8" Lord Shiva and Parvati with Nandi | Handmade Brass Idols | Made in India

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Nandi: The Symbolic Representation of Strength and Devotion in Hindu Mythology

Nandi is the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The statue of Nandi, the Bull, is generally seen in a sitting posture on a raised platform with discipline and calmness at the entrance of the temple of Lord Shiva as the guard or doorman. He patiently waits for the Lord while gazing at the sanctum, demonstrating that individual souls should always be focused and surrendered to the Supreme Lord in all circumstances, without having any material desires. He symbolizes loyalty, truth, and righteousness, thus, preserving Dharma. Watchfulness and virility are the most important qualities of the Bull, that make him the perfect vaahan for Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the material world, to ride. The alertness of Nandi tells us the importance of being in the present moment (mindfulness). He is the head of all the attendants (Ganas) of Lord Shiva and is also considered to be the guardian of four-legged animals.

Having a round body, a hump appearing as a huge mountain, and heavy shoulders signify his strength and capacity to bear a heavy load. Being very dear to the Lord, the divine Bull is always decked with fascinating ornaments on his back, neck, and sharp horns.

What is the significance of Nandi?

Nandi is the chief of 18 Siddhas and is considered the granter of boons to the devotees, and also symbolizes justice, faith, and purity. His mind completely absorbed in the service of Mahadeva depicts that he is the timeless wisdom and the path to the Absolute Truth, which means the Guru within. Without the mercy of the Guru, one cannot receive the grace of the Supreme Lord. Since Nandi is the eternal servant of Lord Shiva, one who tries to come closer to Lord Shiva and take his shelter, he should approach him by pleasing Nandi first.

Why does Nandi sit in front of Shivling?

Nandi is always depicted sitting outside the sanctum of Lord Shiva, facing the Lord. He patiently waits for his master outside the temple as if ready to serve the Lord whenever he wants his service. This shows how Nandi always remains absorbed in the thoughts of Lord Shiva and is eager to please his master. A practicing devotee can learn from the attitude of Nandi that the only qualification needed to please the Supreme Lord is his sincerity and dedication to serve Him in all circumstances.

Exploring the Symbolism and Significance of Parvati in Hinduism

Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is one of the principal deities of Goddesses in Hinduism. She appeared in the material world as the daughter of Himavan, king of the Himalayan mountains. The Vedic scriptures describe her as a young, beautiful woman who is chaste and faithful to her husband, Lord Shiva. She is always engaged in the loving service of her family; her two sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Goddess Parvati is the embodiment of devotion, love, power, and beauty. The followers of the Shakta tradition (Shaktism) describe her as Adi Shakti or the energy behind the creation of material nature. She is very merciful toward all living entities like a mother who cares for her children and manifests many forms to protect them from miscreants. Her most venerated and important powerful forms are Durga and Kali that she took to vanquish demons who created havoc in the material world.

The Vedic scriptures talk of her beautiful form in detail. She wears a red saree and is generally seated, having two or four arms, beside Lord Shiva. Her younger son Ganesha sits on her knee, while Kartikeya sits or stands near Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is typically decorated with gold ornaments and a crown on her head and also carries a lotus flower in one of her hands.

What does Parvati symbolize?

Goddess Parvati is gentle and loving toward everyone. She never fails to help and guide those who approach her out of helplessness. Just as a mother is always kind toward her children, Goddess Parvati, being mother nature, is forgiving to all living entities. But when the time comes, she assumes different terrible forms such as Durga and Kali to defeat demons in order to protect the material world. She took the form of Durga and killed the demon Mahishasura. Kali, the most ferocious form, slayed the demon Raktabija. Thus, Goddess Parvati not only symbolizes love, fertility, motherhood, and harmony, but is also the Goddess of power, energy, and destruction.

Can we keep Shiv Parvati statue at home?

It is stated in Srimad Bhagavatam, the most glorious Vedic literature, that Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava (devotee of Lord Vishnu): vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ. In order to get the mercy of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, it is important for us to serve His pure devotees. Thus, worshiping Lord Shiva along with his consort Goddess Parvati at home is the way to the heart of Lord Vishnu. But you must also know the standards of worshiping them so that no offense is committed at their lotus feet. If Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are pleased with your devotional service, you will easily get the causeless mercy of Lord Vishnu and thus the ultimate goal of your life will be achieved.

The Fierce and Powerful Goddess Durga: Discovering the Symbolism and Significance

Goddess Durga is a revered deity in Hinduism and she is worshiped by many people in the eastern part of India and also in other countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. She is considered the mother of this material world who takes care of the conditioned souls trapped in the material existence. She protects them from the demons who threaten peace and establishes Dharma. In the Shakta tradition or Shaktism (those who believe that feminine energy is supreme), Mother Durga has been given the highest position. She is often considered the expansion of Mother Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva who is the destroyer of the material world. The Vaishnavas consider Mother Durga as the external energy of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu. She takes charge of the material world and reforms those souls who do not abide by the rules of the Supreme Lord.

Mother Durga is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman, wearing a saree, and sitting on a tiger or lion. She has multiple arms (usually ten arms) that hold different items and weapons that express her martial skills. She tramples down the demon Mahishasura, with her trident, representing the subduer of vices.

What does Durga symbolize?

Being the powerful assistant of the Supreme Lord, Mother Durga tests our dedication to the Lord. She represents the material nature and like a loving mother, she gives a clarion call to all forgetful souls to turn their faces towards Lord Krishna, who is the only well-wisher of all living entities. The depiction of her violently killing the demon Mahishasura with her trident shows her extraordinary prowess. Mahishasura represents our demoniac mentality that wants to enjoy separately from the Supreme Lord, forgetting our eternal relationship with Him. Goddess Durga killing the demon symbolizes the victory of good over evil or wisdom over ignorance.

Where are Durga statues made in Kolkata?

The worship of Goddess Durga is prominent in festivals such as Durga Puja, Durga Ashtami, Navaratri, etc. On those days, people gather at a place and a big idol or deity of Goddess Durga is worshiped with faith and devotion. These idols of the Goddess are made in a place called Kumortuli, located near Kolkata, West Bengal. This city is renowned for its beautiful clay sculptures made by local manufacturers.

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.