For sale is a very large, carved, wooden murti (devotional sculpture) of BHAGAWAN SRI KRISHA (Revered Lord Krishna), an avatar (incarnation) of the cosmic Vishnu in his earthly, boyish Venugopala ("flute-playing cowherd") form. A cowherd represents a caretaker and protector. Krishna represents beauty, joy, and divine love.
Krishna in this role is also called Govinda (which probably means something like "finder of [lost] cows"). The veneration of cows in Hinduism is rooted in the myths of Krishna as Gopala and as Govinda.
Krishna dances effortlessly in the graceful and sensuous classic tribhanga (three bends) pose (arching his neck, his waist, and his knee), while simultaneously playing a bamboo flute (bansuri). The dance and music he creates attracts the gopis (cowherd maidens), who represent all souls attracted to the homing call and enchantment of the Divine. (Can you see him move? Can you hear his music?)
On his head Krishna is wearing a majestic mukuta (crown) indicative of his divine power and authority — as well as his elevated consciousness. He wears a rich waistband and jewelry (armbands, bracelets, anklets) as befits royalty and divinity.
You may need to look closely to sort them out, but Krisha is shown here with four arms, like Vishnu. Two hands play the flute, and two hands hold objects symbolic of Krisha's divine powers. Usually, Krisha is depicted with only two arms.
Behind Krisha's lower body is an affectionate sacred zebu (humped bull), ornamented and licking the sole of Krishna's raised foot in devotion. The bull simultaneously symbolizes strength and loyalty.
Rising up on both sides and over Krisha is an elaborate, arched prabhavali (halo of light) which represents both divine radiance and the celestial gateway through which he has come to Earth.
Below the archway, Krishna, and the bull is a relatively low base which seems appropriate for the 'weight' it's supporting. The base is fronted by a lotus motif. The lotus represents purity, divinity, and detachment from the material world.
This statue — approximately 36 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 8 inches deep -- is carved from solid hardwood (probably teak or rosewood), and is consequentially very heavy. The wood is stained dark brown, as appropriated for Krishna, which name means "the dark complexioned one." The flute is detachable.
Many stylistic elements (for example, the crown) point to a south Indian origin for this murti, most probably late 20th or early 21st century.
This statue is in excellent condition with no cracks or damage.
A most elegant centerpiece/focus for a temple or private worship space, for a secular yoga/meditation center, or for a collection of Asian art. An inspiring work of art in any room.
NOTA BENE
I will have 5 wooden carvings for sale on CL: Buddha, Krishna, Ganesha, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, and If you wish to purchase all five, a special price can be negotiated.
TERMS OF SALE
Sale is 'CASH & CARRY,' that is, I accept only exact-amount greenback cash (and only twenties, because I've been ripped off before). For greater clarity: no checks of any kind, no wire transfers, no financing, no layaway/holding, and I have no facility to take credit/debit cards or to make change.
And you must come to my place and remove the statue from my house. You must also bring your own quilts, blankets, tarps, rachets, or whatever, to secure and protect the statue during transport.
The statue is sold "AS IS," and the sale is FINAL (no returns or refunds).
INSPECTION BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
To reach me, reply to this ad with (1) your questions, (2) a morning or an afternoon (weekday or weekend) when you would like to take a pleasant drive to my place to make an inspection and possibly conclude the sale, and (3) your name and telephone number so that we can continue by text exchange. I will not respond to messages that seem vague, automated, or otherwise suspicious. My place is located in the Cullowhee/Glenville/Cashiers area.
Someone is going to score a real deal! Don't hesitate.
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