Lakshmi Ganesha and Saraswati Panel with Karttikeya and Lord Venkateshwara Balaji

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Lakshmi Ganesha and Saraswati Panel with Karttikeya and Lord Venkateshwara Balaji

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$595.50

$794

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Specifications

	RD11
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 37.5 inch
	Depth: 2.3 inch
	Weight 6.50 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 Celestial Assembly: Divine Manifestations in Wood

This exquisite South Indian temple wood carving presents a tableau of revered deities, a testament to the rich spiritual heritage and artistic mastery of the region. Each figure is meticulously rendered, embodying the divine attributes and symbolic significance that have been cherished for centuries. The warm tones of the wood and the intricate detail invite contemplation, bringing a sense of sacredness and artistic grandeur to any space. The central figure, Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, is depicted in his benevolent form. With his elephantine head and pot belly, he sits in a graceful posture, his hands bestowing blessings and holding symbols of prosperity. Ganesha's presence is always an auspicious beginning, and his inclusion here signifies good fortune and the successful overcoming of challenges. He is often associated with the primordial sound Om, the very essence of creation. Flanking Ganesha are Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness, and Goddess Saraswati, the divine patroness of knowledge, arts, and music. Lakshmi, with her gentle gaze and hands often depicted showering coins, brings material and spiritual abundance. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu and is revered for her grace and magnanimity. Saraswati, on the other hand, is shown holding her Veena, the musical instrument symbolizing the melody of the universe. Her presence awakens creativity, learning, and intellectual pursuit, reminding us of the pursuit of wisdom and the beauty of artistic expression. To the left of Lakshmi, we see Lord Karttikeya, the commander of the celestial armies, a valiant warrior god. His poised stance and symbolic spear signify strength, courage, and the triumph of righteousness over evil. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, and his divine purpose is to protect the cosmos. The presence of Karttikeya inspires bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. On the far right stands Lord Venkateshwara Balaji, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. He is depicted in the iconic standing posture, often seen in South Indian temples, symbolizing his unwavering protection and his eternal presence in the hearts of his devotees. Lord Venkateshwara is a supreme deity for millions, believed to bestow blessings, fulfill desires, and offer liberation from the cycle of birth and death. He is known for his immense compassion and his divine grace that permeates the universe.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

This panel is a magnificent example of South Indian temple wood carving, a tradition deeply rooted in the region's devotional practices and aesthetic sensibilities. The artisans employ age-old techniques, carefully selecting wood and then meticulously carving each deity with profound respect and artistic flair. The intricate detailing, from the flowing robes to the divine ornaments, speaks volumes about the skill and dedication of the craftspeople. Such carvings are not merely decorative; they are imbued with spiritual significance, intended to serve as focal points for prayer, meditation, and devotional reflection. Displaying this panel in a home or sacred space is believed to invite the blessings of these powerful deities, fostering an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment. It serves as a tangible connection to the divine, a piece of living history that continues to inspire and uplift.

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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