The Moment of Enlightenment
This exquisite brass statue captures the profound moment of Lord Buddha's enlightenment, a pivotal event in Buddhist philosophy. The Bhumisparsha Mudra
, or Earth-touching gesture, signifies this breakthrough. As depicted, the Buddha's right hand gracefully rests on his right knee, with fingertips pointing downwards towards the earth. This pose is symbolic of his victory over Mara, the demon who tempted him with worldly desires, and his attainment of ultimate wisdom. Legend has it that at this very moment, the Earth itself bore witness to his enlightenment, solidifying his claim to spiritual realization.
A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship and Color
Handmade in India, this statue is a testament to the skill of traditional artisans. Crafted from high-quality brass, it boasts a lustrous finish that enhances its divine aura. The intricate details, from the serene expression on the Buddha's face to the delicate folds of his robes, are meticulously rendered. The statue is further adorned with vibrant inlay work, featuring colorful stones that bring the artwork to life. The deep greens, vibrant reds, and rich blues create a striking contrast against the brass, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of existence and the spiritual path. The lotus base, on which the Buddha sits, is a universally recognized symbol of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, further enriching the iconography of the piece.
Cultural Significance and Symbolism
The Bhumisparsha Mudra is one of the most significant and widely recognized mudras in Buddhism. It represents unwavering resolve, the subjugation of ego, and the ultimate triumph of truth. In many traditions, it is believed that invoking this mudra can help overcome obstacles and negative influences. The act of touching the earth is also a connection to the grounded reality of existence, signifying that enlightenment is achieved through understanding and acceptance of the world as it is. This particular rendition, with its rich inlay, also reflects the artistic traditions of regions where Buddhism has flourished, incorporating elements that resonate with local aesthetics and spiritual practices. This piece is not merely a decorative item but a conduit to contemplate the profound teachings of the Buddha and the journey towards inner peace and wisdom.
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.
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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.
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- 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.
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- 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.Â
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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.Â