Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c5.391

c5.391

Stone for idols should be got from mountains. Pāṇḍura (white), Aruṇa (red), Pita (yellow) and Kṛṣṇa (black)—rocks having any one of these four colours may be selected. If no such stone is available any other stone may be used, but by doing homa and reciting Narasimha mantra the attributes of any of the specified varṇas should be transferred to it. It is best to have white markings on the stone selected for the idol. There are the three genders, masculine, feminine and neuter with reference to stones. Stone which produces the sound of bell metal on being hit and gives out sparks of fire on being cut is of the masculine gender. Stone which possesses these attributes to a lesser degree is of the feminine gender. Stone with no shape is of neuter gender. Beside these three varieties there are the sagarbha (pregnant) stones also, viz. stones with round markings on them, and they should not be used for making idols. Once it is decided to make an idol, Vanayajña should be performed first. To worship the forest from which the stone for the idol was to be obtained is vanayajña. A specified place in the forest should be dug up, the pit treated with cow-dung and a small platform raised and Viṣṇu worshipped thereon. After sacrificial offerings etc. instruments for the construction of the idol like ṭaṅka (chisel) should be worshipped. To sprinkle on the stone śālitoya (water in which paddy grains are put) purified with the chanting of astramantra is the next step. After that bhūtabali (offerings to the spirits of the stone) should be performed upon which the bhūtas residing inside the stone will quit. Then the ācārya should to sleep repeating the svapna mantra.¹