Sadhakas often inquire about the appropriate measurements for an idol to be worshipped at home by a Grihastha. In response, we offer the following insights drawn from ancient scriptures.

The Agni Purana, Matsya Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Jayakhya Samhita, and other sacred texts provide detailed guidelines regarding the size and installation of idols both in homes and temples, as well as the specific rules for performing Deva Pratishtha (the ritual of installing and worshipping deities).

According to these texts, the idol (Shrivigraha) installed at home should be crafted from Pancha Loha (five metals) and must not exceed a height of 1 Aunghustha (thumb length). However, photographs or artistic representations of any deity may be up to 23 Aungula in size. If a photograph is used, it may be up to the length of one hand, and worship can still be performed in accordance with the Jayakhya Samhita.

The Jayakhya Samhita further clarifies that Vigraha made from Deva Daru (divine wood), soil, or stone is not suitable for home installation, as performing pooja (worship) with such idols at home would require a long period of time to attain siddhi (spiritual fulfillment). For this reason, the Vishnu Samhita dictates that such idols should only be installed in temples.

As for the location of the pooja (worship) space within the home, it is recommended to place it in the North-East corner, as this is believed to bring Abhishtha Siddhi (the fulfillment of desires) (Matsya Purana and Agni Purana). Furthermore, a Grihastha seeking Abhishtha Siddhi should not limit their worship to a single deity, but should instead worship multiple deities to fulfill various desires, as stated in the Aahnika Sutravali. Adi Shankaracharya introduced the concept of Panchdev Upasana, where one deity is chosen as the Ishta Devata (primary deity), while the other four deities are also worshipped.

The scriptures recommend that a Grihastha’s home worship should include deities such as Surya, Ganesh, Shiva, Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and, ultimately, the Kula Devata (family deity) (Padma Purana). However, certain combinations of idols should not be kept or worshipped in the home, including two Lingas, three Ganesh idols, two Shankhas (Conch Shells), two Surya Pratimas (representations of the Sun), three Shakti idols, or two Shaligram Shilas (Ahnika Sutravali).