What is bhūmi pūjā, and when should it be done before building a house?

it is the prayer to Mother Earth and Vāstu Puruṣa before digging begins, done on a good muhūrta with a priest or simply by the family.

Before we dig into the earth to build, tradition asks us to seek Bhūmi Devī’s permission and forgiveness, and to honour the Vāstu Puruṣa — the presiding spirit of the site. Bhūmi pūjā (also śilānyāsa or foundation-stone laying) is done once, at the start of construction, on a muhūrta chosen from the pañcāṅga; many avoid Kharmās and inauspicious tithis for it.

Commonly: the plot is cleaned, a Gaṇeśa pūjā and kalaśa sthāpana are done, the earth is worshipped with turmeric, kumkum and flowers, and in the north-east corner a pit is dug where a small pot or bricks with grains, coins, a silver snake or a nine-gem piece may be placed, according to family custom. The first brick or stone is laid by the owner. Workers are given sweets and often new clothes.

This is also a good moment to resolve to treat labourers fairly and to build with care for trees, water and neighbours — respect for the earth in action.

Honours Bhūmi Devī and the Vāstu Puruṣa · Source: Vāstu-śāstra; Matsya Purāṇa tradition

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