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32" Large Brass Mariamman (South Indian Goddess Durga)

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This magnificent image cast in brass represents Durga, combining some of the features of the iconography of Kali and Lakshmi, a typical South Indian idiom of representing her. Such form of the goddess is usually known and worshipped in the South as Mari Amma or Mari Amman. This four-armed form of the goddess combines two sets of Shaivite attributes, one consisting of a third eye mark on the forehead and the trident, ‘damaru’ – small double drum, and serpent twisting around the ‘damaru’, carried in two upper hands, and the other, a chopper and a bowl, symbolic of skull-bowl, carried in her normal two hands, besides the flames of fire emitting halo-like from behind her head.

What defines the South Indian idiom of this image is its Vaishnavite cult: her Vaishnava crown, high lotus-seat consisting of a large size lotus and lotus-base below it, and her seating posture, known in the tradition as ‘lalitasana’ – the posture revealing beauty of form. These are the features characteristic to the icons of the highly venerated goddess of the South Padmavati, Lakshmi’s South Indian transform enshrining numerous sanctums there.

The image presents a unique synthesis of aesthetics and votive iconography for while the figure of the goddess has been modeled on aesthetic lines, the level of its sublimation inspires far deeper devotion in the viewing mind. In South Indian tradition Parvati and Uma are more popular manifestations of Shiva’s consort in relation to her lion-riding or demon-slaying forms, perhaps because in South Indian tradition Shiva with a very wide range of his manifestations is seen as himself accomplishing most of such objectives. Correspondingly Shiva’s consort is rarely seen as deployed in battlefield eliminating demons. A form of the goddess, other than her form as Uma or Parvati, as one represented by this brass statue, bereft of most of the demon-slaying myths, is not only known by a different name, that is Mari Amma, but is seen merely as engaged in accomplishing far direct objectives nearer to the worshipper’s heart. Mari-Amma is worshipped primarily for protecting against diseases and for eliminating adversities. She is also worshipped for redeeming from the bonds of this material world and from the cycle of birth and death.

Far from Kali’s ferocious and repulsive appearance and violent ways, and not even Durga-like occupied in action against demons, this form of the goddess has been conceived with benignity, feminine softness and wide open eyes: the essence of Durga’s basic iconography. Seated in ‘lalitasana’, revealing great aesthetic charm, the goddess has been represented as the model of absolute beauty. Her evil-eliminating role has been symbolised by the attributes she is carrying in her hands and the flames of fire, which comprise her halo, symbolise on one hand her inherent cosmic energy, and on the other, her power to dissolve and eliminate.

The figure of the goddess, conceived with sharp well defined nose and slightly pointed chin, has been installed on a tall large two-tiered seat. Its lower tier is an elevated square with a tapering lotus plinth and over it, a plain straight rising, and the upper tier, a rounded high podium made of a double lotus placed into the centre of the base-tier. The third eye, a less prominent feature, has been conceived like a ‘tilaka’, auspicious mark, conceived like the flame of a lamp. With a subdued belly, broad shoulders and a balanced body-structure the figure of the goddess has been brilliantly modeled.

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Item Code:	ZER167
Specifications:	BRASS
Dimensions	32.00 inch Height X 16.50 inch Width X 11.00 inch Depth
Weight:	33 kg

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The Fierce and Powerful Goddess Durga: Discovering the Symbolism and Significance

Goddess Durga is a revered deity in Hinduism and she is worshiped by many people in the eastern part of India and also in other countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. She is considered the mother of this material world who takes care of the conditioned souls trapped in the material existence. She protects them from the demons who threaten peace and establishes Dharma. In the Shakta tradition or Shaktism (those who believe that feminine energy is supreme), Mother Durga has been given the highest position. She is often considered the expansion of Mother Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva who is the destroyer of the material world. The Vaishnavas consider Mother Durga as the external energy of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu. She takes charge of the material world and reforms those souls who do not abide by the rules of the Supreme Lord.

Mother Durga is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman, wearing a saree, and sitting on a tiger or lion. She has multiple arms (usually ten arms) that hold different items and weapons that express her martial skills. She tramples down the demon Mahishasura, with her trident, representing the subduer of vices.

What does Durga symbolize?

Being the powerful assistant of the Supreme Lord, Mother Durga tests our dedication to the Lord. She represents the material nature and like a loving mother, she gives a clarion call to all forgetful souls to turn their faces towards Lord Krishna, who is the only well-wisher of all living entities. The depiction of her violently killing the demon Mahishasura with her trident shows her extraordinary prowess. Mahishasura represents our demoniac mentality that wants to enjoy separately from the Supreme Lord, forgetting our eternal relationship with Him. Goddess Durga killing the demon symbolizes the victory of good over evil or wisdom over ignorance.

Where are Durga statues made in Kolkata?

The worship of Goddess Durga is prominent in festivals such as Durga Puja, Durga Ashtami, Navaratri, etc. On those days, people gather at a place and a big idol or deity of Goddess Durga is worshiped with faith and devotion. These idols of the Goddess are made in a place called Kumortuli, located near Kolkata, West Bengal. This city is renowned for its beautiful clay sculptures made by local manufacturers.

Can we keep Durga idol at home?

You can keep a Durga deity at your home if you want to attract her mercy into your life. Goddess Durga is very merciful toward her devotees and when pleased, she bestows them with both material and spiritual benefits. Those who approach and worship Goddess Durga with material desires in their hearts, she fulfills them. But if a person genuinely approaches her and prays to her to reveal about the Absolute Truth and the real goal of human life to them, being the superintendent of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, she blesses them with the light of knowledge about the Lord and inspires them to walk the path of devotion to Lord Vishnu.

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.

The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?

A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
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, kindly email us at [email protected].