Frequently Asked Questions

What We Offer

Are your offerings genuinely blessed at the temple?

Yes. Everything Ishvara sends is physically carried into Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, offered to the deity, and blessed by priests there before it is packed and dispatched. Nothing here is a mass-produced or decorative replica.

Where do your offerings come from?

Each thing is made or gathered where it is best made or gathered. Our Tulsi malas are strung in Vrindavan. Our attar is distilled in Kannauj — the centre of attar-making in India — by the traditional deg and bhapka method. Braj Raj is collected from Braj Bhoomi, the land around Vrindavan. All of it is then carried to Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and offered there. That is the only temple we currently work with. Ishvara is built to grow across many of India's temples, and each new one will be named here as it is added. We will not describe a source we do not actually use.

How do I choose between the mala, the Braj Raj and the attar?

Choose by how you want to use it. A 108-bead Tulsi mala is for japa — counted repetition of a mantra. Braj Raj is the sacred soil of Vrindavan, kept on the altar or used for tilak. The sandalwood attar is an alcohol-free fragrance offering for daily puja. If you are setting up a puja space from scratch, one of the bundles covers more of it at a lower per-unit price.

Ordering & Shipping

How long does delivery take?

Orders are typically dispatched within 2–3 business days. Delivery within India takes 4–7 business days. International orders may take 10–20 business days depending on the destination.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide. Offerings are carefully packed to preserve their sanctity during transit.

How is my order packed?

Everything is packed with care and reverence — wrapped in protective material and, where appropriate, in sacred cloth. We treat every order as the sacred shipment it is.

Returns & Refunds

Can I return an offering?

Because of the sacred nature of what we send, we generally do not accept returns. However, if your order arrives damaged or there is an error with it, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery and we will make it right.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Please photograph the damage and contact us at the earliest. We will arrange a replacement or a refund, whichever is appropriate.

Caring for What You Receive

How do I care for a Tulsi mala?

Keep it clean and dry, avoid wearing it in the bathroom or while sleeping, and store it in a clean cloth when it is not in use. Tulsi wood darkens with years of handling — that patina is a record of your practice, not damage. Our guide to Tulsi in Hindu worship covers japa practice in more detail.

How do I set up a puja space at home?

Choose a clean, elevated, east-facing space if you can. Place your offerings on a clean cloth or a wooden platform, light a diya and incense daily, and offer fresh flowers and water. Consistency and devotion matter more than elaborate arrangement — our guide to setting up a daily puja walks through the full sequence.