Nratya-rata Padmavati

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Padmavati is the South Indian transformation of Lakshmi. Some people consider it only as a transformation of names, that is, as Vishnu is worshipped in South India by the name of Venkatesha or Shrinivasa, so is worshipped Lakshmi by the name of Padmavati. Padma Puran, however, has a full length episode as to how Vishnu re-emerged as Venkatesh with the abstract realisation of Lakshmi or Shri within his heart and thus also acquiring for himself the name 'Shrinivasa' meaning the 'abode of Shri or Lakshmi'. As Lakshmi is said to have sprouted like a lotus in the heart of Vishnu, she has been attributed the name Padmavati, or the one who emerged like a 'Padma' or lotus. In visual representations Padmavati has been, hence, conceived holding in two of her four hands lotus buds ready to sprout.

As Padma Purana has the legend, the great Brahmin Bhragu, deputed by other Brahmins, went to Vishnu for seeking his views as to who of the great Trinity was supreme. Brahma and Shiva ignored him and Vishnu he found asleep with Lakshmi. The enraged sage hit him on his chest. Rising from his sleep Vishnu not only apologized for sleeping untimely but also stored on his bosom the mark of saint's foot as Shrivatsa. Lakshmi, who was lying upon Vishnu's bosom and was alike hit, got enraged and deserted Vishnu in disgust and in protest for his unmanly conduct. Bereaved Vishnu too abandoned Brahmaloka and came to Sheshachala in South. Now Lakshmi, unreconciled, was his abstract realisation. He lay there for long. On the spot, where lay Vishnu, all milk from the udders of the cow of a local ruler dropped. He got the spot dug. To his utter amazement the image of Vishnu was discovered. The king could not perceive Lakshmi as she was not materially present. When the image of Vishnu, renamed now as Venkatesha, was installed in the temple built by the king, devotees thronged around. In the course of time they realised the shadow-like presence of a female figure lying in Venkatesha's bosom. The realisation was transformed as Padmavati who had an identity corresponding to that of Lord Vishnu.

Padmavati is now the principal female deity of South India innovated and conceived in multiple forms and aspects. This fully bejewelled icon of her cast in fine wood represents her in a dance posture. Her forearms represent a beautiful 'Nratya-mudra', an aspect of dance. Fine and well defined features and proportionate figure define her total being. Her large eyes with deep eye-brows and corresponding folds of skin along them have been carved with great mastery. Despite wood as its medium, the entire figure gives the impression of marble in its transparency and tenderness. The artefact is a masterpiece of South Indian iconographic art.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.

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.