See It In Your Home
Padmavati,
the protective goddess and sasana devi of Parsvanatha, the 23rd Jain
Tirthankara, is a revered yakshini (attendant goddess). Adorned with a snake's
hood covering her head, she gracefully sits atop a lotus flower. Within her
crown, a small image of Lord Parshvanatha is delicately placed. In her
depiction, Padmavati appears with 24 arms, carrying symbolic elements such as a
noose, rosary (japa mala), elephant goad, lotus, and a fruit, among others.
This intricate portrayal highlights her divine presence and significance in the
spiritual realm, embodying qualities of protection and devotion in Jain
tradition.
Embodiment of Divine Protection and Maternal Grace
This exquisite brass statue depicts Devi Padmavati, a revered goddess in Jainism, known as the mother of the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parsvanatha. The statue, meticulously handcrafted in India, is a testament to the rich tradition of Indian metal craftsmanship. Its commanding presence, standing at approximately 10 inches tall, makes it a striking centerpiece for any spiritual or devotional space.
The artistry of this statue is evident in the intricate details. Devi Padmavati is depicted seated gracefully, with a multitude of arms radiating outwards, each holding symbolic objects or in a gesture of blessing and protection. This multi-armed form signifies her omnipotence and her ability to bestow manifold blessings and ward off all obstacles. Her serene expression conveys compassion and divine wisdom, inviting peace and tranquility into the viewer's life.
Mythological Significance and Cultural Context
In Jain tradition, Devi Padmavati is considered a Yakshini, a celestial attendant associated with Tirthankara Parsvanatha. Legends tell of her profound devotion and unwavering support for Lord Parsvanatha during his spiritual austerities. She is particularly invoked for protection against poisons, serpents, and fear, and is believed to grant prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual liberation. The iconography of the statue, with the multi-headed cobra hood above her, directly references these associations with serpents and her protective powers. The presence of a smaller seated figure atop the cobra hood is often interpreted as Lord Parsvanatha himself, signifying the profound maternal bond and divine lineage. The statue's base, adorned with a swan motif, further adds to its auspicious symbolism, with the swan representing purity, knowledge, and discrimination.
A Symbol of Devotion and Craftsmanship
Each aspect of this statue speaks of devotion and skilled craftsmanship. The use of brass, a metal associated with purity and durability, ensures that this deity will grace your home for generations to come. The warm, lustrous finish of the brass enhances the divine aura of the goddess, making it a truly captivating piece. Whether you are a devout follower of Jainism or an admirer of intricate religious art, this statue of Devi Padmavati serves as a powerful reminder of maternal strength, divine protection, and the enduring legacy of spiritual traditions. It is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit for spiritual connection and a symbol of auspicious beginnings.
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.