Bhu-Varaha- the Panchaloha bronze that we see here, of the boar-faced incarnation of Vishnu carrying the goddess earth or “Bhudevi” is a powerful icon, that perfectly brings to light Vishnu’s persona as the Hindu preserver god, who time and again fulfill his promise of taking different forms to restore balance and ensure the prevalence of “Dharma”.
Sri Varaha is the Roopa (form) taken by Vishnu when the Bhudevi was captured by the menacing demon Hiranyaksha, who took the goddess to the netherworld. The benevolent Vishnu transformed himself into an enormous Varaha or boar- whose stature and the sound he produced caused the evil heart to shudder. It is a powerful and ferocious avatar- as conveyed by his aggressive “Alidha” posture- where the extended leg is placed on the hood of a Naga (serpent), a resident of the netherworld. The aura of Varaha avatar is presented in this mighty bronze statue, which shows him in his celestial four-armed form, accompanied by Bhudevi, who gracefully sits on his robust arm.
Even the sow face of Vishnu is sculpted with such delicateness in this Varaha bronze, with his eyes enlivened and his tusks toned down, that he emanates benevolence and fatherly love. The sturdiness of the arms and chests of Sri Varaha turns into evident elegance in the fingers and gestures of the hands of the lord. The heavenly body of Sri Varaha in this bronze icon is adorned with stately ornaments and a triangular motif on his right chest- the “Srivatasa”, a symbol of Sri-Lakshmi that resides in the heart of Vishnu. The hint of a swing in the frills of the dhoti (lower body garment) and jewelry of Sri Varaha makes it look like he is just emerging from the depths of the underworld, safely escorting Bhudevi back to her assigned position.
Fine artistic work in this bronze can be highlighted by the detailing of the facial expressions of the Naga, who appears to be in awe, venerating the divine savior whose benevolence knows no bounds.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist