The great feminine energy in Hindu tradition is envisioned in numerous forms by her deities, one of which is the roopa of the mother goddess as “Dayini” or giver. Manifesting the maternal and nurturing aspect of the Adi-Shakti, the goddess Lakshmi in Hinduism is a divine form of Devi as the giver or bestower of auspiciousness, wealth, luxuries, and opulence in material and spiritual realms.
Encompassing the powers of the mother goddess as the Universal giver, this large teakwood Lakshmi statue represents the Devi in a heavenly mood, ever-ready to shower her devotees with riches that never end. Born seated on a Padma (lotus), goddess Lakshmi in this wooden statue is offered a lotus pedestal to stand on.
Her physical allure is beyond words- her face is enlivened with the luster of perfectly polished wood, her hands are formed realistically and her body bends limberly at her waist and legs, instilling in the composition a divine essence. The ornamentation of Maa Lakshmi is elaborate and full of motifs such as lotuses and Kirtimukha (face of glory, a symbol of royalty, studded on Devi’s girdle) that represent her might and godliness.
Floral vines, symbols of the beginning of life and fertility- attributes that are attached to goddess Lakshmi from her first references in art and literature, are used in profusion by the carver of this wooden Lakshmi statue, to reinforce her connection with these qualities. Two birds, “Pakshi” that are identified with the human soul or “atman” are perched on the creepers, nourishing themselves from the proximity to the great goddess.
A snug lotus garland hung around Devi’s neck continues to bloom magnificently further forming lush curls of flowers near goddess Lakshmi’s legs. Similarly, the center folds of Maa Lakshmi’s elegant dhoti have been transformed into bustling vines, each strand of which has been carefully carved to give the effect of overlapping.
On the reverse of the wooden goddess Lakshmi statue, Devi’s luxurious hair flows like a river and reaches the back of her thighs. The floral tassels of her crown, armbands, and waistband are delineated to add grandeur to the statue. With motherly affection emanating from her eyes, goddess Lakshmi holds her primary hands in the gestures of giving boons and dispelling fears and carries a bunch of lotuses in her secondary hands. In this majestic murti, goddess Lakshmi resides as the ultimate source of life, nourishment, wealth, and salvation for the human soul, atman.
How to care for Wood Statues?
Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.
It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.
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