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Method
of Chandan Adornment |
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(1)
To obtain a paste, sandalwood is traditionally ground
by sadhus on a fine-grained slab of stone using water. Motorized machines
are also used. The paste, known as chandan is collected and strained using
a thin cloth, draining excess water to achieve a dough-like consistency.
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(2) After
the Mangala arti at 5.30 a.m. the adorned night garments are removed before
the chandan is applied on the metallic (Panch dhatu) murtis.
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(3) Natural
saffron known as kesar or color may be added to the chandan before applying
small lumps (lepan) on the murti. The lumps are spread out into a layer
by hand as much as possible. |
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(4) To achieve a smooth texture, the
kinks and creases are removed using a fine muslin cloth over which a palette
knife is stroked. The cloth is then removed. A stitched garment may also
be fastened over the chandan to give an added shape or design to the adornment
as shown. A brush dabbed in liquid chandan is stroked over this garment.
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(5)
For a smoother finish and for inaccessible spots strokes with a brush
are made. |
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(6) Once smoothed, the decoration (shangar)
begins. Various materials are used, such as: lace, flowers, leaves, dried
fruits, spices such as cloves and cardamom and pre-cut paper designs.
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(7) The
average time taken to decorate chandan shangar is one and a quarter
hours, depending on the intricacy of the design. At 7.30 a.m. the shangar
arti is performed with Lord Harikrishna Maharaj gracing darshan.
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(8) Devotees revel the Lord's chandan
shangar. Periodically during the day, the pujari sadhu squirts fragrant
water on the chandan to prevent drying and cracking.
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(9) Prior to the sandhya (sunset) arti,
the chandan is removed. From this sanctified chandan tablets about 1.5
to 2" are made, either by hand or machine. Then they are left to
dry. The consecrated chandan tablets are then used by devotees to imprint
the U-shaped tilak on their forehead.
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