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The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
How the panchaloha idols of Swamimalai are crafted?
Thirty-five km from Thanjavur, on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery, is the town of Swamimalai. It is here that bronze sculpture making originated over 2,000 years ago, during the Chola reign. We walk into Shri Rajan Industries — makers of brass idols as per shilpa shastra — is also a bronze casting workshop and school. Your eyes are greeted with sculpted masterpieces and work-in-progress statues of Hindu deities. Swamimalai is also said to be the only place in South India practising this craft, which originated in the seventh Century. It is said to have flourished under the patronage of 'Sembiyan Mahadevi, wife of Gandaraditya Chola (949 CE to 957 CE),' says Suresh Kumar, manager of Shri Rajan Industries. The workshop and school were formerly managed by its founder — Suresh Rajan — a native of Kerala, who learnt bronze casting from the government-affiliated Art and Metal at Swamimalai at the age 24. 'I was interested in sculpting since childhood,' says the now 71-year-old Rajan. The Sthapathis (craftsmen), who belonged to the Viswakarma community, realised that the rich alluvial soil with high clay content on the banks of the Cauvery was ideal for making bronze sculptures and settled here. The craft would be passed on from one generation to the next. 'The clay contains salt, which makes it ideal for idol-making. Currently there are 400 families in the village that practise this craft,' Rajan says, who then talks about the myth associated with this river bank. 'It is here that Shiva's son, Murugan or Karthikeyan, took on the role of a guru and explained the meaning of the 'Om' chant to his father,' shares Kumar, who goes on to explain the process of lost wax bronze casting. 'First, a clay on wax (a mixture of beeswax and resin) model is made, with an opening at the bottom. Melted metal — a mixture of 84 per cent copper, 14 per cent zinc and 2 per cent tin — is poured over the wax mould and set aside for a day for it to harden. This metal cast is then treated to heat, so that the melted wax flows out. After this, the hollow cast is filled with an alloy of copper, zinc and tin. A day or two later, the mould is broken and the idol or sculpture is chiselled, filed and polished,' he explains. Traditionally, panchaloha would also include silver and gold, but due to soaring prices, these metals are used sparingly. 'Until a customer particularly requests it, we do not add these. Sometimes, visitors also donate their gold or silver jewellery for this,' says Rajan Every statue/idol comes with a story. Fifty-two-year-old Arul Jyothi, chiseling away at a nearly-complete idol of Parvathi explains: 'In this form, she is Bhoga Shakti. The goddess here is relaxed and this is the position she assumes before going to the inner sanctum of her husband, Shiva,' says Arul, who has been a sculptor for 40 years. Praveen, aged 23, who has been with the school for seven years, demonstrates how he shapes the malleable wax into a meditative mudra over a portable furnace. 'During the Chola period, the bronze cast idols were used for processions and were called urchava or utsava murtis. These were taken from the temple to the streets on a chariot, often decorated with flowers, jewellery and silks, while people thronged the streets to seek blessings during the procession,' Rajan adds. Detailing is key when it comes to wax bronze casting. 'We artists can see the delicate folds of a garment on the idols, shape of the eyes, mudras and jewellery — all coming to life on the idols. Each idol or statue is unique, as we make only one from each mould,' says Kumar. When the pandemic hit, artists sought other jobs and the vocation lost skilled craftpersons. Kumar believes that the craft is a fusion of spirituality and science, and a panchaloha idol is a harbinger of positive vibes. While an artist can be paid anywhere between ₹300 to ₹2,000 per day, the craft is dying. According to Rajan, few people have been coming to learn the GI-tagged craft. 'Indians do not appreciate it, but Westerners do. So do NRIs or VVIPs. The local consumer is still on the lookout for a mass-produced brass idol, which probably, ends up as a showpiece,' he says.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ancient Remedies to Ward Off Evil Spirits You Should Know
For generations, people have used ancient or age-old techniques to ward off negative energies and evil spirits and try to purify their aura, and these are the techniques, which provide spiritual protection and shield to fight against those energies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It is believed that these are extremely effective at protecting you and your house, when you follow them religiously with faith and devotion. Are you also interested to know these remedies? then you need to scroll down the article read that carefully: These are the following ancient remedies to remove negative energy: 1. The use of Salt Salt is one of the most powerful remedy which people are using for ages to remove negative energy. Be it a salt bath or cleaning the floor by using salt, these are the most common ways to use salt as it gives a protection from external entities. It works as a barrier of you clean your house by salt. 2. Evil eye Evil eye is also one of the most commonly used item, which is believed to remove negative energy from the house if you keep it at the entrance of your house. 3. Horseshoe Horseshoe is also considered a powerful thing which is used since ages. People use it to protect their house from external forces who try t enter the house and that's why they hang it at the entrance door or can be kept inside the house as protective shield. 4. Use of Talisman and amulets It is believed that carrying some amulets and symbols such as Black Tourmaline, Rudraksha, Om, Trishul, and tiger's nails are used for protection. These symbols have been used for protection from the evil spirits. 5. Chanting Mantras There are certain mantras that are very powerful and this is an old age remedy that give you protection from the evil spirits and negative energies and here are the following mantras and stotrams: Hanuman Chalisa Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam Narasimha Stotram Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 6. Hawa Performing hawan with certain items such as - cow dung, camphor, cloves, red chillies, black pepper, yellow mustard seeds helps to remove the negativity around you and cleanse your aura and people in ancient times used to do this daily to ward off negative energy and stay protected.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Massive turnout at Shiva temples across capital on first Somwari
1 2 3 4 5 6 Patna: Temples across the city resonated with the chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole', 'Om Namah Shivaye' and 'Har Har Mahadev' on the occasion of the first 'Somwari' (Monday) of the auspicious Shrawan month. A large number of devotees gathered at Shiva temples across the city since early morning. They offered prayers and sought blessings for good health, prosperity and spiritual growth, and also performed 'jal abhishek'. Men and women of all ages were seen walking barefoot to temples, which wore a festive look and were decorated with flowers and festoons. Some unmarried girls claimed that they observed fasting so that they could get employment and a good husband. "I have been observing fast on 'Somwari' since my school days, for peace and happiness in my family," Archana Kumari, a resident of Fatuha, said, adding that she also thanked Bholenath for everything in her life. A serpentine queue was witnessed outside the Baikunth Dham Gauri Shankar temple in Khusrupur, where devotees gathered from far-flung areas of Patna and the neighbouring districts like Nalanda, Vaishali and Saran. The doors of the temple were open for devotees after 2am. The head priest of the temple, Vijay Shankar Tiwari, said over 2 lakh devotees offered prayers. "Separate queues were made for men and women devotees. The local police also helped in managing the crowd. SDPO-II Pankaj Kumar was seen monitoring the security arrangements near the temple premises," he said. Devotees reached with water, milk, flowers and 'belpatra' and other puja materials to offer on the Shivling. Vidyapati Sah, a devotee from Sultanganj, said it is believed that performing Jalabhishek with milk can help wipe out past sins, bring emotional balance, and purify the mind and body. A collective 'Rudrabhishek' was performed with rituals at the Narmadeshwar Mahadev temple in Ashiana Nagar Phase-2. The temple management committee's president, Shivshankar Acharya, said the main sanctum and its outer area were adorned with marigold flowers. "The prayer service started from 5am and continued till late evening," he said. A rush of devotees was also witnessed at Mahavir Mandir near Patna Junction. Temple superintendent, K Sudhakaran, said a total of 700 people offered 'jal abhishek' at four Shivlings on the temple premises between 5am and 11am, while 62 families performed 'rudra abhishek'. "Around 2,500 devotees visited the temple and sought the blessings of God," he added, while the management made elaborate arrangements with additional facilities for them. A 54 feet-long 'kanwar yatra', a decorated pole with pots of holy water, was carried by hundreds of devotees in Kaimashikoh locality of Patna City. The yatra started on the beats of drums, march of horses and decorated elephants, in which kanwariyas and devotees wearing saffron clothes participated, shouting "Bol Bam". An ebullient devotee Kundan Sinha showed high enthusiasm and said Baba would make us completely pure and give wisdom to all the devotees. Another devotee, Pritam Kumar, said he prayed after taking a bath in the Ganga river.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Shani Vakri on July 13, 2025: Easy Remedies to Reduce Saturn's Negative Impact
Shani is one of the most powerful and strong planet in the solar system, which is also considered as a malefic planet that move slowly. In March, it changed its position from Aquarius to Pisces and now it is going to become Retrograde on July 13, 2025. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is going to be a period of transformation and change but big decisions will be made globally during this retrograde period. Saturn will be in the same state till November 28, 2025. Shani Vakri 2025 : Date and Time Date: July 13, 2025 Time: Sunday at 09:36 AM Shani Vakri 2025: Saturn Remedies to follow Here in this article, we are going to give you Saturn remedies, which can transform your life so if you are facing Shani Sadhe Sati, Shani Dhaiya and Shani Mahadasha then these remedies are important for you to follow because Shani is the planet of karma, justice, discipline and in a lay man language we can say that he works as a strict teacher, who gives rewards and punishments according to your past karma. Time is always changing and never be the same for anyone. Everyone has to see ups and downs in their life but rather getting frustrated, we all need to see the other side of a bad time that it comes to make us learn something very important and show your courageous side and fight with it. You can utilize this time getting involved in various religious and spiritual activities and ask for forgiveness from the Lord Shani. So, if you are also willing to change your time and seek blessings of Shani Dev then check out the below mentioned remedies: Remedies you need to follow for Saturn or Shani: Chant Shani Mantra Om Sham Shanaishcharaye Namah..!! Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah..!! Neelanjana Samabhasam Rabi Putram Yamagrajam Chhaya Martand Shambhutam Tam Namami Shanaishcharam..!! Light a diya People are advised to light a mustard oil diya beneath a peepal tree and pray to Lord Shani Dev for good health, wealth and well being. Black sesame seeds Take a black cloth (1 metre) take some black sesame seeds, black urad seeds, along with jaggery and tie in a black clothes, move it around you had 7 times and keep it under peepal tree. Donate Mustard oil It is one of the best remedy to get rid of bad effects of Shani that you take a bowl full of mustard oil and see your reflection in that oil and donate that mustard oil to the needy one or in Shani temple. Donate Black items On every Saturday, you are advised to donate black clothes, black urad, umbrella, shoes and blanket during winter to the needy ones. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Feed animals It is suggested to feed the dogs, crows, cows and ants whenever it is possible as it helps them to get rid of the malefic effects of Shani. Recite Hauman Chalisa It is recommended to recite sacred Hanuman Chalisa as by chanting this daily you can get protection, and strength from Hanuman Ji.
India Today
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Shiva Rajkumar: Beyond bloodline, a powerhouse who redefined Kannada cinema
Most of India may have discovered him through the electrifying cameo as Narasimha in Rajinikanth's 2023-blockbuster 'Jailer', but for the people of Karnataka, Shiva Rajkumar has long been an enduring cinematic force. Fondly known as 'Shivanna', the veteran star commands not just loyal fandom but devotion - learnt through decades of consistent performances, box office success, a personal warmth and that unflinching aura that continues to win over over 125 films to his name as a lead actor and a career that has spanned nearly 40 years, earning monikers like 'Hat-trick Hero', for delivering three consecutive super-hit films on debut, 'Century Star' after he completed 100 films as a hero, and the latest tag of Karunada Chakravarthy, which translates to Emperor of Karunadu i.e. Rajkumar is not only the son of matinee idol, Dr Rajkumar, but a cultural institution in his own right. As he turns 63 years old, let us trace his illustrious career that speaks for Shiva Putta Swamy to Hat-trick hero Shiva Rajkumar Born on July 12, 1962, as Nagaraju Shiva Putta Swamy, he is the eldest son of Dr Rajkumar and producer Parvathamma. Following the completion of his studies, he pursued formal training in acting at a film institute in Chennai, encouraged by none other than the legendary K Balachander. While he had a brief on-screen appearance as a child in the 1974 film 'Sri Srinivasa Kalyana', it was not until 1986 that he made his debut as a hero in legendary filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's 'Anand'.'Anand' was more than just a launch vehicle - it was a statement. With music by Ilaiyaraaja and a romantic lead performance that captured hearts across Karnataka, Shiva Rajkumar was immediately branded the next big thing in Kannada cinema. He followed it up with 'Ratha Sapthami' and 'Manamechida Hudugi', both commercial successes. Thus, 'Hat-trick Hero' of Kannada cinema was born.'Om': The film that changed everythingHis early films showcased a 'soft boy' image - romantic, energetic, and idealistic. This phase created a loyal fanbase, especially among women and young audiences. However, 1995 marked a turning point not just in Shiva Rajkumar's career but in Kannada cinema itself. 'Om', directed by a then-emerging Upendra, was a gritty, stylised gangster film that went on to become a cult classic. Playing the role of Satya, a reformed gangster, Shivanna delivered a career-defining performance that combined intensity with vulnerability.'Om' wasn't just a hit - it became a phenomenon. It redefined the gangster genre in Kannada cinema, inspired a wave of new-age storytelling, and elevated Shivanna to superstardom. The film's dialogues, soundtrack, and narrative structure continue to influence filmmakers to this day. Remarkably, even decades after its release, 'Om' still draws packed theatres during re-releases - a testament to its timeless filmography rooted in versatilityPost-'Om', Shiva Rajkumar broadened his repertoire with roles that proved his versatility. The romantic dramas 'Nammoora Mandara Hoove' and 'Janumada Jodi' (both released in 1996) struck a chord with audiences, while crime thrillers like 'AK 47' (1999) and emotional family dramas such as 'Thavarige Baa Thangi' (2002) cemented his reputation as a performer who could do it all.'Thavarige Baa Thangi', in particular, holds sentimental value, as it marked the widespread popularisation of the nickname 'Shivanna' across Karnataka. The film's portrayal of sibling bonds resonated so deeply with audiences that the actor's screen identity became synonymous with brotherhood (anna means brother) and like 'Jogi' (2005), 'Bhajarangi' (2013), 'Mufti' (2017), and 'Tagaru' (2018) saw Shivanna consistently reinventing himself - be it as a mythic hero, a menacing don, or a no-nonsense cop. His willingness to embrace genre shifts and collaborate with newer filmmakers kept him relevant, even as the Kannada film landscape evolved.A legacy beyond box office; a respect that is earnedMore than just his filmography, what makes Shivanna beloved in Karnataka is his work ethic, humility, and support for fresh talent. He is known to be extremely professional on set, showing up on time, treating crew members with respect, and giving 100 per cent to every role - regardless of screen time or filmmakers and producers often speak of how accessible and collaborative he is. Whether it's promoting their work, agreeing to cameo roles, or lending his experience to guide newcomers, Shivanna has become a vital mentor-like figure in the industry over the and distributors, too, hold him in high regard for his consistency. With a stable fanbase and solid box office track record, his name lends a layer of credibility and safety to projects. His sheer volume of output per year has kept so many distributors and theatre owners from going out of business. It's no surprise that many Kannada films have found financial backing simply because the brand 'Shiva Rajkumar' was involved.A pan-Indian presence at 63Even as Kannada cinema gains wider national recognition, Shivanna's stature is extending beyond Karnataka's borders. In 2017, he made a brief appearance in Nandamuri Balakrishna's Telugu film 'Gautamiputra Satakarni'. But it was his scene-stealing cameo in 'Jailer' (2023) that introduced him to a pan-Indian audience. Despite the limited screen time, his powerful presence as Narasimha had a lasting impact, earning applause from audiences across South followed this up with a critically appreciated cameo in Dhanush's 'Captain Miller', yet again reminding every one of his screen magnetism. He will next be seen in Ram Charan's 'Peddi', as DSP Abhishek Pattnaik, and his return as Narasimha in Rajinikanth's 'Jailer 2' has already got fans excited. At 63, with a solid legacy and defeating cancer, Shiva Rajkumar shows no signs of slowing down.A symbol of energy; adversity never a barrier Shiva Rajkumar with father and legend Dr Rajkumar (PC: Instagram) Beyond the box office numbers and iconic roles, what truly defines Shiva Rajkumar is his unshakable spirit. Life has thrown several challenges his way - many of them deeply personal - but Shivanna has never let adversity dim his 2000, the Rajkumar family went through one of the darkest periods in Kannada history when Dr Rajkumar was kidnapped by the forest brigand Veerappan. During the prolonged captivity and national media frenzy, Shiva Rajkumar remained composed and resolute, standing as a pillar of strength for both his family and the Kannada-speaking later, he faced an even more personal tragedy with the untimely death of his younger brother Puneeth Rajkumar in 2021. Puneeth, affectionately called Appu, was only 46 and in the prime of his career. The loss sent shockwaves across the industry and fans alike. Yet, Shiva Rajkumar, despite his own heartbreak, emerged as the emotional anchor for the family and fans, carrying the legacy of his brother forward with quiet 2024, he met with another battle - this time, with his own health. Diagnosed with cancer, many feared the worst. But Shivanna, true to form, met the disease head-on. With unwavering support from his family and doctors, he began treatment and quietly continued work on his concept-driven film '45', even shooting complex sequences during chemotherapy. Not once did he allow his condition to stall a production or burden a crew. After a successful surgery, Shiva Rajkumar was declared cancer-free. Instead of stepping back, he returned to sets with renewed vigour. While a few physically demanding projects were understandably postponed to give him recovery time, the actor was quick to commit to several new ventures. His determination to bounce back - carrying both physical scars and emotional strength - has only reaffirmed his place as one of Indian cinema's most resilient The legend who never stopped being one of usPerhaps what makes Shiva Rajkumar stand out most is his ability to balance stardom with simplicity. Despite being part of the first family of Kannada cinema, he remains rooted in values that reflect his upbringing - discipline, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his 'Abhimani Devaru' (audiences).For the people of Karnataka, Shivanna isn't just a star. He's a symbol of continuity, a bridge between the golden era of Dr Rajkumar and the bold, new face of Sandalwood. Whether he's dancing to a classic Ilaiyaraaja tune from 'Anand' or delivering mass dialogues in '45', he does it with a sincerity that younger actors look up as he continues to headline major projects, Shiva Rajkumar remains one of the most in-demand names for powerful cameo appearances. In recent times, he has made memorable special appearances in Kannada films like 'Veerachandrahaasa' and 'Firefly', as well as upcoming films such as the Telugu drama 'Peddi' and the much-anticipated sequel 'Jailer 2'.As for full-fledged roles, Shivanna is busier than ever. His much-anticipated concept-driven film '45', which he shot during chemotherapy, is scheduled to release later this year. He is also leading 'Shivanna 131', directed by Karthik Adhwaith, and is reuniting with 'Ghost' director MG Srinivas for a new collaboration titled 'A for Anand'. Another recent addition to his slate is '666 – Operation Dream Theatre', a spy action thriller directed by Hemanth Rao of 'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello' 63, as he continues to experiment, collaborate, and inspire, one thing is clear - Shiva Rajkumar isn't done yet, proving that his electrifying energy is inexhaustible. And for Kannada cinema and his fans across the globe, that's the best news possible.- EndsMUST WATCH:
