Silvatta | Grinding stone
Category: Vastu
Location: Bayal, Mahendragarh, Haryana
Cultural region: Ahirwal
Materials: Stone
Stone craft technique: Carving, Dressing
Source: DICRC, India and SADACC, UK
Silvatta are used in temples to prepare sandalwood paste for religious rituals. A piece of sandalwood bark is rubbed against the stone surface, along with water, to prepare the paste. This silvatta was recorded in a Shiva temple where the sandalwood paste was applied to the shrine of Lord Shiva before offering prayers. The silvatta was donated by a devotee.