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Bhagawan Venkateshvara as Tirupati Balaji

$684.75
$913
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZBB89
White Cedar Wood from Trivandrum (Kerala)
Height: 14 inch
Width: 15.5 inch
Depth: 5.5 inch
Weight 5.50 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 35 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 Divine Presence in Carved Wood

This exquisite wooden carving depicts Bhagawan Venkateshvara, revered by millions as Tirupati Balaji, the presiding deity of the sacred Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Crafted from the finest White Cedar wood sourced from the lush region of Trivandrum in Kerala, this statue embodies spiritual devotion and artistic mastery. The natural beauty of the wood, with its subtle grain and warm hue, has been skillfully transformed by artisans into a divine form that radiates peace and divine grace. The intricate details showcase the traditional iconography of Venkateshvara, inviting contemplation and fostering a connection with the divine. ––––––––––––––––––––

The Lord of the Seven Hills

Bhagawan Venkateshvara is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared on the Seshachalam Hills (also known as the Seven Hills) at Tirumala to aid humanity in the Kali Yuga. Legend has it that the Lord married Padmavati, a princess, and to meet the expenses of their wedding, he borrowed a significant sum of gold from Kubera, the god of wealth. This is why devotees believe that by worshipping Venkateshvara, one can be blessed with prosperity and material well-being. The gesture of his raised hand, known as the Varada Mudra, signifies the granting of boons and blessings to his devotees. This meticulously carved representation captures the essence of the benevolent Lord, who is known for his compassionate nature and willingness to bestow divine grace upon those who surrender to him. The elaborate headdress and the divine ornaments adorning the deity are rendered with remarkable precision, reflecting the grandeur associated with the Lord of Tirumala. ––––––––––––––––––––

Artistry Rooted in Tradition

The choice of White Cedar wood from Trivandrum is significant. Kerala has a rich tradition of wood carving, and this particular wood is known for its durability, fine texture, and pleasant aroma, making it an ideal medium for religious art. The skilled hands of the carver have brought this sacred form to life, imbuing it with a sense of divinity and serenity. The intricate patterns on the deity's garments, the divine motifs etched into the elaborate archway, and the finely sculpted facial features all speak to a deep understanding of spiritual symbolism and a commitment to traditional craftsmanship. This piece is not merely a decorative item; it is a conduit for spiritual energy, designed to bring a sense of sanctity and divine blessing into any space it graces. The rich texture and the smooth finish of the wood enhance the tactile and visual appeal of the sculpture, making it a truly cherished artifact.

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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