Bronze and five-metal deities made by hand in Swamimalai, using the same lost-wax method the Chola sthapathis have passed down for a thousand years. Every idol is cast to agama proportions and finished by chisel.
From palm-sized pooja idols to temple installations. Send a reference photograph and we will cast it.
This is why no two pieces from our workshop are identical, and why a commission takes the time it takes.
The sthapathi carves the deity in beeswax, working to agama measurement rather than from a mould.
Fine alluvial clay is layered over the wax and dried slowly, taking every detail of the carving.
The mould is fired. The wax runs out and is gone, leaving a hollow in the exact shape of the deity.
Molten panchaloha is poured in. Once cooled, the clay is broken away and cannot be reused.
Every ornament, eye and fold is cut by hand. This finishing stage takes longest of all.
Families in Chennai, Bengaluru, Singapore and the Gulf commission entirely by phone. Here is how we make that safe.
Photographs and short videos at each stage — wax model, clay mould, first casting, finishing. You approve the wax before we fire it, so nothing is a surprise.
Posture, mudra, ayudham and proportion follow agama sastra. If you have a family tradition or a temple specification, tell us and we will follow it.
Swamimalai holds the Government of India Geographical Indication for bronze icons. Our workshop is at Valaiyapettai, Dharasuram, within that region.
Crated with the idol immobilised, documented before sealing, and insured in transit. We have shipped to homes and temples overseas.
Send the name, roughly what height you want, and a reference photo if you have one. WhatsApp is easiest.
You get the weight, exact dimensions, alloy, price and honest timeline. No advance until you are satisfied.
Work starts on the wax. Photographs come to you at every stage, and you approve before firing.
Final inspection photos, then crated and dispatched with tracking to your address anywhere.
Send a message with the deity, approximate height and any reference image. A quote comes back with no obligation.