The panchamukha-roopa is common to many deities in the Hindu pantheon. The word ‘panchamukha’ is a portmanteau of ‘pancha’, which means five, and ‘mukha’, which means face. The murti that you see on this page is of the Panchamukha Vinayaka (another name for Ganesha). Each of the five faces stands for the yogic koshas or layers of existence.
It is a murti of Vengai wood, derived from a tree believed to be endowed with mystical qualities. As such, it is used to carve images of the divine. A Ganesha of substantial proportions is seated in lalitasana on a gigantic lotus bloom. It is poised on a high plinth, the engravings on which are indicative of traditional South Indian handiwork.
The natural ochre colour of the wood medium is, in places, superimposed with pastels such as green (the dhoti) and pink (the lotus-throne) and blue (the little rat, His vahana). The ancillary arms of the dashabhujadhari panchamukha Vinayaka are in perfect symmetry. The same applies to the stance of the five trunks.
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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