FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About the idol
Is this the Guruvayurappan idol from the Guruvayur temple?
No. Guruvayurappan in the temple is the four-armed form, holding the conch, discus, mace and lotus. This is Krishna in the flute-playing pose, the style sold in shops around the Guruvayur temple and kept in many pooja rooms. If you want the four-armed form, see our Guruvayurappan idols.
What is "fibre"? Will it break easily?
Fibre is stronger and more durable than POP (Plaster of Paris) or paper mache, so it won't crack with everyday handling. It is still a decorative idol, so a fall onto a hard floor can chip the crown, flute or fingers. Place it where it can't be knocked over.
Will my idol look exactly like the photos?
Each idol is finished individually, so small details like stone placement and shading vary slightly from piece to piece. That's why we send you photos and a video of your exact idol on WhatsApp before packing. If you don't like it, we'll show you another piece.
Which colour should I choose?
- Blue: the traditional Krishna colour, the most popular choice for pooja rooms.
- Black: closest to the dark stone vigraham many devotees associate with Guruvayur.
- Ivory: soft and light, suits modern or white interiors.
- Grey: a subtle, stone-like look for living rooms.
Screen colours vary, so ask us on WhatsApp for daylight photos before you decide.
Does it come with a stand or pedestal?
The idol stands on its own base. No separate pedestal is included.
Do I need to assemble anything?
No. The idol comes as one piece, ready to place.
Why is there a plastic film on the idol?
The idol comes with a thin protective lamination cover. You can leave it on, or peel it off slowly and gently so the paint underneath isn't lifted.
Size and placement
Will it fit my pooja shelf?
The idol is 67 cm tall, 25 cm wide and 20 cm deep. On a shelf, you need at least 75 cm of clear height so the crown has room. Please measure with a tape before ordering, because size can't be exchanged free after delivery. For smaller spaces, see our 55 cm and 40 cm idols.
It weighs only 2 kg. Is it stable?
Yes, on a flat, level surface. Because it's light, keep it away from shelf edges, strong fan draughts and spots where children or pets can pull it down.
Can I keep it outdoors or in the garden?
We recommend indoor use. Direct sun and rain can fade the paint and loosen the stone work over time.
Which direction should Krishna face?
Most families place the idol facing east or west in the pooja room. Customs vary from home to home, so your family elder or priest is the best guide.
Pooja and care
Can I do abhishekam or pour water or milk on it?
No. This is a painted fibre idol with stone and sequin work, and liquids will damage the finish. For abhishekam, choose one of our brass Krishna idols.
Can I offer flowers, garlands and light a lamp in front of it?
Yes. Fresh garlands and flowers are fine. Keep lamps and incense at a safe distance so heat and smoke don't reach the paint.
How do I clean it?
Dust it regularly with a soft dry cloth, or a lightly damp one, and wipe gently around the stone work. Don't soak the idol or use cleaning sprays.
What if a stone comes loose?
Stick it back with a small drop of normal Fevicol. Do not use any other glue.
Ordering and payment
Why can't I pay cash on delivery?
COD idols often get refused at the door and travel back across the country. Every extra trip is another chance for the crown or flute to break, and those costs end up in everyone's price. Prepaid parcels also get priority with couriers, so your idol spends less time in sorting hubs. Paying upfront is what keeps delivery free.
How do I know it's safe to pay in advance?
- Arte House has been selling Krishna idols since 2016, from near Guruvayur.
- We're GST-registered and you get a GST bill with every order.
- We have over 500 Google reviews at 5.0 stars, from buyers across India.
- You approve photos of your exact idol before we pack it.
Can I see the idol before I pay?
Yes. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll send photos of the pieces in stock.
What if I don't like the idol in the WhatsApp photos?
Tell us before you reply "Approved." We'll show you another piece or a different colour at no cost, or refund you in full.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes, any time before dispatch, for a full refund. Cancellation is not possible after dispatch.
Can I send it as a gift to another address?
Yes. Enter the recipient's address at checkout and add a gift note in the order notes, and we'll include it. It's a popular housewarming and Janmashtami gift.
Can I get my company's GST number on the invoice?
Yes. Share your GSTIN at checkout or on WhatsApp before dispatch.
Do you ship outside India?
Currently we ship only within India.
Delivery
When will I get it?
We dispatch within 1–2 days of your photo approval. After that, delivery takes:
- Kerala: 2–4 days
- South India: 3–6 days
- West India: 5–6 days
- North and East India: 7–10 days
Delivery is free.
How is it packed?
In bubble wrap, then a thermocol sheet wrap, inside a 7-ply carton. Almost half our Google reviews mention the packing.
The box is 72 cm long. Will it fit through my door or lift?
Yes. The packed box is 72 × 29 × 25 cm, about the size of a long suitcase, and one person can carry it.
Damage and returns
What if it arrives broken?
Record a video while opening the box and send it to us on WhatsApp (8592820965) within 48 hours of delivery. We'll replace the idol or refund you in full.
I forgot to record an unboxing video. Can I still claim?
Send us clear photos of the damage and the box within 48 hours anyway, and we'll look into it. The video simply makes the claim faster.
Can I exchange it for a different size or colour after delivery?
Free changes are possible only before you approve your photos. After delivery, the idol travels as a large, heavy parcel both ways, so a swap costs ₹1,200 for return and re-shipping. The idol must be unused and in its original packing.
