Karungali vel

The Vel (வேல்) is the spear of Lord Murugan, given to him by Parvati, and is worshipped in its own right in Tamil practice — particularly at Thaipusam and Skanda Sashti. This one is carved from Karungali (கருங்காலி), black ebony.

What you receive

• 1 x Karungali vel
• Material: black ebony wood
• Colour: black
• Size: 6, 9, 12 or 15 inches, as selected
• Each piece is individually carved

How it is used

Kept in the pooja room and worshipped as your family tradition prescribes. Smaller sizes are also carried or kept in the car. Being wood rather than metal, it should not be given abhishekam and should be kept dry.

Choosing a size

6 inches suits a small shelf or a car. 9 and 12 inches are the usual home pooja room choices. 15 inches has the most presence and is often chosen where the Vel is the main object of worship rather than an accompaniment.

About the material

Ebony heartwood is dense, cool to the touch and black all the way through rather than stained. Because each Vel is shaped by hand from a different piece of wood, the grain, the exact taper of the blade and the finish vary between pieces. Our guide on identifying original Karungali explains what to look for, including at the unfinished sections where raw wood shows.

Delivery and payment

Free delivery across India, no minimum. Cash on Delivery available, plus UPI, cards and net banking. Dispatched within 1–2 working days, typically delivered in 4–8. Damaged or incorrect items replaced or refunded within 7 days of delivery.

Questions

How do I care for a wooden Vel?
Dust with a dry cloth. Do not wash it or perform abhishekam. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat, which make dense wood crack.

Can I apply oil to it?
A trace of pure sesame or coconut oil buffed in every few months preserves the finish. Avoid scented or chemical oils.

Is the tip sharp?
It is shaped, not sharpened. It is a devotional object, but the larger sizes still have a defined point — keep them out of reach of small children.

Will it look exactly like the photograph?
Close, but each piece is hand-carved, so proportions and grain vary a little.

Is Cash on Delivery available?
Yes, anywhere in India.