Artisans in and around Tiruvanaikovil have been vying with one another in making idols of Lord Ganapathy. They are keen that the design of each and every idol attracts the customers with distinct features. Officials attached to the Environment Department have stepped up their inspection of these places to ensure that no chemical or paint is used in the making the idols.
Artisans say that they have evolved various designs this year – Sri Sayana Ganapathy, Sri Thayumana Vinayagar and Sri Simha Ganapathy. It is in addition to the usual forms of Sri Mooshika Ganapathy and Sri Pagubali Ganapathy. They make idols to a height that ranges from three feet to 15 feet. The price is fixed at the rate of Rs. 800 a foot.
One of the artisans, G. Jaisankar, said that he had learnt the art of making idols after undergoing an intensive training for about 10 years. Every design should coincide with the ‘agama’ rules, he said explaining that he would first set out a plan. He said that his physical disability did not deter him in learning the art as he was totally committed to learn the nuances from his mentors.
Pitchaiammal, another artisan, says that the trade involved a huge investment to start with. “At least Rs. 7 lakh is needed to foot the bills for expenditure,” she said. Soaring prices of the raw materials, wages for labourers and paints were adding to the overheads. “Although we witness a scramble for idols at the eleventh hour every year, we cannot invest any huge sum,” she said.
They say that banks should come to the rescue of the artisans. “Bank officials insist on collateral security which we cannot comply with. In fact, a piece of land had been let out free of cost for making the idols by a pious-minded person of Tiruvanaikovil” says Mr. Jaisankar.
He says that he never uses any chemicals or paints and the idols are made of bio materials as stipulated by the state government. Mr. Jaisankar can be contacted by dialling 91599-19175, 81242-06164, 98420-10273 or 98431-53709.
