18" Pichandavar (Bhikshatana Shiva With One Of The Bhoota-Gana) | Handmade | Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) | Panchaloha Bronze from Swamimalai

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Name: 18" Pichandavar (Bhikshatana Shiva With One Of The Bhoota-Gana) | Handmade | Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) | Panchaloha Bronze from Swamimalai
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZER136
Price: 1085.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1248

Includes any tariffs and taxes

A dark-coloured, almost black Shiva statue. Designed for the home or office temple of the finest devotee, this Lord Shiva statue depicts a deviant facet of the Lord’s multitudinous personality. The naked Bhikshatana Shiva goes around the world as a mendicant of the highest order. The anterior left of His four hands (chaturbhujadhari Shiva statue) bears an empty almsbowl.

This moderately big Shiva statue is sculpted from pancaloha, a bronze made from five different iron-based alloys. The metalcasting technique is madhuchista vidhana, popularly known as the lost wax technique. The sheer proportion of detail in this Shiva murti testifies to the skill of the artisan, the likes of whom come from a long line of sculptors in South India.

A lively quadruped to the right of Shiva raises its forelegs. Its presence is representative of the Pashupatinath aspect of the Lord. To His left is a member of the bhootagana, bearing a gigantic almsbowl on his head. He is indicative of the wide variety of devotees of Lord Shiva, from all walks of life as well as afterlife.

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Specifications

	ZER136
	Bronze
	Height: 18 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 10.70 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Ascetic Wanderer: Bhikshatana Shiva

This exquisite bronze sculpture captures Lord Shiva in his form as Bhikshatana, the divine mendicant. Depicting Shiva as an ascetic wanderer, this piece is a testament to the rich tradition of Indian metal craftsmanship, specifically employing the ancient Madhuchista Vidhana, or lost-wax casting technique. The Panchaloha bronze, an alloy of five metals, lends the sculpture a profound weight and an enduring patina, imbued with centuries of spiritual significance. The figure stands tall, radiating an aura of detached divinity, a stark contrast to the worldly affairs from which he has renounced. His multi-armed form allows for the depiction of various divine attributes and gestures, each carrying profound meaning.

The Divine Mendicant and His Entourage

The Bhikshatana form of Shiva emerged from a compelling legend. After inadvertently causing the dismemberment of the Daksha Yajna, Shiva was cursed. To atone and to seek Shiva's grace, the gods and sages arranged for Shiva to perform penance by begging for alms. In this guise, Shiva wanders the cosmos with utmost humility, holding a skull cup (kapala) to collect alms. This form emphasizes Shiva's transcendence over ego and attachment. The sculpture masterfully portrays this narrative, with Shiva adorned in minimal, yet ornate, ascetic accoutrements. Accompanying him is a loyal Bhoot-Gana, one of Shiva's celestial attendants, depicted here as a small figure carrying a vessel atop its head, ready to receive the alms offered by the universe. Another element often associated with Bhikshatana Shiva is his divine canine companion, the Sarabha, whose presence signifies purity and auspiciousness on this transcendental journey.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

The art of lost-wax casting, or Madhuchista Vidhana, is an ancient and intricate process passed down through generations of skilled artisans. Originating in the sacred town of Swamimalai, renowned for its bronze casting heritage, this method involves creating a clay model, coating it with wax to sculpt the details, and then encasing it in another layer of clay. Upon heating, the wax melts and is drained, leaving a hollow mold into which the molten Panchaloha bronze is poured. This labor-intensive technique ensures exceptional detail and a unique, handcrafted quality for each piece. The resulting sculpture is not merely an object of art but a sacred representation, imbued with the devotion and skill of its creators. The detailed ornamentation on Shiva's headdress, armbands, and the intricate base further highlight the mastery of the artisans, making this a truly captivating divine artifact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?

A. Panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid. To know more about how bronze statues are made, please read our article on Panchaloha Bronze Statues. Whereas, brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow.
Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?

A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
Q. Can I return the statue ?

A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?

A. For any customisation, a new bronze statue has to be made. To know more, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.