31st December Temple Cleaning: Jyotish Reveals Must-Follow Year-End Ritual Benefits

Want to welcome the new year with positivity and blessings? Learn why 31st December temple cleaning, guided by Jyotish and Sanatangyan, is a must-follow ritual.

As the closing of the year approaches, December 31 has special spiritual meaning within the framework of Sanatana Dharma. In addition to being a time to clean the mandir, cleaning the mandir on this date is viewed as a sacred ritual to purify, align and prepare for the upcoming New Year starting January 1. As stated in Sanatangyan, it is the responsibility of all devotees to maintain the sanctity of the temple. Temple cleaning at the end of the year is a way for all devotees of Sanatana Dharma to show thanks to the Divine Beings who have guided us throughout the year.

Why December 31, 2025, is Special

According to Siddharth S Kumaar, Chief Astrologer at NumroVani, January 1 is also an astrological date of significance as there will be a stellium (4 or more planets) in Sagittarius and six out of the nine planets will be either in Jupiter ruled signs or Nakshatras showing an overwhelming influence of Guru/Jupiter energy. This alignment of planets will increase the effects of all devotional activities during this time, therefore, making cleaning at the mandir an especially auspicious activity. In addition, January 1, 2026 starts on a Thursday, which again, adds to the spiritual energy of the previous day being under the guidance of the Guru.

This alignment is a signal for devotees to approach cleaning the mandir with mindfulness as the activation of the collective subconscious on the Gregorian calendar also increases and reinforces any intended actions that occur during this transitional timeperiod.

When to Clean the Mandir

It is clearly stated in the Shastras that the only time when cleaning of temples can be done is during the daytime. Night cleaning of the temple is an extremely negative action and can interfere with the sanctity of the temple.

On December 31, 2025, the best times to do this are:

• 7:14 – 8:05 AM

• 9:49 – 10:41 AM

• 12:24 – 1:16 PM

• 1:16 – 2:08 PM

• 3:51 – 4:43 PM

The best times are when there is positive energy from the planets, therefore this assures you of the greatest spiritual and material prosperity.

How to Clean the Mandir

1. Setting the Right Intention and Seeking Permission

Before you begin to touch any item in your temple, it is best to stand still in front of your temple and breathe deep for a few moments. Then ask the universe for permission to clean your temple. This invocation of spiritual energy will protect you and your temple from any lingering negative energies of the last year. Give thanks for all the lessons learned, blessings received, and strength gained in the past, and set your intention silently for peace, prosperity, and positivity for the new year.

  "सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः। सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।"

May all beings be happy; may all be free from illness.

2. Remove Everything Respectfully

Remove individual items out of the mandir, such as idols, photos, lamps, bells, and incense holders by taking them out in sequence and gently placing them on a clean cloth. Mindfully taking out the items are examples of how the devotee shows gratitude and respect for the energy and connection the item holds to divine energies in the temple. According to Sanatangyan, by mindfully taking out the items, the devotee will also strengthen the bond they have with each item, and the sanctity of the temple.

3. Clean with Water and Ganga Jal

Create a water base with Ganga Jal and rose petals, and use the base to slowly wipe down the area, starting from the top to the bottom of the space, to rid the area of old (negative) energies from the past year. By cleaning the temple through mindfulness cleaning, the devotee will not only clean the physical space, but will also mentally and energetically clean the temple environment in alignment with the principles of sanatangyan.

4. Clean Idols

Using a soft, clean cloth, very softly wipe all divine idols, frames and sacred objects that are in the Mandir, as these items are filled with spiritual vibrations, and care must be taken to protect the spiritual integrity of the Idols.

Sanskrit guidance from the Padma Purana states:

"शुद्ध्या सन्तः प्रीणयन्ति देवताम्"  

 “Through purity, devotees please the gods.”

5. Re-energize the Temple

After cleansing, replace all divine idols and frames in their respective places in the Mandir. Light a ghee diya (lamps made of cow ghee) and incense sticks to re-energize the Mandir after it has been cleansed, and then say a prayer to Lord Vishnu before asking for blessings of health, wealth and wisdom for the upcoming year. The final step to this process is the alignment of the Mandir and the devotee with the Jupiter energy of the positive (auspicious) energy.

  "ॐ श्रीं विष्णवे नमः"

Om Shreem Vishnave Namah

Salutations to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.

Spiritual Benefits of Year-End Temple Cleaning

The act of cleaning the Mandir on December 31, 2025, is not just cleaning—it is an act of sanatangyan, which connects ancient wisdom to modern time.

• Cleanses negative energy and past karmic residues.

• Enhances inner clarity and mindfulness.

• Attracts positive vibrations and prosperity for the new year.

• Aligns the devotee’s intentions with cosmic energies of Guru, creating opportunities for spiritual growth.

The act of cleaning the temple and lighting a lamp is an age-old sacred tradition that connects both ancient shastras and modern wisdom, while also acknowledging the eternal principles of Sanatana Dharma, through Jyotish wisdom.

To summarize, the cleaning of the temple on December 31st is one way of expressing respect for Sanatangyan and purifying the temple, while at the same time creating a channel for blessings in the coming year.