How the Panchaloha Idols of Swamimalai Are Crafted?

Thirty-Five Km from Thanjavur, on the banks of a tributary of river cauvery, is the town of swamimalai. It is here, over 2,000 years ago during the chola reign, that bronze sculptures began to be made.

During a visit to the town, we make it a point to go to shri rajan industries, makers of bronze idols as per shilpa shastra, who also organise workshops on bronze Casting and Run a School to train young Enthusiasts in the craft. As you enter the premies, you are green by sculpted masterpieces and work-in-progress statues of Hindu deities.

Swamimalai in Tamil Nadu is famous for this craft, which originated in the Seventh century. It is said to have flourished under the patronage of “Sembiyan Mahadevi, Wife of Gandaraditya Chola (949 CE to 957 CE),” Says Suresh Kumar, Manager, Shri Rajan Industries.

The workshop and school was earlier managed by founder suresh Rajan-a native of kerala, who learnze casting at the government-aRT and Metal Society in 24. ” Very young when I developed a passion for sculpting, “Says the Now 71-YEAR-old suresh.

The idols are chiselled to perfection | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The craftsmen are referred to as sthapathis and belong to the viswakarma community. They settled in this temple town they discovered that Rich Alluvial Soil with High Clay Content, Found on the Banks of the Cauvery, was ideal for making bronze sculptures. Since the craft was passed down generations, swamimalai continues to be the bronze hub. “Currently, there are about 400 Families PRACTIing This Craft,” Informs Suresh, Who also Tells Us Why Murugan is referred to as Swaminathaswamy in the town. “Because it is believed that Lord Murugan Taught the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (OM) to his Father, Lord Shiva, Here.”

An expert in bronze casting, suresh explaining the process say, “First, a Clay on Wax (a mixture of beeswax and resin) model is made, with an opening at the buttom. Copper, 14 per cent zinc and two per cent tin – is poured over the wax mold and set aside for a day for it to harden. Is filled with an alloy of copper, zinc and tin.

Traditionally, Panchaloha also inclined silver and gold, but due to Soaring priss these metals are now used sparingly. “We add only when a customer tells us to. Sometimes, people donate their gold or silver jewelery,” Says suresh.

Currently there are 400 familyies in the Village that Practise This Craft | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Every statue/Idol come with a story. Fifty-two-yar-old arul jyothi, who have been a sculptor for 40 years, chiseling a nearly-commLete Idol of Parvathi, Shares: Shares: “In this form, She is Bhoga Shakti. Relaxed, and this is the position she assumes before entering the sanctum of shiva. “

Praveen, AGED 23, Who Joined The School About Seven Years ago, Demonstrates how he shapes the malleable wax into a meditative mudra over a portable furnache. “During the chola period, the bronze cast idols were used for processions and ware called urchava or utsava muttis. Silks, While People Throngeed The Streets to seek blessings during the process.

Praveen has ben with the school for seven years (can we check if that is the boy in the pic). Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Detailing is key when it comes to wax bronze casting. “The sthapathis can see the shape of the eyes, detail of the mudras, delicate folds of the garment and designs of the jewelry – all coming to life in the idols. From Each Mold, “Says Kumar.

When the Pandemic Hit, The Idol-Makers Sought Other Jobs and the Vocation Lost Skilled Craftspersons. According to suresh Kumar, the craft is a fusion of spirituality and science, and a panchaluha idol is a harbinger of positive vibes. Hence, it is important to save the craft from become entient.

According to Rajan, Few People have been coming to learn the gi-tagged craft. “Indians do not appreciate it, but westerners do. So do nris or vvips. The local consumer is still on the lookout for mass-produced bronze idols, which Lack the Beaut and Fine Deetailing of the Ones Wee Make, “He says.

Published – July 19, 2025 12:48 pm IST