Traditionally considered marks of people’s devotion, idols represent more than just religion. They symbolise a way of life. Be it for the divine energy they bring to any setting or the symbolic importance they carry for deities, collecting idols has become a favourite pastime of many.
Here is a comprehensive beginner’s guide on how to step into and navigate this hobby:
Sourcing
The avenues for buying such high-quality products can range from the multitude of reliable online stores in prevalence to haggling at your local market, particularly around the festival season. However, make sure you thoroughly check the model in order to avoid buying broken figurines. Remember, sturdy material reaps long-term benefits in terms of easier cleaning, longer lifespan and lesser maintenance. To inculcate novelty into the hobby, you’re advised to diversify your search by buying idols from different locations to better grasp the cultural intricacies and significance of the same figure in various places along with regularly talking to people with a fair understanding of the same.
Material
Different materials add different meanings to idols. Before making a purchase, figure out which material best serves your purpose and make a choice accordingly. While wood in general represents growth and purity, different kinds of trees carry deeper meanings as well. Metal is known to be durable and purifying with brass and silver being the classic materials buyers tend to go for. A symbol of endurance and permanency, stone idols such as that of granite, marble or soapstone carry significant relevance as well. Crafted from the soil, clay idols represent modesty while gemstones are markers of elegance and vibrance. Composite materials like fibreglass and resin, on the other hand, are durable, detailed and arrive in a range of design options to pick and choose from.
Preserve and store
In order to build a routine of preserving and storing your idols well, first understand the material and unique needs of the pieces that make up your collection. While brass and copper can tarnish over time, clay and resin idols need careful handling due to their fragile nature. Marble and stone idols are prone to get stained easily and wooden idols must be kept away from moisture. To prohibit brass and copper from losing their lustre over time, use a paste of lemon juice and salt or vinegar and flour to clean the pieces.
Marble and stone are durable but highly sensitive to any acidic substances. Hence, a mild acidic soap solution works wonders in their case. Clean your silver with a polishing cloth or a mixture prepared with baking soda and water to avoid stubborn tarnish. Avoid exposing your idols to harsh sunlight for long intervals of time and handle them with clean and dry hands. Try to carry out deep cleaning procedures regularly for maximal effectiveness.
Tools and equipment
Collectors are advised to use a microfibre cloth or a feather duster for wiping off surface dust from their idols. You can also put money into a soft bristled-brush to easily scrape out dirt from nooks and crannies while cleaning intricate designs. A small amount of mineral oil or beeswax can be used to help better clean wood idols at regular intervals. Try to preserve your collection in protective cases or covers to prevent dust build-up and damage. The easier alternative to this can be to wrap your collection in a soft, clean cloth and store the same in padded boxes or containers free from moisture.
Cost involved
Before starting off this hobby, draw a clear outline of your budget to gain a broader understanding of your financial limits. The cost of individual pieces can vary depending on a multitude of factors such as material used, size, intricacy of design and specific deity. When you go from basic to precious materials or opt for models larger in size or more intricate in nature, your price scales tend to level up accordingly as well. It’s also important to keep in mind that reputed artisans and stores are bound to carry hefty prices due to the quality, reputation and trust they offer. However, at the end of the day, the innate satisfaction you get from building a collection you feel good about far supersedes any monetary tag attached to it.
Post collection, it’s also advised to dispose of used or old idols in a manner that is environmentally sound and spiritually appropriate. Starting your idol collection at the earliest is no doubt a sure-shot path to introduce vitality and vigour into your life.
Display
Post collection, the manner in which you choose to display your idols can significantly influence the aesthetic value they add to your home. Find a spot that is easily accessible and looks elegant in nature. You can also choose to display your idols on glass or metal shelves to add a modern touch. Try and play with additional elements like contemporary art pieces, wall hangings, soft lighting, natural plants and neutral décor to enhance the spiritual ambiance your collection creates.
