Ekambareswarar (Parvati Embracing Lingam)

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Details

Material: Bronze (Lost Wax)
Size: 4.25" (L) x 3.25" (W) x 5" (H)
Finish: Antique Finish

Description

Ekambareswarar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as a lingam (an abstract representation of Shiva) in the temple.
One of the legends suggests that Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of a Prithvi Lingam (a lingam made of sand), under a mango tree. When the neighbouring Vegavati river overflowed, there was a threat that the lingam would get engulfed, so Parvati embraced it. Lord Shiva was touched by this gesture, and he materialized in person and married Parvati. This sculpture, made using the lost wax process, depicts Parvati embracing the Lingam.
  • ABOUT South Indian Bronze Sculptures

    Bronze sculptures in South India, specifically in Kumbakonam area of Tamil Nadu, are made using the lost wax process. The Lost Wax Process, also called cire-perdue, is a method of metal casting in which hot metal is poured into a wax model, which is lost during the process. The process is used to make highly detailed bronze sculptures.

    In the olden days, the castings were often made in copper, but bronze quickly became the preferred material for statuary, as it is stronger and more tensile. This method of sculpting involves creating a solid wax model of the figure, and then wrapping it in a clay mould. The model is then heated to melt the wax and harden the clay. Molten metal is poured into the inverted clay mould, and upon cooling, the clay mould is broken to reveal a solid sculpture.

    Sculptures made using this method are one of a kind, since the mould must be broken to take the statue out. A sculptor typically spends several weeks to months working on one piece, thereby making such sculptures harder to come by, and very special. The very fine detailing and the intricacy of the work adds to the beauty of each piece.

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