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Large Dakshinamurti Shiva

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Name: Large Dakshinamurti Shiva
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEN572
Price: 2475.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2320.50

$3094

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Seated under a stylized leaf aureoled Banyan tree with monkeys hopping and eating fruits and peacocks screaming melodiously at the top, Lord Dakshinamurthy settles on a heighted uniquely carved pedestal in lalitasana with right leg on the demon Apasmara as a mark of suppressing ignorance from the world.

Dakshinamurthy is an aspect of Lord Shiva as a guru or a teacher of all types of knowledge, who faces south (dakshina) at the time of teaching the ganas. Seated at his secluded spot on the Himalayas under a Banyan tree, surrounded by ganas all around and Nandi (his vahana) sits near his legs. This Chaturbhuja holds a damru with a snake coiled around and a flame in his upper hands, while the front right hand in a gesture of gyan mudra symbolizing knowledge and wisdom holds a rosary and left carries scriptures for scriptural knowledge.

He wears a rudraksha mala on his kantha along with other precious jewels adorning his body with a hole extending from one ear to the other, as he teaches through the subtlest form of speech- para vak, i.e. beyond the range of physical ear. His luxuriant hair of matted locks is ornamented with wild flowers and a snake with the mass of the jatas arranged in conical shape to resemble a crown.

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Specifications

	ZEN572
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 59 inch
	Width: 9.5 inch
	Depth: 34 inch
	Weight 68 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Divine Wisdom: The Dakshinamurti

This magnificent South Indian wood carving captures the profound essence of Dakshinamurti, a contemplative aspect of Lord Shiva. As the Adi Guru, or primordial teacher, Dakshinamurti embodies supreme knowledge, stillness, and the unfolding of consciousness. He is depicted seated in a yogic posture, radiating an aura of serene authority and profound wisdom. This intricately carved sculpture, born from the skilled hands of master artisans, serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and spiritual reflection, bringing the divine presence into your home or sacred space.

The Guru of Gurus: Dakshinamurti's Iconography

In this striking representation, Dakshinamurti is shown seated on a prostrate figure, symbolizing the subjugation of ignorance and ego. To his side, the sacred bull, Nandi, his devoted vahana, rests peacefully, a testament to devotion and dharma. The elaborate canopy of cobra hoods arching over the deity evokes a sense of protection and the coiled kundalini energy, representing spiritual power. Shiva's four hands are depicted in specific mudras. One hand is often shown in Chin Mudra, signifying pure knowledge and concentration, while another may hold a flame or a trident, symbolizing destruction of negativity and the tripartite powers of creation, preservation, and destruction. His tranquil gaze and serene countenance invite contemplation and inner peace, reflecting the stillness of the cosmic dance. The surrounding carvings likely depict celestial beings, sages, and scenes from Hindu mythology, adding layers of narrative and spiritual significance to the artwork.

A Masterpiece of South Indian Craftsmanship

This large-scale wood carving is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, renowned for its temple architecture and exquisite sculptural traditions. Each detail, from the delicate ornamentation on Shiva's body to the flowing lines of the naga (cobra) hood and the textures of the surrounding elements, has been meticulously rendered by artisans who have inherited these ancient skills through generations. The wood itself, carefully selected and treated, possesses a deep, warm hue that enhances the intricate carvings and lends a timeless quality to the sculpture. This piece is not merely a decorative object; it is a work of devotional art, imbued with spiritual devotion and artistic mastery, designed to inspire awe and reverence.

Invoking Stillness and Knowledge

Dakshinamurti represents the aspect of Shiva who imparts wisdom and knowledge, especially in the realm of spiritual understanding. In the Puranas, it is said that Shiva, as Dakshinamurti, sat under the banyan tree, imparting profound truths to the Saptarishis (seven great sages) who came to him seeking enlightenment. This sculpture serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a Guru in guiding one towards self-realization. Its imposing size and intricate detail command attention, making it a central piece for any devotee or admirer of Hindu art and philosophy. The presence of this Dakshinamurti sculpture can help foster an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, encouraging introspection and the pursuit of deeper knowledge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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