•

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.

Mahishasur Mardini Mother Goddess Durga

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

$856

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZAS45
	South Indian Temple Wood Carving
	Height: 24.5 inch
	Width: 14.7 inch
	Depth: 4.7 inch
	Weight 6.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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 Divine Warrior: A Testament to Strength and Resilience

This exquisite wooden carving captures the awe-inspiring might of the Mother Goddess Durga in her fierce form as Mahishasur Mardini. Crafted with remarkable skill in the traditional South Indian temple style, this artwork embodies a powerful narrative from Hindu mythology, a story of courage, divine intervention, and the triumph of good over evil. The intricate details and the raw beauty of the wood bring to life one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. The saga of Mahishasur Mardini originates from the Devi Mahatmyam, a sacred text that recounts the cosmic battle against the formidable demon king Mahishasur. This buffalo-headed demon had grown so powerful that he had conquered the heavens, dislodging the gods and throwing the universe into chaos. Even the combined might of the male deities was insufficient to defeat him. In their desperation, they invoked the primal energy of the universe, which manifested as the divine feminine power, Durga. She emerged, radiant and fearsome, armed with weapons bestowed by the gods themselves, symbolizing the collective strength and resolve against overwhelming darkness. This carving beautifully depicts Durga poised for victory, her multiple arms wielding divine instruments, ready to vanquish the buffalo demon who lies subjugated beneath her foot.

Artistry in Wood: A South Indian Heritage

This piece is a testament to the rich heritage of South Indian wood carving. Artisans, drawing upon generations of knowledge and spiritual devotion, have meticulously brought this divine form to existence. The warm, earthy tones of the wood, likely a resilient hardwood known for its durability and ability to hold fine detail, lend a sense of age-old wisdom and grounded power to the sculpture. The carving showcases the characteristic stylistic elements of South Indian temple art, often characterized by bold lines, detailed ornamentation, and a profound sense of movement and dynamism. The ornamentation on Durga's attire and the decorative arch behind her are rendered with precision, reflecting the painstaking effort that goes into such devotional craftsmanship. The base, adorned with symbolic motifs, provides a sturdy foundation for the celestial drama unfolding above. The portrayal of Durga as Mahishasur Mardini is not merely an artistic representation but a visual sermon. It signifies that no matter how insurmountable the challenges may seem, the inner strength and divine grace can overcome any adversity. The Goddess, in her many forms, represents the protective, nurturing, and fierce aspects of the universal mother. Her victory over Mahishasur is celebrated as a reminder that righteousness will always prevail, and that the power of faith and devotion can empower even the seemingly weak to conquer the strongest of evils. Owning this sculpture is like inviting that divine energy and timeless message of hope and resilience into your 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.

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.

Products related to this item