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.

Padmasana Lord Ganesha

$309.75
$413
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Very little of the wooden superstructures of Southern temples has survived the ravages of time. From the little that could be found in the hinterlands, modern-day artisans have developed a contemporary sculptural tradition. A fine example of the same is to be seen on this page, a seated Lord Ganesha that would have likely graced the exterior walls of an ancient temple of the South. Note how replete the work is with traditional elements of His iconography.

From the serrations on the trunk and the tattoos on His ears to the detailed shringar and the folds of His dhoti - each aspect of this work has been sculpted in wood with the highest order of skilled handiwork and precision. A large lotus in full bloom constitutes His throne, which itself is placed on a pedestal carved with lotus petals. Note the Shaivite tilak beneath the close-set crown, indicative of His parentage, and the expression of innocence and wisdom in His lifelike eyes.

The Lord is seated in lalitasana. He is chaturbhujadhari (four-armed), bearing the divine elements of conch and lotus and laddoo. No Ganesha murti is complete without the laddoo, which is as integral to His iconography as His vahana the mouse itself. He takes great pleasure in the Indian sweetmeat, which explains why most of the offerings made to Him by loving devotees are of homemade laddooes.

Specifications
ZEN531
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 18 inch
Width: 3.8 inch
Depth: 9.8 inch
Weight 3.50 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 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.

The Benevolent Remover of Obstacles

This exquisite South Indian temple wood carving depicts Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, in the Padmasana (lotus) posture. The rich, warm tones of the wood bring a sense of sacredness and tradition to this timeless representation of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences, is a powerful symbol of new beginnings and is invoked at the start of any important endeavor. His presence is believed to clear the path for success and ward off negativity. The artistry of this piece is evident in every detail. The fine carving captures the serene expression on Ganesha's face, his large ears attuned to the prayers of his devotees, and his trunk gracefully curved. Adorned with intricate jewelry and a celestial crown, he exudes divine majesty. The lotus seat upon which he rests is a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, signifying that even in the material world, one can achieve enlightenment. The detailed ornamentation across his robes and the mala (garland) adorning his neck speak to the deep devotional practices associated with his worship.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Hailing from the artisanal traditions of South India, this wood carving is a testament to generations of skill and devotion. South Indian temple carvings are renowned for their intricate detail, spiritual depth, and enduring quality. Each piece is often hand-carved by master craftsmen who imbue their work with a deep understanding of the iconography and philosophical significance of the deities they represent. This particular carving, rendered in Padmasana, is a classic representation of Ganesha, a pose often associated with meditation and deep contemplation. It is said that when Ganesha assumes this posture, he is in a state of profound awareness, ready to bestow his blessings upon the world. The very act of carving the wood, a natural element, connects the artwork to the earth, grounding its spiritual essence.

Invoking Divine Blessings

This Ganesha statue is more than just a decorative item; it is an invitation to invite divine grace into your home or place of worship. Whether placed in a living room, study, or meditation space, its calming presence and powerful symbolism can inspire peace, creativity, and abundance. In Hindu mythology, Ganesha's wisdom is often sought by gods and mortals alike. It is believed that his four arms represent the four aspects of the inner-temple: mind, intellect, ego, and consciousness. His upper two hands hold the noose and the goad, symbolizing his ability to overcome attachments and guide followers toward the right path, respectively. His lower right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, bestowing blessings and protection, while his lower left hand often holds a modak (a sweet dumpling), representing the sweetness of spiritual realization. This magnificent carving serves as a constant reminder of these profound teachings and the boundless compassion of Lord Ganesha.

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.
Image

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.
Image

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.
Image

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.
Image

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. 

Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy