The glory of Sri Lakshmi is omnipresent. From Chakravartin kings ruling from their grand palaces to the commoners in their ordinary life, everyone seeks the blessings of Devi Lakshmi. Her status in the Hindu pantheon is that of the supreme mother-goddess, worshipped alongside her husband Lord Vishnu or independently as the provider of dharma (virtue), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure), and moksha, the four cardinal goals of human life.
Befitting her brilliance and prowess as Padma (the lady of the lotus, whose beauty is like a freshly blossomed lotus) and Mahalakshmi (the great Lakshmi, goddess who vanquished Mahishasura and his forces) this large wooden standing goddess Lakshmi statue is unmistakably a gem for anyone who wishes to attain unending splendors.
The wooden standing goddess Lakshmi statue and the marvelous Kirtimukha (face of glory) aureole surrounding her are placed on a relatively modern-looking wood platform whose simplicity lets the eye focus on the intricate work of the icon. Made from teakwood, the Maa Lakshmi wood statue depicts her standing gracefully on an open lotus whose petals appear strikingly realistic.
The goddess is four-armed, with her two secondary hands holding bunches of three lotus buds, her primary left hand is in the gesture of giving boons (Varada Mudra) and her right hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness). Rounded and plump, Devi Lakshmi’s face glows like the full moon and is adorned by a royal crown that is complemented by intricately carved jeweled ornaments.
With her weight elegantly shifted on her right leg, Maa Lakshmi in this wooden statue is the very picture of feminine delicateness, a picture which is enhanced by the dhoti (lower body garment) decorated with strings of pearls which are defined using symmetrically placed tiny bumps on her attire.
The regal feel of this wooden Maa Lakshmi statue is furthered by the elaborate girdle and U-shaped waist ornament that hangs on the obverse and reverse of the icon, embellished by floral and paisley motifs. Vegetation, symbolic of life-affirming forces spurt from the sides of the goddess Lakshmi's wood statue reinforcing her connections to the realm of fecundity and auspiciousness.
Another recurring theme with goddess Lakshmi is that of royalty. Her potential that can bestow upon her devotee the wealth of Indra (king of gods) is exalted in texts that call her “Rajya Sri” (Sri-Lakshmi who confers state and stateliness). The manifestation of Devi’s sway over monarchs is conveyed in this wooden standing Lakshmi statue by the grand Kirtimukha aura with numerous detailed motifs carved over it.
In the center of the imposing aureole is the face of the Kirtimukha demon with awe-inspiring features- bulging eyes, flared nostrils, sharp fangs, and a long, lolling tongue. A shapely arch carved with a flower pattern on the inner portion and curling vines on the outer part appears to be simultaneously sprouting from the mouths of the Makara (composite mythical animal, amalgamation of crocodile, eagle, and elephant) and Kirtimukha. The Prabhavali (aureole) is supported by two sturdy Yali (lion-elephant composite animal) pillars, in whose middle section you can observe a unique image of the Yali standing atop an elephant who with an upraised trunk is paying his adulations.
The Kirtimukha, the Makara, and the Yali are traditional elements associated with royalty and divinity in Indian art. Surrounded by these ethereal creatures, Devi Lakshmi in this wooden sculpture is the Mahishi (queen mother) whose opulent presence is sought by Sri-Hari Vishnu himself.
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.
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.
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