Superfine Small Idols

The diverse land of India is home to the third-largest religion in the world, Hinduism. Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma, is the oldest language with four major categorizations: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. Religion in itself is a big umbrella beneath which exists a wide variety of thoughts or beliefs about the concept of God, the number of deities, traditions, philosophy, and faith of countless devotees. In Hindu philosophy there are several Gods and Goddesses, however, there are 3 principal gods that are above every other Gods and Goddesses. The Hindu Trimurti is the ultimate ruler of the universe, Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the operator and, Lord Shiva is the destroyer. Brahma is the creator of everything in this universe, ancient scriptures show that Lord Brahma is a bearded deity with 4 heads residing in the Brahmaloka. Vishnu being the operator makes sure there is enough balance in the cosmos, he holds dharma above everything while teaching 6the mankind the importance of following the path of goodness and dharma. Shiva, the god of destruction can quite literally destroy the cosmos with his tandava. He represents universal masculinity and femininity in equal parts, as depicted by Ardhnarishwara.

Kaashtha (काष्ठ), Daaru (दारु) Lakadi (लकड़ी), wood has many names in Indian culture which tell us about wood’s significance for the country and its tradition from the ancient times. Trees and plants such as Aama (mango), Peepal, Neem, Tulsi, and Shami are considered holy and abode of the divine element in the Hindu religion. These woods are chosen keeping in mind the rules laid down by ancient Shilpashastra and the requirement of Hindu Puja, in which the divine idol is treated regularly with Snana (ritual bathing), rubbing fragrant pastes such as Sandalwood paste and heat and light from the ritual lamp or Diya. Let us have a look at a few of these timeless woods here.