Lord Venugopala And The Cow, The Very Picture Of Bhakti

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Lord Venugopala And The Cow, The Very Picture Of Bhakti

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Name: Lord Venugopala And The Cow, The Very Picture Of Bhakti
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEE49
Price: 2060.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1931.25

$2575

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Off the flute of the young and handsome Lord Venugopala, emerges divine music. The kind that perpetrated the woods and alleyways of Vrindavan not so long ago. The kind that uplifts and cleanses and elevates, makes space in the heart for bhakti. The desi cow that supports the figure of Lord Krishna in this composition is the very picture of bhakti. He looks up at his friend, the neck at a sharp angle upwards, reaching out to Him with His whole being.

The Sanskrt word ‘bhakti’ is often translated to devotion, but the feeling of bhakti is so much more than that. Bhakti is love; bhakti is unconditional; bhakti is what is left of the heart after the washing away of all that clogs the so-inclined citta (psyche). The cow is the bhakta of Lord Venugopala Krishna, the Lord in turn its paternal lover and protector. This gorgeously coloured composition depicts the two in their togetherness, the beauty of their unconditional friendship captured by the prevailing dynamism and symmetry.

From the adornments of the azure-skinned Lord to the halo and the crown of the head-region, each iconographic detail has been sculpted with precision and attention, no matter how miniscule. Some hallmarks of South Indian temple architecture - the homegrown wood medium, the flower down the pedestal midline, and the majestic aureole gathered in the Shaivite Kirtimukham motif at the zenith

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Specifications

	ZEE49
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 52.5 inch
	Width: 26 inch
	Depth: 9.5 inch
	Weight 47 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.

The Enchanting Melody of Venugopala

This exquisite South Indian wood carving captures the divine essence of Lord Krishna in his form as Venugopala, the divine flutist, gracefully seated upon a gentle cow. This masterpiece is more than just a sculpture; it is a vibrant testament to devotion, a frozen melody that evokes the pastoral charm and spiritual bliss of Brindavan. The intricate details and rich, hand-painted colors bring to life a scene steeped in mythology and tradition, inviting you to connect with the divine in its most accessible and heartwarming form.

A Divine Performance in Wood

The carving portrays Lord Krishna, the beloved deity of love, compassion, and joy, with his signature serene expression and playful demeanor. His celestial blue skin gleams with an ethereal glow, a color often associated with infinity and divinity. He is depicted playing his enchanting flute, the 'venu', its melody said to have the power to captivate all beings, from the gopis (cowherd girls) and calves to the very trees and rivers of his homeland. The meticulous carving of his ornate jewelry, the flowing dhoti, and the elaborate aureole behind him speak volumes about the artistry and devotion of the South Indian craftsmen. Each stroke of the chisel has been a prayer, transforming humble wood into a portal to the divine realm.

The Sacred Bond with the Cow

The presence of the cow beside Lord Venugopala is central to this depiction. In Hindu tradition, cows are revered as symbols of purity, nurturing, and abundance. Lord Krishna, as the protector of herds and the cowherd boy of Gokul and Vrindavan, shares an exceptionally profound bond with these gentle creatures. His flute playing not only soothed the cows but also guided them back to their enclosures, a daily ritual that symbolized his care for all living beings. The cow in this carving is rendered with a gentle, lifelike quality, its placid gaze reflecting the divine peace that Krishna's presence bestows. This scene is a visual representation of dharma, the cosmic order, where human and animal life coexist in harmony under divine guardianship.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Spirituality

Originating from the rich artistic traditions of South India, this wood carving embodies the region's mastery of temple art. The vibrant palette of colors—deep reds, vivid greens, brilliant blues, and earthy oranges—is typical of traditional Indian folk art, imbuing the sculpture with a sense of life and celebration. The elaborate ornamentation surrounding Krishna, including floral motifs and celestial patterns, reflects the architectural grandeur of South Indian temples and the deep-seated reverence for the divine. Owning this sculpture is not just acquiring a piece of art; it is bringing home a piece of cultural heritage, a tangible link to centuries of spiritual devotion and artistic excellence. It serves as a constant reminder of the divine presence in our lives and the beauty of devotion.

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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