74" Super Large Tirupati Balaji in Wooden Frame Stand with Vaishnav Symbol Lamp | Teakwood Frame | LED Lights | Spotless White Marble Base | Balaji Mandir

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Placed against a lacquered deep-hued teakwood frame the glistening brass Sri Venkateshwara idol glows heavenly. From the countenance of Tirupati which appears to be blissfully animated to his kingly ornamentation that has been presented by the sculptor with immense detailing, every aspect of the icon speaks for the devoted skills of the maker who imbued metal with divinity. Balaji wears an imposing conical crown which is adorned with floral and geometrical patterns and on his forehead is a large Vaishnava Tilak that pulls the gaze to the enlivened smile of Sri Venkateshwara.

Large circular earrings with floral designs, embellishment of armbands decorated with a Chakra (discus) and Shankha (conch) as well as a pair of five-hooded Adi Shesha (Vishnu’s serpent) add aesthetic symmetry to the brass idol. Multiple layers of necklaces, brooches with Tirupati’s wives- Lakshmi and Padmavati, udarbandha (belly belt), and a long garland with Makara crest (a mythical creature that symbolizes beauty and royalty) emphasize the allure of Balaji’s torso, that shines as if from a celestial light.

Necklaces fashioned from gold coins or Nishaka in three parallel running rows sit over the finely draped dhoti (lower body garment) of Venkateshwara, whose folds are masterfully depicted in this brass Tirupati. The chaturbhuja- four-armed roopa (form) of Sri Venkatesha Vishnu is the destroyer of all sins. In his two secondary hands, Tirupati Balaji carries a Chakra and Shankha, with his main right hand he makes the gesture of disseminating boons while his left hand is placed on his waist in the “Kayavalambita” posture, where the divinity stands with feet close in an erect pose.

A garland of lotus buds, mirroring the fresh lotus garlands that frame the pure aura of Balaji is transformed into a chain of golden lotus buds that falls graciously on his sides. The pedestal, on which Sri Venkateshwara stands on his semi-circular lotus aasana (throne), is coated with spotlessly white marble that impressively contrasts with the dark teakwood base. Two five-wicked lamps are placed on the marble floor of the shrine for offering the great one a fitting pooja experience.

The platform is substantially comprehensive for you to set different items of pooja as well as other deities as per your ritual and spiritual requirements. Sturdy pillars with traditional patterns stand on each side of this brass Tirupati Balaji statue, attached to the arch of the teakwood frame which is beautified with lotus petal-shaped schemes. Seven pot-like elements are placed in a straight line on the wooden roof of the shrine symbolizing virtues such as fecundity, auspiciousness, and the goddess Lakshmi.

In the wooden base, two drawers, etched with stylized natural patterns open easily to store the essentials for the ritual treatment (Pooja) of Sri Venkateshwara. A pair of lamps hang from the sanctum's roof, adding to the divinity of the miniature shrine. A daily Darshana (seeing) of this brass Venkateshwara idol will bestow upon you the boon of living in Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s abode). It is precisely because of Tirupati Balaji’s commanding aura that the place he dwells in this age, becomes Kaliyuga Vaikuntham- the divine Vaikuntha realm in the era of Kali.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.