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20" Bronze Lord Shiva's Trishul / Trident with Stand

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Item Code:	MIX365
Specifications:	Bronze
Height:	20 inch
Width:	7.5 inch
Depth:	6.5 inch
Weight:	6.25 kg

Handmade

Free delivery

Fully insured

100% Made in India

Fair trade

WHAT IS PANCHALOHA BRONZE AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT ?

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.

How are Bronze statues made?

Bronze statues and sculptures are known for their exquisite beauty and the divinity that they emit all around the space. Bronze is considered an excellent metal alloy, composed primarily of copper and tin. Many properties make it suitable for sculpting even the most intricate and complex structures. There was a period in history, known as the "Bronze Age", in which most sculptors preferred to work with Bronze as it was considered the hardest metal. Bronze is especially appreciated for its durability, ductility, and corrosion-resistance properties. India is especially known for its elegant workmanship of skills working with Bronze. The artisans of a town named Swamimalai in South India have been following a tradition of bronze murti making for ages. They use a special material known as Panchaloha bronze to make fascinating icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

All of us are allured by the beauty of bronze statues and sculptures but there goes a tough hand in casting those masterpieces with little or no imperfections. Since it is an extremely elaborate process, a sculptor needs to be highly skilled in making bronze antiques. The most common technique for casting bronze sculptures that has been followed since ancient times is the “Lost-wax” process which involves many steps:

1. Clay model making

The making of a bronze statue or sculpture starts with preparing a full-sized clay (usually Plasticine) model of the sculpture. This allows the artist to have an idea about the overall shape and form of the desired sculpture before working with bronze, a much more expensive and difficult-to-work-with material.

2. Mould making

Once the clay model is ready, a mould of the original sculpture is made. This is done by carefully covering the clay model with plaster strips. This step is carried out in such a way that no air bubbles are formed. It takes up to 24 hours for the plaster to dry. Once dried, the plaster is then gently removed from the clay model. The removal happens easily because the inner mould is usually made of materials such as polyurethane rubber or silicone.

3. Wax filling and removal

In this step, molten bronze or wax is poured or filled into the mould in such a way that it gets even into the finest details. The mould is then turned upside down and left to cool and harden. When the wax has hardened, it is removed from the mould.

4. Chasing

Chasing is the process in which the artist refines the surface of the bronze statue using various tools to achieve fine details. This smoothens the surface and gives the statue a finished look. If some parts of the statue were moulded separately, they are now heated and attached.

5. Applying a patina

Bronze sculptures are known for their unique look or sheen on the surface. This may take several years to achieve naturally. Applying patina to bronze sculptures is an important step to make them appear attractive.

Working with clay, plaster mould, and molten wax can be messy and therefore sculptors wear old clothes and remain careful. The entire process of making a bronze statue takes several months to complete. Bronze sculptures last for many centuries because of the high durability of the material. Many centuries down the line, these sculptures continue to be appreciated for their majestic beauty.

The Trident as a Metaphor for Transformation: Understanding its significance in Hindu philosophy

The trident holds great significance in Hinduism. It is a spear having three prongs and is the principal weapon of Mahadev, Lord Shiva. He is always depicted holding his Trishul (Trident) in one of his hands. The Sanskrit word Trishul is the combination of two words i.e. "Tri" meaning "three" and "Shul" or "Shool" meaning "a stake". Goddess Durga, the consort of Lord Shiva, is also sometimes seen holding the trident in her arm as one of her weapons. She killed the great demon Mahishasura with it. Some Shaivites (devotees of Lord Shiva) also carry the trident with them as a means of protection. The Vedic scriptures are so vast and detailed that they deal with all aspects of knowledge, both material and spiritual. Anything mentioned in the Vedas is not imaginary or false, it is scientific and based on the knowledge of the Absolute Truth. Hinduism is rich in symbolism and Trident is considered one of the most powerful symbols. Let us know more about the trident and know its significance.

The symbolic meaning of the Trident

Considering the Trident only as a mere weapon is an incomplete understanding. There is a profound meaning behind its divine structure.

- The three prongs of the Trident represent the three modes of material nature; Sattva Guna (mode of goodness), Rajas Guna (mode of passion), and Tamas Guna (mode of ignorance), meaning that everything and everyone in the material world is influenced by these modes.

- Some also believe that the three prongs represent the three forces of creation, maintenance, and annihilation. The scriptures mention that the material universe is temporary (Ashashvatam) and therefore it is first manifested and again unmanifested, and this continues till eternity.

- The trident also symbolizes the three planetary systems. According to the Vedic Puranas, there are three worlds within the material sphere; the lower world (Bhurloka), the middle world (Bhuvarloka), and the upper world (Svarloka).

From bondage to salvation

The Trident is seen as a subtle attack on the negative tendencies or Anarthas such as lust, anger, greed, envy, ego, and illusion. These Anarthas pollute the mind and intelligence of the conditioned souls and cover their real identity and consciousness. As a result, they forget their eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord and become engrossed in material existence. The Trident is an awakening for all the forgetful souls to seek spiritual guidance to know about the Absolute Truth.

The attack or stroke of the Trident destroys all the Anarthas within their hearts. When this happens, the person transcends the modes of material nature and is situated in pure goodness (Shuddh Sattva). In this state of existence, he neither laments for the past nor hankers for anything and remains blissful in his spiritual identity. After leaving the material body, he does not take birth again in any of the planetary systems, but rather returns to the eternal abode of the Supreme. Hence, he comes out of the cycle of repeated birth and death and is not subject to the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the material world.

This is achieved when an individual takes the shelter of a Guru (spiritual master), Shastra (scriptures), and Sadhu (saintly persons) which are the most important symbolic representation of the three points of the Trident. Thus he breaks free from the bondage of the ocean of nescience and becomes liberated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?

A. Panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid. To know more about how bronze statues are made, please read our article on Panchaloha Bronze Statues. Whereas, brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow.
Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?

A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at [email protected].
Q. Can I return the statue ?

A. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) days of the delivery date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more please view our return policy.
Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?

A. For any customisation, a new bronze statue has to be made. To know more, kindly email us at [email protected].