This post will give you details on how to build a Pooja Vratham Mandapam, this DIY pooja mandapam can be used for Satyanarayana Vratham, Ganesh Pooja and Varalakshmi Vratham. Best fit for almost all festivals.
What do we need to build this Vratham Mandapam.
1. A 2x4 MDF board, this will be our base.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Medium-Density-Fiberboard-Common-1-2-in-x-2-ft-x-4-ft-Actual-0-483-in-x-23-75-in-x-47-75-in-279388/202093821
2. To hold the base, we need legs on the bottom of the base.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Waddell-6-in-Traditional-Table-Leg-2406/100542904?fbclid=IwAR2B_gAtjHkFfVY56eQHeZx4mEyNb07A3WejyI_A8pT3hvSoMEemUyxi360
3. Pillars for Mandapam to hold the palavelli (top of the mandapam)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/6420U-1-1-4-in-x-1-1-4-in-x-48-in-Hardwood-Round-Dowel-10001811/203334072
4. Dowels to make the top portion of the mandapam
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Waddell-36-in-x-3-8-in-Hardwood-Square-Dowel-8306U/100534453?MERCH=REC-_-PLP_Browse-_-NA-_-100534453-_-N&
5. Molding on the corners to complete the look
https://www.homedepot.com/p/House-of-Fara-3-8-in-x-1-2-in-x-4-ft-Basswood-Panel-Moulding-TT07/202087486?fbclid=IwAR0Ntf-7nznPoEGg5767lELLzuvm_XiTg9k_jjqeV6_d9E32SzDddMuS5Mk
6. I used green paint on the board, there are other options if you wish to paint a different color.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Stops-Rust-1-qt-Protective-Enamel-Satin-White-Interior-Exterior-Paint-7791502/100203583
Process:
Step 1. Fix the legs to the bottom of the 2x4 MDF rectangle board, using a drilling machine make holes and fix the legs of the mandapam.
Step 2: Paint the MDF board before you start making the mandapam, I used green paint and left it to dry for about 12 hours, the paint consistency is pretty good, so one coat should do.
Step 3: After the paint is completely dry, now measure the center of the board and fix the pillars (round dowels) on the top of the 2x4 MDF board to the four corners.
Step 4: I have used 6 square dowels cut in equal size for the top portion to place on the pillars, I placed three square dowels horizontally and three dowels vertically and screwed them at the joints. so this will now be placed on top of the pillars to complete the mandapam.
Step 5: I painted the molding in gold to compliment the pooja peeta, this is optional, the molding naturally looks beautiful as well
Step 6: The molding must now be screwed to the edges of the board and that will complete the DIY Vratham Mandapam.
Step 7: Take your favorite Rangoli / Kolam Muggu Stencil and using acrylic color start painting the muggu on either side of the mandapam, this step is optional, you can also hand paint the muggu or use rangoli colors.
