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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Standing Lord Shiva

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Name: Standing Lord Shiva
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAD36
Price: 205.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$177

$236

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAD36
	White Cedar Wood from Trivandrum (Kerala)
	Height: 15.5 inch
	Width: 6 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 1 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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.

A Divine Presence: Kartikeya, God of War

Invite the divine presence of Lord Kartikeya, the valiant Hindu deity revered as the god of war and the commander of celestial armies, into your home with this exquisitely carved wooden statue. Crafted from fragrant White Cedar wood sourced from the verdant landscapes of Trivandrum, Kerala, this piece embodies spiritual significance and artistic mastery. The rich, warm tones of the wood lend an aura of serenity and timelessness, making it a captivating centerpiece for any spiritual space, altar, or decorative collection.

Symbolism and Sacred Lore

Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subrahmanya, is a beloved deity in Hinduism, particularly in South India. Born of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, his very conception was a divine intervention to defeat the formidable demon Taraka. His upbringing was unique, nurtured by the Krittikas (pleiades stars), which is how he acquired the name Skanda, meaning "one who leaps forth." He is often depicted with six heads, representing the six senses and the ability to overcome them, though this particular carving captures his majestic single-headed form. His weapon of choice is the *Vel*, a divine spear, symbolizing wisdom and the power to destroy ignorance and ego. His mount, the peacock, signifies his conquest over vanity and his ability to trample down any negative forces, represented by the serpents often shown entwined with it. This statue, with the lord holding his *Vel* and standing beside his majestic peacock, is a powerful representation of divine strength, courage, and the triumph of good over evil.

Artistic Craftsmanship from Kerala

The skilled artisans of Kerala, renowned for their intricate wood carving traditions that span centuries, have meticulously brought this divine form to life. The delicate details of Lord Kartikeya's serene expression, the flowing dhoti, the ornate jewelry, and the radiant peacock are all rendered with exceptional precision. The White Cedar wood from Trivandrum is chosen not only for its beautiful grain and subtle aroma but also for its durability and resistance to pests, ensuring that this sacred artwork will endure for generations. The natural beauty of the wood is preserved, allowing the divine energy and the artisan's touch to shine through. This statue is more than just a decorative object; it is a conduit for devotion, a reminder of spiritual principles, and a testament to the rich artistic heritage of India.

A Beacon of Devotion and Strength

Placing this statue in your home or meditation space serves as a constant inspiration for courage, discipline, and spiritual growth. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped for granting strength to overcome obstacles, clarity of mind, and success in endeavors. His presence is believed to ward off negative energies and bring about a sense of peace and protection. This beautifully carved representation is ideal for personal worship, as a thoughtful gift for loved ones, or as an exquisite addition to any collection of Indian art and artifacts. It invites the blessings of the divine warrior into your life, fostering an environment of positivity and spiritual upliftment.

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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