been erected and the front door placed, with the painting and colour wash having been completed. In order that the new life that begins after the construction of the new house proceeds unhampered by hostile forces, one has to propitiate Lord Ganapathy by performing ‘ Ganapahy Homam’. To eradicate the menace surrounding the new place, one has to propitiate the nine planets, appeasing them by performing ‘ Navagraha Homam.’ For the constructional defects not to crop up, one should conduct the particular Homam meant for it, which is known as, ‘ VASTU Homam,’ that is, the one meant for pleasing the planetary forces relating to it, to have the constructional defect removed, with the building being very strong to survive for a long period without being destroyed by the fury of nature. In order to propitiate and please the various celestials and denizens of heaven, too, the oblations have to be offered to the planets. In order to expiate the sin unwittingly committed by way of being responsible for the loss of many lives that might have been caused in the construction activity, and to ensure the economic welfare bestowed by Goddess Lakshmi, she has to be worshipped by having her image seated on a cow. Cow’s milk, well boiled, will have to be offered to the Lord, and drunk by the participants, chanting his divine name.
