A Divine Depiction
This stunning wooden panel is a devotional artwork, carefully crafted to capture the divine presence of Lord Balaji, also known as Venkateshwara, and his consort, Goddess Padmavati. This traditional art form has deep roots in South Indian culture, specifically linked to the sacred temple town of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, where Lord Venkateshwara's principal shrine stands as a beacon of faith and devotion. This piece serves not only as an aesthetic addition to your space, but also as a potent symbol of prosperity, love, and divine grace.
The Legend of Venkateshwara
Lord Venkateshwara is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who descended to Earth to alleviate humanity's suffering during the Kali Yuga. Legend has it that Vishnu arrived on the Venkata Hills, near Tirupati, in search of a place to reside. During his stay, he encountered Vakula Devi, a foster mother, who cared for him with the utmost devotion. Vishnu eventually sought the hand of Padmavati, the daughter of King Akasa Raja, leading to a grand celestial wedding. To meet the wedding expenses, Lord Vishnu is said to have borrowed money from Kubera, the god of wealth, which devotees symbolically repay through their offerings at the Tirupati temple.
Artistry in Every Detail
The crafting of this wooden panel is a testament to the skill and dedication of traditional artisans. The intricate inlay work is a hallmark of this art form, meticulously incorporating different materials to create a three-dimensional effect and to bring the deities to life. Natural colors have been employed to maintain an earthy and authentic feel, resonating with the traditions that inspire this art. The care taken in creating this panel is visible in the smooth finish and the attention to detail given to the deities' adornments and expressions. The use of wood provides a natural, durable base, ensuring that this piece will remain a cherished part of your home for generations. This is not merely a decorative item, but a piece that carries a sense of the sacred and the artistic heritage of India.
How Mysore Wooden Inlay Paintings Are Made ?
Wood inlay is a historically significant art form from the 18th century. It arrived in India through Srirangaptnam in Mysore from Persia but has become an inevitable part of the Indian heritage. Tipu Sultan and the Wodeyars/Wadiyars are credited with the growth of this 400-year-old art form in Mysore and its neighboring areas.
Wood inlay work is usually done on a Mysore rosewood base, and other woods are used, like mango, kadam, jackfruit, rubber, doodhi, etc. Pieces of wood are adorned with beautiful motifs and patterns made from various materials. From wall hangings and paintings to jewelry boxes and furniture, many items are made using the Mysore wood inlay technique.
An outline is etched on a piece of rosewood with a sharp tool. Then, the area inside the outline is hollowed out, and materials like lacquer, enamel, contrasting wood, and sometimes even gold and silver are placed inside it. A sandpaper is used to give a
smooth finish to the surface.
Process of Mysore Wood Inlay Work -
The first step in the process is selecting the base and the design to be carved onto it. Planks are cut out of Rosewood logs in many shapes like square, rectangular, oval, or even circular. The surface is smoothened, and the sides are evened out.

The second step is creating the designs for the inlay on paper. These designs are then traced on transparent paper and then transferred to the surface of the desired material, such as another type of wood, lacquer, plastic, etc.

After that, the design is traced onto the rosewood planks. Using a coping saw, the designs are cut, and the rough edges are smoothened using a smooth file. Once that is done, the wood inside the outline is scooped out, leaving groves in the plank.

After that, the design cutouts are fitted in the groves, and the surface is beaten with a hammer to ensure the designs stay firm and in place. In case of any gaps, they are filled using a mixture of glue, rosewood, and sawdust.

The final step in creating Mysore wood inlay products is cleaning and polishing the items with beeswax. A coating of lacquer is applied to give them a glossy touch.
