In present times, when gowns are gradually replacing the traditional lehengas, the quintessential saree still holds an unworldly charm that enhances the elegance and grace of the woman who drapes it. The yards of fabric is worn differently in various states in India, yet it never ceases to bring out the beauty of every woman who adorns it.

Have you ever imagined what the world’s most expensive saree looks like?  It is an extremely beautiful Ravi Verma painting saree designed by the director of the textile house ‘The Chennai Silks’. It has been intricately woven by the handloom weavers of Chennai Silks.The saree has even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Record as ‘the world’s most expensive saree.

It is described in the Guinness books as being sold for Rs 39,31,627 and features 11 paintings by the celebrated Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma.

The main painting of the saree is that of Ravi Varma’s famous ‘ Galaxy of Musicians’. The saree is embedded with jewels like a diamond, ruby, emerald, yellow sapphire, sapphire, cat eye, topaz and pearls and corals which justifies its exorbitant cost. It is also embroidered with metals such as platinum, gold, silver.

It took a total of 4,760 man-hours to create this magnificent piece of art. It was at the request of a Kuwait based businessman that this 40 lakh worth bridal saree was designed and created. The ‘Vivah Patu’ weighs around 8kg.

This worlds most expensive saree was produced using 7,440 jacquard hooks used for interlacing design and 66,700 cards used for punching design with the help of CAD software. It is a matter of pride that the classic hand woven silk saree bagged a place in the Guinness Book, not because of the exotic gems embedded in it, but for the celebrated paintings by Ravi Varma featured on its bodice and pallu.

The pallu actually stands out with the most beautiful Raja Ravi Varma painting ‘Lady Musicians’, featuring women choir with an extensive colour palette of 16 colours and 64 shades. Precious nagasu ornaments adorn the saree’s border. The brocade features 10 different designs conceived from 64 combinations of colours.

If the weight of the saree is a deterrent, then let it be known that this Ravi Varma painting saree is wearable just like any other regular pattu sari. The fact that there was a buyer for the forty lakh worth saree underlines the timeless relevance, significance and demand of the traditional saree.