Maa Lakshmi, or Sri-Lakshmi, in her origin hymn- the Sri Suktam is closely associated with the fertility of the earth and abundance. She is seen as the personification of the “moistness” of the earth, which is behind the lush green fields- wealth in the form of agricultural produce. In this form, Sri Devi is also related to the earth goddess Bhudevi. This marvelously beautiful representation of goddess Lakshmi presents the mother goddess as the protector and enricher of fields. The Sthapati (creator) of this bronze has applied known iconographical devices in making the icon- fuller breasts, a rounded face, and a voluptuous physique, to bring out the idea of Lakshmi as a woman brimming with the signs of motherhood and reproductive prowess.
Goddess Lakshmi is sitting in the Lailtasana- the posture of royal ease, on an upturned lotus pedestal. Her perfectly round face encapsulating the glow of a new mother is framed by an especially ornate mukuta (crown) and two Kundala (earrings). Her arms are plump- decorated with Skanda Mala (shoulder ornaments) and Baajubanda (armbands). Devi’s exquisite necklaces dangle over and between her round breasts, which are secured by a flower-adorned Kuchabandha (breast band). The curves of her elegant figure are highlighted by the Channavira that runs in two lines across her belly. Maa Lakshmi’s beautiful dhoti (lower body garment) is outlined by soft bumps all over her legs, showing its folds. Goddess holds two stylistically designed lotus flowers in her hands, with long stalks around which Devi’s fingers are fabulously delineated in this bronze sculpture. Attention is caught by the seamlessness of Maa Lakshmi’s almond eyes and fuller lips that give her a distinctly ethnic appearance.
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.
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