This magnificent image cast in brass and anodized for giving copper’s effect, represents Lord Ganesha, a manifestation blending his two classical image forms, Ekadanta and Lambodara, both being two of his earliest classified eight forms conceived by early seers for prevailing over eight human weaknesses or natures, namely, ‘moda’ – arrogance, ‘abhimana’ – pride, ‘matsarya’ – jealousy, ‘moha’ – infatuation, ‘lobha’ – greed, ‘krodha’ – anger, ‘kama’ – lust, and ‘Mamata’ – possessiveness as also ego.
Two of these eight forms, ‘Mahodara’, one with a big belly, and ‘Lambodara’, one with a corpulent belly, relate to the dimensions of his belly and command the two most common aspects of human nature, ‘moha’ and ‘krodha’ respectively.
Ekadanta controls ‘moda’; thus, in its combined form this image of Lord Ganesha has been conceived for commanding arrogance, infatuation and anger, three aspects of human nature that most adversely affect a man’s personality. The Puranas perceived arrogance that Lord Ganesha in his Ekadanta manifestation commands as the aspect of personality that breeds non-acceptance and thereby disharmony with the world and thus with oneself for one is not only destined to live in it but is himself the world, its microcosmic form.
Hence, arrogance does not target so much beyond as within oneself. Lord Ganesha as Ekadanta vanquishes arrogance and breeds and nourishes harmony with the world around, the people and the environs. Mythically, Ekadanta eliminates diversions and promotes singleness of mind and symbolises utmost sacrifice to help the righteous as also to punish the wicked.
A single tusked form apart, almost a universal feature of his iconography occurring invariably in most of his images, the moon-related myth gave to his image also another most salient feature, the ‘nag-bandha’ – a bellyband consisting of a serpent, mythically the serpent Vasuki. While punishing moon for its arrogance he also punished Vasuki by tying it around his belly for frightening his mount mouse that throwing him away ran for life.
Dually auspicious and effective, the image, conceived with a huge pot-like belly, combines along with his Ekadanta form his Lambodara and Mahodara manifestations that vanquish infatuation and anger, the two most injurious weaknesses in human nature. Manifesting either as Lambodara or Mahodara – the forms with extra large belly, Lord Ganesha is believed to contain all the universes within it, unfathomable knowledge and all stores of riches. Highly auspicious and delightfully modeled, both forms bless the devotee with natural wisdom, great common sense, ability to face every crisis, and with abundant riches.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.
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.
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.
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