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Lord Venkateshvara as Balaji at Tirupati

$351.75
$469
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZCU15
White Cedar Wood Statue from Trivandrum
Height: 14.4 inch
Width: 9.7 inch
Depth: 5 inch
Weight 1.58 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
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.

Embodiment of Divine Grace

Experience the serene presence of Lord Venkateshvara, affectionately known as Balaji, captured in this exquisite wood carving. Hailing from the renowned artisan traditions of Trivandrum, this statue is meticulously crafted from select white cedar wood, a material celebrated for its fine grain and pleasant aroma. The artist's skillful hands have brought to life the divine form of Venkateshvara, radiating an aura of peace, prosperity, and eternal blessing. The deity is depicted in his iconic posture, with his right hand raised in a gesture of abhaya mudra, the symbol of fearlessness and protection, offering solace to devotees. His left hand is gently lowered, symbolizing his compassion and willingness to bestow boons. Every detail, from the intricate necklaces and garlands adorning his form to the divine Tilak upon his forehead, speaks of devotion and spiritual reverence. The ornate crown and the intricately carved architectural arch behind him further accentuate his majestic and divine stature.

A Glimpse into the Legend of Balaji

Lord Venkateshvara is a compelling manifestation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have descended to earth to alleviate the suffering of humanity in the Kali Yuga. The Tirumala Venkateshvara Temple, located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, dedicated to him. Legends speak of his divine marriage to Padmavati, a princess whose hand was won by Venkateshvara through extraordinary means, demonstrating his immense power and grace. It is also said that he borrowed wealth from Kubera, the god of riches, to finance his wedding, a story that underscores his association with prosperity and abundance. Devotees flock to Tirupati in millions, seeking his blessings for spiritual fulfillment and material well-being. This carving, therefore, is not merely an object of art but a conduit to connect with the divine energy and blessings of Lord Balaji.

Artistry and Sacred Materials

This statue is a testament to the rich heritage of Indian wood carving, a craft passed down through generations. The choice of white cedar wood from Trivandrum is significant, as this region is known for its skilled wood artisans who employ ancient techniques to create sculptures of exceptional beauty and durability. The natural, unvarnished finish of the wood allows its inherent beauty to shine through, highlighting the delicate carvings and the smooth contours of the deity's form. The substantial wooden base, finished in a rich dark hue, provides a stable and elegant foundation for the divine figure, ensuring it can be prominently displayed in your home or sacred space. This piece is more than just decor; it is a sacred artifact, imbued with the spirit of devotion and artistic excellence.

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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