SHIVLING KNOWLEDGE • By Pankaj Kewat, Bakawan

Narmadeshwar Shivling Polish: Wax, Natural Colours and Packing

Why does an unfinished Shivling look different when water is poured over it? What is used for its polish, and how is it packed? This guide explains the workshop process demonstrated by Pankaj Kewat in the video linked below.

Watch the original demonstration

What does the video show?

The demonstration uses an Akhand Shivling described in the video as 4 inches. In an Akhand piece, the Shivling and Jaladhari are carved together from one stone rather than assembled as two separate parts. The stone is natural; the finished shape is crafted. Natural colours and markings should not be confused with a shape that formed by itself.

Why does the colour become clearer when wet?

Before the final finish, the dry surface in the demonstration looks lighter and its patterns are less distinct. When Pankaj pours water on it, the colours and markings become easier to see. This wet-versus-dry comparison explains the purpose of the finishing process: bringing out the appearance of the existing stone.

This visual change is not, by itself, a conclusive test of a stone's origin or authenticity. Ask about the source, material and surface treatment as well as requesting photographs of the actual piece.

What is used to polish the Shivling?

Pankaj describes the material used in this demonstration as white, transparent wax. He explains that no added colouring is used in the demonstrated wax-polishing step. Its purpose is to make the stone's own colours and patterns more visible, rather than paint a new pattern onto it.

This describes the process in this particular video. It does not identify every ingredient in the wax, provide a laboratory composition report, or establish how every seller finishes their products. If treatment details matter to you, ask about the particular piece before ordering.

How is the workshop finish applied?

Inspect the unfinished piece: the carved shape is ready, but the final appearance is not yet complete.
Show the wet and dry appearance: water is used to demonstrate how the natural colours become more distinct.
Prepare the surface: the workshop demonstration includes heating to remove moisture before applying the wax.
Apply the transparent wax: the visible appearance changes as the finish is worked across the surface.
Remove excess wax: Pankaj shows the wax coming away during cleaning and explains that the extra surface wax is removed after application.
Check the finished piece: the demonstration compares the appearance before and after finishing, then moves on to packing.

This is an explanation of a workshop process, not a home heating or repolishing tutorial. Heating stone or wax requires appropriate equipment and handling. Contact the maker before attempting to alter an existing finish.

Does polishing mean the natural markings are painted?

Not necessarily. The video distinguishes between the stone's existing markings and the transparent wax used to finish the surface. A polished surface and natural stone colours can exist together. However, appearance alone cannot establish the material or treatment of every Shivling offered online.

Does the finish last forever?

The video explains that polishing helps the colours remain visible without repeatedly wetting the surface. We do not interpret this as a promise that every finish will look unchanged forever. Its appearance can vary with use, cleaning and the individual piece. Ask the maker for care instructions suited to your purchase.

How is the Shivling packed for delivery?

The final part of the video shows the pieces being wrapped with thick protective cushioning and secured for dispatch. Protection is placed around the piece, including both sides, to reduce movement and protect it during transport. The aim is to help the Shivling reach its destination safely; protective packing cannot guarantee that transit damage is impossible.

For your order, confirm the current packing method, the items included, destination availability and delivery charges. The video shows an example of dispatch preparation, not a delivery-time or damage-free guarantee for every shipment.

Questions buyers often ask

Is wax polish the same as adding colour?

In this demonstration, Pankaj describes transparent wax without added colouring. The purpose is to highlight existing stone colours. Confirm treatment details for the actual product you choose.

Is the Shivling and Jaladhari always one piece?

No. The Akhand example in this video is carved from one stone. Other sets may have a separate Shivling and Jaladhari; check the product description.

What does “Swayambhu” refer to here?

Pankaj uses this devotional name while discussing natural colours and patterns. In this guide it does not mean that the complete carved Shivling and Jaladhari emerged from the river in their finished shape. Religious preferences vary by tradition.

What should I confirm before buying?

Request an actual photo or video, dimensions, whether the Jaladhari is included, details of the finish and the total delivery cost. A 4-inch example in a video is not a measurement for every available product.

Explore available Shivlings

We work from Bakawan, Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh. Browse available Narmadeshwar Shivlings, see the Akhand collection, or ask Pankaj on WhatsApp for actual photographs, measurements and finish details.

Source: Pankaj Kewat's workshop video, published 28 February 2025. This independently written guide is based on the available Hindi transcript. Approximate sections: introduction and wet/dry comparison (0:00–1:45), wax finishing and excess-wax cleaning (1:45–7:35), packing (7:35 onward). Auto-generated captions can contain errors; no unidentified stone type or wax formula has been inferred.