The Great Idol Illusion: Brass, Bronze, or Panchaloha
In today’s conversations about Hindu idols, material choice is often reduced to a simple hierarchy. Brass is commonly seen as basic, while panchaloha is treated as the highest and most sacred option. This perspective, however, does not reflect how idol materials were traditionally understood or used. In classical Hindu practice, metals were chosen for their suitability to specific forms of worship, not for their position in a perceived ranking. Tree of Life with Chirping Birds Household worship has always been intimate and repetitive. A home idol is bathed regularly, cleaned with water and oils, adorned with flowers, and handled during daily prayers and festivals. This constant interaction places physical stress on the material. Brass proved ideal in this setting because of its durability and resilience. It tolerates frequent washing and handling without cracking or losing structural strength. While oxidation naturally occurs over time, it does not damage the idol and can be easil...