7" Lord Shiva as Vishapaharana Bronze Statue

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A Bronze Rendition of Divine Grace

Crafted with meticulous detail using the traditional Panchaloha method, this bronze statue depicts a seated form of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, revered as the Destroyer and Transformer within the Trimurti. This particular form is a representation of Shiva's profound compassion and power over poison, specifically depicted as Vishapaharana. The statue is a beautiful fusion of artistry and devotion, capturing the essence of a powerful moment in Hindu mythology.

The Tale of Vishapaharana

The depiction of Shiva as Vishapaharana ("He who drank the poison") arises from the epic tale of the churning of the ocean, or *Samudra Manthan*. In this grand cosmic event, gods and demons collaborated to churn the ocean of milk to obtain *Amrita*, the nectar of immortality. As the ocean was churned, various divine beings and objects emerged. However, before the ambrosia, there arose a deadly poison, *Halahala*, potent enough to annihilate all creation. Panic seized the gods and demons alike. It was clear that neither side could withstand the poison's wrath. In desperation, they turned to Lord Shiva for help. Boundless in his compassion, Shiva consumed the poison, holding it in his throat. His consort, Goddess Parvati, pressed her hand on his throat, preventing it from going down, thus saving the universe. The poison stained Shiva's throat blue, hence one of his famous epithets, *Neelkantha* ("the Blue-Throated One").

A Symbol of Protection

This beautiful statue captures that spirit of divine sacrifice. He is portrayed seated in a relaxed, meditative posture, conveying an aura of calmness and control despite the potent poison he contains. In one hand, Shiva holds a small bowl, perhaps representing the Halahala poison itself, or the nectar of immortality that followed after vanquishing the poison. His other hands likely hold other symbolic items. The details of his ornamentation, from his intricately carved headdress to his simple clothing, reflect traditional iconography. The statue rests on a raised pedestal, providing a stable and elegant base. The statue is created from bronze, using the ancient Panchaloha method, also known as 'five-metals' in Sanskrit. This statue, with dimensions of 7.2 x 3.7 x 3.3 inches, will be an important part of any religious and/or spiritual person who is looking for something to add to their home.