This four-armed resplendent image of Vishnu, possessed of great majesty and divine aura, represents him in his manifestation as the Commander of the cosmos. Except for a few ‘yogasana’ – seated, images such as the one that enshrines the world-wide revered Badarinatha shrine in the Himalayan state Uttarakhand, one of the four major shrines of Hinduism known as ‘Chatur-dhama’, Vaishnava iconography has visualised Lord Vishnu either as standing or as reclining over ‘Kshirasagara’ – the ocean of milk, on the coils of the great serpent Shesh.
This posture of assurance and readiness to act subdues the cosmos, good or evil, live or dead, known or unknown, divine or mortal, to his command. A kind of alertness on his face and meditative eyes reveal the cosmic commander’s concern for the world’s well-being and for maintaining cosmic order. As would befit a commander, especially the one with all cosmic regions under his command, he has been conceived with a robust build further magnified by a towering crown conceived with meaningful design, and with the timeless youth, unfading vigour and firmly laid feet.
The statue is one of the finest examples of India's centuries’ old tradition of metal-craft. It has same lustre, iconographic perfection, zeal for details, emphasis on embellishment, elegance and finish, emotional bearing, and commitment to scriptural traditions, as had the bronzes from medieval India, Chola, Chalukyan, or Pala. However, this statue reveals greater adherence to later Chola bronzes of the eighth-ninth centuries.
Lord Vishnu, both as the cosmic commander as well as reclining on the great serpent Shesh, has been the most preferred theme of Indian sculptors and metal casters of the period from fourth-fifth to fourteenth-fifteenth centuries. However, Vishnu in his standing posture, a form as cosmic commander, has been the more preferred image for the sanctum in Vaishnava temples, ancient and medieval, in North or in South. This form of Vishnu is essentially votive, though with its unique aesthetics it is as much a masterpiece of art.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
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.
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.
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