The depiction of Panchmukhi Ganapati in brass symbolises divine exaltation and rhythm. Handcrafted in India, this sculpture showcases Lord Ganesh with five faces, each symbolising various aspects of existence. The intricate details invite contemplation on the multifaceted nature of life and existence, fostering an ambiance of divine rhythm and harmony. Each face of Ganesh within the sculpture represents different attributes and aspects of life, encouraging viewers to reflect on the diverse dimensions of existence and the harmony within diversity.
This image of Lord Ganesh, with legs tilted a little as in exaltation revealing rhythm and dance, conceived with five faces and six arms, is one of his forms classified in scriptures as Heramba Ganapati. In Heramba Ganapati form Lord Ganesh essentially has five faces, though the number of arms varies but usually eight, or ten, not six, as here in this statue. The deity that bestows bliss on all, especially the common folks, Heramba Ganapati is known and worshipped for protecting the poor. This form of Ganesh is equivalent to Shiva’s Sadashiva form. Like Sadashiva, with his four faces he guards all four directions, and with the fifth, all worlds below and above.
Cool and endowed with moonlike translucent soothing complexion Heramba Ganapati is represented in colours as white or with pearl-like body colour, which in stone or metals is alternated with the expression of quiescence that enshrines his face and the entire being. One and sometimes even two of his hands impart ‘abhaya’ which defines in a way Heramba Ganapati’s leading emotion. As varies the number of his hands so vary the attributes he carries in them. In this statue in five of his hands he is carrying goad and noose in upper right and left, trident and sword, in middle right and left, and the lower right, he is holding in ‘abhaya’, while with the lower left, he is holding snake.
A magnificent metal-cast, perhaps the most difficult form of the iconography of Ganesh, it wondrously manages five elephant heads, and almost all front-facing, on a single neck and torso. The artist has avoided using lion’s icon for his mount, which is one of the conventional features of Heramba Ganapati iconography, perhaps because a detached and unsupported figure imbalanced by five heads, as is this statue, a difficult form, could not conveniently rest on the lion’s back. All five trunks, though revealing symmetry, have been differently conceived. One in the centre has been cast as inverted, those flanking it are upwards turned as in Gaja-Lakshmi iconography, and those on extreme right and left, as fully stretched. Besides other jewels, he is wearing a long thick garland down to his navel, a prescribed feature of Heramba Ganapati iconography, and a beautifully patterned loincloth, something like a sewn half trousers of these days.
The figure of the great Lord has been installed on a beautiful lotus pedestal. He is supporting his entire body on the toe of his left foot the rest of which, lifted above the ground, is engaged in dance. A snake supports his other feet, also in dance mode, on its hood. The entire statue reveals sensuous warmth, refined plasticity, unique luminosity and a kind of spiritual serenity. It has tremendously succeeded in maintaining formative proportions, unity of form, symmetry of parts and its overall aesthetics.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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