Our Aussie climate is so very hot, that it was super important to me to choose a light and breezy altar that let in lots of light and air circulation too.
My altar has slats all around – they DO get dusty at the bases where the slats join the frame, but are so airy. I line them with a lightweight Chinese paper or lightweight cotton.
I have my altar set up with internal lights- I turn them on early if I’m going out for the evening, and they are great to help me remember to put my Lords to sleep. I know it’s stupid that I should need to a reminder, but as I don’t put them to rest until just before bed myself I would hate to forget them! (the reason I do that is so that they are not disturbed by the household sounds while resting)
I used these lightbulbs with plugin cords and hung them inside silver morroccan style lanterns (after detaching the handles). You can buy similar bulbs with plugin cords online, on ebay like I did.
You can find these gorgeous lights online or locally.
If you are interersted, I have a whole Pinterest board with incredible lighting – check it out here
You can buy a bulb/socket/cord that plugs into the wall, & it was important to me to get one with a switch.
Make sure it’s got the correct plug for your country!
Reject harsh lighting, and illuminate your altar with a soft glow. Ensure Krishna’s comfort by making sure that your lighting choices aren’t glaring and bright, angled in Krishna’s and your deities faces like a spotlight.
I have a large picture of Krishna and Balaram running at the back of my altar, I love this inspiring cowherd boy playing picture! Although I’ve been planning for years to add the Krishna and cowherd boys playing on the swing picture in the background. I’m still working on getting that printed to the appropriate size for my altar.
I also want to create some pillars, one for either side of the altar backdrop. Because I don’t want to loose any of the space, I was thinking of making these out of foamcore board, painted, and fixing on to the backdrop in a temporary way.
So my goals for the altar I think are to create a bit more pretty and soft vibe than I have currently, including possibly freshening the curtains I have on the side of the altar, and I’m toying with some ideas for the ceiling.
I really like the idea of having it painted in traditional Indian palace style with scenes from Krsna’s pastimes, or an abstract pretty colored decoration.
For you I have created some DIY Altar inspiration, browse through these completely charming photos & be inspired afresh!
If you have not set up an altar yet and are wondering where and how to start, then view my post which goes into a fair bit of detail on the various types of altars you might want to consider, and some ideas about how to make your altar work for your specific space!
Thanks so much for reading, I would LOVE to hear from you, whether you had a different lighting approach!
Coming up next I’m putting together lighting round up for you – as I know that electric bulbs are definately NOT the only options!
Until then,
Always Remember Krishna & Never Forget Him,
Love
Sita