In the Hindu culture, a Pooja Mandir is very important. It is a shrine or an ornate shelf where Hindus pray. It can be found almost in every Hindu home and this is where the idols of Hindu deities are placed and prayed to. The reason a pooja mandir is important to have is that it is a way to welcome our deities and offer Him a permanent space in our hearts and home. With His presence established, the pooja mandir serves as a central spiritual compass in our life to ensure that no matter where we go, or how far we stay, we always know where to find Him.

This post talks about the top seven factors to consider before purchasing a pooja mandir for your home, specifically for non-resident Indians living abroad.

What are the 7 things to consider before buying a pooja mandir from India for your home abroad?

Indians staying abroad often face a challenge in setting up a pooja mandir in their homes mainly due to the unavailability of quality mandirs abroad. Whether it is a house or an apartment, having a pooja mandir is essential in an Indian Hindu household. If you are thinking to purchase a pooja mandir from India, you have made the right choice! India is rich with skilled craftsmen who can carve divine pooja mandirs with intricate designs to suit any home, that too at affordable costs. Although, there are a few things you might want to consider before buying the perfect mandir from India for your home abroad:

1. Shipping and Logistics: Consider the shipping and logistics involved in buying a pooja mandir from abroad. Look for personal shoppers like Shoppin who offer international shipping and inquire about the shipping charges, estimated delivery time, and any customs or import duties that may apply. Also, ensure that they can provide proper packaging like a wooden box or chemical packaging to protect the mandir during transit. If there is no urgency, consider shipping by sea as it is more affordable, and convenient and the mandir is delivered to your doorstep.
2. Material and Durability: Pooja mandirs are available in various materials such as wood, marble, metal, or plastic. Consider the material that best suits your needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Also, check for durability to ensure that the mandir will withstand the rigors of international shipping and last for a long time. Shoppin’s personal shopping service can recommend and show you options by video calling from physical stores in India or sharing photos from online sellers like Amazon, PepperFry, and WoodenStreet to save you time and make it hassle-free.
3. Design and Aesthetics: Consider the design and aesthetics of the pooja mandir, including the carvings, engravings, and embellishments, to ensure that it meets your expectations and complements your home decor. You can include carvings of gods like Krishna, Ganesha, and Shiva or carvings of animals like elephants, and cows, or even carvings of birds like peacocks. You can pick colors like white, brown, and light brown for polishing the mandir. Look for detailed product images and descriptions to get a clear understanding of the mandir’s design and overall appearance. Shoppin’s personal shopping service can assist you in relaying your requirements to the seller and getting live pictures or videos of the product.
4. Size and Space: Consider the size of the pooja mandir and the available space in your home abroad. You can choose to have a standing mandir or a wall-hanging mandir. Measure the area (length, width, height) in feet/inches where you plan to place the mandir to ensure that it fits comfortably without any space constraints or size-related issues. If you have issues related to measurements,  Shoppin’s personal shopper can assist you in determining the correct dimensions particular to your home and can recommend mandirs that will suit your space.
5. Seller’s Reputation and Reviews: If you are buying from an independent seller, research the reputation of the seller from whom you are buying the pooja mandir. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge the quality of their products, services, and shipping. Buy from a reputable seller with positive feedback to ensure a smooth buying experience. Shoppin’s personal shopping service can recommend top sellers from any city in India or even online websites.
6. Communication and Customer Support: Consider the communication and customer support offered by the seller. Ensure that the seller is responsive to your inquiries, provides clear product information, and offers reliable customer support for any issues or concerns that may arise during the buying process. In case, you are unable to contact the seller internationally, your personal shopper at Shoppin can communicate with the seller on your behalf to save you time and trouble.
7. Budget and Payment Method: Set a budget for your pooja mandir purchase from abroad, taking into account the cost of the mandir, shipping charges, and any customs or import duties. Also, consider the payment methods accepted and ensure that they are secure and reliable for international transactions. With Shoppin, you can pay via UPI, Wire Transfer, Paypal, Xoom, and other remittance services like Remitly, Wise, Revolut.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and ensure a smooth and satisfactory buying experience when purchasing a pooja mandir from India while abroad. Once you define the size, budget, material, and design of the mandir you would like to buy, share the details with your personal shopper at Shoppin, they will fulfill your requirements and deliver the mandir to your doorstep.

THE END.