See It In Your Home
In
essence, Goddess Mariamman, a female divinity from South India who has
variously been identified with Devi Parvati,
Kali, Renuka, and Durga, is a powerful mother-goddess, a Grama-devata (village
deity), and a manifestation of the supreme divine feminine. Her devotees invoke
her to shield them from illnesses and epidemics and grant boons of material and
spiritual well-being. In this brass statue, the goddess Mariamman is
depicted in an exquisite form, enthroned on an elaborate throne with the
Kirtimukha aureole and shaded by the serpent, appearing as the sole guarding
mother of the universe.
Embodiment of Divine Power and Protection
This exquisite brass statue captures the fierce and benevolent presence of the South Indian Goddess Durga, revered also as Mariamman, the protector of humankind. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled artisans in India, this piece is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit of spiritual energy and a symbol of unwavering strength. The warm, lustrous glow of the brass lends an aura of divinity to the depiction, making it a powerful focal point for any sacred space or home altar.
The goddess is depicted in a seated posture, exuding an aura of serene command. Her form is adorned with intricate jewelry and traditional ornamentation, each element painstakingly rendered to convey the richness of South Indian iconography. The goddess holds several divine attributes in her hands, signifying her various powers and responsibilities. The formidable trident, a symbol of her ability to destroy evil and ignorance, is prominently displayed. The overall composition radiates a sense of divine authority and protective grace.The Serpent's Embrace: A Symbol of Power and Renewal
A striking feature of this statue is the elaborate cobra hood arching majestically behind the goddess's head. In Indian mythology, the serpent, particularly the cobra, is a potent symbol of cosmic energy, creation, destruction, and rebirth. It represents the primordial power that underlies the universe and is often associated with deities who command immense power. The multiple heads of the cobra are believed to represent the various forms and powers of the divine, offering protection and signifying the goddess's dominion over both the material and spiritual realms. Mariamman, in particular, is often associated with serpents, believed to possess the power to heal and ward off diseases, a belief deeply rooted in ancient folklore.A Legacy of Devotion
This statue embodies centuries of devotion and artistic tradition. The practice of creating deity images in metal, especially brass, has a long and revered history in India, dating back to ancient civilizations. These handmade creations are not merely decorative; they are considered sacred objects, imbued with the divine essence through the act of their creation and subsequent veneration. The dedication of the artisans ensures that each statue is a unique expression of faith and craftsmanship, carrying forward a legacy of spiritual artistry. Bringing this statue into your home is an invitation to connect with this rich heritage and to invite the protective and empowering presence of the divine into your life.
The Fierce and Powerful Goddess Durga: Discovering the Symbolism
and Significance
Goddess Durga is a revered deity in Hinduism and she is
worshiped by many people in the eastern part of India and also
in other countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. She is
considered the mother of this material world who takes care of
the conditioned souls trapped in the material existence. She
protects them from the demons who threaten peace and establishes
Dharma. In the Shakta tradition or Shaktism (those who believe
that feminine energy is supreme), Mother Durga has been given
the highest position. She is often considered the expansion of
Mother Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva who is the destroyer
of the material world. The Vaishnavas consider Mother Durga as
the external energy of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu. She
takes charge of the material world and reforms those souls who
do not abide by the rules of the Supreme Lord.
Mother Durga is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman,
wearing a saree, and sitting on a tiger or lion. She has
multiple arms (usually ten arms) that hold different items and
weapons that express her martial skills. She tramples down the
demon Mahishasura, with her trident, representing the subduer of
vices.
What does Durga symbolize?
Being the powerful assistant of the Supreme Lord, Mother Durga
tests our dedication to the Lord. She represents the material
nature and like a loving mother, she gives a clarion call to all
forgetful souls to turn their faces towards Lord Krishna, who is
the only well-wisher of all living entities. The depiction of
her violently killing the demon Mahishasura with her trident
shows her extraordinary prowess. Mahishasura represents our
demoniac mentality that wants to enjoy separately from the
Supreme Lord, forgetting our eternal relationship with Him.
Goddess Durga killing the demon symbolizes the victory of good
over evil or wisdom over ignorance.
Where are Durga statues made in Kolkata?
The worship of Goddess Durga is prominent in festivals such as
Durga Puja, Durga Ashtami, Navaratri, etc. On those days, people
gather at a place and a big idol or deity of Goddess Durga is
worshiped with faith and devotion. These idols of the Goddess
are made in a place called Kumortuli, located near Kolkata, West
Bengal. This city is renowned for its beautiful clay sculptures
made by local manufacturers.
Can we keep Durga idol at home?
You can keep a Durga deity at your home if you want to attract
her mercy into your life. Goddess Durga is very merciful toward
her devotees and when pleased, she bestows them with both
material and spiritual benefits. Those who approach and worship
Goddess Durga with material desires in their hearts, she
fulfills them. But if a person genuinely approaches her and
prays to her to reveal about the Absolute Truth and the real
goal of human life to them, being the superintendent of the
Supreme Lord Vishnu, she blesses them with the light of
knowledge about the Lord and inspires them to walk the path of
devotion to Lord Vishnu.
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