (small) | ₹25-40K | ₹40-65K | ₹65-1L |
| Wall-mounted unit (large) | ₹40-60K | ₹60-90K | ₹90K-1.5L |
| Floor-standing mandir | ₹50-80K | ₹80K-1.2L | ₹1.2-2L |
| Corner unit | ₹25-45K | ₹45-70K | ₹70K-1L |
| Dedicated room (40 sq ft) | ₹1.4-2L | ₹2-3L | ₹3-5L |
| Traditional carved (solid wood) | ₹80K-1.3L | ₹1.3-2L | ₹2-3.5L |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pooja unit cost in Bangalore 2026?
Pooja unit costs in Bangalore 2026: Wall-mounted basic: ₹35-60K. Floor-standing unit: ₹50-90K. Custom designed with cladding: ₹80K-1.5L. Dedicated pooja room (40-60 sq ft complete): ₹1.5-3L. Carved wooden traditional: ₹1-2.5L.
What is the ideal direction for pooja room according to Vastu?
According to Vastu, the ideal directions for pooja room are Northeast (Ishaan corner - most auspicious), East (sunrise energy), or North. The deity should face West or East, so you face East or West while praying. Avoid South-facing placement. In apartments, prioritize Northeast corner if possible.
What is the minimum size for a pooja room?
Minimum pooja room size is 25-30 sq ft (5×5 or 5×6 feet) for comfortable use. This accommodates mandir, storage, and space for 1-2 people to sit. For families who perform elaborate pujas, 40-60 sq ft is recommended. Wall-mounted units work in as little as 3×2 feet wall space.
Which wood is best for pooja unit?
Traditional preference: Teak (most auspicious, durable) or Sheesham (rosewood). For budget-friendly: quality plywood with veneer finish works well. Avoid: MDF (not durable), particle board. In Bangalore's climate, use BWR plywood with teak veneer for best durability and traditional appearance at moderate cost.
Key Takeaways
- Wall-mounted units (₹35-80K) work best for compact Bangalore apartments
- Dedicated pooja room needs minimum 25 sq ft; 40-60 sq ft for elaborate setup
- Use BWR plywood with teak veneer for durability and traditional look at moderate cost
- Vastu priority: Northeast > East > North; avoid South-facing
Planning a pooja room or mandir for your Bangalore home? Gunmala Interiors designs sacred spaces that honor tradition while fitting your home's layout and aesthetic—from compact wall units to dedicated rooms. Request a project review to discuss your requirements.