The Idol made according to the 'Science of idols' (Murtividnyan) is more satttvik (pure). Anything done in accordance to science of Spirituality proves most beneficial. Keeping this fact in mind if the idol of Ganesh is made as advised in the 'Science behind the sculpting idols' (Murtividnyan) then maximum amount of subtle particles (pavitrakas) are attracted to the idol and the worshipper is benefited accordingly. Unfortunately, in today's times idols that are made are not in accordance with the basic science but are made depending on one's liking and imagination. Thus, it is noticed that nowadays various types of Ganesh idols having different shapes and forms are being worshipped. During the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, idols of Lord Ganesh are worshipped in people's homes and on a large scale at public places. At such a time, the inappropriateness of the idols installed becomes evident.

    In order to bring awareness of the spiritually correct way of sculpting idols, Sanatan has put together this article on the science behind sculpting idols, merits obtained by doing it in accordance to the science and demerit of it not be done accordingly, etc.

Clay or mud should be used to make idols: The Ganesh idol should be made from clay or sticky mud. Nowadays plaster of Paris is used in order to make the idol lighter and more attractive. However there is a difference in the idols made from plaster of Paris and those made from mud. Ancient Hindu scriptures (Purans) mention how Ganesh was created from the dirt off Goddess Parvati's body. Therefore, it is only appropriate that the idol for worship should also be made from mud. Also, the use of mud instead of plaster of Paris ensures attraction of maximum subtle particles of Lord Ganesh. Another benefit is that by using mud one is able to pay obeisance to Mother Earth.     The following points will illustrate the inappropriateness and demerits of using plaster of Paris or material other than clay. a. Since plaster of Paris does not disintegrate easily, the idol floats in water after immersion. Just as one welcomes God with great respect, it is important that one also bids farewell in the same manner. Therefore, immersion of the idol when not done in the right way is disrespect to God. Keeping a hole on the backside of the idol is favorable so that it can be immersed in water in the shortest span of time and can disintegrate properly. b. The waters of rivers, seas, lakes, reservoirs, etc., get polluted due to the mixing of the plaster of Paris and can thus prove harmful to fish and other sea life. c. Nowadays, incorrect practices of making idols from materials such as coconut, fruits such as banana, betel nuts, silver, coins etc., are carried out. Idols from such materials do not disintegrate in water, so the parts are used for some other purpose or used as toys by children

Experiences that artisans have got while making idols from clay or mud.     Very often artisans experience the presence of the God principle (Ishwartattva) while making idols from mud rather than plaster of Paris. One of the artisans narrated his experience while making an idol saying thus,   "Before the Ganesh festival I prepared idols from plaster of Paris and clay but I felt happier making the idols from mud. My chanting of the Name of the Family Deity continued to occur while making them, which I did not experience while making the plaster of Paris idols."     -Shri Laxman D. Chavan , Dhule , Maharashtra, India.

Making idols by molding with one's hands rather than using prepared moulds is advantageous: In the recent years, the idol making workshops have turned out to be more commercial than a form of creativity or service to God. Therefore, for the sake of business, large numbers of idols are made faster, by using prepared moulds. Using ones hands to make idols creates spiritual emotion within oneself, thus such idols turns out to be more pure (sattvik). Hence as far as possible one should use hand-molded idols instead of prepared moulds. For an artisan the amount of emotion that is developed within him while making an idol is more important than trying to make it beautiful. It should not merely be a means of earning, but as an art and opportunity to perform service to God, which also happens to be the dictum of the Sanatan Sanstha. An artisan is also able to display his artistic talent when he uses his hands to mould and therefore derives much more satisfaction from his work.

The size of the idol should be limited: In the past ten years at public Ganesh festival celebrations the trend of larger idols has set in. Earlier the idols would be at the most 5 feet tall but now idols as tall as 51 feet are made. The disadvantages of making such large idols are:

The appearance of the deity has to be according to the 'science of idols' (Murtividnyan): Idols should be such that by merely looking at any idol of a deity, spiritual emotion about that deity has to be generated. The Ganesh idol should also be made in such a way and should possess a left sided trunk.

Ganesh idols having weird appearance and attire not to be made: The practice of making Ganesh idols in various forms and attire is becoming pronounced in society. Various types of idols are being made for example some dressed in a loin cloth (langoti), others wearing only a peacock feather in the head instead of a crown akin to Lord Krishna, or resembling Lord Datta, or those wearing a baby frock, etc. During the independence struggle on people's demand, idols resembling Mahatma Gandhi or Nehru used to be made. Even now some resembling Shivaji Maharaj or sometimes a particular saint, or where Ganesh is a football or cricket player or riding a motorbike, etc., are being made. Near Kalyan, Mumbai, India recently one of the public Ganesh festival celebrations organization made an idol using all medical equipment such as an injection syringe for the trunk, kidney trays for ears, a bottle for the crown, gloves for hands, capsules for eyes, etc. Such acts accomplish nothing but a means of channeling one's vivid imagination. All this is erroneous since Lord Ganesh cannot be compared to national leaders, soldiers, players, etc. Even idols resembling saints should not be installed because there is a difference even between saints and God.
    Acts such as these, of personification of God, are done for fame and for public entertainment. Depicting God in such a manner affects one's spiritual emotion and faith for that God and also shows disrespect to God. According to the science of Spirituality every God has its own characteristic God principle (tattva). According to the doctrine of Spirituality the sound, touch, form, taste and smell of any object coexists with its energy. Therefore, only if an idol is made as per the science will the positive frequencies of that deity get attracted to that particular idol. If the idol is not made in keeping with the science positive frequencies of that deity are not attracted to it resulting in loss to the worshipper.
    Very often, picturesque scenes depicting political issues, like the recent wars, etc., are erected by the side of the Ganesh idol. Such scenes provide entertainment to the public but because of their raja-tama nature, destroy the sattvik atmosphere of the place. If at all one wishes to, then pictures of Sage Narad, Tumbaru, Garud, Lord Hanuman, etc., should be displayed. This will help to arouse spiritual emotions in the worshipper. In 1950 the Maharashtra State Government had imposed a ban on the improper attire and personification of Ganesh idols, which failed to be implemented with the passage of time.

Harm caused due to the installation of weird Ganesh idols:

Idol should be one that is seated and not a standing one: When one invites Lord Ganesh at the time of the Ganesh festival, one ought to have the emotion that God has Himself come to visit one. Very often, when installed for a period of 10 days, if a standing idol is made then the weight of it is borne by the feet or the base and has a likelihood of cracking. Hence, that is another reason why the idol should be seated.

Request for making of idols that go against the 'science of idol' (Murtividnyan): Artisans should refuse to make idols, which go against the science. Their refusal will prevent inappropriate idols from being created and also demonstrate their religious responsibility. It is imperative for artisans to take the initiative in dispelling the ignorance about the Ganesh idols that public Ganesh festival celebration organizations harbor. They should not be concerned about losing business because when one sacrifices for the sake of Righteousness, then definitely God will take care of one. The Sanatan Sanstha has therefore started this massive campaign of educating maximum number of artisans so that they make idols according to the actual science of idols (Murtividnyan). In lieu, the Sanatan Sanstha seekers are visiting workshops of artisans and explaining the science to them, pasting information, publishing leaflets, etc. Once the artisans become aware, then it will be just a matter of time when the people at large also will understand it.

The color of the idol: According to Science, the Ganesh idol should be red in color, so also instead of using artificial colors, if natural colors are used, then the idol looks more attractive and pleasant.
    According to the science, before beginning to make the Ganesh idols, the artisans have to perform certain religious rituals. They also have to maintain religious restrictions at the workshop, such as not preparing non-vegetarian food, not wearing footwear inside, women with menses not entering the premises where the idols are being made, etc.

Making idols with the attitude of service to God: While making an idol one should have the attitude that "I am not making it, but God is getting it done from me." The artisan should develop the belief and faith that making idols is not a business, but a service to God. An idol made with such faith, accompanied by chanting of the Name of the Family deity and obeying all the rules as mentioned above, becomes more sattvik.

[Reference taken from the Sanatan Sanstha's publication Science of Spirituality, Volume 9C: Ganapati, compiled by H. H. Dr. Jayant Athavale and Dr. (Mrs.) Kunda Athavale. ]