The Ekapada Murti/ Egapatha Moorthy, a distinctive manifestation of Lord Shiva, holds significance primarily in South India, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Nepal. Depicted in three main forms, the Ekapada-murti features Shiva as one-legged and four-armed. In the Ekapada-Trimurti, he displayed standing on one leg while the images of Vishnu and Brahma, emerge from that one leg, balancing at both sides, symbolizing the Hindu Trinity.
Originating from the Vedic Aja Ekapada, this form signifies the Axis Mundi, highlighting Shiva as the Supreme Lord from whom Vishnu and Brahma originate. Ekapada's iconography emphasizes his connection to severe penance, often accompanied by ascetic attendants.
This Ekapatha Moorthy, a Panchaloha Bronze sculpture from Swamimalai using the Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) technique, portrays a divine trinity with intricate detail and symbolism. Lord Shiva, in the center, holds a Parashu (axe) and a deer in his upper hands, signifying his role as the destroyer and protector of the cosmos. His lower hands express the Abhaya (fearlessness) and Varada (boon-granting) Mudra.
Lord Brahma, on one side, carries an akashmala (rosary) and a kamandalu, with his lower hands in namaskar mudra, representing reverence. On the other side, Lord Vishnu wields a Shankha and Chakra in his upper hands, while folding his lower hands in namaskar mudra, symbolizing devotion.
Lord Shiva's Jatamukuta and flowing side locks evoke a celestial aura, resembling clouds. The sculpture stands on a lotus podium, symbolizing wisdom and purity. The amalgamation of these divine elements in the Ekapatha Moorthy reflects the interconnectedness and balance within the Hindu trinity, portraying their respective attributes and roles in the cosmic order. This masterpiece serves as a sacred embodiment of artistic craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism, inviting devotees to contemplate the divine qualities embodied by Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.
Eternal Brilliance Unveiled: The Mystique of Panchaloha Bronze and Artful Maintenance Rituals
Bronze is a metal alloy that has the primary composition of Copper and Tin. There is also an addition of other metals such as Manganese, Aluminium, Nickel, and some non-metals such as Phosphorus. This composition of several metals and non-metals makes Bronze an extremely durable and strong metal alloy. It is for this reason that Bronze is extensively used for casting sculptures and statues. Since Bronze has a low melting point, it usually tends to fill in the finest details of a mould and when it cools down, it shrinks a little that makes it easier to separate from the mould.
" If you happen to have a bronze statue, simply use a cotton cloth with some coconut oil or any other natural oil to clean the statue. "
A village named Swamimalai in South India is especially known for exceptionally well-crafted Bronze icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The skilled artisans of this place use Panchaloha Bronze for casting the icons. Panchaloha Bronze is made of five metals; Copper, Zinc, Lead, and small quantities of Gold and Silver. Zinc gives a golden hue to the finished figure and Lead makes the alloy softer for the easy application of a chisel and hammer. The common technique for producing these statues and sculptures is the “Lost-wax” method. Because of the high durability of bronze sculptures and statues, less maintenance is required, and can still last up to many decades.
Exotic India takes great pride in its collection of hand-picked Panchaloha Statues. You will find the murtis of Gods (Krishna, Hanuman, Narasimha, Ganesha, Nataraja, and Kartikeya) and Goddesses (Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga, and Parvati), and Buddha statues. You can also buy Ritual paraphernalia (Wicks lamp, Puja Kalash, Cymbals, and Puja Flag) on the website. All these statues and items have been made with a lot of care and attention, giving them a flawless finish. Their fine carving detail represents the rich tradition of India.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist