Simhavahini
(riding the lion) goddess Durga in her eight-armed form in this brass inlaid
statue is presented as a deity icon, ideal for worshipping at home.
A grand
two-layered aureole surrounds the face of goddess Durga, marking her divine
aura.
Contrasting
inlay pieces adorn the icon of goddess Durga, embellished with a lustrous
silver coat that adds to her heavenliness.
The lion of
the goddess is placed on a beautifully inlaid double-tiered platform, that
creates a peetham (pedestal) ready to be installed in your space for rituals
and worship of Maa Durga.
Embodiment of Divine Strength and Protection
This magnificent brass statue captures the powerful essence of Goddess Durga, the universal mother and vanquisher of evil. Crafted with meticulous detail and adorned with vibrant inlay work, this piece is more than just an idol; it is a testament to divine feminine energy and a symbol of ultimate protection. The goddess is depicted in her iconic form, seated majestically upon her vahana, the lion, a creature of immense strength and courage, mirroring Durga's own formidable power.
The statue showcases Durga with her multiple arms, each holding symbolic weapons and attributes. These arms represent her ability to attend to the needs of her devotees in countless ways, embodying her omnipresence and boundless compassion. The serene yet resolute expression on her face conveys her unwavering determination to uphold righteousness and restore cosmic balance. Her attire, richly decorated with colorful inlay, adds a touch of regal splendor, highlighting her divine status. The intricate patterns and the fine craftsmanship of the brass inlay speak volumes about the artisanal skill and dedication poured into its creation.
A Beacon of Courage and Victory
In Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is revered as the supreme warrior goddess who descends to protect the universe from the forces of darkness. The most celebrated of her victories is her triumph over the demon Mahishasura, a formidable buffalo-headed beast who had plunged the cosmos into chaos. It was Durga, in her fierce and multifaceted form, who ultimately defeated him, embodying the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and dharma over adharma. The lion, her faithful mount, symbolizes her regal authority and her ability to conquer all obstacles with unwavering bravery. This statue, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the goddess's protective grace and her eternal victory over adversity. It is believed that inviting Durga into one's home through such representations brings courage, strength, and a shield against negative energies.
Artistry Rooted in Tradition
This exquisite statue is a product of skilled Indian artisans who continue to uphold ancient traditions of craftsmanship. The use of brass as the primary material signifies durability and auspiciousness, while the meticulous inlay work, featuring vibrant stones, adds a unique aesthetic appeal. Each piece of inlay is carefully selected and placed, creating a stunning visual texture that accentuates the divine form of the goddess and the majestic lion. The detailed finishing and the thoughtful detailing on the base, which is also adorned with decorative inlay, further enhance the statue's grandeur. This handmade artwork is not merely decorative but a spiritual artifact, intended to inspire devotion, peace, and a sense of divine presence in any space it graces. Displaying this idol can be a focal point for meditation, prayer, and a constant reminder of the unwavering strength and benevolent power of Goddess Durga.
The Fierce and Powerful Goddess Durga: Discovering the Symbolism
and Significance
Goddess Durga is a revered deity in Hinduism and she is
worshiped by many people in the eastern part of India and also
in other countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. She is
considered the mother of this material world who takes care of
the conditioned souls trapped in the material existence. She
protects them from the demons who threaten peace and establishes
Dharma. In the Shakta tradition or Shaktism (those who believe
that feminine energy is supreme), Mother Durga has been given
the highest position. She is often considered the expansion of
Mother Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva who is the destroyer
of the material world. The Vaishnavas consider Mother Durga as
the external energy of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu. She
takes charge of the material world and reforms those souls who
do not abide by the rules of the Supreme Lord.
Mother Durga is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman,
wearing a saree, and sitting on a tiger or lion. She has
multiple arms (usually ten arms) that hold different items and
weapons that express her martial skills. She tramples down the
demon Mahishasura, with her trident, representing the subduer of
vices.
What does Durga symbolize?
Being the powerful assistant of the Supreme Lord, Mother Durga
tests our dedication to the Lord. She represents the material
nature and like a loving mother, she gives a clarion call to all
forgetful souls to turn their faces towards Lord Krishna, who is
the only well-wisher of all living entities. The depiction of
her violently killing the demon Mahishasura with her trident
shows her extraordinary prowess. Mahishasura represents our
demoniac mentality that wants to enjoy separately from the
Supreme Lord, forgetting our eternal relationship with Him.
Goddess Durga killing the demon symbolizes the victory of good
over evil or wisdom over ignorance.
Where are Durga statues made in Kolkata?
The worship of Goddess Durga is prominent in festivals such as
Durga Puja, Durga Ashtami, Navaratri, etc. On those days, people
gather at a place and a big idol or deity of Goddess Durga is
worshiped with faith and devotion. These idols of the Goddess
are made in a place called Kumortuli, located near Kolkata, West
Bengal. This city is renowned for its beautiful clay sculptures
made by local manufacturers.
Can we keep Durga idol at home?
You can keep a Durga deity at your home if you want to attract
her mercy into your life. Goddess Durga is very merciful toward
her devotees and when pleased, she bestows them with both
material and spiritual benefits. Those who approach and worship
Goddess Durga with material desires in their hearts, she
fulfills them. But if a person genuinely approaches her and
prays to her to reveal about the Absolute Truth and the real
goal of human life to them, being the superintendent of the
Supreme Lord Vishnu, she blesses them with the light of
knowledge about the Lord and inspires them to walk the path of
devotion to Lord Vishnu.
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.