7.5'' Goddess Pratyangira (Atharvana Bhadrakali) | Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) | Panchaloha Bronze from Swamimalai

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

The Fierce Protector: Goddess Pratyangira's Embodiment in Bronze

This magnificent bronze sculpture captures the formidable and benevolent power of Goddess Pratyangira, a divine aspect revered in Hindu traditions, particularly associated with the Atharva Veda and as a fierce form of Bhadrakali. She is a potent deity invoked for protection against black magic, evil spirits, and negative energies, serving as a shield for her devotees. The very name "Pratyangira" suggests a breaking or dismantling of adversaries, highlighting her role as a destroyer of evil. She is depicted in her iconic leonine form, seated astride a majestic lion. This imagery is deeply symbolic. The lion represents courage, strength, royalty, and unwavering determination. By riding the lion, Pratyangira embodies these very qualities, demonstrating her absolute mastery over them and her ability to channel them towards the protection of the righteous. The lion also symbolizes the fierce aspect of the divine mother, capable of unleashing primal force when necessary.

Craftsmanship and Artistic Heritage

The exquisite artistry of this statue is a testament to the renowned Madhuchista Vidhana, or lost-wax casting technique, practiced by master craftsmen. This ancient and intricate process, perfected in traditional Indian art centers like Swamimalai, involves creating a mold from wax, which is then coated in clay. When heated, the wax melts away, leaving a hollow cavity into which molten metal is poured. The resultant metal sculpture is then meticulously finished by hand. The use of Panchaloha, a sacred alloy composed of five metals, imbues the sculpture with spiritual significance and a distinctive patina. The warm, golden hue of the bronze further enhances the divine aura of the deity. The detailed ornamentation, from the intricate patterns on the lion's trappings to the divine adornments on the goddess herself, speaks volumes about the skill and devotion of the artisan.

Mythological Significance and Devotion

Goddess Pratyangira is believed to have emerged from the forehead of Sharaba, a mythical creature embodying the combined strength of eight beasts, to quell the arrogance of Lord Narasimha after his victory over the demon Hiranyakashipu. This origin story underscores her immense power and her role as a divine force that restores balance and order. She is often invoked in powerful mantras and rituals, especially those aimed at averting misfortune and neutralizing malevolent influences. Her fierce appearance, often with multiple faces and arms, symbolizes her all-encompassing vision and her ability to fight on multiple fronts against negativity. This sculpture serves not only as a beautiful object of art but also as a focal point for meditation, prayer, and the cultivation of inner strength and protective energies for the devotee.