It is
believed that once the Shesha-Naga attacked the Mayura and defeated it, Lord
Ganesha also known as Mureshwara came to his rescue. He climbed Shesh-Naag’s
hood and held his tail. He then started dancing on his hood. This Ganesha
Purana tale is visually told through this ethereal bronze image of Sri Ganesha
on a snake's hood. It is a beautiful piece of art and also a manifestation of a
rarely discussed episode of victory of good over evil. It also initiates a
discussion about the Mayureshwar form of Lord Ganesha, which is situated in
Morgaon in Pune District.
A Divine Dance
Behold a manifestation of joy and auspiciousness – a bronze sculpture of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, captured in a dynamic dance. This exquisite piece is more than just an artwork; it's a tangible representation of divine grace, wisdom, and the power to overcome obstacles. The lithe form of Ganesha is poised in motion, bringing to life a traditional depiction with remarkable detail. Measuring 9.5 x 3.5 x 2.7 inches, this captivating statue commands attention and lends a sacred presence to any space. The meticulously crafted bronze brings out the contours of his divine form and the rich texture of the detailing.
Hoysala Art: A Legacy of Precision
This piece draws inspiration from the Hoysala dynasty, renowned for their elaborate temple architecture and sculptures in Southern India (roughly 10th to 14th centuries). Hoysala art is celebrated for its intricate carvings, minute detailing, and highly polished surfaces. Sculptors from the Hoysala period often showcased deities in dynamic poses, adorned with elaborate jewelry and clothing, reflecting their mastery of bronze casting techniques. This sculpture pays homage to the Hoysala style through its fine details, from the folds of Ganesha’s dhoti to the ornate headdress. Each element is carefully considered, imbuing the statue with the spirit of this golden age of Indian art.Ganesha and the Serpent: Symbolism Unveiled
Lord Ganesha stands triumphantly upon a five-headed serpent, a powerful symbol woven with deep meaning. In Hindu mythology, serpents (nagas) are often associated with primordial energy, fertility, and protection. They are guardians of treasures, both material and spiritual. The five heads represent the five senses, indicating Ganesha's complete control over them, symbolizing mastery of self and the ability to navigate the world with wisdom.
Ganesha himself is revered as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the lord of beginnings (Adi Deva). He is worshipped before any new endeavor, ensuring success and removing any potential hurdles. The act of Ganesha dancing on the serpent could represent his victory over negative energies and his ability to conquer inner demons. Some legends connect serpents to the Kundalini energy, the dormant spiritual power within us. Ganesha's mastery over the serpent therefore represents his control and command of spiritual energies, leading to enlightenment and prosperity.
With his right hand in a gesture of blessing (abhaya mudra), he offers protection and bestows courage. His left hand holds the serpent, a potent symbol of his power. The graceful curve of his trunk, the gentle expression on his face, and the rhythmic pose create a sense of harmony and auspiciousness. This captivating representation of Lord Ganesha serves as a powerful reminder of his divine attributes, offering blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and the ability to overcome any obstacle in life’s path. How to Maintain Bronze Statues
Bronze statues are the jewel in the artistic crown of India and have inspired generations for ages. If you own one of them, you must care for them properly so that they continue to add charm to your space for years to come. Here are some tips you can follow -
Dust particles can corrode the statue's surface, making it look dull. That is why it is necessary that you dust the bronze idols regularly using a soft brush or a microfiber cloth.
In case you happen to spill any liquid, immediately wipe it off using a dry cloth.
Keep your bronze statues away from humidity and moisture. Place them in well-ventilated areas.
You can also maintain the shine of your Hoysala bronze ornaments by regularly retouching them with a coat of wax polish.
Make sure that you clean them once a week.
Making Process of Hoysala Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility, bronze is the most preferred metal for artisans to create sculptures. Other qualities that make it the ideal choice for creating statues is its ability to be cast easily. Aside from that, this metal allows the most intricate details to be captured by the artist.
The art of making bronze statues has been practiced in India for centuries, and evidence of it can be found in magnificent Hoysala bronze ornaments and bronze statues in South India. Of the many bronze idols produced in the country, Hoysala art statues are very famous. The hoysala style includes a depiction of embellishments and ornaments and an abundance of jewelry while making statues. It grew from the 10th to 14th centuries in the Hoysala dynasty that ruled the region, falling in present day Karnataka, hence the name of this craft. It involves intricate work, deep carving, and undercutting by artisans to create elaborate and decorative motifs.
Much time and effort goes into bringing these timeless pieces to life. It takes months to finish a single sculpture, and they are always created by casting. The most common casting type for bronze idols is the lost-wax casting technique. This is a 4000-year-old art form and requires a lot of concentration, patience, and finesse.
The first step of making bronze statues is making a model of the sculpture in clay. The artist creates an exact clay version of what he envisions to be made in bronze. He captures every little detail.
The second step involves making a mold of plasticine or silicon rubber around the clay statue. Once the mold hardens, it is separated from the clay sculpture.
After that, molten wax is poured into the mold so that a thick layer of coating is created inside the mold. This is done so that every detail of the sculpture is captured.
Once the wax hardens, the plasticine or silicon mold is removed, and a ceramic shell is created around the wax structure by dipping it in liquid slurry and silica sand.
This ceramic shell is heated upon solidification, and the wax is melted out. After that, molten bronze is poured into the mold through tubes.
Once the liquid bronze has hardened and taken the shape of the mold, the ceramic shell is removed, and the final product is checked for any imperfections.
The final step involves the application of patina onto the sculpture. This prevents corrosion and adds color to the statue. A final coat of wax is applied to preserve this and add luster.
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