Natural Brass
Natural Brass
Henna Touch
Henna Touch
Copper Gold
Copper Gold
Green Chola
Green Chola

8" Ayyappan, A Saint Revered as Incarnation of Dharma In Brass | Handmade | Made In India

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$170

This brass statue, typical of South Indian metal-cast – iconography and body posture with knees contained by an ornate band consisting of a lotus motif design, represents Ayyappan, also known as Sastavan or Sasta, and sometimes as Manikandana or Manikantha for always wearing a Mani – jewel, around his neck. Ayyappan was a Hindu saint elevated to the status of a deity highly worshipped in the country’s southern part. Characteristic to his image conceived as one engaged in Yoga his statue has been cast representing him as seated in a posture characteristic to penancing Yogis - knees turned upwards and knotted by a band that Yogis use for holding their legs in position, besides the gesture of his hands, one indicating ‘abhaya’ – freedom from fear, and other, ‘varada’ – liberation.

Natural Brass
Natural Brass
Henna Touch
Henna Touch
Copper Gold
Copper Gold
Green Chola
Green Chola
Color
Quantity
Delivery Ships in 1-3 days
Item Code: XG18
Specifications:
Brass Sculpture
Height: 8.50 inch
Width: 4.50 inch
Depth: 4.20 inch
Weight: 2.88 kg
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide

A yogi, Ayyappan is seen as one in absolute unity with the Supreme – what the term ‘yogi’ literally means, and at the same time, he is seen as one in the world for the weal of mankind imparting ‘abhaya’ and ‘varada’. 


With wide-spread worship cult extending over entire South India Ayyappan has dedicated to him hundreds of shrines of different statuses. Besides, a number of myths a section of Brahmins is also known after him. Over thirty million devotees annually visiting his shrine at Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta hill range in Kerala – his best known and most revered shrine anywhere, making it one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world dedicated to any religion or sect, indicates the saint’s massive popularity. In recent decades, obviously the increase in means of transport and other facilities being one of its reasons, this number of pilgrims has unimaginably widened. During the annual festival dedicated to him when people in all parts of South India throng his shrines, this number is multiplied many times. Images of the holy saint are as popularly consecrated in domestic shrines as in public. 


The symbol of the unity of Shaivite and Vaishnavite sects in South India Ayyappan, revered as the incarnation of Dharma Sasta, is seen as the offspring of Shiva and Vishnu in Vishnu’s female incarnation as Mohini, a form that Vishnu had taken to for deluding Asuras – demons, during the churning of ocean undertaken for obtaining ambrosia. This unity of the two sects also reflects in the iconographic features of this image, and often in his overall imagery, especially in the ritual mark on the forehead, and in arrangement of his headgear. In the image he has on his forehead a prominent Vaishnava tilak mark, though the rays it radiates on either side have the appearance of a subdued ‘tripunda’ mark, one linking him with Vaishnavism, while the other, with Shaivism. Similarly, on the top of his head he has Shiva-like ‘jata-juta’ – knotted hair, around it he is putting on a crown, a Vaishnava attribute.  


Though with a divine birth – offspring of Shiva and Vishnu, Ayyappan is always seen as a saint – a human being, attaining all divine heights by penance pursuing mainly the Yogic line. Hence, in his images, as also in this one, he in invariably cast in Yogic posture – seated squatting with feet flat on the pedestal’s base, legs folded and turned downwards from knee-junction, and eyes closed as when engaged in meditation. The image proper has been installed on a tall two tiered pedestal the base component consisting of lotus motif design. Typical of South Indian iconography, the image has been cast with round face, flattened nose, small but heavy lips and inflated cheeks. A disc behind his head symbolizes halo suggesting his divine emergence. Besides a wide range of ornaments on his neck and arms : various heavily crafted necklaces and ornaments for shoulders, arms and wrists, he is also putting on a large Vaijayanti consisting of lotus flowers. 


This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books. .

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].
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