Perumal kudai | Tirupati kudai

The Perumal kudai, also called the Tirupati kudai, is the ceremonial umbrella carried in front of the deity during oorvalam and temple utsavam. It is used by Perumal temples, by families sponsoring a procession, and at functions where the utsava murti is taken out. The canopy lifts off the stem for transport and storage.

What you receive

• 1 x Perumal kudai
• Size: 3 feet, 4 feet or 5 feet, as selected
• Handle material: wooden stick
• Colour: multi
• Diameter varies according to the size you select
• Upper canopy and stem are separable

How it is used

The kudai is held over the deity and leads the procession from the front, and residents along the street offer harathi as it passes. Practice differs between temples and sampradayas in the number of umbrellas used and who carries them, so follow your temple or the archakar's instruction. Fix the canopy onto the stem before the procession and separate it again afterwards.

About the material

The cloth is cut and stitched by hand over a wooden frame. Placement of borders and zari work, the shade of the cloth and the grain of the wooden stem vary between pieces. Such differences are normal in a handmade ceremonial item.

Delivery and payment

Free delivery across India. Cash on Delivery is available. Orders are dispatched in 1-2 working days and usually arrive in 4-8 days. If your order reaches you damaged or is not what you ordered, we will replace it within 7 days of delivery.

Questions

How should I store it between functions?
Separate the canopy from the stem, dry it fully if it has been out in sun or rain, and keep it wrapped in cotton cloth in a dry room. Damp storage is what spoils the cloth.

Can I use it for a house function?
Yes. It is commonly used for kalyanam, grihapravesam and family processions as well as temple utsavam.

Does it arrive assembled?
It is sent with the canopy and stem separate, which is also how it is stored. Fixing them together needs no tools.

Which size should I choose?
Pick against the height of the deity and of the person carrying it. A larger size gives a wider canopy but is heavier to hold steady.

Delivery and payment?
Free delivery across India, dispatched in 1-2 working days and usually delivered in 4-8 days. Cash on Delivery is available.