The expo-cum-sale of spiritual collections at Poompuhar showroom, West Veli Street, is back after a gap of two years with an amalgamation of rare rudrakshas, exquisite divine idols and precious and semi-precious stone jwellery. If religious art collections appeal to you or you have the curiosity to know more about them, then surely don’t miss this one.
On display this time round is an impressive collection of rudrakshas varying between 1 to 21mukhis(faces) and ranging between Rs.50 to a whopping Rs.4,60,000! . A few distinctive pieces include the Ganesh rudraksha with a trunk like elevation resembling lord Ganesha and the Gauri Shankar rudraksha which has two naturally joined rudrakshas that are regarded as Goddess Parvati and Shiva.
The divine idols carved from precious and semi-precious stones exude an artistic beauty. A ruby idol of Shiva with five faces, a jade sculpture of Ganesh and another unique three-faced Ganesh made from rose quartz are among the many magnificent displays.
“These idols are sought after by our customers in Chennai. People buy them for worshipping at home as well as use them as ornamental pieces for display at work place. We are displaying them for the first time in Madurai and have pieces ranging from Rs.370 to Rs.10 lakhs”, says Ayappan, an employee at the shop.
The exhibit also has an authentic collection of Shaligram, fossilized seashell stones found near the Gandaki river banks in Nepal. These stones on their insides sport a pattern similar to the sudarshanchakra . Orginal Bhanalingams, perfect ellipsoid pebbles washed away along the Narmada river bed, are major items of attraction for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Priced at Rs 15, 000, the Shaligram and Bhanalinga are believed by the pious to bring in health, wealth and abundance when worshipped.
Conches of all shapes and sizes with luminescent pearl white glow are other highlights on display and of particular interest is the one like the rice sized valampuri conch. For the aesthetic shopaholics, there is a limited collection of panchaloga jewellery such as the Laksmihaaram, sphatikmalas, original pearl and coral necklaces priced between Rs.7, 500 and Rs.10 lakhs. Rings priced at Rs.600 adorning semi-precious stones like topaz, jade, amethyst and amber are a hit with budget-friendly shoppers.
V.Somasundaram, ex-manager of the showroom who now organizes such expos across the State says, “Finding original spiritual collections is rare these days. Many sellers offer fake rudraksham for high prices in the market. That’s why bring these authentic collections to the customers. All our products have government approved quality certificates.”
The expo is on till March 18 between 10 am and 8 pm at the Poompuhar sales showroom, opposite Madurai railway station.