Metal Worship in South Asia

Metal worship in South Asia is prevalent since ancient times, and its legends, myths and superstitions prevail and influence to this day, Metal worship is an inseparable part of lives in South Asian mind. You would find shopkeepers, auto mechanics, taxi drivers, and even software engineers light an incense and offer a prayer to their metal instruments, electronics and vehicles before commencing work.

This worship of metallic tools and instruments is similar to warriors worshipping their weapons in ancient times. It is called "Shasta astra" ritual in Southern India, wherein people smash a coconut or a white pumpkin decorated with turmeric to ward off evil, symbolic of ancient (now discontinued) animal sacrifices.

From a spiritual point of view, gold is believed to have purifying properties, and associated with Lakshmi – goddess of wealth, good health, and opulence. Most of the temples have idols of worship made of gold, or decorated with gold ornaments. Brass is employed for making jewelry for temple deities and lamps, since the Vedas proclaim these metals emanate positive vibes; while iron and aluminum are prohibited since they are non-absorbent of Vedic chants. Zinc is believed to bestow creativeness, coherence and charisma; and silver gives protection from black magic.

Yet, what is revered is also feared, and superstitions of buying metal on a Saturday are common in South Asian mind (ex,:television sets, automobiles or phones); Saturday being the day of Saturn ruled by Lord Shani.