There is a very nice Gaur Nitai Deity set that I'd like to buy. One of them has a crack around the ankle. If I'm able to repair it so that it is not noticeable would there be anything wrong with that? They are made of white porcelain and are very beautiful. Thanks in advance for your answers. Hari Bol!
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Hare Krishna,
I agree with Mother Rashmi about any formal installation.
However, if your house is not trying to practice at the highest level of home puja, (that is, to actually have the deities installed), then I see no problem with caring for these porcelain figures. And, caring for them in the same way as a regular home altar.
Of course, if you want to go to the highest level of Archana-vigraha upon an installed altar at home, then the prescriptions must be followed.
ys, Bh. R.
Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
Deity damaged before installation cannot be installed. There is an instance in Srila Prabhupada's pastimes that before installation, he discovered that there is damage to one deity, he got it changed. It doesnt matter that it may not be visible, Krsna will know. That will not please Him surely.
Personally, I am aware of one bengali family in Kolkata who have 200 year old deities in their house. THey told me that during their grandfather's time (my friend is now 45- 50), one arm of maybe Radharani got damaged and broke. He was about to remove the deity when his son fell down and broke his arm. That night he got a dream where Krsna asked him - just because of a broken arm, will you now discard your son also? Therefore if they are deities you have been praying to and then something happens, the approach is different.
Porcelain ? Not so sure whether it is authorised to have porcelain deities - scriptures talk about deities made of mud, metal, stone, picture, in mind....there are some more, I dont remember.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Rashmi