This
bronze lamp, endowed with the auspicious emblems of Panchajanya (Holy Conch) and Sudarshan
Chakra (Holy Discus), represents the united auspiciousness of all Vaishnava
symbols. There are just two lamps linked to the Shankha and Chakra, which are
ornamented with exquisite vines put in the stands. This Hoysala Art wall
hanging lamp
was created to provide the auspiciousness of light with religious motifs.
Lighting this lamp would undoubtedly draw all of the almighty's blessings while
also enhancing the beauty of the place with meticulous craftsmanship.
A Symbol of Divine Grace and Artistic Mastery
This exquisite wall hanging is more than just a decorative piece; it's a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess, particularly echoing the intricate beauty of Hoysala art. Crafted from lustrous bronze, this artifact is imbued with the spirit of devotion and auspiciousness, making it a truly remarkable addition to any sacred space or home seeking a touch of divinity.
The Auspicious Trinity and Divine Symbols
At the heart of this piece stands the powerful Vaishnava symbol, the *Sudharshana Chakra*, representing Lord Vishnu's divine discus. The Chakra is a potent symbol of cosmic order, protection, and the cyclical nature of time. Its presence is believed to ward off negativity and bring prosperity. Flanking the Chakra are two ornate lamps, reminiscent of the traditional *Diya*, which symbolize the dispelling of darkness and ignorance, and the illumination of knowledge and spiritual awakening. The intricate carvings on the lamps themselves, including the conch shell (*Shankha*) and the lotus (*Padma*), further enhance its sacred appeal, as these are also revered symbols associated with Vishnu. The conch shell represents the primordial sound and the origin of creation, while the lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual growth.
Hoysala Artistry: A Legacy of Intricacy
The style of this wall hanging is deeply rooted in the traditions of Hoysala art, a renowned school of Indian temple architecture and sculpture that flourished in South India between the 11th and 14th centuries. Hoysala artisans were celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail, their ability to imbue stone and metal with a sense of movement and life, and their deep understanding of religious iconography. This piece captures that spirit with its delicate filigree work, the graceful curves of the floral motifs, and the overall sense of balance and harmony. Each element, from the finely etched patterns on the lamps to the flowing lines of the decorative elements, speaks of the dedication and skill of the artisan who brought it to life.
A Beacon of Tradition, Crafted by Hand
This wall hanging is a unique, handmade creation from Bangalore, a city known for its skilled artisans. The use of bronze, a metal deeply valued in Indian traditions for its durability and spiritual resonance, further elevates this piece. Bronze, often referred to as *Panchaloha* when alloyed with other metals, is believed to possess beneficial properties and is traditionally used for creating sacred objects and deities. The warmth and golden hue of the bronze add a timeless elegance to the intricate design. This piece is not merely an object but a conduit to the divine, a conversation starter, and an heirloom that carries stories of devotion and artistic excellence across generations. Its substantial presence and intricate details are sure to draw the eye and inspire contemplation.
How to Maintain Bronze Statues
Bronze statues are the jewel in the artistic crown of India and have inspired generations for ages. If you own one of them, you must care for them properly so that they continue to add charm to your space for years to come. Here are some tips you can follow -
Dust particles can corrode the statue's surface, making it look dull. That is why it is necessary that you dust the bronze idols regularly using a soft brush or a microfiber cloth.
In case you happen to spill any liquid, immediately wipe it off using a dry cloth.
Keep your bronze statues away from humidity and moisture. Place them in well-ventilated areas.
You can also maintain the shine of your Hoysala bronze ornaments by regularly retouching them with a coat of wax polish.
Make sure that you clean them once a week.
Making Process of Hoysala Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility, bronze is the most preferred metal for artisans to create sculptures. Other qualities that make it the ideal choice for creating statues is its ability to be cast easily. Aside from that, this metal allows the most intricate details to be captured by the artist.
The art of making bronze statues has been practiced in India for centuries, and evidence of it can be found in magnificent Hoysala bronze ornaments and bronze statues in South India. Of the many bronze idols produced in the country, Hoysala art statues are very famous. The hoysala style includes a depiction of embellishments and ornaments and an abundance of jewelry while making statues. It grew from the 10th to 14th centuries in the Hoysala dynasty that ruled the region, falling in present day Karnataka, hence the name of this craft. It involves intricate work, deep carving, and undercutting by artisans to create elaborate and decorative motifs.
Much time and effort goes into bringing these timeless pieces to life. It takes months to finish a single sculpture, and they are always created by casting. The most common casting type for bronze idols is the lost-wax casting technique. This is a 4000-year-old art form and requires a lot of concentration, patience, and finesse.
The first step of making bronze statues is making a model of the sculpture in clay. The artist creates an exact clay version of what he envisions to be made in bronze. He captures every little detail.

The second step involves making a mold of plasticine or silicon rubber around the clay statue. Once the mold hardens, it is separated from the clay sculpture.

After that, molten wax is poured into the mold so that a thick layer of coating is created inside the mold. This is done so that every detail of the sculpture is captured.

Once the wax hardens, the plasticine or silicon mold is removed, and a ceramic shell is created around the wax structure by dipping it in liquid slurry and silica sand.

This ceramic shell is heated upon solidification, and the wax is melted out. After that, molten bronze is poured into the mold through tubes.

Once the liquid bronze has hardened and taken the shape of the mold, the ceramic shell is removed, and the final product is checked for any imperfections.

The final step involves the application of patina onto the sculpture. This prevents corrosion and adds color to the statue. A final coat of wax is applied to preserve this and add luster.

The Power of Light: Understanding the Role of Oil Lamps in
Hinduism
Hinduism is a boon to human society for it guides everyone to
follow their Dharma and rise above the material concept of life.
Hinduism is also known as “Sanatan Dharma”. These are Sanskrit
terms in which Sanatan means “eternal” and Dharma means “Intrinsic
nature or occupation”. Thus it deals with the intrinsic nature or
the real identity of the living entities; that which can never be
taken away from them. The principles of Hinduism are given in the
Vedic literature or scriptures that are considered “Apaurusheya”;
they have not been written by any ordinary person but have been
compiled by Vyasadev, the literary incarnation of the Supreme Lord
Krishna. The word “Veda” means complete knowledge, both material
and spiritual. The knowledge in Vedic literature is so vast and
precise that if one looks carefully, he will notice that nothing
is sentimental or imaginary but is based on facts and truth. There
is a clear description and information about the identity of all
living beings, the nature of the Absolute Truth, the reason for
the existence of this world, the information about the world
beyond this universe, and the relationship between us and God, the
Absolute Truth.

Why do we light a lamp?
There are many rituals recommended in the Vedas for engaging our
body and mind in the service of God. One of them is the lighting
of ghee or oil lamps before the deity. According to the Vedic
injunctions, all auspicious functions begin with lighting a
lamp. It has a great spiritual significance. It is believed that
the light of the lamp symbolizes “knowledge”, the wick
symbolizes the false ego of the living entity, and ghee
(clarified butter) or oil symbolizes all the negative tendencies
(Anarthas) accumulated in the heart such as greed, lust, anger,
and envy. When the lamp is lit by spiritual knowledge, all the
Anarthas are exhausted, and the false ego, which is the root
cause of conditional life, is also burnt. Therefore, the lamp is
lit before the Lord as a sacrifice of our false ego in His
service. Just as the light of the lamp dissipates all darkness,
similarly, the light of knowledge dissipates ignorance of the
Jivas and enables us to realize our real identity and purpose of
life.
Why only an oil or ghee lamp?
One may question why only an oil lamp is lit before the Lord and
why not an artificial light source. This may sound logical but
lighting a lamp has a further spiritual significance. The flame
of the light in a lamp always burns upwards indicating that by
cultivating spiritual knowledge, one achieves the highest
perfection of life and is always victorious. Also, a traditional
lamp is the purest form of offering.

In almost every house of a follower of Sanatan Dharma, an oil or
ghee lamp is lit before the altar of the Lord or before the Tulsi
plant. Some people light it at dawn, some at dusk, and some people
prefer to light it at dawn and dusk. Either ghee or sesame oil can
be used to burn the wick. Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu or
Krishna) especially light a ghee lamp every day in the month of
Kartik to offer their love and devotion to the Lord.
