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Decking up deities
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G.R.Thanga Maligai has been making ornaments for the deities of various temples in the country and abroad, which stand out for their beauty and craftsmanship. A look at its creations.
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FROM MORTALS to celestials, all bear its golden touch. One of the oldest names in the world of valuable metals and precious stones in South India, G.R.Thanga Maligai's creations have been lending lustre to many a women's (men too) life. But the real jewel in its crowded crown, according to Ananthapadmanabhan, director, GRT, "is the artistry adorning the idols and adding to the aura of temples the world-over.
On any day and at all time, whether the gold prices spiral or dip, the four-storeyed jewellery store in T.Nagar is buzzing with people.
Amidst several phone calls and answering unending queries of the customers, Ananthapadmanabhan makes his enthusiasm evident about GRT's temple works. "We feel blessed that the ornaments used to decorate gods and goddesses in some of the famous temples in India and abroad have been made by us. We are also humbled by the faith reposed in our craftsmanship."
GRT has specialised sthapathis or traditional artisans, who work on these special orders. "They are the cream among craftsmen, who undertake only such formidable tasks. Having been in the profession for generations, they inherit the skills. Hence, the traditional beauty of the art comes naturally to them," he explains.
Kavachams, vahanams, kalasams, ornaments, temple steps, doors, prabhavali etc., GRT has done it all. Most of them are made for bhakthas, who wish to make such offerings; some orders are placed by the temple authorities too while a few others are fetched after placing a tender.
Ananthapadmanabhan shows the albums that showcase various pieces of temple art and ornaments made by GRT and the glitz and grandeur of this traditional craft make you think of the hands that create them — the `varadha hastam' made fully of diamonds for the `thayar' of Alamelumangapuram, the `karnapatram' for the Ahobila Mutt, the `pandian kondai' made of pure gold and studded with diamonds, emeralds and rubies for the utsava murti in Tirupati, the gold tulasi malai for Tirupati Venkatesa Perumal, the 400-kilo silver kavacham for the 33 ft Hanuman in Navi Mumbai, a golden door for the sanctum sanctorum at Guruvayur, the list goes on. GRT has also undertaken such work for several temples in the U.S, London and Singapore.
"We only discuss with the artisans certain specifications and the budget, the nuances are taken care of by them as they are aware of the traditional aspects and religious sentiments," says Ananthapadmanabhan.
Describing the artistic process involved, he says, the artisans first prepare a wax mould, on which cement is applied and a teak or rosewood base is prepared on which the work is executed.
So, next time when you visit a temple, take a closer look at the ornaments on the idols to appreciate the effort and imagination that go into making them.
CHITRA SWAMINATHAN
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