Posted by Idols have always been worshipped as the divine form of gods and goddesses. And there is no surprise that idol worship in Hinduism holds a spiritual and meaningful significance. But have you even noticed why these statues, no matter whether in homes or temples, are always made of marble, especially from the white Makrana marble?
There isn’t one or two but many reasons why sculptors and moorti makers prefer white makrana marble for carving Hindu god moortis. And the most significant one remains the pran (living energy) within this material, which makes it the first choice of sculptors.
But if you still wonder why, then you definitely need to read this write-up. We have listed down the top 10 reasons why Makrana marble stands out as the best material for god statues.
Why Makrana Marble is the Best Choice for Hindu God Idols?
Not just for durability, marble has other significant and symbolic reasons to be the best choice for making deity statues. And here are some of the most prominent ones:
Natural Purity and Symbolic Whiteness
Marble is a natural stone and has no artificial interference in its origin or formation, which makes it one of the purest materials for Hindu Gods and Goddesses murtis. It has natural whiteness without artificial polishing.
Nowadays, there are some murti manufacturers who are selling marble dust statues online in the name of original ones and looting people. It is noteworthy that these idols are not durable and can’t hold spiritual energy within them, unlike idols made from makrana marble. It is important to research and make sure you buy naturally pure makrana marble moorti.
Believed to Hold Pran After Consecration
The most interesting and divine reason for choosing Makrana marble, Rajasthan, for carving deity statues is that it has the ability to hold living energy (pran) within it. Once the pran pratistha of an idol is completed, a pure makrana white marble murti traps the living energy of the deity and emerges as the central point for prayers.
Only the Panchdhatu (five metals) and marble are considered the purest and spiritually best materials for carving deities. According to the shastras, the material should be as pure as the deity you are invoking into it.
Fine Grain Structure for Detailed Carving
The level of detailing you can find in makrana marble moorti is difficult to find in any other material. Even wooden statues often miss out when it comes to carving the minor details.
The fine-grained structure of marble makes it easy for sculptors to use chisels and a hammer to carve intricate detailing without being chipped or torn, which further adds to its popularity among marble murti makers.
Smooth Natural Finish Without Heavy Treatment
Unlike other materials that go through heavy treatments and machine moldings, Makrana marble is more compatible with hand-carving. As the stone has a natural finish and shine, it needs no extra polishing or treatments.
And the smooth surface of marble makes it easier for artists to paint the details of the moorti. The best part is that these idols are much easier to clean and maintain.
Durable and Surface Stability
With a Mohs rating between 4-5, makrana marble is a durable choice for statues, handicrafts, and human busts. It is renowned for being one of the top qualities of marble and has low porosity.
This calcite-based metamorphic stone has better surface stability than any other marble variant. Its ability to resist wear and tear makes it best suited for making marble home temples.
Low Porosity and Water Resistance
Makrana marble has one of the lowest porosities (approx. 0.1–0.3%), which makes it highly resistant to moisture stains and less prone to yellowing over time. It is low-maintenance, highly durable, and long-lasting.
At the same time, it has a high water resistance capability, which means it can absorb water and is not prone to damage due to water, unlike wooden or metal idols.
Cool-to-Touch Nature
Marble is well-regarded for its cooling properties. It has a cool-to-touch nature, meaning whenever you touch this stone, you will feel natural coolness.
Marble is a dense material and naturally absorbs heat. Unlike artificial materials like marble dust or resin, makrana marble maintains a cooler temperature regardless of the surroundings.
Easy Maintenance for Temples and Homes
Maintaining and cleaning the marble statues is way easier than those made from metal or wood. Even a daily dusting can restore its natural shine. But in case it needs a good cleaning, you can use fabric conditioners and a good rinse with water after that.
The marble murti repainting is also available in case it loses its color over time due to cleaning. However, you should not use harsh chemicals or detergent powders to clean white makrana marble moortis, as it can damage its natural shine and make it prone to yellowing. It is better to call professionals to handle cleaning.
Aligned with Shilpa Shastra Traditions
According to shilpa shastra, marble is considered the purest form of worship in Hinduism. As said earlier, it has living energy (pran) within it and acts as a divine presence in the room.
Just like Pandey Moorti Bhandar, a marble manufacturer based in Jaipur, who is a strict follower of Shilpa Shastra, typically hand-carved statues with precise, traditional proportions.
Does Not Require Frequent Restoration
Marble murtis are made for generations and don’t require frequent restorations. The material is durable enough to sit in the form of a deity in your pooja room for years. Although frequent cleaning and touching can dull its color, but repaint can bring the murti back to life.
As we are talking about restoration, here’s what we have to share with you about broken or chipped marble moortis.
Although broken murtis aren’t allowed for worship in Hinduism, there are some rules regarding this. If there is any shastra damage, it can be restored and can be again installed in the mandir. But if there is any AnghBhang (damage to the body of the deity), the murti needs to be replaced only.
How is Makrana Marble Different from Other Materials?
Makrana marble has a unique combination of durability, purity, and aesthetic appeal, which makes it the best choice for carving Hindu god idols. It is composed of high-quality, and 100% calcite fine-grained natural composition that adds to its longevity and water resistance capabilities.
As said earlier, it has low porosity and water resistance properties that keep it away from stains, discoloration, structural damage, and yellowing. Aesthetically, it is one of the most attractive materials with a white appearance that matches exactly the dieties.
From spiritual and traditional perspectives, Markana marble is highly valued in Shilpa Shastra and is the first choice of craftsmen. Unlike its synthetic alternatives, it is eco-friendly and non-toxic. It can be recycled and repurposed without damaging the environment.
Conclusion
By the time now, you have probably understood the significance of makrana marble for carving god statues. Its durability, aesthetic appeal, and spiritual significance are among the few reasons for its widespread popularity. So, the next time you are considering bringing a god statue to your home temple, you’d better know which material would be your first priority. And in the end, we would only suggest not to fall for cheap, low-quality marble dust statues that resemble exactly the same as the original ones but lack durability and spiritual meaning.
In case you are looking for high-quality white makrana marble idols, handicrafts, or home temples, it is always better to check with a reliable manufacturer, such as Pandey Moorti Bhandar. They are one of the oldest and best marble moorti manufacturers in India, having worked for many prominent commercial clients and temple institutions, including Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and Iscon temples across the world.
FAQs
What are the Advantages of Makrana Marble?
Makrana marble is so durable that it lasts for generations without losing its shine. It is easy to clean, doesn’t stain easily, and looks beautiful in any home or temple.
Why is Makrana Marble Good for Carving?
Although Marble is durable, it is also soft enough to carve detailed designs. This balance makes it perfect for creating intricate idols or sculptures.
Why is Marble Used for Making Statues?
Marble has a natural shine, and it gives statues a natural glow and keeps every detail sharp. Its durability ensures that the art stays beautiful for years.
What is the Spiritual Benefit of Marble?
Many believe marble carries positive energy. Idols made from it are thought to bring peace, devotion, and a sacred feel to the space.
What is the Strength of Makrana Marble?
Makrana marble is tough and long-lasting. It doesn’t crack or stain easily and can endure years of use while keeping its smooth, bright look. It has 3-4% on Mohs scale, which tells a lot about its durability.
How Much is Makrana Marble Price?
Makrana marble typcially cost from ₹30 to ₹700 per square foot in India. Some premium varieties may go up to ₹2,000 per sq. ft. The exact cost depends on whiteness, quality, and premium variety.