Divine restoration: Phoenix's Jaycee Chettiar restores sacred Hindu statues

IN THE heart of Phoenix, Jayalutchmee “Jaycee” Chettiar continues her parents' sacred tradition, meticulously restoring damaged Hindu deities with reverence and skill.

Her work not only preserves religious artefacts but also honours environmental consciousness and spiritual devotion – one divine statue at a time. In her modest home in Caneside, the rhythmic clink of tools and the scent of fresh paint fills the air as Chettiar, 47, breathes new life into the statues.

Each murti that passes through her hands tells a story of faith, family, and the quiet dignity of a woman devoted to both her craft and her community.

Chettiar’s journey began when she was just 10-years-old.

She left school with a dream of one day becoming a businesswoman, inspired by her late parents, Loganathan and Leela Chettiar.

Her father, a pioneer in his own right, is remembered for creating South Africa’s first concrete Shiva Lingam – a humble beginning that would ignite a family legacy.

Her mother, a talented artist, nurtured Chettiar’s creative eye and steady hand.

“In 2010, my business slowly started taking shape. I named it Surya Designs Collection after my daughter. By 2016, I officially launched the business - with the skills I learned from my parents and with the encouragement of my late husband, Dan Moodley, who believed in me completely.”

For Chettiar, her work is more than a livelihood; it’s an act of devotion.

“Spiritually, I see my business as a service to God,” she said.

Each restoration begins with cleansing, stripping, and sanding before she hand-sculpts missing parts and reinforces fragile areas with steel and epoxy.

With over 36 years of experience in paint mixing, she skilfully matches colours so that “it seems as if no damage was ever done”.

Working primarily with concrete, polyresin, and marble, Chettiar restores murthi’s for both homes and temples.

Her dedication has earned her loyal customers who often refer family and friends.

“I believe God will always make a way. We just have to try and never give up,” she said. Her faith runs deep - as does her environmental conscience.

“Many people throw damaged murthis into rivers. But my father used to say, ‘A doctor doesn’t throw us away, he helps fix us. So why don’t we fix the godly statues?’”

Chettiar’s daughters assist her during busy seasons, helping continue a legacy rooted in resilience and reverence.

As Diwali approaches, her message to the community is simple: “If your work is done with God in your mind, heart, and soul, you will never go wrong.”

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