A Divine Family, Cast in Gold
This exquisite statue captures the essence of the revered Shiva Parivar, the divine family of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, the cosmic dancer and destroyer of evil, is depicted seated with his consort Goddess Parvati, radiating grace and maternal love. Beside them, their sons, the elephant-headed Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles, and the ever-youthful Lord Kartikeya, are rendered with tender detail. They are seated upon the celestial bull Nandi, Lord Shiva's devoted vahana, a symbol of strength, devotion, and Dharma. The entire tableau is meticulously crafted from brass and finished with a lustrous gold plating, imbuing the piece with an aura of sacredness and prosperity.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
The Shiva Parivar represents the ideal Hindu family, embodying harmony, love, and spiritual fulfillment. Lord Shiva, with his third eye signifying wisdom and cosmic awareness, is often depicted with a trident (Trishul) symbolizing the three aspects of time, the three gunas (qualities), and the triumph over ego. Goddess Parvati, also known as Shakti, is the primordial cosmic energy, the divine mother who is the source of all creation and power. Their union represents the balance of masculine and feminine energies essential for the universe. Lord Ganesha's presence signifies auspicious beginnings and the removal of all impediments in one's spiritual and material journey. Lord Kartikeya, the commander of the celestial armies, embodies courage, discipline, and victory. Nandi, the steadfast bull, embodies unwavering devotion and service, a reminder for devotees to approach the divine with humility and sincerity. This ensemble serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha (righteousness, prosperity, desire, and liberation) within a family unit.
Artistry and Cultural Heritage
Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, this statue is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of South India. The intricate carvings on the deities' garments, the subtle expressions on their faces, and the dynamic posture of Nandi showcase the skill of the artisans. The gold plating not only enhances the visual appeal but also connects the piece to the historical and cultural significance of gold in Indian art and religious practices, symbolizing purity, divinity, and wealth. The square base provides stability and a formal presentation, making it suitable for placement in a puja room, altar, or as a distinguished decorative item in any sacred space. This piece is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit to the divine, a source of inspiration, and a beautiful representation of devotional art passed down through generations.
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.