Carrying forward the legacy of idol making

Chennai: D. Saraswathi is the first woman in her family to carry forward her family’s legacy, which is making temple idols and chariots out of wood for over 50 years now.

She remains the sole lady in her family to join the family practice, designing idols, making statues and temple chariots of wood, for temples in South Chennai.

As a child, Saraswathi was drawn to the designs her father K Damotharan intricately and beautifully carved for woodwork, idols and statues at temples. The liking took another turn as her father decided to teach her the art, and after that, there was no looking back.

“It started about 50 years ago when my grandfather started making chariots for temples using wood. He passed on his knowledge to my father, who then taught me,” said the 29-year-old D. Sarawathi, who is fully involved in the family’s art business.

She takes immense pride in speaking about her contribution to the family, which has now started the export of these wooden chariots, statues, and other handicrafts to other countries.

“Ours is a joint family, and almost everyone contributes in some way or the other. But five of us, including me, are actively involved,” she said.

Many of the family’s designed idols and woodwork can be seen at temples in Thiruvanmiyur and Mylapore, including the Kapaleeswarar and Marundeeswarar temples.

From producing handicraft and wood products, the family also carries out renovation work at temples ahead of special occasions and during festive seasons.

“Recently, two of our chariots were exported to a temple in Malaysia. We get orders from people based in foreign countries too, and it mostly spreads through word of mouth,” she added.