Description
An exquisite masterpiece bronze idol of Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurti. A poem in bronze, this is a fantastic masterpiece. This is a sculpture of Lord Shiva in his aspect as Dakshinamurti. Shiva as Dakshinamurti is conceived of as the primeval Guru of wisdom, music, yoga and shastra (Hindu scripture).
Dakshinamurti is depicted with four arms. He holds a Damaru (hourglass drum) and Agnishikha (flame) in his top left and right hands respectively. His lower right hand carries an Akshamala (rosary) with index finger touching the thumb and other three fingers outstretched, in a gesture known as Gyana Mudra. He holds shastra in his lower left hand that rests on his knee.
Shiva’s right foot is firmly placed on Apasmara, personification of ignorance and his left foot lays folded over his lap. His hair is tied up in a Jatamakuta (hair fashioned as crown) that bears skull, snake, crescent moon and Ganga. He is seated on a rock under a Banyan tree and four sages are shown sitting at his feet receiving Vyakhyana (narration) and Upadesha (instruction) on supreme knowledge.
Dakshinamurti is a supremely blissful form of Shiva brimming with absolute knowledge and wisdom. This beautiful bronze statue is a feast to the eyes. Notice the intricately carved leaves of the Banyan tree and beautiful icons of birds, squirrels and snakes shown within. The jewelry on Shiva is exquisitely carved and his facial features have come out very well. The iconography in the sculpture is flawless. This piece is more than worth its price.
Special Comments
The mentioned weight is approximate as this is a large statue involving much artistic effort and artists didn't weigh the statue after creation. However the weight is estimated in relation to the size of the sculpture by their creator artists who are very experienced so the mentioned weight is close to actual.This statue is of a significant size so it is created hollow. It already weighs much and if it were created solid that would have not only increased the weight of the sculpture unnecessarily but it also would be much cumbersome to move the sculpture.