Elegant Brass Ganesha Urli - A Touch of Indian Brass Love

An urli is a wide Indian bowl filled with water so petals and floating diyas sit on the surface. This one is built onto a footed brass base with a tall pierced backplate rising behind it, carrying a seated Ganesha under an arch. It is the only piece in our urli range with a deity worked into it, which is why it tends to end up in a mandir rather than on a coffee table.

Product details

• Height: 12 inches, measured to the top of the backplate
• Diameter: 9 inches
• Weight: 3,400 g (approx. 7.5 lb)
• Material: solid brass, uncoated
• Finish: natural brass
• Feet: four cast feet
• Handmade in India
• Not dishwasher safe

Why this one

• 3,400 g of solid brass — approx. 7.5 lb. The weight is mostly in the base and the feet, which is what stops a piece this tall from being top-heavy.
• The backplate is pierced, not stamped. Light passes through the scrollwork around Ganesha, so a diya in the bowl lights the arch from below.
• Cast openwork around the bowl too. The sides of the bowl carry the same pierced motif, and it sits on four sculpted feet.
• Uncoated brass. No lacquer, no plating. It will deepen in tone and you can polish it back whenever you want to.

About the height

The 12 inches is measured to the top of Ganesha's crown. The bowl itself is shallow — this is a shrine piece with a bowl in it, not a deep vessel. If you want depth for floating flowers, the hammered brass urli holds far more water.

Which one do I need

Three brass urlis, three different jobs:

• Hammered brass urli — plain hammered bowl, two sizes, $140 and $170
• Brass mini urli set of 5 — 4-inch prasad bowls, $90

Where it works

• A home mandir, as the piece the diya sits in
• An entryway console, where the backplate reads from across the room
• A Ganesh Chaturthi setup, with the murti beside it and petals in the bowl
• A shelf or niche deep enough for a 12-inch piece to stand upright
• A puja room floor arrangement during Diwali

Gifting

A Ganesha piece is the safe choice for a griha pravesh or a housewarming, because Ganesha is the god you install first in a new home. It also suits a wedding, a new business opening and Ganesh Chaturthi itself. It arrives in plain packaging with no price on it. If you need several — for a temple, a community event or corporate gifting — get in touch before ordering and we will confirm stock and talk about price.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ganesha part of the bowl or separate?
One piece. The backplate and the bowl are joined, not assembled, so there is nothing to attach and nothing to lose.

How deep is the bowl?
Shallow. The 12-inch figure is the full height to the top of the crown, not the bowl. It takes enough water for petals and a floating diya, not a deep pool. Our hammered brass urli is the one to buy if depth matters.

Can I put a real oil diya in it?
Yes. Brass takes heat without trouble. Let it cool before you wipe it out, and do not leave oil standing in it.

Is it solid brass or plated?
Solid brass throughout, uncoated. Nothing is plated onto it, so there is no finish to wear through.

Will it darken over time?
Yes, and that is normal for uncoated brass. Some people polish it back every few months, others prefer the deeper tone it settles into. Either is fine — nothing is wrong with the piece.

How do I clean it?
Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Brass darkens naturally with air and handling; if you want it bright again, any household brass polish will lift it in a few minutes. Do not put it in the dishwasher and do not leave water standing in it.

Will it stand steady on a shelf?
Yes. The four cast feet spread the base wider than the bowl and the mass sits low. It is not a piece that tips.

Can I use it for prasad?
Better for petals, water and diyas. For prasad we would point you at the mini urli set, which is made for it.

Can I order several for an event?
Yes — get in touch before you order if you need more than a few. We can usually help on price for larger quantities and confirm stock before you commit to a date.

What if it arrives damaged?
Every order is insured. Photograph the box and the piece and contact us, and we will sort out a replacement or a refund.

Shipping

Free insured shipping across the USA and Canada. Ships from San Ramon, California, usually within one business day.

Browse the full Urli Bowls & Centerpieces collection, or the rest of our Diwali & Festive Decor.