36" Large Shri Raghavendra Swami | Wooden Panel

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

36" Large Shri Raghavendra Swami | Wooden Panel

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$1119

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Specifications

	MIW440
	White Cedar Wood
	Height: 36.5 inch
	Width: 23 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 18 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Masterpiece of Devotion: The Raghavendra Swami Wood Carving

Invite the serene presence of Guru Raghavendra Swami into your home with this magnificent, large-scale wood carving. Crafted from exquisite White Cedar wood, this piece stands as a testament to both spiritual devotion and exceptional artistry. The rich, warm tones of the wood have been expertly sculpted to bring to life the beloved saint, capturing his dignified posture and compassionate gaze. Raghavendra Swami, a 16th-century saint, philosopher, and accomplished musician, is revered as an avatar of Prahlada, the steadfast devotee of Lord Vishnu who, in a previous life, was blessed by Narasimha. His teachings and miracles continue to inspire millions, particularly within the Dvaita Vedanta tradition. He is renowned for his unwavering faith, his profound scholarship, and his ability to bestow blessings upon his devotees. Legends speak of his miraculous powers, including his presence in his Brindavan (tomb) at Mantralayam, where he is believed to reside eternally, offering solace and grace to those who seek him.

Artistic Brilliance in Wood

This captivating carving depicts Guru Raghavendra Swami in a contemplative seated posture, radiating an aura of peace and tranquility. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every element, from the gentle folds of his robes to the serene expression on his face. He is adorned with traditional beads, symbolizing his spiritual journey and connection to the divine. The intricate ornamentation surrounding him, including ornate pillars and decorative motifs, adds a layer of regal beauty and reverence to the entire panel. The outer frame, crafted from a lighter hue of wood, provides a striking contrast, further enhancing the depth and richness of the central carving. This interplay of textures and tones showcases the skill of the artisan, who has breathed life into the solid wood.

A Sacred Aura for Your Space

More than just a decorative item, this wood carving serves as a focal point for spiritual reflection and meditation. Its substantial size makes it a commanding presence, suitable for placement in a puja room, living area, or any space where you wish to cultivate an atmosphere of peace and devotion. The natural beauty of the White Cedar wood ensures that each piece possesses a unique character, making yours a truly singular representation of the revered guru. Embrace the spiritual legacy and artistic grandeur of this remarkable Raghavendra Swami carving and allow its sacred presence to bless your dwelling.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The veneration of saints like Raghavendra Swami is deeply rooted in Indian culture, where they are seen as conduits of divine energy and wisdom. His establishment of the Mantralayam mutt has created a spiritual center that continues to draw pilgrims seeking his blessings for material prosperity, relief from suffering, and spiritual growth. The stories of his life are replete with instances of compassion, justice, and the fulfillment of sincere prayers, making him a figure of immense hope and comfort. This carving is not merely an image, but a representation of a living tradition, connecting the viewer to centuries of faith and devotion.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

How to care for Wood Statues?

Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.

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