The
Grama-devata (village deity) and protector of the people of rural folk of Tamil
Nadu and Deccan and the guardian of their livelihoods and lives, Mariamman is
the essential Shakti- the divine feminine who takes care of every aspect of the
devotee’s life.
The
heavenliness of Mariamman is expressed in her regal ornaments and patterned
saree, where beautiful blooming lotuses are etched- a symbol of the Universe,
divinity, wisdom, and purity.
Mariamman’s
large eyes and smiling face bring realism and life to the icon, a powerful
image that ensures her presence to her devotees.
A Divine Embodiment of Power and Protection
This exquisite brass statue captures the divine essence of Goddess Mariamman, a revered deity in South India, known for her benevolent power to cure diseases and protect her devotees from harm. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this handmade figurine is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, where brass casting has been perfected over centuries. The statue depicts the Goddess seated in a graceful posture, exuding an aura of serene strength and unwavering compassion.
Symbolism and Divine Attributes
The iconography of Goddess Mariamman is deeply symbolic. The formidable hood of serpents above her head represents her dominion over the primal forces of nature and her ability to overcome negativity and danger. In Hindu mythology, serpents, particularly the Naga, are often associated with cosmic energy, protection, and regeneration. The multiple heads symbolize her omnipresent watchfulness and her power to shield her devotees from all directions. The trident in one hand signifies her ability to destroy evil and ignorance, while the other hand, holding a bowl, represents her capacity to bestow blessings and nourishment, dispelling any illness or suffering. Her ornate attire and regal headdress further emphasize her divine status and her role as a powerful protector and benefactor.
Artistry and Craftsmanship
Each aspect of this statue has been brought to life by skilled artisans, who have poured their devotion and expertise into its creation. The lustrous brass material lends a timeless elegance to the figurine, its warm hue reflecting the divine radiance of the Goddess. The intricate carvings, from the delicate patterns on her garments to the expressive features of her face, showcase the mastery of traditional Indian craftsmanship. The patina achieved on the brass is a natural result of the casting process and age, adding depth and character to this sacred object. Owning this statue is not just acquiring a decorative item, but an opportunity to connect with a powerful spiritual presence and to bring a piece of revered Indian culture into your home. It serves as a constant reminder of the Goddess's protective embrace and her promise of well-being.
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.