How to Buy a Marble Murti

1. Decide on the deity and the form

Start with the deity your family worships or the purpose of the murti. Then think about the form: seated or standing, a single deity or a group such as Ram Darbar or Shiv Parivar, and any iconographic details that matter to you, such as the direction of Ganesh's trunk or the instrument Saraswati holds.

2. Measure the space

Measure the internal height, width and depth of your mandir, shelf or temple sanctum. Leave room around the murti for flowers, a lamp and cleaning. Our size guide explains how to translate these measurements into a murti height.

3. Look closely at the photographs

Good photographs show the murti from the front, at an angle, from the side and from the back, with close-ups of the face, eyes, hands and ornaments. A photograph beside a ruler or a familiar object helps you judge scale. If any view is missing, ask for it before you commit.

4. Confirm the specification in writing

• Exact height, width and depth, including the base.
• The type of marble used.
• Finish: natural polish, painted details, or gold work.
• Whether the piece is ready now or will be made to order, and the production time.

5. Ask for a complete quotation

For international orders, ask for a quotation that clearly separates the price of the murti, packing, and shipping, and states what happens with import duties and taxes in your country. Duties are set by the destination country, so check them with your local customs authority as well.

6. Approve before dispatch

For custom and high-value murtis it is reasonable to ask for photographs or a short video of the finished piece before it is packed. This is also the best moment to raise any final questions about the finish.

Things to keep in mind

• Marble is heavy. A 24-inch murti needs a solid, level surface.
• Natural marble has veining and tonal variation. No two pieces are identical.
• Hand-finished details mean small differences from reference photographs are normal.