"The obstacle is the path." - Zen Proverb
Ashtabhuja-dhari Yuddha Ganesha, the Spiritual Warrior, is a depiction of Lord Ganesha ready for battle. In this handcrafted brass sculpture from India, Ganesha wields various weapons, signifying his role as the remover of obstacles. The lotus in one hand represents purity, and the battle axe in another symbolizes cutting off attachments. His presence in this form teaches us that challenges and obstacles are an integral part of life's journey. Embracing them with courage and wisdom, like Ganesha, leads to spiritual growth and victory over adversity.
The Divine Warrior: Ashtabhuja-dhari Yuddha Ganesha
This commanding brass sculpture depicts Lord Ganesha in a rare and powerful form: the Ashtabhuja-dhari Yuddha Ganesha, the eight-armed spiritual warrior. Standing tall at 26 inches, this deity is not merely a remover of obstacles but a formidable protector, embodying strength, courage, and the triumph of righteousness. The intricate craftsmanship showcases Ganesha in a dynamic pose, his many hands holding various divine weapons and symbols, each imbued with spiritual significance. The patina of aged brass lends a sense of timeless antiquity, making this statue a truly majestic centerpiece for any sacred space or a striking declaration of power in a grand setting.
Iconography of the Spiritual Warrior
The eight arms of this Ganesha are significant, representing his omnipotence and his ability to engage in multifaceted battles against the forces of ignorance and negativity. In his hands, he holds a formidable arsenal: a battle-axe to sever attachments and illusions, a discus to signify his all-pervasive presence and power, a bow and arrow to strike down obstacles, and a trident, a symbol of his control over the three gunas (qualities of nature) and the past, present, and future. Other hands might hold a noose to capture negative energies, a goad to guide devotees towards enlightenment, or offer blessings. The posture of the deity, often depicted in a vigorous dance or poised for action, further emphasizes his role as a divine warrior, ready to defend the virtuous and vanquish the unrighteous. This manifestation of Ganesha is deeply rooted in the Puranic tales where he is invoked to overcome great challenges and protect the cosmos.
Artistry and Spiritual Significance
Crafted from high-quality brass, this statue is a testament to the skill of Indian artisans. The fine detailing on Ganesha's ornaments, his divine garments, and the expressions on his face speak volumes about the reverence and dedication poured into its creation. The textured finish and carefully applied patina give the brass a rich, aged appearance, evoking the aura of ancient deities. Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism, revered as the god of beginnings, wisdom, intellect, and prosperity. While commonly depicted as a benevolent figure who removes obstacles, his warrior aspect is invoked during times of great spiritual or existential crisis, reminding devotees of the inner strength and divine protection available to them. This Ashtabhuja-dhari Yuddha Ganesha statue serves as a powerful reminder to face life's battles with wisdom, courage, and unwavering faith.
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.
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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.
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- 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.
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- 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.Â
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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.Â