This brass statue represents the human transformation of the mythical cow Kamadhenu, the theme of many legends. Though sometimes considered as three different beings, Surabhi and Nandini are the only other names of Kamadhenu. Scriptures refer to more than one Kamadhenu which sometimes seems to suggest that Kamadhenu was a generalization of any cow having divine or celestial attributes. In Sanskrit one of the meanings of ‘Kama’ is ‘ichchha’ – wish, and of ‘dhenu’, cow; thus, Kamadhenu denoted the wish-fulfilling cow. The progenitor of the entire range of cattle and believed to be a primordial power with a form wherein enshrined all gods and divine powers Kamadhenu is listed as one of the goddesses in the Hindu pantheon and thus her human transform.
The mother of all cattle and the one who fed all gods and sages by her abundant milk that she produced, in some traditions Kamadhenu is included among Matrikas too. Incidentally, this image of the celestial cow has represented with the mother also a calf feeding on her thuds, something not usually seen in representations of Kamadhenu, perhaps because it only sought to individualise her, an otherwise divine form having universal dimensions. Maybe, while humanizing the cow into a divine form the artist’s mind was possessed of Kamadhenu’s Matrika links. However, in her form, partially human, cow-like and with feathers and a peacock-like tail, and with a lotus pedestal, the artist has conceived her as the being of the earth, ocean and the sky, that is, as having cosmic dimensions.
In mythological tradition Kamadhenu as Surabhi has her lineage from Brahma through Kashyapa and Daksha, Brahma’s descendants. Surabhi is variously alluded to in Puranas as Daksha’s daughter, Kashyapa’s wife, as also his daughter and the like. She is alluded to as undergoing ten thousand years long penance and winning from Brahma thereby her divine powers and status. Like Indraloka, Brahmaloka and others, Brahma created for her ‘Goloka’ as her independent ‘loka’ or region. Though more popularly Kamadhenu is attached to sage Vashishtha as his cow, she has associated with her several legends, mainly Vishvamitra-related, both when he was a ruler as also when he was performing penance in the forest, as also those related to Ashta Vasus, king Vaka, Indra, sage Agastya, Krishna and sage Jamadagni, the father of Parasurama.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
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.
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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