Sandalwood Craft

If you ever go to an emporium belonging to the state of Karnataka you will inevitably get the sacred fragrance emitted by the sandalwood craft kept there. The marvelous art objects made of the soft sandalwood are popular for their style, presentation and above all for their unique fragrance. It is often said that if a sal or any other ordinary tree grows in a sandalwood forest it gains the smell of sandal. The fragrance of sandalwood has a relevance with the Indian tradition, culture and religion. In a Hindu temple the rituals for the worship of the deity cannot be done without a piece of sandalwood.

The sandalwood craft is really an amazing creation of Karnataka. Mysore in Karnataka is known to the world equally for its vast sandalwood forests as well as the hoard of the royal elephants. A major portion of the sandalwood craft made in this area is found to depict the royal figures enjoying elephant ride. The intricate designs made on such sandalwood crafts of Karnataka are really astonishing and reveals the expertize and efficiency and above all the patience of the craftsmen. The unique fragrance of these masterpieces will take you to a world of holiness and eternal bliss.

Almost the entire state of Karnataka produces the sandalwood craft although special mention should be made of the highly skilled workers, the gudigar families of Shimoga, Uttara Kannad and Mysore districts. They are specialized in this field and their works really stand apart.

Another significant aspect of the sandalwood craft in Karnataka is the depiction of the image of Lord Krishna. Krishna images are extremely popular among the devotees. There is a peculiar style wherein the Lord is seen standing cross legged with a flute in his hand. This particular image is very popular to the experts of the sandalwood craft.

The sandalwood craft in Karnataka include the articles like lamp shades, trays, jewel boxes, decorative articles, combs and even walking sticks with rosewood handles.