Photo #1; Caption: Explained in the fifth paragraph.
Dear LG Friends,
In Indian Heritage, the Bronze idols have significant importance in both religious and artistic contexts. In this post, we try to understand how these idols are made and what are the importance of artisans in this process……
Each deity has specific iconographic features that are artistically represented in these idols; here artisans play a very important role in blending the divinity and aesthetics, using their imagination.
Here is typically how a Bronze Idol is made:
Initially, the artisans create a wax model of the idol, giving all the iconographic details. Then the wax model is coated with clay to prepare the ‘Master Mould’. Once the mould is dry, the wax is melted by heating. Depending upon the requirement of the final product, the metal combination of the bronze is decided - (for different idols, the combination of the ingredients may change - for example: “Pancha Loha” is an alloy of five metals: gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron whereas typical bronze is made of copper and tin). Then the molten bronze is poured into the mould; the cured idol is polished to give the final finish. (There are other methods also and even this method is very briefly described here).
Some of the photos with its iconographic importance & Artisans role:
Each deity has specific iconographic features that are represented by specific hand gestures (mudras), symbols, and attributes that convey different aspects of the deity’s nature and powers. It is very interesting to study, how the artisans use their skills and imagination to bring life to each idol.
On the cover photo, the artisan has brought a beautiful concept of Lord Shiva (full family) and His escort Sri Parvati seated on His ‘Vahana’ (vehicle) Nandi and Their 2nd son are seated on their lap - Their elder son, Lord Murugan (Subramanya) stands next to them along with a Siva Linga.
Photo #2; Caption: Lord Ganesha (Lord Vigneswara) has the most unique body structure - Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, whose head was chopped by his father and given life back by placing the head of an elephant. He is also a great foodie…his left hand carries Laddu (sweet). You can notice His vehicle ‘Mouse’ seated below - he is also enjoying Laddu.
Photo #3; Caption: In this photo, a group of idols are presented. There are 2 of Lord Vishnu’s idols, one Lord Ganesha, 2 peacock lamps, and one elephant carrying a bowl; Lord Vishnu is seen with 4 hands and His upper left hand carries the powerful ‘Sudarshan’ (discus), and the left hand ‘Panchajanya’ (conch-shell) with the ‘flame-shaped Naamam’ (3 lines) on His forehead. The elephant idol has a lot of work!
*Photo #4; Caption:*Lord Shiva is seated in ‘Padmasana’; Ganga is flowing out of His head, the Moon 
is also present on His head, the 3rd Eye on His forehead is closed, Snake (Vasuki) around His neck, the ‘Trident’ & ‘Damru’ near Him, Rudraksha on His chest and hands, and seated on a tiger skin which is on rocks (Kailasa)…
Right: Lord Krishna and Radha in a jovial mood - they represent the sacred love!
Both these beautiful idols are coloured intricately and embroidered perfectly…right?
Photo #8; Caption: Left: Maa Durga with 8 arms (with different weapons held in each hand) seated on Her ‘Vahana’ (vehicle) Lion. Each of the weapons has definitions and detailing them will be out of scope for this post.
Right: Lord Ganesha along with His vehicle ‘Mouse’ (7th Sep 24 is Ganesha Chaturthi) enjoying the sweet/food.
I would invite your attention to the fact that though all these idols are moulded (as explained in the beginning), the intricate carvings are made with hands (& sharp tools) by artisans before polishing; they also add colours, etc. at the end.
Note:
-
I have tried my best to provide the details of these bronze idols, their iconic values, and their artistic importance; I feel many of our international LGs may have different questions. I shall be very happy to answer them, please.
-
These Bronze Idols are from the showcase of a Pure Veg Restaurant “Go Native, Jayanagar”
-
These bronze idols/different items are more available (even at a better price) from Bangalore Avenue Road/BVK Iyengar Road Area; of course, there are many shops in Malleswaram and Jayanagar
If you have a bronze idol or Show piece, please publish it to enjoy the artisan skills…
Hope to hear your feedback, please respond.
Many thanks for considering my request.
Yes, it’s a big lesson… I too agree… “Pride” is a KILLER… 
