Description
A very traditional bronze set of Vishnu with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi in Chola style. This is a classic bronze statue of Vishnu with his two consorts, Sri Devi (goddess Lakshmi) and Bhu Devi (goddess Earth).
While Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth that provides pleasures of existence, Bhu or Bhumi provides nourishment and home to humanity. They are regarded as mothers to the living beings in that no being could survive without either Sri or Bhu.
Both Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are energies of Vishnu who he employs in sustaining the beings of all the worlds as their preserver. Vishnu is the master and protector of Lakshmi and Bhumi and their husband thus.
As seen in this excellent bronze sculpture set, Lakshmi is to Vishnu’s right whereas Bhu Devi is seen to his left, both with a flower in one hand and the other dangling in artistic, feminine grace. Vishnu stands in between holding Shankha (conch) and Chakra (disc) which are his emblems he holds in his left and right hands respectively.
Vishnu’s Chakra is called Sudarshana. Vishwakarma (the architect of gods) fashioned it with shavings obtained when he grated Surya (sun) on his divine lathe to reduce his glare. Chakra is a powerful weapon that is Time personified. Vishnu bears it on the index finger of his right hand and it revolves and launches at his will. Sudarshana Chakra never misses its target and returns to Vishnu only after destroying it when released.
Panchjanya is the name of Vishnu’s shankha. It is the personification of the Vedas, conceived as pure-white in indication of its sacredness and purity. Vishnu blows it when attacking the demons sending down shivers amongst them. Flames around Shankha and Chakra are indicative of their aura and divinity.
Vishnu is seen wearing priceless jewels and crown that signify his royalty as the mater of all the worlds. The beautiful crocodile shaped earrings he wears are specifically called Makara Kundala.
Vishnu bears the auspicious Srivatsa mark on his chest near his right shoulder (notice the small triangular mark). Vishnu bears this with reverence since Lord Shiva who is extremely dear to Vishnu caused it. This happened when Shiva used his trident during a duel between him and sage Narayana (who was an incarnation of Vishnu).
Vishnu’s right hand is raised in Abhaya Mudra (assurance or granting fearlessness) and left extends and rests near his waist in Katyavalambita Mudra. The fine, rich yellow silk Vishnu wears, called Pitambara (yellow cloth) is held with a beautiful, richly carved belt he wears around his waist. Vishnu with Sri and Bhu was one of the traditional subjects in Chola metal sculpture art.
Special Comments
The mentioned weight is approximate as this is a large statue involving much artistic effort and the artists didn't weigh the statue after creation. However, the weight is estimated in relation to the size of the sculpture by their creators, who are very experienced, so the mentioned weight is close to actual.This statue is of 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 be much cumbersome to move the sculpture.
The dimensions mentioned above are that of Vishnu, the central statue. Dimensions of each of Sri and Bhu devi statues in Inches are: 11 x 10 x 32 (L x B x H)
Weight mentioned above is the total weight of three statues. Separate weights of the three statues are mentioned below:Vishnu: 42 Kgs
Sri and Bhu devi: 24 Kgs each