In many Indian homes, brass idols of deities are not just beautiful decor pieces—they are sacred, symbolic representations of faith, culture, and positive
energy. But when a brass idol chips, gets a crack on the base or a piece comes off during cleaning, questions about disrespect or bad luck start floating around. Most people don’t know what to do next. Some feel guilty keeping it. Others feel scared to move it at all. The confusion usually comes from not wanting to be disrespectful, even unintentionally. A damaged idol deserves to be handled with care and intention rather than confusion or fear.
Things You Can Do
The simplest and most widely followed option is to let the idol go respectfully. If immersion is possible where you live, clean the idol, offer a flower or incense, and say a simple prayer. Just a moment of acknowledgement works.
If water immersion isn’t practical or allowed, temples are a good alternative. Many temples regularly collect old or damaged brass idols. These are usually melted down and reused to make new idols or ritual items. For many families, this feels reassuring. Nothing is wasted, and the metal continues its sacred journey in another form.
Some people prefer a quieter, more personal approach. Wrapping the idol in a clean cotton cloth and placing it under a peepal tree or burying it in a garden corner is also common.
If you’re unsure, asking a local priest or an older family member can help. Often, they’ll tell you what many forget: intention matters more than exact steps.
Things You Should Avoid
What you shouldn’t do is treat the idol like regular waste. Tossing it into the dustbin, even wrapped, doesn’t sit right for most people and usually leads to regret later.
Avoid selling the idol as scrap, even if it’s badly damaged. Turning something once worshipped into a monetary exchange can feel uncomfortable long after the transaction is done.
Furthermore, don’t let broken idols pile up in cupboards because you’re scared to act. Keeping them hidden away doesn’t honour them either. It just prolongs unease.
Vastu Remedies After Removing Broken Idols
Once the idol has been removed, it helps to gently reset the space rather than leave it feeling empty or awkward. Many families choose to light a ghee lamp in the pooja area for the next few days, not as a rule but as a way of bringing back a sense of calm and continuity. Sprinkling a little Ganga Jal or even clean, purified water is another quiet gesture people use to refresh the space. When it feels right, placing a fresh, intact idol or even a framed photograph of the deity brings the corner back to life.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
