Creating a Sacred Altar: A Personal Expression of Divine Connection

An altar is a sacred space—an expression of your personal relationship with the Divine. It can be any structure upon which you place sacred items, serving as a focal point for worship, prayer, and communion with the Divine Presence.

A Sri Amma Bhagavan Altar

Choosing Your Space

Many people dedicate an entire room in their home—often referred to as a pooja (prayer) room—exclusively for the Divine. However, you don’t need a large space to create a meaningful altar. A simple shelf, small table, or cabinet can become a powerful sanctuary.

When choosing a space in your home, look for a quiet, peaceful spot that is free of distractions and offers privacy. If you have young children or pets, keep your altar out of reach to maintain its sanctity. Ensure that this space is used exclusively for Divine communion.

The most auspicious directions for your altar to face are:

●      North – representing spiritual growth

●      East – symbolizing new beginnings

●      Northeast – a powerful combination of both

This means the front of your altar—the side facing your sacred images—should face in one of these directions.

If your altar is in your bedroom, it’s important to cover it at night. Just as we rest, the Divine too rests. Covering the altar with a special cloth, screen, or enclosing it in a cabinet at night is a reverent gesture—like gently putting your Divine to bed.

The Power of Symbols

According to Sri Bhagavan, odd numbers are auspicious. When placing candles or lights on your altar or in your pooja room, use an odd number to invite harmony and blessings.

A central part of your altar should be a sri murthi—a living photograph of the Divine. These are not just images; they embody the consciousness of the Divine. Sri murthis of Sri Amma Bhagavan—including Their Light Body forms, Sri Kalki, and the Great Compassionate Light—are available through Amma’s Shop on Telegram (links below). These sacred images act as powerful conduits for communion with the Divine, and many miracles have been known to occur through them.

Including Printed Sri Murthi Images

You may also print sri murthi images from online sources—either at home or through a print shop. Framing or laminating them helps preserve their beauty and protects them from wear.  This gives you the freedom to include as many images as you feel drawn to.

The Significance of Padukas

Padukas, or sacred sandals, symbolize the feet—and the heart—of the Divine. In spiritual practice, our feet hold a chakra that connects directly to the heart. Placing your hands on the padukas during prayer or guided processes creates a deep link to Divine love and healing.

You can find wooden and silver padukas at Amma’s Shop:

●      Amma Store Front (click to view items)

●      Amma Shop (click to place orders via chat)

Cleaning Your Altar

Your altar is a home for the Divine, so keeping it clean is an act of devotion. Just as we prefer a clean environment, so does the Divine. Clean your altar weekly using a cloth reserved specifically for this purpose, or single-use paper towels. Use a separate cloth exclusively for your sri murthi. You may also enhance the cleaning process with rose water or sacred oils. Cleaning with reverence and love shows your respect and deepens your connection with the Divine.

Maintaining Sacredness

Maintaining the sacredness of your altar is essential. Below are some guidelines to support this sacred relationship:

●      Touch with clean hands only – Always approach your altar with clean hands.

●      Extinguishing candles – Never blow out the flame with your breath. The flame holds the presence of the Divine, and our breath carries impurities. Instead, wave your hand or use a designated object to douse the flame.

●      Use incense or a smudge stick – Cleanse the space before prayers to purify the energy.

●      Only sacred items – Place only sacred objects on your altar.

●      Placement of sri murthis – Do not hang sri murthis on the wall. Allow them to rest gently on a shelf, table, or stand. Always place them respectfully—your feet should never face the altar.

Offering Food

Offering food is a beautiful and intimate act of love. Here’s how to offer it with reverence:

●      Only offer vegetarian food.

●      If preparing the food yourself, do so with utmost respect and cleanliness (e.g., do not taste and stir with the same utensil; wash hands thoroughly).

●      Use a dish reserved solely for the Divine—never used for anything or anyone else.

●      Use your right hand to place the offering on the altar (as the right hand is traditionally used for giving).

●      Leave the offering for at least 30 minutes.

●      Afterward, remove the food and eat it yourself—this is called prasad, blessed by the Divine and imbued with sacred energy.

●      Transfer the prasad to a separate dish before consuming.

●      Eat with your right hand and express gratitude.

Make It Your Own

While these items reflect this particular spiritual path, your altar should ultimately be a reflection of your unique journey. Include sacred objects that speak to your heart—crystals, flowers, statues, devotional art, offerings—anything that supports your bond with the Divine.

Most importantly, as Sri Bhagavan teaches, cultivate a strong, loving bond with the Great Compassionate Light, AmmaBhagavan. Through this sacred connection come transformation, miracles, and spiritual evolution. Your altar becomes the palace where you and the Divine meet, heart to heart.

A Sanctuary for the Divine

In times of joy and in times of hardship, your altar is your refuge—a physical beacon of Divine Light. With daily practice, devotion, and love, it becomes more than a space. It becomes a sacred sanctuary where the Great Compassionate Light, Sri AmmaBhagavan, resides.