> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Lalita Waldia > Reference:: https://garlandmag.com/article/temple-wood-carving-of-himachal-pradesh/ > Date:: 2024 > Tags:: #warp #India #wood > WeftLinks:: [[Spiritual value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft plays an important role in worship]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Lalita Waldia celebrates temple carvers who work intuitively, in order to serve the deity. > Lalita Waldia highlights the traditional wood carving of temples in Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing its deep connection to community and spirituality. Carvers work intuitively, creating intricate motifs that reflect cultural narratives and devotion to deities. Despite modernization, these temples preserve ancient artistic practices that strengthen community identity and beliefs. ### Highlights > In an era where vernacular architecture is disappearing, and most buildings look alike, the temples of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, stand resilient, preserving the ancient tradition of wood carving. > > The well-known *nagas*, or serpent gods have an important place in the agrarian communities and are present in most of the temples. > > older temples reflect the region’s local deity system, featuring human figures engaged in various activities, as well as erotic figures, or *Mithuna*, which have now become taboo in the community. > > Kullu, known as *Devbhoomi* or the “land of gods,” is home to an extensive deity system, with each village having its own deity. > > More elaborate carvings signify higher status and are believed to represent more powerful divine energy. > > Temples are communal projects, with everyone contributing to the craft work, especially in today’s market, where wood is not an easily available resource and has a high market value. > > The *kashtkalakar* (wood artisan) always works with meaning. Every carving is devoted to the deities. We don’t plan before we start. There’s an *aabhas* (intuition) while working in the temple, and no designer is needed. Whatever the deity requires, we serve.