In the rich architectural and spiritual landscape of Indian temples, particularly in South India, the creation of divine imagery is both a holy ritual and a sophisticated metallurgical science. While the primary deity (Moolavar) in the sanctum is typically carved from hard stone, the processional idols, or Urchavar, are crafted from specialized metal alloys. Two of the most significant alloys used for these sacred figures are Ashtadhatu and Panchaloha, each governed by the ancient principles of the Shilpa Sastras.
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Above image: Ashtadhatu idols are made from a special combination of eight metals and are more than just sculptures.In the realm of Hindu religion,andits offshoots, they represent divine force. Their spiritual significance and positive vibrations has led to their worship in temples and homes for a long long time. Ashtadhatu is considered as sattvic (virtuous or pure) in Hinduism, and does not decay, and it is also restricted to the production of images for the deities Kubera, Vishnu, Krishna, Rama, Kartikeya, and the goddesses Durga and Lakshmi. Brass is stands for durability, positive energy, and traditional use, while Silver symbolizes purity for deities like Lakshmi/Vishnu, and Copper is good for healing rituals.........
Ashtadhatu: The Eight-Metal Alloy
The term Ashtadhatu literally translates to "eight metals." This alloy is considered exceptionally pure, or sattvic, and is widely used in Hindu and Jain iconography. Traditionally, it consists of a balanced blend of eight specific metals: gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tin, iron, and antimony (or sometimes mercury). When mixed in equal proportions—approximately 12.5% each—the resulting alloy provides remarkable durability and resistance to the wear and tear of centuries of ritual use. These idols are believed to radiate positive energy, fostering self-confidence and prosperity when installed in homes or temples.
Panchaloha and the Art of Lost-Wax Casting
In the temples of Tamil Nadu, the preferred alloy is Panchaloha (or Pañcadhātu), typically composed of gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron. The creation of these idols follows the intricate lost-wax casting process. Skilled craftsmen, known as Sthapathis, first carve a figure out of a wax-resin mixture. This figure is encased in clay and sun-dried. Once heated, the wax melts and drains away, leaving a hollow mold. A molten alloy—often dominated by copper (80%) and brass (15%)—is poured into the cavity. After the metal solidifies, the clay mold is broken to reveal the rough idol, which then undergoes weeks of meticulous chiseling, refining, and polishing to achieve a divine luster.
Ritual Significance and Festivals
The use of metal for festival deities is practical as well as spiritual. Being lighter and more durable than stone, these idols are ideal for religious processions. During festivals like the Aarattu in Kerala or Theerthavari in Tamil Nadu, the processional deity is taken to sacred rivers or tanks for a ritual bath. Whether it is the cosmic dance of Shiva or the graceful forms of Lakshmi and Rama, these metallic idols serve as the "moving" representative of the divine, bridging the gap between the sanctum and the devotee.
https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2022/09/ashtadhatu-and-panchaloha-idols-of.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtadhatu
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchaloha
Author:K .N. Jayaraman
