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Large Size Lord Hayagriva with Goddess Lakshmi

$1185.75
$1581
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZCY23
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 35.5 inch
Width: 17.5 inch
Depth: 6.5 inch
Weight 19.90 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Divine Confluence: Lord Hayagriva and Goddess Lakshmi

This magnificent South Indian temple wood carving depicts the powerful deity Lord Hayagriva, the horse-faced avatar of Lord Vishnu, seated in serene majesty beside the benevolent Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of prosperity and fortune. This exquisite sculpture is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, where devotional art has been meticulously crafted for centuries. The wood, aged and polished to a warm, inviting sheen, speaks of time-honored traditions and the skilled hands of master artisans. The depiction of Lord Hayagriva is particularly striking. With the noble head of a horse and the powerful torso of a human, he embodies knowledge, wisdom, and the vanquisher of ignorance. In Hindu mythology, Lord Hayagriva is revered as the god of learning, music, and eloquence. Tales recount his divine intervention to retrieve the Vedas stolen by demons, thus restoring sacred knowledge to the world. His powerful form, seated majestically, signifies his dominance over all forms of ignorance and his role as the bestower of profound wisdom. He is often depicted with a fierce yet serene countenance, a symbol of his ability to conquer inner and outer obstacles with clarity and insight. His hands, rendered with intricate detail, are poised in gestures of blessing and protection, promising spiritual enlightenment and freedom from illusion. Flanking Lord Hayagriva is Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, fortune, and beauty. Her presence signifies auspiciousness, abundance, and material well-being. She is the source of all prosperity, both material and spiritual, and her grace is sought by devotees for success in all endeavors. In this carving, she sits gracefully, exuding an aura of calm and abundance. Her gentle gaze and serene posture invite peace and prosperity into the lives of those who behold her. The union of Lord Hayagriva and Goddess Lakshmi represents the harmonious balance between spiritual wisdom and material prosperity, a core tenet in many Hindu philosophies. This divine pairing suggests that true prosperity comes not just from material wealth, but from the wisdom to manage it and the grace to appreciate it. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Symbolism

This piece is a remarkable example of South Indian temple wood carving, a craft renowned for its intricate detailing and deep spiritual resonance. Each element of the sculpture, from the ornate headdress of Lord Hayagriva to the delicate jewelry adorning both deities, is rendered with exceptional care. The base on which they are seated is a masterpiece in itself, adorned with traditional motifs that further enhance the spiritual significance of the artwork. The lotus motifs and the circular embellishments speak of purity, rebirth, and the cosmic order. The serene expressions on the faces of both Hayagriva and Lakshmi, combined with the powerful symbolism of their forms, make this sculpture a truly captivating and spiritually uplifting object. This carving is not merely a decorative piece; it is an invocation, a symbol of divine blessings, and a conduit for invoking wisdom and prosperity into your home or sacred space.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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