The ancient craftsmen
of India experimented a lot and found new ways to create
ritual items that could be useful, and beautiful and conserve resources.
The Hoysala craftsmen were at one point in history the most skilled craftsmen
and the proof can be seen in the sculptures and wall statues of the temples of
Halebidu and Belur. The metal craftsmen of that era took inspiration from these
temples and crafted some of the finest lamps and other ritual objects. This bronze lamp
identified as a Mayil Vilakku or peacock lamp is the best example of smart
design amalgamated with auspicious symbols. The peacock on the top of the lamp
is a symbol of prosperity, often desired by royal families.
The wick of the lamp
are elevated plates placed very carefully attached to the stem originating from
the center of the oil basin. This structure has been implemented to regulate
the flow of oil to the cotton wick. The elevated wick stand allows only the
inner end of the wick to touch the central oil basin thus soaking a small
amount of oil gives a gentle flame and also conserves oil. The lamp burns for a
longer period. This lamp made by traditional craftsmen has fine quality bronze
as the base metal and exudes a matt gold shine. It is a fine piece of art that
can also work as a ritual object.
A Majestic Beacon of Tradition
This exquisite bronze oil lamp is a testament to the artistry and spiritual heritage of the Hoysala period in Indian art. Crafted from durable and lustrous bronze, its design is both intricate and evocative, capturing the grace and symbolism of the peacock, a creature deeply revered in Indian mythology and culture. The peacock, often associated with royalty, divinity, and beauty, serves as a fitting emblem for this lamp, designed to illuminate homes and sacred spaces with a warm, inviting glow.
The detailed craftsmanship evident in every aspect of this lamp speaks volumes about the skill of the artisans. From the delicately rendered feathers of the peacock’s fan to the ornate base and the meticulously sculpted oil reservoirs, the piece is a masterpiece of traditional metalwork. The peacock's posture, perched elegantly atop the lamp's stem, suggests alertness and a watchful presence, bringing an element of auspiciousness to its surroundings.Cultural Significance and Spiritual Resonance
In Hindu tradition, the peacock is closely linked to Lord Kartikeya (Murugan), the god of war, who is often depicted riding a peacock. It is also considered the celestial vehicle of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts. The peacock's vibrant plumage and its symbolic association with the eyes are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. By featuring the peacock, this lamp transcends its functional purpose, becoming an object of spiritual significance, capable of infusing any space with positive energy and divine blessings. The tradition of oil lamps, or "diyas," is central to many Indian festivals and rituals, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. This lamp, with its peacock motif, amplifies these profound meanings, making it an ideal addition to any home altar, meditation space, or as a centerpiece for festive occasions.An Enduring Legacy of Hoysala Art
The Hoysala Empire, which flourished in South India between the 10th and 14th centuries CE, is renowned for its unique architectural and sculptural styles. Hoysala art is characterized by its intricate detail, delicate carvings, and a remarkable attention to naturalistic forms. This bronze lamp embodies these very qualities, showcasing the enduring legacy of a rich artistic tradition. The flowing lines, the crisp detailing, and the overall sense of harmony and balance are hallmarks of Hoysala artistry, making this lamp not just a decorative item but a piece of history, a tangible connection to a glorious past. Its robust bronze construction ensures it will remain a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations, continuing to illuminate lives with its gentle radiance and the timeless beauty of its design. How to Maintain Bronze Statues
Bronze statues are the jewel in the artistic crown of India and have inspired generations for ages. If you own one of them, you must care for them properly so that they continue to add charm to your space for years to come. Here are some tips you can follow -
Dust particles can corrode the statue's surface, making it look dull. That is why it is necessary that you dust the bronze idols regularly using a soft brush or a microfiber cloth.
In case you happen to spill any liquid, immediately wipe it off using a dry cloth.
Keep your bronze statues away from humidity and moisture. Place them in well-ventilated areas.
You can also maintain the shine of your Hoysala bronze ornaments by regularly retouching them with a coat of wax polish.
Make sure that you clean them once a week.
Making Process of Hoysala Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility, bronze is the most preferred metal for artisans to create sculptures. Other qualities that make it the ideal choice for creating statues is its ability to be cast easily. Aside from that, this metal allows the most intricate details to be captured by the artist.
The art of making bronze statues has been practiced in India for centuries, and evidence of it can be found in magnificent Hoysala bronze ornaments and bronze statues in South India. Of the many bronze idols produced in the country, Hoysala art statues are very famous. The hoysala style includes a depiction of embellishments and ornaments and an abundance of jewelry while making statues. It grew from the 10th to 14th centuries in the Hoysala dynasty that ruled the region, falling in present day Karnataka, hence the name of this craft. It involves intricate work, deep carving, and undercutting by artisans to create elaborate and decorative motifs.
Much time and effort goes into bringing these timeless pieces to life. It takes months to finish a single sculpture, and they are always created by casting. The most common casting type for bronze idols is the lost-wax casting technique. This is a 4000-year-old art form and requires a lot of concentration, patience, and finesse.
The first step of making bronze statues is making a model of the sculpture in clay. The artist creates an exact clay version of what he envisions to be made in bronze. He captures every little detail.
The second step involves making a mold of plasticine or silicon rubber around the clay statue. Once the mold hardens, it is separated from the clay sculpture.
After that, molten wax is poured into the mold so that a thick layer of coating is created inside the mold. This is done so that every detail of the sculpture is captured.
Once the wax hardens, the plasticine or silicon mold is removed, and a ceramic shell is created around the wax structure by dipping it in liquid slurry and silica sand.
This ceramic shell is heated upon solidification, and the wax is melted out. After that, molten bronze is poured into the mold through tubes.
Once the liquid bronze has hardened and taken the shape of the mold, the ceramic shell is removed, and the final product is checked for any imperfections.
The final step involves the application of patina onto the sculpture. This prevents corrosion and adds color to the statue. A final coat of wax is applied to preserve this and add luster.
The Power of Light: Understanding the Role of Oil Lamps in
Hinduism
Hinduism is a boon to human society for it guides everyone to
follow their Dharma and rise above the material concept of life.
Hinduism is also known as “Sanatan Dharma”. These are Sanskrit
terms in which Sanatan means “eternal” and Dharma means “Intrinsic
nature or occupation”. Thus it deals with the intrinsic nature or
the real identity of the living entities; that which can never be
taken away from them. The principles of Hinduism are given in the
Vedic literature or scriptures that are considered “Apaurusheya”;
they have not been written by any ordinary person but have been
compiled by Vyasadev, the literary incarnation of the Supreme Lord
Krishna. The word “Veda” means complete knowledge, both material
and spiritual. The knowledge in Vedic literature is so vast and
precise that if one looks carefully, he will notice that nothing
is sentimental or imaginary but is based on facts and truth. There
is a clear description and information about the identity of all
living beings, the nature of the Absolute Truth, the reason for
the existence of this world, the information about the world
beyond this universe, and the relationship between us and God, the
Absolute Truth.
Why do we light a lamp?
There are many rituals recommended in the Vedas for engaging our
body and mind in the service of God. One of them is the lighting
of ghee or oil lamps before the deity. According to the Vedic
injunctions, all auspicious functions begin with lighting a
lamp. It has a great spiritual significance. It is believed that
the light of the lamp symbolizes “knowledge”, the wick
symbolizes the false ego of the living entity, and ghee
(clarified butter) or oil symbolizes all the negative tendencies
(Anarthas) accumulated in the heart such as greed, lust, anger,
and envy. When the lamp is lit by spiritual knowledge, all the
Anarthas are exhausted, and the false ego, which is the root
cause of conditional life, is also burnt. Therefore, the lamp is
lit before the Lord as a sacrifice of our false ego in His
service. Just as the light of the lamp dissipates all darkness,
similarly, the light of knowledge dissipates ignorance of the
Jivas and enables us to realize our real identity and purpose of
life.
Why only an oil or ghee lamp?
One may question why only an oil lamp is lit before the Lord and
why not an artificial light source. This may sound logical but
lighting a lamp has a further spiritual significance. The flame
of the light in a lamp always burns upwards indicating that by
cultivating spiritual knowledge, one achieves the highest
perfection of life and is always victorious. Also, a traditional
lamp is the purest form of offering.
In almost every house of a follower of Sanatan Dharma, an oil or
ghee lamp is lit before the altar of the Lord or before the Tulsi
plant. Some people light it at dawn, some at dusk, and some people
prefer to light it at dawn and dusk. Either ghee or sesame oil can
be used to burn the wick. Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu or
Krishna) especially light a ghee lamp every day in the month of
Kartik to offer their love and devotion to the Lord.
Upload an Image
