Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu — For over four decades, Velmurugan, a traditional clay artisan from Tirunelveli district, has been crafting and selling Ganesha idols. But for the past ten years, he has taken a unique, eco-friendly approach by creating “Seed Ganesha” idols (Vith Ganesha, with vith meaning seed in Tamil).
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These idols, made entirely of clay, contain seeds of plants such as gooseberry (nellika) and jamun (noval) placed inside them. When immersed in soil after worship, the idol naturally dissolves, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow into trees. Velmurugan believes this practice not only enriches households spiritually but also contributes to combating global warming.
The idols are produced in sizes ranging from six inches to one and a half feet, priced between ₹100 and ₹300. Velmurugan says demand is high in Tirunelveli, and he also supplies to neighbouring districts including Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, and Virudhunagar.
The process is entirely traditional: clay is collected, dried, soaked for two days, kneaded, and then moulded into idols. “We can make about 20 Seed Ganesha idols a day. So far, we have received orders for over a thousand idols this year alone,” he explained. With Vinayaka Chaturthi approaching, his team is working tirelessly to complete the orders.
Velmurugan estimates that in the last decade, he has crafted over 5,000 Seed Ganesha idols, resulting in at least 1,000 new trees taking root. He cautions devotees not to immerse the idols in rivers, such as the nearby Tamirabarani, as flowing water washes away the seeds. Instead, he urges people to dissolve them in their courtyards or gardens, ensuring that trees can grow.
“Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most important Hindu festivals. Every family should bring home a Ganesha idol for worship. By choosing Seed Ganesha, you not only celebrate tradition but also plant a tree. It brings joy to the devotees, to me as the artisan, and to nature itself,” Velmurugan said with pride.
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