Carved with fine incised lines, a rectangular lotus platform is a base for this wooden Uma-Maheshwara murti. Sturdy pillars sprouting from the sides of the pedestal support the splendid aureole which is engraved with miniature floral motifs and vines- symbols of fertility and the origin of life. A recurring motif in Hindu art, the Kirtimukha (face of glory) with large eyes and sharp fangs sits at the top of the floral aura as the symbol of Shiva and Parvati’s combined supreme prowess. Lotus vines spring from his gaping mouth, neutralizing his vicious expressions with the touch of fragrant elements.

Umapati (the Lord of Uma-Parvati) has is long tresses that flow dynamically in three rows on his sides and the rest is tied in a towering Jatamukut (crown made from matted hair) embellished with delicate strings of gems and a multitude of jeweled chains that end just above Shiva’s forehead, which bears the Tripunda (Shaivite mark) with his third eye in the middle. The facial features of Shiva and Parvati carry a meditative calmness, expressed in their half-closed eyes, fine noses, and lips. Multitudes of ornaments cling to their divine physiques, each one of which is carved with intricate details suitable for the universal mother and father. Shiva in his secondary hands holds the ax and the Pashu (symbol of the human soul), his primary right hand is in the gesture of fearlessness and his right-hand embraces Uma- the supreme mother, in a loving embrace. Mirroring the celestial form of her husband, Maa Uma Parvati has her hair in a Jatamukuta, a Tripunda on her forehead, and wears a fine dhoti. She holds a flower in her right hand, which in Hindu culture is the symbol of purity, fertility, and the beginning of life. The most potent and revered form of the coming together of Shiva and Shakti, the aniconic form of Shiva as a pillar of supreme fire (Linga) and Uma Devi as the altar from which it originates (Vedi), the Shiva Linga placed on the base of this wooden Shiva Parvati statue supplements the powers of this roopa.

The act of Lord Shiva placing goddess Uma in his lap (ankarohana), where Devi is Shiva’s left half or on his left (Vaamangi) are the evocations in Hindu art and devotional poetry of the benevolence of Shiva and Shakti for the sustenance of life. Shiva’s innate yogic powers are activated when he is unified with his female energy in the form of Uma leading to the emergence of auspiciousness and wisdom (as Ganesha) and strength and protection (as Kumara Karttikeya). In the presence of this transcendental union, everything becomes the essence of Shiva-Shakti, their mirror image. Srishti (creation) rejoices at this propitious union, its delighted devotion expressed in the robust icon of Nandi- the joyous one.  

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.