Bronze Gods and Timeless Devotion: The Chola Sculptors’ Sacred Art

In the workshops of Tamil Nadu, the ancient craft of Chola bronze casting continues to thrive, blending meticulous artistry with deep spiritual devotion. The Stpathy families who carry this tradition have preserved techniques and rituals for centuries, creating idols that are more than sculptures — they are living embodiments of the divine.

The ritual of netronmeelanam, or eye-opening, marks the moment when the idol is awakened, imbuing it with divine presence. After this ceremony, the bronze figures become central to temple worship and festivals, treated with reverence as living gods.

The lost-wax casting method allows for exquisite detail and expression, capturing the divine beauty and grace of deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Parvati. The artisans’ work is a spiritual practice, their hands guided by faith as much as skill.

This living tradition connects communities to their heritage and faith, inviting devotees to engage with the sacred through form, ritual, and art. It is a testament to the enduring power of devotion expressed through craftsmanship.

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