One of the significant manifestations of Shiva is that of Ardhanarishvara, the hermaphrodite. In the process of creation, "the power to conceive (vimarsha) and the power to fulfil (prakasha), when reunited, are immediately manifested as a limit point (bindu), or localization which is the starting point of space and time. From this point starts the vibration or sound (nada) which is the substance of the universe. Space is a female principle, a receptacle, while time is an active, male principle. Their union, symbolized by the divine hermaphrodite, represents the Eros (Kama), the creative impulse." (Swami Karpatri in the 'Shri Shiva Tattva'.)
Primordial divinity is essentially bisexual. Indeed, the divine is defined in the Upanishads as "that in which opposites coexist." Such a deity is said to be Ardhanarishvara, a Sanskrit term meaning "Lord Whose Half is female," embodying the qualities of both genders.
Here Shiva's form is fused halfway into the body of his spouse Parvati. This bisexual image is divided vertically, the right-hand half, which is male, being that of Shiva proper, and the left side having female anatomy, that of Parvati. On Shiva's side are outspread his coils, while behind Parvati is a solar halo. The combined face is characterized by an aquiline nose and sensuous lips. The prominent breast jutting out Parvati's side contrasts well with His sturdy, masculine chest. Snakes writhe upon Shiva's arms, acting as His ornaments, while Parvati's hand is typically adorned with rich feminine jewelry. Similarly, He wears His trademark loin cloth made of animal skin while She is richly dressed in a bejewelled dhoti, which clings to Her leg, outlining its litheness.
The composite deity stands upon a double lotus pedestal, wearing a high crown and different earrings in the two ears. Ardhanarishvara's posture here is that of a graceful dance. Befittingly, the sculptor has contrived to present this jig too as a mixture of the dances typical to Parvati and Shiva respectively. The female foot placed gently on the ground represents Parvati's soft dance known as lasya, while the slightly, yet vigorously raised right foot signifies Shiva's energetic dance known as tandava.
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.
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.
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