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MADE IN INDIA.

Gajalakshmi Panel

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$647.25

$863

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Framed in a thick rectangular wooden board with carvings of lotus petals at the borders, Goddess Lakshmi in her iconic manifestation sits in the centre on a full bloom lotus pedestal carrying all the dignified forms of attributes. In Hindu religion and mythology, this Goddess is the patron of beauty, fertility and wealth.

Gajalakshmi (Elephant Goddess) is one of her eight forms (Ashta Lakshmi), symbolizing prosperity, strength and forbearance; depicted here as being flanked by two elephants on either side, in an action of honoring her with a garland of flowers. As you expand your area of sight, you will see two apsaras in kindness to the revered elephants. This whole gesture of honor and worship is being experienced by the two peacocks standing on either corners of the panel having a folded neck and supremely long coiled feathers at the top.

This Gajalakshmi panel is flourished in the most traditional and ethnic patterns such that its presence on any empty wall will automatically enhance the divine aura of the room with its realistic intricate engravings, dual shaded tone, large size and eye-catching beauty.

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Specifications

	ZBX50
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 15 inch
	Width: 59 inch
	Depth: 2.3 inch
	Weight 15.10 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 40 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Divine Presence for Your Sacred Space

This exquisite South Indian wood carving depicts the revered Goddess Lakshmi, also known as Gajalakshmi, in a scene of profound spiritual significance. Hand-carved with meticulous detail, this panel embodies the rich artistic heritage of traditional temple architecture. The central figure of Gajalakshmi is seated gracefully on a lotus, her four arms outstretched, symbolizing her omnipresence and divine powers. She is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, auspiciousness, and beauty, and her presence is believed to bestow blessings upon homes and devotees.

Symbolism and Auspicious Companions

Flanking the central deity are majestic elephants, their trunks raised in a gesture of adoration and offering, often depicted showering the goddess with water from their trunks. This imagery reinforces the name "Gajalakshmi" – the Lakshmi with elephants – symbolizing royalty, power, and abundant fortune. The elephants also represent wisdom and strength, essential qualities for navigating life's journey towards prosperity. To the outer edges of the panel, gracefully rendered peacocks, the divine vehicle of Goddess Saraswati, stand as symbols of beauty, grace, and artistic expression. Their vibrant plumage, though carved in wood, evokes a sense of elegance and celestial wonder, further enhancing the sacred aura of the piece.

A Glimpse into Mythology and Culture

The depiction of Gajalakshmi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. Legends describe her arising from the Samudra Manthan, the cosmic churning of the ocean, a symbol of her divine origin and her role as a bringer of abundance. The elephants' association with rain and water further links Lakshmi to fertility and the continuous flow of wealth. This panel, a testament to centuries of artistic tradition, would have graced the walls or lintels of ancient South Indian temples, inviting devotees to connect with the divine feminine energy of prosperity and well-being. Its presence in your home can serve as a constant reminder of these timeless values and bring a sense of peace and spiritual elevation.

Artistry and Heritage

Each element of this panel is a masterpiece of wood carving. The intricate patterns on the elephants' headdresses and coverings, the delicate rendering of the lotus petals, and the flowing lines of the surrounding decorative motifs all showcase the exceptional skill of the artisan. The warm, natural tones of the wood add to the panel's timeless appeal, allowing the craftsmanship to speak for itself. This piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a tangible connection to a rich cultural and spiritual lineage, a way to invite divine grace and aesthetic beauty into your living space. Whether placed in a meditation room, a living area, or an entryway, this Gajalakshmi panel is sure to be a cherished focal point, radiating positivity and auspicious energy.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

How to care for Wood Statues?

Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.

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