Goddess Saraswati, one of the three primary goddesses (the other two being Durga and Lakshmi) is the sovereign who rules the realm of material and spiritual wisdom. Her varada-hasta (blessings) is what the students and the seekers of knowledge aim for. In this superb specimen of Hoysala art in bronze, the goddess of learning can be seen dancing, in the most vibrant and exquisite posture. The murti reminds us of the dancing Saraswati from the outer walls of the Hoysaleshwara Temple of Halebidu, the capital city of the Hoysala dynasty.
Maa Saraswati in this Hoysala-inspired bronze is dancing elegantly, her legs positioned with such a grace that the sculpture appears to be flying. Her divine presence is marked by the aura behind her high-rising crown. The detailing of the traditional Hoysala art is captured masterfully by the award-winning maker of this idol, Nilakantha Acharya Ji, who has given specific attention to every piece of jewelry, making them fitting for the great goddess. Ornate Makara Kundala (earrings), Skanda-aabhushana (shoulder ornaments), bajubanda (armband), keyura (bracelet), mudrika (rings), Nupur (ankle ornament), and Nupurapadika below that- the list is overwhelming. The immensely graceful physique of the divine Saraswati is tastefully highlighted by the sacred thread or yajnopavita, running across her torso and the intricately designed Mekhala or girdle that is wrapped around her otherwise bare lower body. Detailing by the artist can be seen on the sole of the upraised foot on which pleasing auspicious motifs are drawn. The Veena- Saraswati’s distinguished instrument looks charming in the way it is presented and held in Devi’s primary hands, and in the manner in which she has her fingers placed gently. The other two hands carry the holy book (Veda) and a rosary. The sculpture is carved in a rounded manner, because of which the reverse of the idol carries detailing of the Shirichakara (circular head ornament) shaped like a flower and tassels of the waist belt, which is strikingly swaying. Noteworthy is the artist’s attention to the delineation of the lotus platform and the peacock that sits adjacent to it.
The paradisiacal magnificence of goddess Saraswati reflects the eternal bliss of great wisdom. Her countenance echoes a peaceful stillness as well as the culmination of the ecstasy in her agile steps. As the center and source of all things creative in the world, the dance of Saraswati, as represented in this brass is the coming together and lyrical movement of the creative forces of the world.
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