Lakshmi-Narayana manifest the same metaphysical principle as Uma-Maheshvara : the unity of ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Purusha’, Lakshmi or Uma, Parvati’s other name, being ‘Prakriti’, and Vishnu or Shiva, ‘Purusha’, ‘Prakriti’ being all ‘matter’ or the manifest universe, and ‘Purusha’, its ‘Pran’ – the enlivening spirit. This Indian metaphysical principle perceives cosmos as the unity of the two : ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Purusha’ that in divine iconography Lakshmi-Narayana or Uma-Maheshvara equally represent. It is also incarnating as Radha and Krishna that Lakshmi-Narayana manifest this cosmic principle. Besides gesticulating ‘Abhaya’ by her right hand in her left Lakshmi is holding lotus symbolic of three cosmic regions : earth, sky and ocean, that is, the universe that she manifests and upholds. .
The four-armed Narayana carries in his hands ‘Chakra’ – disc, ‘Shankha’ – conch, and ‘Gada’ – mace. His normal right hand, held in ‘Abhaya’, with its lotus-like look alternates ‘Padma’- lotus, his fourth attribute. Narayana sustains this universe by protecting it against destructive forces. With his ‘Shankha’, held in his upper left hand, he warns such forces and enlightens the universe against them; if required, he suppresses them with his ‘Gada’, held in his normal left hand; and finally, if they further prevail, he destroys them with his ‘Chakra’, held in upper right hand. The Rig-Vedic mystique equates Vishnu with space that comprises sky, ocean and earth, and variously with the sun, symbolic of motion that never rests and the ultimate source of cosmic energy which manifests as light. .
The artist’s ingenious colour vocabulary is simply brilliant and exceptionally meaningful : blue, the colour of his body, is the colour of the space : sky and ocean, of which his body consists, the ‘peeta’ – yellow, of his ‘peetambara’ – lower wear, symbolic of ‘dhana-dhanya’ – riches and fertility, and thereby of the earth, the red of his waist-sash, symbolic of amour, that is, of the union of the ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Purusha’ that he effects, and abundance of gold, especially the spiked halo-like ring around his crown, symbolic of the sun, energy or light. With red, the colour of amour, dedication or devotion, blended with yellow Lakshmi’s sari reveals the orange-like hue that with green symbolizes purity, absolute dedication and fertility. Elegantly bejeweled and costumed in the traditional sari the image of Lakshmi reveals rare grace. The anatomy of both figures is perfectly balanced. Both figures have been conceived with a round face, large fully opened thoughtful eyes, well-fed cheeks and broad foreheads. Besides his usual ornaments Lord Vishnu is putting on his forehead a prominent Vaishnava ‘tilaka’ mark. In their emotional bearing both images are outstanding. .
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books. .
How to clean and maintain marble statues?
Marble has been a preferred material for sculptors and artists for more than a thousand years. It is a rock that undergoes metamorphism which causes recrystallization of the original carbonate mineral grains. Marble comes in various colors, designs, and dimensions. Pure white marble is the most preferred type of marble for making sculptures and statues since time immemorial. White marble is especially used for sculpting stone monumental sculptures since ancient times. The natural shine and luster of the carbonate crystals of white marble give a lavish and beautiful appearance to the statue.
Marble stone statues are highly durable and can even withstand harsh weather conditions without getting corroded, therefore, they can be kept indoors or outdoors without getting damaged or weathered. Although these statues can last for many decades, their regular care and cleaning are essential to increase their longevity and beautiful appearance.
Marble statues need periodical cleaning to maintain their flawless look. However, harsh and deep cleaning can result in making the statue look dull. If your marble statue is withering away, it is recommended to take the help of a professional cleaner. Marble is a delicate material and therefore needs proper care.
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