1. The idol at home
1A. If the idol does not break : ‘If an idol of a Deity is not disfigured on falling, then one need not take atonement. One can seek forgiveness of the Deity and perform Tilhom, Panchamrut Puja, abhishek (consecration) with milk etc. as advised by an authority.
1B. If the idol breaks : If an idol falls and gets disfigured it is considered a bad omen. Even the falling of the Deity’s crown is also considered as a bad omen. It can be an indication of an impending danger. Such an idol should be immersed in flowing water and a new one should be installed.
2. The idol in a temple
There are two types – fixed and moving.
2A. Fixed idol : Since, this idol is fixed in the temple, it can never be moved. So, there is no question of its falling. However if it falls, then it is due to degradation or wear and tear. Such an idol should be immersed in flowing water and a new one should be installed.
2B. Moving idol : This idol can be moved and is used during festivals. If this idol falls but remains unharmed, then one can perform the rituals as advised in point 1A. Thereafter, it can used for puja (worship) again. However, if the idol gets disfigured after falling, then it has to be immersed in flowing water and replaced with a new one.’
3. Some common points for installation of a new idol, in place of a disfigured one, at home or temple
Breaking of an idol is an ominous sign of upcoming danger. Hence before immersing the damaged idol and replacing it with a new one at home or temple, the Scriptures have prescribed performing the Aghor hom (fire sacrifice) and the Tattvotaran vidhi (removing of Deity’s principle from the damaged idol and installing it in the idol) etc. These rituals overcome the unfavourable and bestow peace. The only difference is that at home the ritual has to be performed on a small scale and in a temple on a larger scale.
– Vedamurty Mr. Ketan Ravikant Shahane, Headmaster, Sanatan Sadhak Purohit Patshala, Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi, Goa.
is it bad luck if Gopal odol with swing get Burnet in temple
Namaskar Parul ji,
Yes, it is inauspicious. Hence, please take the guidance of local priests and get the necessary rituals performed.
my new laksmi idol ‘s hand broke while i was unwrapping it. i fixed it with glue. can i worship the same
Namaste Rumita ji
Thank you for contacting us.
As per the Dharmashastras a broken or disfigured murti (idol) must not be worshipped. So we advise you to install a new idol in your home temple and worship it.
Warm regards
Sanatan Sanstha
Today my roommates shivjis mud statue got broken by her friends by mistake what should we do
Namaste Radha ji,
The murti should be respectfully immersed in flowing water (like a river). If you do not have access to flowing waters now, the murti should be placed in a box (Shaastras forbid worshipping a damaged murti) till such time that you can immerse it.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
today morning when I was cleaning my Shivan linga the linga part came off since it was glued.the linga did not fell or got disfigured but the glue came off, i am crying don’t know what to do,I only trust you as you are only few genuine people out there,please tell me what should I do
Namaste Rahul ji
We are grateful to you for your faith in Sanatan Sanstha. We are also moved by your bhav about God.
Could you please let us know some details about the Shivling? Is it a baan linga? Or is it made of some metal? This will help us answer your query.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Namaste! A decor item got off the wall where the Ganesh idol has been placed. while it did, it chipped off 2 areas of the idol, not so big though. I am little worried and wanted to check what should I do in this case.
Namaste Shubham ji,
As long as the murti does not have cracks or is not significantly damaged and only the paint had chipped, it is okay. Seek forgiveness from Ganesh ji. That will suffice.
However if the murti has developed cracks then it should be immediately immersed.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Today in morning at 11.30, the stand behind used for decoration fell. Ganesh idol fell on face because of the curtain used on stand. The ganesh idol was broken into pieces. We immersed the idol.
What does it indicates? Is there any harm on my family? What to do?
Namaste Pranali ji
As the article mentions, there are some rituals that can be performed. We suggest that you contact your family or local priests and seek their guidance in this matter.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
pranam
My Ganesh murthi lotus flower broke.I am a bit worried.What do I do?
Namaste Leelam ji
Thank you for contacting us. Could you please share what material the idol is made of? Also whether the lotus was removable.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Pranam!
While moving the cupboard a terracotta Idol of Mata Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik & Ganesha fell down and broken to pieces. Is this inauspicious?
What should we do?
Namaste Sanjay ji
When murtis break it may be an inauspicious omen, specially if they were being offered puja. You may respectfully immerse these broken murtis in flowing water (like a river). There are certain prayaschitt karm (repentence) that will be needed to be performed. For that, please contact your local or family priest who will be able to guide you better.
Also, we are just curious to know if you are particularly keen on offering worship to these Deities. If so, what type of worship do you offer?
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Hello,
I just did abhishekam on my Shiva statue today and was cleaning it to start my puja when the Trishul part accidentally broke and came apart..There is no temple nearby where I live and water bodies are too far. It was a bronze/brass statue, not too sure. Is it a bad omen? What can I do?
Namaste Riya ji
Was the Trishul removable? If it were a fixed part of the murti (statue), then the statue needs to be immersed in flowing waters. If you do not have access to flowing waters now, the murti should be placed in a box (Shaastras forbid worshipping a damaged murti) till such time that you can immerse it. There are certain prayaschitt karm (repentance) that will be needed to be performed. For that, please contact your local or family priest who will be able to guide you better.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
I bought 9 murugan statue in brass for me and for my friends. since the grip to place the vel wasn’t deep enough and thought the vel would often fell while placing flower, I gave those idols to a gold smith to deepen the grip hole. unfortunately 4 out of 9 idols got damaged in eye. what should I do with the idols now. I haven’t done the sthapana rituals or any kind of pooja. I just bought and gave for repairing work. should I have to immerse it in water. or can I give to any shop and get any other idol for it.
Namaste Anupriya ji
You can get the statues exchanged since they were not being worshipped.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
We accidentally put sacred thread (Janoi) on God statue wrong way , right shoulder. is it bad? is it inauspicious ? lease guide.
Namaste Dipali ji
There is no cause for concern. It is okay to remove the janeu and conduct the ritual of offering it again.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
नमस्कार
मला विचारायचे होते की पुन: प्रतिष्ठापना आमच्या मंदिरातील मूर्तीची करायची असताना गुरुजींना आधी कोणते प्रश्न विचारावेत
नमस्कार
मूर्ती भंग झाली की जीर्ण झाली यावर विधी ठरतात. त्यामुळे आपल्या गरजेनुसार गुरुजींना विषय कळवल्यास ते त्याप्रमाणे आपणास मार्गदर्शन करतील.
आपली
सनातन संस्था