Baala-deva Ganesha, the quintessential child-deity of the Hindu pantheon, is seated on a chowki. His limbs are gathered in ardha-padmasana. Interestingly, the posterior pair of His four arms bears the Vaishnava shankha va chakra.
The anterior hands of the Lord are in keeping with His traditional iconography. He is generous with blessings (right hand); and without a gigantic modaka, which He cradles with the tip of His trunk, His iconography would be incomplete.
Besides the chowki for a plinth, a striking aspect of this composition are the clean, sharp lines found both in the silhouette and the engravings defining a wide variety of personal features, such as the anointed forehead, the hands and feet and ears, and even the vahana’s form.
The Auspicious Presence of Vighnaharta
This magnificent brass statue depicts Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, seated majestically on a decorative chowki. As the remover of obstacles and the bestower of good fortune, Ganesha is revered across Hinduism, particularly at the commencement of new ventures. His presence is sought to ensure success and to ward off any hindrances. This particular rendition showcases him with his characteristic four arms, each holding symbolic objects that convey his divine powers and benevolent nature.
Divine Attributes and Symbolism
In his upper right hand, Ganesha holds an axe, representing his ability to sever the ties of ignorance and attachment that bind us. The upper left hand cradles a goad, a symbol of his control over the mind and his power to guide devotees towards the right path. His lower right hand is raised in a gesture of abhaya mudra, offering protection and assurance to his followers. The lower left hand clutches a sweet, often a modak, signifying the rewards of spiritual discipline and the bliss of divine grace. The gentle curve of his trunk and the serene expression on his face radiate a sense of profound peace and wisdom. The intricate detailing on his crown, jewelry, and the dhoti he wears speaks to the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisan.
The Eternal Companion: Mushika
Beside the divine figure, at the base of the chowki, sits Mushika, Ganesha's loyal vahana, or mount. Legend has it that Mushika was once a powerful sage who, through a curse, transformed into a mouse. He became Ganesha's devoted follower, symbolizing the control of worldly desires and the ability to overcome even the smallest of challenges. The presence of Mushika beside Ganesha signifies that no obstacle is too great to conquer with devotion and inner strength. The chowki itself, a low, ornate stool, provides a stable and elevated platform, emphasizing Ganesha's supreme status and authority. The detailed carvings on the chowki, featuring floral motifs and scrolling patterns, add to the overall grandeur of the piece. This imposing statue, cast in durable brass, is a testament to artistic mastery and spiritual devotion, destined to be a cherished centerpiece in any sacred space or collection.
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.
- The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.
- To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.
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.