Lord Shiva is a confluence of sannyasa (asceticism) and sansara (householding). While He is worshipped as the Yogishvara Adinatha, He is also venerated as the divine householder.
He is the husband of Devi Uma and father to their two sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartika.
In this fine composite sculpture, the Lord has been depicted saparivar (with family): the beauteous Devi Uma is sitting next to Him with Lord Ganesha on His lap, while the Lord Karttik is on His father’s lap.
The divine Nandi, beloved of the family, rests at their feet in a distinct stance of devotion.
The Kiritmukha aureole of this work is of note. It is engraved with miniature lotus petals (the innermost rim), followed by rims of pearls, flowers, more pearls, and finally a ring of flames. This ring of flames is symbolic of the primal role of Lord Shiva as the existential destroyer. However, the mood of the sculpture is calm and gathered and complete. The large lotus asana atop the traditional quadrilateral pedestal adds to the picture of compassion and stability.
The Lord and His Devi have their iconographies intact. The resplendence of Nandi’s presence is what sets this apart from the more conventional Shivaparivar compositions. His large and well-sculpted form, decked in silk and gold bells, adds to the sanctity of the sacred ménage.
Nandi: The Symbolic Representation of Strength and Devotion in
Hindu Mythology
Nandi is the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
The statue of Nandi, the Bull, is generally seen in a sitting
posture on a raised platform with discipline and calmness at the
entrance of the temple of Lord Shiva as the guard or doorman. He
patiently waits for the Lord while gazing at the sanctum,
demonstrating that individual souls should always be focused and
surrendered to the Supreme Lord in all circumstances, without
having any material desires. He symbolizes loyalty, truth, and
righteousness, thus, preserving Dharma. Watchfulness and
virility are the most important qualities of the Bull, that make
him the perfect vaahan for Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the
material world, to ride. The alertness of Nandi tells us the
importance of being in the present moment (mindfulness). He is
the head of all the attendants (Ganas) of Lord Shiva and is also
considered to be the guardian of four-legged animals.
Having a round body, a hump appearing as a huge mountain, and
heavy shoulders signify his strength and capacity to bear a
heavy load. Being very dear to the Lord, the divine Bull is
always decked with fascinating ornaments on his back, neck, and
sharp horns.
What is the significance of Nandi?
Nandi is the chief of 18 Siddhas and is considered the granter
of boons to the devotees, and also symbolizes justice, faith,
and purity. His mind completely absorbed in the service of
Mahadeva depicts that he is the timeless wisdom and the path to
the Absolute Truth, which means the Guru within. Without the
mercy of the Guru, one cannot receive the grace of the Supreme
Lord. Since Nandi is the eternal servant of Lord Shiva, one who
tries to come closer to Lord Shiva and take his shelter, he
should approach him by pleasing Nandi first.
Why does Nandi sit in front of Shivling?
Nandi is always depicted sitting outside the sanctum of Lord
Shiva, facing the Lord. He patiently waits for his master
outside the temple as if ready to serve the Lord whenever he
wants his service. This shows how Nandi always remains absorbed
in the thoughts of Lord Shiva and is eager to please his master.
A practicing devotee can learn from the attitude of Nandi that
the only qualification needed to please the Supreme Lord is his
sincerity and dedication to serve Him in all circumstances.
Is it good to keep Nandi statue at home?
Lord Shiva is very dear to Nandi and similarly, Nandi is very
dear to Lord Shiva. Keeping the statue of Nandi at your home
altar means attracting the mercy of Lord Shiva in your life. It
will bring all fortune and auspiciousness. However, keeping the
statue of Nandi alone may not fulfill the ultimate purpose.
Nandi, being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, does not like to
stay in a place where there is no worship of the lord. Thus, if
you want to please Nandi, you should keep his statue along with
the deity of Lord Shiva (Nandi gazing at the lord).
Exploring the Symbolism and Significance of Parvati in Hinduism
Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is one of the
principal deities of Goddesses in Hinduism. She appeared in the
material world as the daughter of Himavan, king of the Himalayan
mountains. The Vedic scriptures describe her as a young,
beautiful woman who is chaste and faithful to her husband, Lord
Shiva. She is always engaged in the loving service of her
family; her two sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Goddess Parvati is
the embodiment of devotion, love, power, and beauty. The
followers of the Shakta tradition (Shaktism) describe her as Adi
Shakti or the energy behind the creation of material nature. She
is very merciful toward all living entities like a mother who
cares for her children and manifests many forms to protect them
from miscreants. Her most venerated and important powerful forms
are Durga and Kali that she took to vanquish demons who created
havoc in the material world.
The Vedic scriptures talk of her beautiful form in detail. She
wears a red saree and is generally seated, having two or four
arms, beside Lord Shiva. Her younger son Ganesha sits on her
knee, while Kartikeya sits or stands near Lord Shiva. Goddess
Parvati is typically decorated with gold ornaments and a crown
on her head and also carries a lotus flower in one of her hands.
What does Parvati symbolize?
Goddess Parvati is gentle and loving toward everyone. She never
fails to help and guide those who approach her out of
helplessness. Just as a mother is always kind toward her
children, Goddess Parvati, being mother nature, is forgiving to
all living entities. But when the time comes, she assumes
different terrible forms such as Durga and Kali to defeat demons
in order to protect the material world. She took the form of
Durga and killed the demon Mahishasura. Kali, the most ferocious
form, slayed the demon Raktabija. Thus, Goddess Parvati not only
symbolizes love, fertility, motherhood, and harmony, but is also
the Goddess of power, energy, and destruction.
Can we keep Shiv Parvati statue at home?
It is stated in Srimad Bhagavatam, the most glorious Vedic
literature, that Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava (devotee of
Lord Vishnu): vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ. In order to get the
mercy of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, it is important for us to
serve His pure devotees. Thus, worshiping Lord Shiva along with
his consort Goddess Parvati at home is the way to the heart of
Lord Vishnu. But you must also know the standards of worshiping
them so that no offense is committed at their lotus feet. If
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are pleased with your devotional
service, you will easily get the causeless mercy of Lord Vishnu
and thus the ultimate goal of your life will be achieved.
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.
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