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| Divine Black Stone Lord Ranganatha SwamyKanakkadara Divine Services |
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| A row of lingam,Brihadeeswarar Temple,Thanjavur famoustemplesofindia.com |
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| Siva Lingam Thanjavur big temple.Temple, famoustemplesofindia.com |
Hindu icons fall into two broad categories: definite symbols and undefined symbols. In the case of Shiva, the linga is the most common definite cult form; the trident also expresses His presence. Vishnu is represented through the sacred salagrama, a dark ammonite fossil found in the Himalayan terrain of Nepal, and also through His conch (shankha) and discus (chakra). Some manifestations are Svayambhu or self-manifested, such as natural Shiva lingas made of earth, rock, or anthill soil. These are considered most sacred because they are not fashioned by human hands.
In every traditional temple, the main deity (moolavar) resides in the sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha, the most sacred point of the temple complex. The vertical axis of the central tower or vimana aligns precisely above the idol, with the copper kumbam (finial) focusing cosmic energy toward the deity. Along with the main idol, a metal image—made of a five-metal alloy (panchaloha)—is kept for daily worship and processions, especially when the main image cannot be moved or bathed frequently.
In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the vast majority of principal idols are carved from hard, dark granite. This choice is rooted in geography, ritual requirements, and sacred tradition. Much of peninsular India is part of the ancient Archaean rock complex, rich in high-temperature granitic and gneissic stones. Sthapathis—traditional temple architects and sculptors—select only the hardest and purest blocks, capable of enduring centuries of ritual bathing, ornamentation, and abrasion.
Daily worship in Saivite temples involves abhishekam, the ritual bathing of the idol with water, milk, curd, honey, oil, sandal paste, and rose water. Such repeated anointing can easily damage softer stones, plaster images, or wooden icons. Granite, however, remains unaffected due to its high density and mineral strength. In Vishnu temples, full anointing is done less frequently, but once a year the idol undergoes a ritual called Thaila-Kaapu, in which sacred herbal oil is applied for many hours. Here again the durability of dark granite ensures protection of the sacred image.
The aesthetic quality of dark stone is also an advantage. During worship, idols are adorned with sandal paste, vermilion, sacred ash, and garlands. Against the dark background of the granite surface, these decorations stand out with striking clarity, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees. In the dimly lit sanctum, where only oil lamps burn, a dark stone idol reflects light softly, creating an aura of depth and mystery.
The durability of South Indian granite has allowed ancient icons to survive for hundreds, even thousands, of years. The enormous Shiva lingam at the Brihadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur, the monolithic images at Mahabalipuram, and the great Vishnu icons of Srirangam and Melkote are testimony to this tradition. Unlike wooden icons—such as those in the Jagannath Temple of Puri, which must be replaced every 12 to 15 years—granite idols remain unchanged from the time of their original consecration. Their continued existence preserves both the spiritual sanctity and historical continuity of the temple.
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| Puri Jagannath temple idols .amazon.in |
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| wooden idols of Puri Jaganath templebalamy.com |
Above image: Wooden idols, even if made from high quality choice wood need replacement every 10 years plus because of lack of durability. For example the wooden idols of Jagannath temple, Puri, Odisha where all the three idols - Subadthra, Krishna and Balarama are made of Neem wood. They are replaced reverentially every 12 to 15 years time by freshly made new wooden idols........
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| Ramar temple,near Thanjavur Facebook.com |
Above image: Sri Ramar temple, Mariamman kovil, Thanjavur, TN. The Only Ramar temple in India with all the moolavar deities made of the sacred ‘Saligramam’ Stone donated by the Thanjavur Martha Bhonsle Dynasty. Utsavar idols of Ram, Sita and Lakshman are said to be 1400 year old.....
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| Idol of Pamanabha,Kerala inmoksha.in |
There are also examples where the main idols are made of the sacred salagrama stone. At the Sri Ramar Temple near Mariamman Kovil in Thanjavur, the principal idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Sugriva are carved from salagrama, donated centuries ago by the Maharaja of Nepal. Similarly, at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, thousands of salagramas were used in the reconsecration of the reclining Vishnu idol in the eighteenth century.
Ultimately, the use of stone idols—especially dark granite—is an intersection of ritual science, geology, spirituality, and aesthetics. Guided by the Agamas and sculpted by highly disciplined sthapathis, these icons are built to spiritually energize devotees while withstanding centuries of worship. Their presence in temples from the Chola era to modern times stands as enduring testimony to India’s sacred artistic heritage. Based on Dec, 22, 2018 test of navrangindia.blogspot.com
https://www.quora.com/Why-are-idols-in-the-South-Indian-temples-black
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Why-are-the-statues-in-the-temples-in-South-India-built-with-black-stone/articleshow/1676028.cms
