The epithet Bhogashakti refers to a specific stance of Devi Uma. On the pistil of an upturned lotus flower, poised upon a high plinth with multiple tiers, She sits with Her legs gathered in lalitasana.
Her torso leans gently to the left, the left arm against the seat beneath Her supporting Her regla frame. The right hand is raised as if She holds between Her fingers a seductive lotus bloom.
Seductive, because the wife of Shiva assumes this stance moments before He proceeds to take Her (‘bhoga’). It is like She beckons Her Lord with all the strength of Her beauty and the essence of Her being (‘shakti’).
Made using the lost-wax process - also known as madhuchista vidhana in the Agamas - such a murti takes months to be sculpted to perfection. Nothing short of perfection defines that gorgeous form, the expressive stance, and that lifelike countenance. The characteristic colour of the panchaloha medium (mix of five iron-based alloys) adds to the solemnity of the composition.
The gradient comprises deep ochre with a metallic glimmer, which in turn transitions into overtones of a moist, coppery green. Behind the crown on Bhogashakti Uma’s head, as long and slender as the whole of Her, behind the delicate nape of Her neck, is a miniature halo.
Eternal Brilliance Unveiled: The Mystique of Panchaloha Bronze and Artful Maintenance Rituals
Bronze is a metal alloy that has the primary composition of Copper and Tin. There is also an addition of other metals such as Manganese, Aluminium, Nickel, and some non-metals such as Phosphorus. This composition of several metals and non-metals makes Bronze an extremely durable and strong metal alloy. It is for this reason that Bronze is extensively used for casting sculptures and statues. Since Bronze has a low melting point, it usually tends to fill in the finest details of a mould and when it cools down, it shrinks a little that makes it easier to separate from the mould.
" If you happen to have a bronze statue, simply use a cotton cloth with some coconut oil or any other natural oil to clean the statue. "
A village named Swamimalai in South India is especially known for exceptionally well-crafted Bronze icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The skilled artisans of this place use Panchaloha Bronze for casting the icons. Panchaloha Bronze is made of five metals; Copper, Zinc, Lead, and small quantities of Gold and Silver. Zinc gives a golden hue to the finished figure and Lead makes the alloy softer for the easy application of a chisel and hammer. The common technique for producing these statues and sculptures is the “Lost-wax” method. Because of the high durability of bronze sculptures and statues, less maintenance is required, and can still last up to many decades.
Exotic India takes great pride in its collection of hand-picked Panchaloha Statues. You will find the murtis of Gods (Krishna, Hanuman, Narasimha, Ganesha, Nataraja, and Kartikeya) and Goddesses (Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga, and Parvati), and Buddha statues. You can also buy Ritual paraphernalia (Wicks lamp, Puja Kalash, Cymbals, and Puja Flag) on the website. All these statues and items have been made with a lot of care and attention, giving them a flawless finish. Their fine carving detail represents the rich tradition of India.
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