11" Bhagawan Vishnu Seated on Sheshnag | Handmade

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Here we have the protector Lord of the Universe, Vishnu sitting royally on the coils of Adishehsa. One can imagine him ruling from the Vaikuntha (his heavenly abode) in this form. Lord Vishnu’s head is flanked by the Adishehsa, a snake that represents Kaal or time. Vishnu by resting on its coils hints that he is in control of the smooth passage of time, he is the master of every occurrence. The regal Kiritamukuta adorns Vishnu’s head, its conical shape giving the god an imposing look. The U-shaped tilak on his head is an auspicious Hindu attribute. Vishnu’s face appears extremely tranquil, signaling that the lord is in a deeply introspective state. In his ears are the Makarakrit kundal (fish-shaped earrings), a quintessential Vaishnava feature. In his right upper limb, Vishnu holds his Sudarshana Chakra (discuss), which is used to destroy any evil force trying to hinder the balance of nature. The Panchajanya shankh (conch) is held in the upper left limb, an attribute symbolizing the beginning of creation, blown before the commencement of any fortunate activity. Lord Vishnu’s left-hand rests on his Kaumudaki Gada (mace) symbolizing his strength in physical or spiritual matters. The lord of all creations sits in the Lalitasana or the posture of royal ease, with his left leg placed on a newly sprouted lotus flower. The lotus symbolism has been associated with the group of divinities related to water, auspiciousness, abundance, and creation. Lotus is also a symbol of purity since it blooms in muddy water yet remains untainted. Lord Vishnu like the lotus remains invested in the matters of the world while remaining aloof.

 Efforts are taken by the artist to carve the folds of lord Vishnu’s dhoti, the coils, and scales on Adi Shesha’s body, the angelic visage of the Lord, which together, have brought life into this elegant brass Vishnu idol. 

How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?

Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.

Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.

• The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

• To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.

• In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth. 

Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity. 

Sheshnag: The Divine Vehicle of Lord Vishnu and its Symbolic Significance

According to the Vedic scriptural injunctions, Lord Vishnu is the Supreme Lord, the protector of all living entities, and the cause of all causes. Just like the pastimes and names of Lord Vishnu are transcendental, His form is also transcendental, above and beyond the three modes of material nature. He bears four hands that carry a lotus flower, a conch shell, a discus (the Sudarshan Chakra, and a club. Although Lord Vishnu is above the effects of the three modes of material nature, He is the predominating deity of the mode of goodness (Sattva Guna) and thus maintains the entire material world.

Which snake does Lord Vishnu sleep on?

You may have seen the beautiful images, deities, and paintings of Lord Vishnu portrayed as reclined on a coil of the body of a big snake in the middle of the ocean of milk (Ksheer Sagar). It has multiple hoods spread across the entire body of the Lord, giving Him all protection. This snake is not an ordinary one but is the eternal servitor of the Lord and is called Sheshanag or Anantashesha. Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious activities and a predominant increase in irreligiosity, the Lord appears to re-establish the principles of Dharma. But He does not come alone. He comes with His eternal associates that serve Him in different forms of loving exchanges in Vaikuntha. For example, when Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, appeared on the earth in Dwapar Yuga, Sheshanag came in the form of Lord Balaram with him.

What does Vishnu sculpture symbolize?

As stated by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, He appears in the material world to protect His devotees and to kill the miscreants. The Lord is very merciful to every living entity but those who have taken His shelter and engage in His loving devotional service are especially taken care of by Him. The devotees worship and serve the deity of the Lord with all their hearts. In this way, they develop genuine affection and love for the Lord. The Lord being situated in the hearts of all living entities as Supersoul (Paramatma), also reciprocates with His devotees and gives them the highest form of bliss. The deity of the all-powerful and all-merciful Lord Vishnu is the symbol of purity and love. It is not just a piece of stone, metal, or wood, but is the Lord Himself.

What is the power of Sheshnag?

The Vedic scriptures mention that Sheshnag is the immediate expansion of Lord Vishnu who serves Him with pure devotion. The Acharyas in the path of Bhakti also explain that Sheshnag represents the Guru Tattva. Without the mercy of Guru, the living entity cannot attain the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord. Sheshnag comes in the form of Balaram or Lakshman in the pastimes of Lord Krishna and Lord Ram respectively. Without pleasing Balaram, one cannot understand the nature of Lord Krishna, or without pleasing Lakshman, one cannot know Lord Ram. Similarly, if one wants to serve Lord Vishnu, the mercy of Sheshnag is needed. When it is achieved, Lord Vishnu, without any delay, accepts even a fallen soul and gives Him liberation from all kinds of suffering. Such is the power of Sheshnag.