40" Large Goddess Gayatri Devi | Handmade | Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) | Panchaloha Bronze from Swamimalai

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The process of Gayatri’s transformation from a mantra to an almighty goddess with a multiplicity of equally powerful male counterparts can be understood from a myth mentioned in the Hindu Vedic texts. According to this story, when invoked by the Devas (gods) the Gayatri meter transformed into a magnificent golden bird or Suparna and brought the Soma, the elixir of immortality to the Devalok (home of gods). What this Vedic account highlight is the powers of Gayatri, her ability to grant the boon of immortality as the manifestation of the potent Gayatri mantra. The survival of the Gayatri mantra as arguably one of the most popular mantras in the modern Hindu household says a lot about the might of the Veda Mata. In this large bronze Swamimalai sculpture, goddess Gayatri is shown as a beautiful young woman, sitting in the Lalitasana (posture of imperial ease) on a lotus seat placed on a square, two-tiered platform. Her multiple heads are adorned by regal crowns, while the main head has the crescent moon placed over the Kiritamukuta. A set of bejewelled Ratna Kundala hang from Devi’s ears, jewelled strings sit over her fine shoulders, and armlets in the shape of peacock feathers decorate her arms. A number of necklaces can be seen on the goddess’s torso, with a long necklace falling over her rounded breasts that are held together by an embellished kuchabandha or breast band. A thin Channvira highlights the delicate shape of her waist, followed by an embossed Kayabandha (waistband). Devi Gayatri wears a fine dhoti that clings to her shapely legs and is decorated with a variety of floral motifs all over. The Shakti or power of the Trinity and manifestation of the Gayatri mantra, Devi holds the ayudhas (weapons) belonging to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in her 10 hands. From left to right, she carries a Gada (mace), kapala (skull cap), a lotus, Chakra (discus), Shankha (conch), Ankush (goad), Kasa (whip), and a Japa mala (rosary). Her main hands decorated with auspicious signs are raised in the Abhaya and Varada mudra (the gestures of fearlessness and dissemination of boons respectively). A magnificent Prabhavali, the divine aura surrounds the bronze murti, graced by the presence of the mythical Kirtimukha- the face of glory, showing the demon eating its own tail. Prabhavali over the goddess signifies the eating away of one’s own existence and the ego that originates from it in order to reach the highest knowledge and attain moksha. An incarnation of the combined powers of the Trideva and Tridevis- Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and Parvati, Gayatri is equal to Mahadevi or Durga, the visible form of Prakriti, the female energy that runs the world. The mother-goddess whose name cleanses the soul of all its sins and guides her on the path of illumination, appears divinely meditative in this bronze idol, a reminder of Devi’s benevolence that is omnipresent. 

Sculpting Dreams in Metal: The Enigmatic Alchemy of Panchaloha Bronze Masterpieces

Bronze statues and sculptures are known for their exquisite beauty and the divinity that they emit all around the space. Bronze is considered an excellent metal alloy, composed primarily of copper and tin. Many properties make it suitable for sculpting even the most intricate and complex structures. There was a period in history, known as the “Bronze Age'', in which most sculptors preferred to work with Bronze as it was considered the hardest metal. Bronze is especially appreciated for its durability, ductility, and corrosion-resistance properties. India is especially known for its elegant workmanship of skills working with Bronze. The artisans of a town named Swamimalai in South India have been following a tradition of bronze murti making for ages. They use a special material known as Panchaloha bronze to make fascinating icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All of us are allured by the beauty of bronze statues and sculptures but there goes a tough hand in casting those masterpieces with little or no imperfections. Since it is an extremely elaborate process, a sculptor needs to be highly skilled in making bronze antiques. The most common technique for casting bronze sculptures that has been followed since ancient times is the “Lost-wax” process which involves many steps:

1. Clay model making

The making of a bronze statue or sculpture starts with preparing a full-sized clay (usually Plasticine) model of the sculpture. This allows the artist to have an idea about the overall shape and form of the desired sculpture before working with bronze, a much more expensive and difficult-to-work-with material.

2. Mould making

Once the clay model is ready, a mould of the original sculpture is made. This is done by carefully covering the clay model with plaster strips. This step is carried out in such a way that no air bubbles are formed. It takes up to 24 hours for the plaster to dry. Once dried, the plaster is then gently removed from the clay model. The removal happens easily because the inner mould is usually made of materials such as polyurethane rubber or silicone.

3. Wax filling and removal

In this step, molten bronze or wax is poured or filled into the mould in such a way that it gets even into the finest details. The mould is then turned upside down and left to cool and harden. When the wax has hardened, it is removed from the mould.

4. Chasing

Chasing is the process in which the artist refines the surface of the bronze statue using various tools to achieve fine details. This smoothens the surface and gives the statue a finished look. If some parts of the statue were moulded separately, they are now heated and attached.

5. Applying a patina

Bronze sculptures are known for their unique look or sheen on the surface. This may take several years to achieve naturally. Applying patina to bronze sculptures is an important step to make them appear attractive. Working with clay, plaster mould, and molten wax can be messy and therefore sculptors wear old clothes and remain careful. The entire process of making a bronze statue takes several months to complete. Bronze sculptures last for many centuries because of the high durability of the material. Many centuries down the line, these sculptures continue to be appreciated for their majestic beauty.