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Lord Venkateshvara as Balaji at Tirupati

$519
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZAU05
Kadamba Wood Statue from Jaipur
Height: 12 inch
Width: 7.5 inch
Depth: 3 inch
Weight 1.20 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 Wood: The Lord Venkateshwara Balaji Statue

Invite the benevolent presence of Lord Venkateshwara, affectionately known as Balaji, into your home with this exquisitely carved Kadamba wood statue. Originating from the artisan workshops of Jaipur, this piece is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit to spiritual solace and divine grace. The intricate details, from the serene expression on the deity's face to the elaborate ornamentation of his attire, speak volumes of the craftsman's devotion and skill. Kadamba wood, known for its durability and fine grain, has been transformed by skilled hands into a breathtaking representation of the presiding deity of Tirumala. Lord Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is revered as the bestower of wealth and prosperity, and his form as Balaji at Tirupati is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. It is said that when Kali Yuga, the current age of darkness and moral decay, began to intensify, Lord Vishnu chose to manifest as Venkateshwara at Tirumala to offer solace and blessings to humanity.

Symbolism and Artistic Mastery

This statue captures the divine posture of Lord Venkateshwara, often depicted standing with his hands in a gesture of blessing and reassurance. The conch and discus, symbols of Vishnu's supreme power and cosmic order, are subtly hinted at in the divine iconography. The elaborate crown, known as a mukuta, signifies his royalty and divinity, while the tilak on his forehead is a mark of auspiciousness. The garlands and ornate jewelry adorning his body are rendered with remarkable precision, each petal and curve meticulously carved. Even the folds of his dhoti and the intricate patterns on the pedestal are a testament to the artisan's dedication to capturing every nuance of the divine form. The backdrop of the statue, featuring a traditional arch and decorative elements, adds to its grandeur and completeness. This artistic element serves not only to frame the deity but also to evoke the sanctity of the temple environment where devotees gather to seek blessings. The overall effect is one of profound peace and divine majesty, inviting contemplation and devotion.

A Touch of Tradition for Your Sacred Space

The choice of Kadamba wood, sourced from Jaipur, adds another layer of cultural significance. Jaipur is renowned for its rich heritage of wood carving, and artisans there have preserved traditional techniques passed down through generations. This statue embodies that legacy, offering a piece of authentic Indian craftsmanship that resonates with centuries of spiritual tradition. Place it in your puja room, meditation space, or any corner of your home where you wish to invite an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, and divine protection. The natural beauty of the wood and the timeless depiction of Lord Venkateshwara will surely be a source of inspiration and devotion for years to come.

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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