In Shaivite iconography Lord Shiva has been conceived with one head but also with three, four and five. Some scholars believe that there is no such thing as a three-headed form of Shiva. As one of the four heads always remains invisible this four headed form itself is mistaken as three headed. They who acclaim his three heads interpret this form of Shiva as the oneness of the Great Trio, Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. These three heads are also interpreted as representing the three cosmic attributes, namely, the 'sat', 'raj' and 'tam' representing all that is bright and existent, passion incarnate and the dark. The four headed Shiva form is widely worshipped in Nepal.
His Panch-mukha form is somewhat less common. In Shaivism there are two lines of this 'Panch-mukha' cult. One tradition assigns 'Panch-mukha' form to 'lingam' itself. 'Jyoti' or the potential flame which is 'lingam', represents 'panch-bhutas', the five cosmic elements or the constituents of creation. Thus, the five faces of 'lingam' stand for five elements and thereby for the entire creation. The other tradition, with a minor difference, conceives Shiva as Ishan, or 'Panchvaktramtrinetram'. This Panch-mukha' Shiva is 'Tatpurusha', Vamadeva, Aghora, Sadyojata and Ishan representing respectively wind, water, fire, creative function, and space. Thus, too, Shiva's five heads manifest five cosmic elements and functions. And, if the 'lingam' as potential flame represents Shiva, all his five heads too are the faces of 'lingam'.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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