Find Affordable Artful Hanuman Statues Online

Hanuman, as per Hindu traditions is the embodiment of devotion, resourcefulness, cunning intelligence, elocutionary skills, and ascetic powers. It is no surprise that shrines honoring the Hindu god can be found across Hindu nations, particularly in India. Statues of Hanuman often depict meekness and what looks like hushed awe. The same attitudes overtake him when he is in the presence of his lord, Rama. To express the same feeling of veneration, statues of Hanuman are often portrayed with his right hand raised in the direction of his mouth and nose, in order to make sure that his unworthy breath will not taint the purity of Rama, before whom he stands.

Artistic representations of Hanuman often portray him in a dhoti, pulled right up above his knees, as if to indicate how ready he is for any active role upon demand. He will also usually be seen wearing a number of decorations, ranging from bicep ornaments to anklets, bracelets, waistbands. A pearl necklace usually adorns his throat—the same necklace given to him by Sita as a token of appreciation for the monkey-god's intelligence and heart.

Other artful depictions of Hanuman show a standing posture, but always with a humble stature to depict respect. A more heroic stance is also popular, with him standing, legs apart and two hands ripping open his chest to reveal within his heart, Rama or both Rama and Sita together.

You will find a wide range of other depictions of the beloved god online and in special craft stores. Shop only at trusted and reputable websites to make sure you are getting authentic handmade products from renowned Indian artisans. Online stores dedicated to Indian crafts and similar products from all over the region also exist, providing you with an extensive range of imaginative and extremely high-quality handicrafts.

Know Various Postures of the Ganesh Statue

There are far more Ganesha idols and statues than you probably know and have seen in your lifetime. Lord Ganesha statues can be classified according to his characteristics, posture, and even his trunk position. However, posture is one of the most important distinctions you should know especially when buying a Ganesh idol for gifting:

·         A sitting Ganesha (lalitasana posture) is probably the most common type of statue you will find in many homes and offices. It represents a relaxed and calm deity. His sitting posture denotes meditation as he calmly watches over the household/office. Variations in his sitting position also denote different meanings.

·         A standing Ganesha (abhanga posture) idol is also quite popular. This posture signifies rigidity as well as the right attitude, which is why statues in the abhanga posture are usually placed in areas where they can greet guests as they arrive.

·         A dancing Ganesha is known for its gracefulness. This posture is often attributed to the dance of destruction, which is probably why these statues are not commonly seen at homes and places of business. However, this posture denotes power and courage, particularly ones where Lord Ganesha is seen dancing on his vehicle mouse.

·         A reclining Ganesha on the other hand is considered more of a creative depiction of the got, than an idol for worship. These statues are commonly seen in homes, but rarely in actual pooja rooms. They are loved for their regal look, which goes well with home decor. Most reclining Ganesh statues depict Lord Ganesha reclining with one arm on a pillow to represent luxury and comfort.

These are only some of the most common classifications of Ganesh dolls, based on their posture. However, these statues can also be classified according to the direction of his Trunk as well as the way his body bends. Lakshmi Ganesha statues depict the god sitting with both his wives on either thigh. This particular idol signifies achievement and wisdom.

Look for Krishna Statues in Different Poses Online

Krishna is the eighth avatar of Vishnu, a deity worshipped across different traditions of Hinduism, based on different perspectives (i.e. as the Supreme God or as an avatar of Vishnu). Krishna is among the most widely revered out of all the Hindu deities. His depictions and representations can easily recognize him. Most iconographies portray him with dark or black skin, while others show a blue complexion. He is also often shown to wear a peacock feather crown and a silk dhoti. Common portrayals show him as a young man or a little boy in an iconic and characteristically relaxed pose while playing the flute. In this pose/form, Krishna stands with a leg (usually the right appendage) bent in front of the other, flute raised up to his lips. This is known as the Tribhanga posture. He is also often depicted to be surrounded/accompanied by cows, which emphasizes his role as a divine herdsman.

A battlefield scene out of Mahabharata is also a popular subject for representation of Krishna, where he is show as a man possessing supreme God characteristics of a Hindu religious art—one with multiple arms/heads, which denotes power, along with some attributes of Vishnu, such as his two-armed form as charioteer or the chakra. Other representations show Him as a man in an upright and formal standing position alone or with associated figures of his sister Subhadra and Balarama or his queens, Styabhama and Rukmini.

Online and elsewhere, you will also find Krishna statues depicted as a small child dancing or crawling on his hands and knees. The Tribhanga or Trubuha, which is a traditional sculpture/dance stance/pose, is commonly reserved for Krishna, particularly during the 9^thcentury, as seen in old temples like the classic Khajuraho temples and Hoysala temples of Belur (south central Karnataka).

Idol Worship: An Important Part of Hinduism

India is one of the places in the world with a lot of idols, mainly because of Hinduism. Its idol worship is an elaborate system. In Hinduism, idol worship is a practice that refers to worshiping forms (murti) and names. To outsiders, idol worship may seem peculiar or absurd, but worshiping gods in a lot of forms and ways is an important part of the religion. In Hinduism, the entire creation is among God's forms. Hence, every aspect of it has a specific and distinguishable form, which reflects His glory, too. This is because it is believed that God is hidden in those forms, and therefore, worthy of being worshiped.

Other religions view idol worship as being superstitious, but Hinduism treats the practice as a simple expression of faith. When a person stands and bows in submission before an idol, he or she is displaying childlike qualities of purity and innocence, both of which are difficult to achieve by adults whose world is centered on materialism—but can be achieved through a path of devotion. Devout Hindus are not ashamed to go to the temple, bow before an idol, and speak with the idol as if it were an individual.

Devout Hindus from all walks of life practice idol worship, whether he or she is seeking something or merely praying to be blessed or to praise the idol. The absence of response from the idol does not shake a devout Hindu's faith or confidence; Hindus are content with the fact that their idols have heard and accepted their prayers.

But not all Hindus worship their idols in vain. The idol itself is a representation or a form on which your mind can concentrate or connect with. The ultimate reality is found beyond maya or the known field of illusion or the senses. Human activities—including those that cover their negative and positive aspects—are part of the maya from which man cannot escape until he obtains true knowledge.