The Protector in Copper

This captivating copper statue depicts a powerful and awe-inspiring form, a tangible representation of divine intervention and unwavering protection. Standing at 7.0 x 3.5 x 2.2 inches, this piece holds a commanding presence, perfect for display on a personal altar, desk, or within any space where a reminder of strength and righteousness is desired. The weight and feel of the copper add to the sense of grounded power the statue emanates.

A Lion-Man Avatar

The figure is depicted with four arms, each poised in gestures that speak to readiness and strength. This four-armed (Chaturbhuj) representation emphasizes the divine nature, capable of acting swiftly and decisively in multiple directions. Above the deity, seven cobra heads create a magnificent canopy, symbolizing protection and the subjugation of negativity. The cobra, revered in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, represents both potent energy and the taming of primal instincts. The details in this statue, from the musculature of the torso to the intricately patterned dhoti, speak to the skill and artistry of its creation. The copper medium lends an ancient and enduring quality, as though this figure has stood sentinel for centuries.

The Legend of a Divine Emergence

The appearance of this deity is one of the most dramatic and compelling stories in Hindu mythology. The tale tells of a devotee, Prahlada, a young prince who steadfastly maintained his devotion to Vishnu despite relentless persecution from his demon king father, Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu, who had been granted a boon that made him virtually invulnerable – he could not be killed by human or animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither during the day nor at night, and neither on earth nor in the sky – challenged Prahlada's belief. In a moment of supreme defiance, Prahlada declared that Vishnu was present everywhere, even within a pillar of the palace. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu shattered the pillar. From that very pillar, Vishnu manifested in a form that defied all limitations: neither man nor beast, appearing at twilight (neither day nor night), on the threshold (neither indoors nor outdoors), and placing the demon on his lap (neither earth nor sky), he vanquished him, thus fulfilling the boon's conditions while upholding righteousness. This statue is a powerful reminder of this epic tale, embodying the triumph of good over evil, the unwavering power of devotion, and the divine intervention that protects the faithful. It is a beautiful and meaningful addition to any collection, a testament to the enduring strength of spiritual beliefs.