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MADE IN INDIA.

Goddess Rajarajeshwari

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$1185.75

$1581

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Specifications

	ZBX62
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 36 inch
	Width: 18 inch
	Depth: 6.8 inch
	Weight 22 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.

The Regal Presence of Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari

This magnificent South Indian temple wood carving depicts the divine form of Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari, also known as Goddess Rajarajeshwari, the Queen of Queens. She embodies ultimate beauty, grace, and supreme power, reigning as the empress of the cosmos. In Hindu mythology, she is the goddess of the divine feminine, the power behind creation, preservation, and destruction. Legend has it that she emerged from the celestial egg and battled the demon Bhandasura, bringing peace and order back to the universe. This intricate carving captures her serene yet powerful countenance, inviting devotees and art connoisseurs alike to experience her benevolent presence. ––––––––––

Artistry and Symbolism

Carved with remarkable detail from a single piece of wood, this statue showcases the unparalleled skill of traditional South Indian artisans. The goddess is seated on a grand throne, her posture exuding royalty and tranquility. In her upper right hand, she holds a blooming lotus, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. The lotus, a sacred flower in Hinduism, often signifies the unfolding of consciousness, much like the goddess herself represents the blossoming of divine power. Her upper left hand gently rests on a feather, perhaps representing her dominion over the celestial realms and the lightness of spirit. The lower hands are in a posture of blessing and assurance, offering protection and spiritual guidance to her devotees. The presence of a majestic peacock, a vāhana (mount) associated with Kartikeya, the god of war and son of Shiva and Parvati, further emphasizes her divine connections and supreme authority. The ornate jewelry and intricate garments depicted in the carving speak to her status as a regal empress, adorned with the symbols of her power and divine essence. ––––––––––

A Legacy of Devotion

The tradition of creating such elaborate wooden sculptures has been passed down through generations in South India, deeply rooted in the region's rich temple architecture and devotional practices. These carvings are not merely decorative objects but are imbued with spiritual significance and are often intended for worship and meditation. The choice of wood, the meticulous carving techniques, and the depiction of divine attributes all contribute to the profound spiritual aura of the piece. Owning or gazing upon this statue can serve as a constant reminder of the goddess's benevolent strength, her role as the cosmic mother, and the inherent beauty and power that resides within the divine feminine principle. This piece is a testament to the enduring artistry and spiritual depth of Indian craftsmanship.

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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