Enthroned on the king of the jungle, the roopa of Devi Durga as the cosmic protectress in Hindu tradition is the most popularly revered form of the great goddess. In this brass statue that emanates the luster of pure gold, Maa Durga appears in her Ashtabhuja-dharani form, with eight mighty weapons, haloed by a celestial aura and ornamented like the queen of the Universe.
The Lalitasana posture of the goddess gives her an enlivened aura, in which she appears ready to descend to the mortal realm to protect her children. Sculpted in a rounded manner, this statue is the perfect icon of Devi Maa to be established in your Puja ghar.
The Divine Mother's Radiant Form
Behold this magnificent brass idol, a testament to the enduring power and grace of Goddess Durga. This exquisite representation captures the divine mother in her iconic seated posture, astride her majestic lion vahana. The gleaming brass, meticulously polished to a radiant sheen, reflects the benevolent yet fierce spirit of the Goddess, who is revered as the vanquisher of evil and the protector of the universe. Her eight hands, each holding a sacred symbol, convey her omnipotence and her ability to manifest in countless forms to combat darkness.
Symbols of Power and Protection
Each of the Goddess's eight hands is imbued with profound significance. From the gentle gesture of blessing to the firm grip of a weapon, these hands represent her multifaceted nature. You can discern the divine discus, the conch shell, the bow and arrow, the trident, and the mace, all potent symbols of her power to restore balance and righteousness. The tranquil yet resolute expression on her face, framed by an ornate halo, speaks of her serene strength and unwavering compassion for her devotees. The lion, a creature of immense courage and regal bearing, serves as the perfect mount for the Goddess, symbolizing her triumph over ego and her mastery over the wild, untamed forces of the universe.
A Symbol of Strength and Auspiciousness
Durga, often depicted as "the inaccessible one," is a primary deity in Hinduism, celebrated for her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, a pivotal event that saved the gods and humanity from utter destruction. Her effigy is a powerful reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of dharma. In homes and temples, her presence is believed to invoke courage, remove obstacles, and bestow blessings of prosperity and well-being. This idol, crafted from high-quality brass, is not merely an object of worship but also a piece of art that embodies centuries of devotion and artistic tradition. Its intricate details and imposing stature make it a commanding presence, radiating an aura of divine energy and spiritual solace.
Craftsmanship of Devotion
The art of brass casting has been perfected over generations in India, and this idol is a shining example of that heritage. Each element, from the delicate carvings on the Goddess's attire to the powerful musculature of the lion, has been rendered with remarkable precision and skill. The artisans have poured their devotion and expertise into creating a divine form that is both aesthetically captivating and spiritually resonant. This idol is an heirloom in the making, designed to be cherished for years to come, a constant source of inspiration and a beautiful connection to the divine. Its presence will undoubtedly elevate any sacred space or home, infusing it with grace and protective energy.
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Cultural Significance and Devotional Practice
In many Indian households, the worship of Goddess Durga is a central aspect of religious life, particularly during festivals like Navaratri and Durga Puja. This idol serves as a focal point for prayers, meditations, and the chanting of mantras. The lion, as her steed, is also revered for its strength and royalty, mirroring the qualities devotees aspire to cultivate. Tales of Durga's prowess are passed down through generations, reinforcing her image as a formidable protector and a loving mother. Owning such an idol is a way to invite her protective embrace and her blessings into one's life, fostering a deeper connection to the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and spiritual practices.
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.