Frequently Asked
Questions

Vimana Sanctum is a fifth-generation artisan gurukulam based in Belur, Karnataka, India. We commission bespoke, hand-carved Pooja Mandirs in aged rosewood and natural teakwood, rooted in the sacred architecture of the Hoysala dynasty. Every mandir is made to order — we do not mass-produce.
Read our provenance

A gurukulam is a traditional Indian learning environment where knowledge is transmitted through proximity — through watching, apprenticing, and decades of sitting beside a master. Vimana Sanctum operates as a gurukulam, not a factory. There is no assembly line. Knowledge passes from one generation to the next through practice, not manuals.

We welcome patrons who wish to visit the gurukulam and meet the artisans. Visits are by prior appointment only — please contact us via WhatsApp (+91-9187515022) to arrange a suitable time. Belur is also home to the Chennakeshava Temple, the 12th-century Hoysala masterpiece that inspires our work.

Our primary materials are air-seasoned Indian rosewood and natural teakwood. Rosewood offers a denser, darker grain with a mirror-like lustre when polished. Teakwood is lighter in tone, naturally resistant to moisture, and develops a warm patina over time. Both are sourced responsibly and seasoned naturally over years — never kiln-dried — to ensure dimensional stability and resonance.

The Hoysala Heritage is our bestselling rosewood mandir with intricate Hoysala temple sacred geometry — lotus petals, swan motifs, and floral vines. Lead time is 4–8 weeks. The Belur Classic is carved from natural teakwood with classical South Indian temple motifs, offering a lighter aesthetic. Lead time is 4–6 weeks. Both are 35"H × 22"W × 14"D and commissioned from ₹45,000, with final pricing varying by wood selection and carving detail.
View The Hoysala Heritage
View The Belur Classic

Yes, without exception. Every Gopuram tier, lotus column, swan motif, and vine tendril is carved entirely by hand using traditional iron chisels — many of which were originally forged in 1924. There are no CNC machines, no laser cutters, and no power tools in the gurukulam. This is a deliberate commitment to the craft tradition, not a limitation.

Yes. All mandirs are designed following Vaastu Shastra geometry for sacred placement, traditionally in the North-East (Ishanya) corner of the home. The proportions, tier heights, and Gopuram structure follow prescribed Vaastu ratios. If your space has specific constraints, we can advise on compliant placement during consultation.

Reach out via WhatsApp (+91-9187515022) or email (enquiry@vimanasanctum.com). We typically respond within 4 hours. The process begins with a consultation to discuss your space, wood preference, deity motifs, and budget. Once the brief is confirmed and the commission is accepted, carving begins. We communicate in English, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi.

Both models are commissioned from ₹45,000. The final price varies based on wood selection (rosewood or teakwood), carving density, custom motifs, and any size adjustments. Contact us for a detailed quotation tailored to your requirements.
View The Hoysala Heritage
View The Belur Classic

Yes. Every commission is bespoke. You may adjust the overall dimensions to suit your space, choose specific deity motifs for the pillars (Ganesha, Lakshmi, Vishnu, etc.), modify the carving density, and select the wood type. Customisation is discussed during the initial consultation before the commission is confirmed.

The Hoysala Heritage takes 4–8 weeks and The Belur Classic takes 4–6 weeks, depending on the complexity of custom detailing. You will receive progress updates during the carving process. Shipping typically adds 3–7 days within India.

Yes. Domestic shipping across India is standard — every mandir is delivered in a custom wooden crate with full insurance. International shipping is available on request. Contact us for a shipping quote to your location.

Both rosewood and teakwood mandirs require minimal care. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid chemical cleaners or furniture polish — the natural wood finish is self-sustaining. Over time, the wood will develop a richer patina from daily worship and incense, which enhances its character. In dry climates, occasional application of natural wood oil (such as linseed or teak oil) helps maintain lustre.