Ashtadhatu is a very sacred and sattvic (pure) alloy of
eight metals namely, gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, tin, iron and
mercury. It has very high value in Hinduism. Ashtadhatu is widely used
for making idols of Hindu gods and goddesses. The process of making the
alloy is quite difficult and hence ashtadhatu idols are rare. Ashtadhatu idols are made so as to be durable and last years without noticeable decay. The eight metals are mixed in roughly equal proportions and the idols that are created are initially of rough finish. A lot of polishing work is done afterwards in polishing and to make ashtadhatu idols beautiful and as natural as possible.
Following idols are crafted out of ashtadhatu :