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Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
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Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

8" Wooden Vengai Manai Series 1

$78
$104
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

This sacred wooden abode has been crafted for divine rituals and spiritual sanctity. “Manai” refers to a traditional South Indian term for a dwelling or sanctified space. Carved from the revered Vengai wood, known for its durability and auspicious properties, this Vengai Manai fosters an atmosphere conducive to prayer and meditation. The meticulous craftsmanship of this art piece ensures authenticity. This sacred space stands as a tribute to tradition and spirituality, providing a sanctified haven for religious practices. Let the Vengai Manai redefine your surroundings, adding a touch of splendor and a sense of connection to the roots.

Specifications
PHC542
Wood
Height: 2 inch
Width: 8 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 350 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 8 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Sacred Pedestal for Devotion and Display

Elevate your sacred space and artistic presentations with this exquisitely crafted wooden pedestal. Carved from rich, durable wood, this piece embodies a timeless elegance, designed to serve as a dignified platform for deities, auspicious symbols, or cherished artifacts. Its sturdy construction and subtle, refined design make it a versatile addition to any home altar, meditation corner, or decorative display. The inherent warmth and natural grain of the wood lend a grounding presence, connecting the viewer to the earth and the enduring traditions it represents. In many cultures, wood is revered for its life-giving properties and its ability to absorb and radiate positive energy, making it an ideal material for sacred objects. This pedestal, with its clean lines and understated charm, allows the beauty of what it holds to take center stage, enhancing its spiritual or aesthetic significance.

Echoes of Tradition and Auspicious Symbolism

The tradition of elevating sacred objects on specially designed platforms is deeply rooted in various spiritual practices. In Hinduism, for instance, idols of deities are often placed on ornately carved wooden seats or altars called "Simhasana" (lion throne) or "Peetham" (seat), symbolizing the divine's regal presence. This practice is not merely aesthetic; it signifies respect, reverence, and the creation of a dedicated, sacred zone. This particular pedestal, with its simple yet dignified form, can be seen as a modern interpretation of these ancient customs. The square top can be likened to the Yantra, a mystical geometric diagram used in spiritual practices, while the four sturdy legs represent the four directions or the four Vedas, providing a stable foundation for divine energy. It can also evoke the image of the mythical Mandara mountain, believed to be the center of the universe.

Craftsmanship and Versatility

Meticulously carved, this wooden pedestal showcases a dedication to quality and detail. The smooth finish invites touch, while the robust structure ensures stability. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller altars or for creating focal points within a room without overwhelming the space. Beyond its devotional uses, this versatile piece can also be used to showcase miniature art collections, prized collectibles, or even as a unique stand for small potted plants, bringing a touch of nature and artistry into your living environment. Whether used for religious ceremonies, personal meditation, or simply to enhance your home decor, this wooden pedestal offers a blend of functionality, tradition, and enduring beauty.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
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2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
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3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
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4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
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How to care for Wood Statues?


Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster. 

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