Metal Over Matter: Import & Worship
of Metallic instruments in South Asia





Significance of metal and its worship is deep rooted in South Asian psyche.
It is not just worshipped and revered, it is also feared.





Of course, prayer is a part of South Asian culture, and you would find shopkeepers pray to their chosen deity before commencing sale. They do not have short truncated versions of this worship either, and would even lose morning customers till they complete their ritual.


Worship of metallic instruments of work and revenue generation hold a greater prominence, as metal is governed by Saturn, ruled by Lord Shani. You will find auto mechanics, taxi drivers, welding machine folks, shopkeepers selling steel hardware, and even software engineers light an incense and say a prayer before starting work.


This worship of metallic tools and instruments is similar to warriors worshipping their weapons in ancient times. It is called "Shasta astra" ritual in Southern India, wherein people smash a coconut or a white pumpkin decorated with turmeric to ward off evil, symbolic of ancient (now discontinued) animal sacrifices.



All tools and implements of vocation are first cleaned and polished, after which they are smeared with turmeric and kumkum (vermillion),and crushing a lemon between running part or gear systems in the machine to ward off evil. More elaborate rituals may include placing them on a raised platform and decorating with flowers.


Brass and gold are employed for making the jewelry for temple deities and lamps, since the Vedas proclaim these metals emanate positive vibes; while iron and aluminum are prohibited since they are nom absorbent of Vedic chants. Zinc is believed to bestow creativeness, coherence and charisma; brass symbolizes divine beings, and silver gives protection from black magic. Ofcourse, gold is the most preferred metal to wear for auspicious occasions by women and men in the South Asian culture. From a spiritual point of view as well, gold is believed to have purifying properties, and associated with Lakshmi – goddess of wealth, good health, and opulence. Most of the temples have idols of worship made of gold, or decorated with gold ornaments.


Metal really is an inseparable part of South Asian psyche. It is not just worshipped and revered, it is also feared. There is a common superstition of not purchasing metal (such as a television set, a car or phone) on a Saturday, the day of Saturn ruled by Lord--Shani. Something perhaps car dealers and Apple stores could take note of.





Contributed by Rachna Chopra, Indian American author
and founder of South Asian Insights LLC