Sholapith is a special variety of pith (waterside weed), used as raw material for developing the pith models. They are very light and careful handling is required. The pith is a very delicate material and highly brittle in nature. As shown in the figure at left the brown cover is sliced and removed, the ivory colored pith is used for making models. 

Artist using knife as the only tool for creating the sub-structure of  the models.

Pith sliced and binded is ready to be used as walls for Tanjore temple model.

Individual sub-structure of the models are made and binded using the home-made paste. A small weight is used for pressing the structures while binding.

Partially completed Gopuram structures are kept in a row for mounting the Kalasam and other decorative elements.

Kalasam for the Gopuram are being prepared and perfectly aligned in the model. Artist working on a huge Madurai Meenakshi temple model.

Master craftsman Shri. K.A Chokkalingam working on the Madurai Meenakshi temple and giving the final touch.

Within the sanctum the Shiva Linga and the goddess figures are kept and one can view thro the entrance of the temple. Many small colored light powered by electricity are mounted inside these models and when lit-up give a wonderful ambience to the model.