Frequently Asked Questions

Are these real, hand-cast brass idols?

Yes. Every piece is sand-cast and hand-finished by artisans in Moradabad, India. They are not resin, not painted plaster, not mass-produced fakes. The weight, density, and patina you'd expect from solid brass is what you'll receive.

How are the pieces made?

Sand casting: a wooden master pattern is pressed into fine sand to create a mold. Molten brass is poured in. Once cooled, the rough casting is hand-filed, polished, and detailed. A single artisan typically takes 2–3 days from raw metal to finished idol.

Do brass idols tarnish?

Yes — slowly, and many people prefer the patina. To maintain shine, wipe occasionally with a soft dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a brass polish (Brasso or similar) every 6–12 months. Avoid harsh abrasives.

Can I use these for daily pooja?

Absolutely. They are designed for it. After abhishek (water/milk ritual bathing), wipe dry to prevent water marks. The pieces are not lacquered, so they handle direct contact with water, oil lamps, and incense.

Will customs charge me on delivery?

Possibly — it varies by country. Most NRI buyers in the US/UK/Canada/Australia pay 0–10% in duties on brass home goods. Customs assessment is the recipient's responsibility.

Can you customize an idol or take a special order?

Yes, for substantial pieces ($500+). Email hello@murtikart.com with what you have in mind — we can usually quote in 48 hours and ship within 4–6 weeks.

How do I know it'll arrive intact?

We pack every piece with foam padding inside a double-walled corrugated box. We use DHL/FedEx for international shipping with tracking and insurance. Damage in transit is rare; if it happens, we replace or refund in full.

Do you offer gift wrap?

Yes, free of charge. Add a note at checkout (or in the order notes field) and we'll handle it.

What do the letter codes (L / G / M) on size variants mean?

Some products list two or more variants at the same height — e.g. 3" (L) and 3" (G). These letter codes are workshop identifiers from our supplier in Moradabad. They denote sub-variations of the same listed size: a slightly different mould, a different finish pass, or a different production batch.

Why we keep them visible: each piece is hand-cast individually, and two same-sized pieces are never identical. The letter code lets you (and us) trace which specific cast you ordered — useful if you ever want a matching second piece, or want to ensure a returned item gets reordered as the same sub-variant.

If you don't have a preference, choose the lowest-letter option (typically the most common cast). The price and overall dimensions are identical across letters at the same size.