19" Devi Kannagi | Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) | Panchaloha Bronze from Swamimalai

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A Paragon of Virtue

Behold, an exquisite representation of a woman of unwavering resolve, a symbol of justice, and a testament to the power of chastity. This remarkable statue captures the essence of Kannagi, the central figure in the Tamil epic Silappatikaram. Her story, deeply etched in the cultural fabric of South India, resonates with themes of love, loss, vengeance, and ultimate deification. Kannagi, the devoted wife, is known for her profound loyalty to her husband Kovalan. Their tale is one of both domestic bliss and tragic misjudgment. Kovalan, succumbing to temptation, squanders his wealth on a dancer. Penniless and repentant, he returns to Kannagi, who offers him her anklet filled with precious jewels to restart their lives in the city of Madurai. However, fate takes a cruel turn when Kovalan is wrongly accused of stealing the queen's anklet. Without a fair trial, he is unjustly executed.

The Goddess Incarnate

Consumed by grief and rage, Kannagi storms the royal court. With irrefutable proof, she reveals the king's grave error. Overwhelmed by remorse, the king dies instantly, and his queen soon follows. Kannagi's fury, however, is not quenched. It is said that she tears off one of her breasts and throws it upon the city, causing Madurai to be consumed by flames. Such is the power of her virtue and the intensity of her grief. Though her actions are dramatic, Kannagi is not merely a figure of vengeance. After the destruction of Madurai, she travels to the Chera kingdom, where she is eventually transformed into a goddess. Temples are erected in her honor, and she is worshipped as Pattini, the goddess of chastity, often invoked for protection, prosperity, and conjugal harmony.

The Legacy in Bronze

This striking bronze statue portrays Kannagi with her characteristic anklets, or silambu, which ultimately led to the undoing of a kingdom. Her serene face belies the fire that once burned within her. The intricate detailing of her jewelry, clothing, and headdress speaks to the masterful craftsmanship that went into creating this magnificent sculpture. The statue is crafted using the traditional Madhuchista Vidhana, or lost-wax casting technique, a method passed down through generations of artisans in Swamimalai, South India. It is formed of Panchaloha, a sacred alloy of five metals – gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron – believed to bestow blessings and positive energy. Displaying this beautiful representation of Kannagi in your home serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love, the importance of justice, and the ultimate triumph of virtue. It is a captivating piece that invites contemplation and reverence, and that would be a profound addition to any collection.