Ashtadhatu Lakshmi Idol - 3 Inch Sacred 8-Metal Murti

• Cast in ashtadhatu, not brass — The eight-metal alloy named in the Shilpa Shastra for temple images, distinct from the plain brass used for most domestic idols.
• 3 inches of Mahalakshmi — A puja-room scale rather than a display scale, sized to sit at the centre of a home mandir.
• The alloy is the point — Ashtadhatu is traditionally held to carry consecration better than a single metal, which is why temple utsava murtis are cast in it.
• Worshipped on Fridays — Friday is Lakshmi's day, and ashtadhatu images are particularly kept for the Varalakshmi and Diwali observances.
• A considered gift — Given at weddings, Dhanteras and housewarmings where a plain brass idol would be the expected choice.

• Face Lakshmi east or north, and sit facing east or north yourself while offering puja.
• The north-east of the home is the traditional quarter for the mandir; the north is also kept for Lakshmi, being Kubera's direction.
• Keep her raised on a chowki with a red or pink cloth beneath. She should never be placed on the floor.
• She should not face south, nor be kept near a bathroom, a store room or below a staircase. Idols in a mandir stand side by side on one level rather than stacked on tiered shelves.
• Ashtadhatu darkens more readily than brass because of the copper in the alloy. Wipe it dry after abhishek; most households leave the darkened tone as it is.

1. 1. Bathe the murti in clean water and then panchamrit before first placement, rinse it and dry it thoroughly.
2. 2. Place her on a red cloth, light a ghee lamp to her right, and set a kalash of water with a coconut beside her if you are performing a full installation.
3. 3. Offer lotus if you can get it, otherwise red or pink flowers, along with kumkum, haldi and unbroken rice grains.
4. 4. Chant Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah, traditionally 108 times, on a Friday evening after bathing.
5. 5. Households that keep a longer Lakshmi practice recite the Shri Suktam or the Kanakadhara Stotram after the japa.
6. 6. Offer kheer, batasha or fresh fruit, perform the aarti with a ghee lamp and distribute the prasad.

Ashtadhatu is the eight-metal alloy prescribed in the Shilpa Shastra for images intended for regular worship, and it remains the standard for the utsava murtis that temples carry in procession. Lakshmi appears here in her Mahalakshmi form, seated on the lotus with her hands in abhaya and varada, the gestures of reassurance and of giving. She is the consort of Vishnu and the deity of shri, a word that covers prosperity, beauty and good fortune together, and she is honoured on Fridays and through the Diwali and Varalakshmi observances.

• MaterialAshtadhatu, the traditional eight-metal alloy
• Height3 inches
• WeightHand-cast alloy; weight varies slightly between pieces
• FinishAntique-toned ashtadhatu that darkens naturally with age and use
• Deity and formMahalakshmi seated on the lotus
• CraftHand-cast and hand-finished in India
• Suitable forHome mandir, puja hall, Diwali and wedding gifting

Colour and texture vary slightly from piece to piece — every bead and stone is natural and one of a kind.

Keep away from water, perfume and harsh chemicals. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. Store in the pouch or box provided when not in use.

Presented in a sturdy gift box with protective foam, made for safe delivery and for gifting.

7-day returns. Contact us with your order number and we will guide you through it. Please keep the product in its original condition.