Lord Vishnu here stands in the 'tribhanga' posture under a dense foliage of vegetation. In this particular posture the head, torso, and legs slant in contrary directions. The legs and hips jutt to the left, the trunk to the right, and the neck and head then again gently to the left. It is a lyrical, dreamy, very graceful pose. The three curves formed by the body symbolize the three worlds, upper, lower and middle, better known in Sanskrit as triloka. Hence is Vishnu universally adored as 'Trilokapati,' or 'Lord of the Three Worlds.'
Parrots can be seen singing amidst the leafy branches. Vishnu wears a high-crown, known in Sanskrit as the kirtimukuta, or the 'crown of glory.' His body is strong, robust and well-proportioned. Circular floral earrings decorate his ears. The center of his forehead is adorned with the U-shaped mark (tilaka) of the Vaishnavites, known as the 'urdhapundra.'
Vishnu's four arms signify the four aims of life (Purusharthas), these are:
a) Duty and Virtue (Dharma)
b) Material Goods, Wealth, and Success (Artha)
c) Pleasure, Sexuality, and Enjoyment (Kama)
d) Liberation (Moksha)
The Lord's first right hand holds the sacred conch (shankha). The blowing of the conch symbolizes the primordial creative voice and Indian mysticism links it to the sacred sound OM, which is said to be the breath of Vishnu, pervading all space.
The second right arm gently grips a lotus. The lotus signifies the well-known yogic ideal of detachment. This is because though this beautiful flower often grows in muddy waters, neither water nor dirt are ever seen sticking to its petals. Indeed Vishnu's message is amply reflected in the lotus, and informs us to partake of life's pleasures, without getting ensnared by them.
The upper left hand holds the discus (chakra). This is a pointer to the cyclic nature of existence.
The lower left arm supports the mace (gada), which rests upside down next to Vishnu's left foot. At the metaphysical level the mace represents the power of time. Just as nothing can conquer time, the mace too is unconquerable and destroys those who oppose it. Vishnu's loyal mount, the half-man, half-avian Garuda stands in veneration near his right leg.This statue comes from Thammapatty (district Salem) in Tamil Nadu.
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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