The symbolic meaning of the ten arms (in Sanskrit, 'dasha' means ten and 'bhuja' means arm) is significant. The Devi multitasks in an effort to attend to each of Her devotees. Note the sheer variety of weapons she weilds against the adharmis of this universe. In Her many hands She also holds the dharmic chakra (topmost hand to the right), which stands for the cyclical nature of dharma as propounded in Hinduism. In another, She holds the adharmi She has slayed, characteristically by the tuft of his tresses.
Ma Kali's stance is powerful. The musculature of each of Her limbs, Her straight-drawn torso, the ferocious composure of countenance with the tongue heaving out, give away Her divine bloodlust. The mundamala, which is Sanskrit for garland (mala) of heads (munda) and is symbolic of the Sanskrit alphabet, has been sculpted to conceal Her breasts, while a skirt made of the severed hands has been sculpted over Her loins, (the severed hands constitute an offering of the fruits of one's karmas performed by hand).
The shining gold and red of Her ornaments complement the smooth silver of Her skin. Two gold necklaces descend over the undulations of Her torso. Chunky amulets and wristlets in complementary colours are on each of Her arms. A broad kamarband made of gold holds in place the only piece of garment on Her form. Elaborate gold anklets caress the length of Her feet, one of which is balanced on the toes upon the chest of Her husband, Shivaji himself.
A supine Shivaji lies beneath Her with a knee raised. He is in baghambar ('bagh' is Sanskrit for tiger, 'ambar' for cloth) and holds up the damru, without which His iconography is incomplete. He lies on a pedestal that has been carved with curvaceous waves on the topmost layer and templetop triangles at the base.
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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