http://deityworship.tribe.net/thread/4cb4cabe-b337-4f87-9aec-a469e7535256?format=rss Tribe.net. Local Connections http://deityworship.tribe.net/thread/4cb4cabe-b337-4f87-9aec-a469e7535256#2e942112-6916-4f38-b51c-95ce04f0484c For Balarama's kaka-paksa-dhara (Crows feathers) I always use fake feathers from the craft store. Also here is an important article about conch shells .. many bogus traders try to pass off impure shells as Laksmi Conch http://www.salagram.net/sstp-Laxmi-Shank-Club-Global.html BTW - what about cowrie shells - are they not Lakshmi? I see them a lot on the gopi skirts sold in the temple shops Ys Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:50:38 GMT http://deityworship.tribe.net/thread/4cb4cabe-b337-4f87-9aec-a469e7535256#2e942112-6916-4f38-b51c-95ce04f0484c Radhesyam 2009-08-29T15:50:38Z http://deityworship.tribe.net/thread/4cb4cabe-b337-4f87-9aec-a469e7535256#b9e2a744-3608-483f-a4e7-88c2472ab936 I totally agree although, I believe ostrich feathere are also bonafide as there is a letter where prabhupada tells the pujaris in london that they can be used in addition to peacock feahers (whch is why radharani in soho always has a coloured ostrich feather in her crown). Also I have seen pictures where shells have been used to decorate the altar, technically shells other than conch shells are considered bone so they should not be on the altar. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:13:26 GMT http://deityworship.tribe.net/thread/4cb4cabe-b337-4f87-9aec-a469e7535256#b9e2a744-3608-483f-a4e7-88c2472ab936 yajiv 2008-08-15T02:13:26Z http://deityworship.tribe.net/thread/4cb4cabe-b337-4f87-9aec-a469e7535256#092c87a2-72f0-4d62-ac21-576cd9132f07 Dear Pujari's, Many ornamental birds and butterflies etc that are made with real feathers should not be on altars in my humble opinion. I feel that since these feathers are made of dead cells they fall in the catergory of being unclean, like real hair. Peacock feathers are ofcourse an exception to the rule. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:37:28 GMT http://deityworship.tribe.net/thread/4cb4cabe-b337-4f87-9aec-a469e7535256#092c87a2-72f0-4d62-ac21-576cd9132f07 Madri dasi 2008-08-14T12:37:28Z