To the people of Vrindavan, the defeat of Kaaliya had seemed out of the question. He was dwelling in the rivers flowing through the settlement, rampantly spreading wickedness and adharma. Had it not been for Lord Krishna, Vrindavan would have lost its sacred beauty to the designs of the serpent.
The Krishna murti that you see on this page captures Vrindavan’s moment of triumph over Kaaliya. The foot of the victoriously dancing Krishna rests on its five hoods. Behind the dancing figure creep the thick coils of Kaaliya, with the end firmly in the grip of the divine.
There is a childlike essence in the mukhamandala va stance of Krishna, almost as if it is Gopala. From the serrations on Kaaliya’s coils to the currents of the poisoned river beneath its belly, these have been carved from wood with remarkable deftness.
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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