Experience Divine Serenity: Embracing the Natural Beauty of Wood in Your Holy Space

A mandir has been an essential part of hindu households from decades, traditionally as well as spiritually. With changing living styles and demographic shifts for work being so common, the thread to our roots comes in the form of small scale mandirs, something that keeps us in touch with our spirituality.

The choice of material for our mandirs becomes crucial. This material should not only be appropriate but also be sourced from nature with minimal impact on the environment, avoiding long decomposition periods or contributing to landfill accumulation.

Wood has been utilised in households for generations due to its versatile properties and wide range of uses, making it an integral part of our environment. It is an easily accessible and cost-effective material that can last for many years both physically and symbolically.

Temple in South India

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, wood holds a special spiritual significance as it connects us to nature and enhances the importance of deities. Metaphorically, it represents growth and stability, symbolising a strong foundation of faith, belief, and prosperity.

Cultures also draw parallels between the transformative nature of trees and human evolution, such as how trees shed their leaves and regrow, echoing ideas of reincarnation and rebirth.

Material Advantages

Readily Accessible - Wood is easily accessible, particularly in the diverse landscape of India, where various types of wood such as pinewood, teakwood, and sandalwood are abundant.

Adaptability - The availability of wood from different trees offers a wide range of options for matching designs to suit individual homes. It can be easily shaped, carved, or structured to various levels of complexity and design.

Cost-Effective - Due to its easy availability, wood is a cost-effective material. Skilled labourers and craftsmen are easily accessible, and there is a range of materials to suit varying budgets.

Durability- When built right with all precautions wood can last up to years, especially teakwood and salwood. Proper maintenance with well-low moisture content and excellent joinery will provide immense longevity.

Image via Homeonline

Aesthetics & Appearance

Tranquility - Wood exudes a comforting warmth that promotes a sense of peace. Its raw essence allows for a deep connection to the natural world.

Balance - A wooden mandir effortlessly combines contemporary living with spiritual tradition, fostering a harmonious and balanced environment that enables us to connect with our inner selves and respond to spiritual needs.

Patina - Wood gracefully matures, gaining a timeless sheen and developing a distinct character that adds value to your home.

Care & Consideration

Wood comes with its own set of challenges, but these can be mitigated with the right precautions and attentive care.

• Regular cleaning- Regular dusting with a dry cloth followed by occasional deep cleaning with a damp cloth dipped in warm water only.
• Avoid cleaning agents- No harsh chemicals, soaps or foreign chemicals are to be used. This helps the wood to be at its best quality and restore itself naturally.
• Away from heat & moisture- Keep in mind to avoid direct sunlight. Enclosed space with no fresh air is equally bad as the wood tends to trap moisture, thus a perfect location that has the balance of both.
• Insect resistance- Keeping the mandir as well as its surroundings clean to avoid any sort of insects is essential. Applying repellents around the area, corners and sides would serve to your benefit.
• Maintenance- Basic levels of care and repeated polish over the years would increase the life of the product. Avoid unnatural finishing products and chemical topcoats.

Products -

Artiqulate's range of Mandirs - https://artiqulatelifestyle.com/collections/temples 

Conclusion

In conclusion, mandirs are not only a tribute to our deity, but also to our spiritual essence, so it is important to give extra consideration to them. It is equally important to consider the right materials, given the wide range of options and the availability of materials and decorations passed down to us, we can make the most suitable selection. Artiqulate offers elegant designs in the wood of your preference, adding value to your home.