Dharma-Artha-kama-moksha (virtue, finances, pleasure, liberation) - these are the four Purusharthas or pursuits of a person, in Hinduism. Goddess Lakshmi’s four hands, the most common attributes attached to her iconography, represent these four life goals. It is well established that in the pursuit of any of the above-mentioned goals, Ma Lakshmi’s Kripa (regards) is required by the devotee. Lakshmi is a provider and protector of wealth- be it material, spiritual, mental, or emotional. Though simply attached with the realm of money, Lakshmi is the embodiment of richness in every aspect of human life. It is her blessings that can raise a person from rags to riches. Thus, goddess Lakshmi is visualized as an exquisite woman, appearing as the queen-mother of the entire universe.
This life-size brass murti of goddess Lakshmi shows her seated on a marvellously real-looking lotus flower, one of whose petals provide a footrest to her left leg. The golden radiance of her form is a sculptural re-telling of her description in the Sri Suktam, a Vedic hymn dedicated to the brilliance and powers of goddess Lakshmi. Devi is seated majestically in the Lalitasana (posture of royal ease) fitting her regal status. A jeweled crown with a golden and inscribed fiery halo adorns her head. On her forehead is a pretty bindi (a coloured dot worn by women in India), highlighting her shapely brows and animated eyes. Her long tresses are beautifully designed to loosely frame her face before falling freely on her back. Maa Lakshmi wears karnika (jewelled earrings) with little trinkets in her ears and two gold necklaces. On her arms, Lakshmi wears bajuband (armbands), on her wrists are bangles. Her sari with beautiful ethnic border and small floral designs all over is held in place by an ornate waistband. Devi wears Payal (anklets) and Bichiya (toe-rings) on her feet, showing her status as an auspicious married woman, as per the Hindu culture. Two of her hands hold half-bloomed lotus flowers in the Kappita (wood apple) mudra, a hand gesture primarily related to her and goddess Saraswati. Her main left hand is in the Varada mudra (gesture of bestowing boon) and her main right hand is in the Abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness), both the palms pleasingly decorated with auspicious motifs. From the magnetism in Devi’s facial expressions to the soft folds of her sari, the artist has given this brass murti a life-like appearance.
The queenly aura of Maa Lakshmi is only a part of her incomprehensible powers and might. As the consort and Shakti of the preserver of the Universe Vishnu, she is the provider of the means and the driving force within Vishnu. When called upon as the earth-goddess, Lakshmi becomes the fertility of the fields, as the Sri Sukta mentions- she is the ‘moist’ present in the ground, nourishing the crops. Without her, no material or spiritual task can be fulfilled. Vishnu is the Lord of the Universe, but without his Shakti, he will remain passive, in his cosmic sleep. This is why, Lakshmi Tantra places her above Vishnu, as the axis of the Universe.
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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