Lord Ayyappa Brass Idol
0.258 kg
£28.99
A brass idol depicting Lord Ayyappa is a revered representation of the Hindu deity worshipped predominantly in South India, particularly in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Lord Ayyappa is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (in the form of Mohini), and he is revered as a deity who embodies aspects of both these divine beings. Here's a detailed description of a brass idol depicting Lord Ayyappa:
**Physical Appearance:**
1. **Iconographic Features:** Lord Ayyappa is typically depicted as a young and handsome deity, exuding a divine aura of peace and serenity.
2. **Attire:** He is often depicted wearing a flowing dhoti (loincloth) and adorned with a sacred cloth draped across his shoulders. His attire may be embellished with intricate designs and patterns.
3. **Jewelry:** Lord Ayyappa may be adorned with divine ornaments such as necklaces, earrings, armlets, and anklets, symbolizing his royal stature and divine splendor.
4. **Sacred Symbols:** The idol may feature sacred symbols associated with Lord Ayyappa, such as the bell (ghanta), arrow (baana), and bow (dhanush), representing his divine attributes and prowess.
5. **Mudra:** Lord Ayyappa may be depicted in a mudra (hand gesture) conveying blessings or reassurance to his devotees.
6. **Vahana (Mount):** He may be depicted seated or standing alongside his vahana (mount), the divine tiger or leopard, symbolizing his control over primal instincts and his ability to protect devotees from danger.
**Iconography:**
- **Sabarimala Temple:** Lord Ayyappa is closely associated with the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites dedicated to him. The idol may depict Lord Ayyappa in the attire traditionally associated with the deity worshipped at Sabarimala.
- **Makara Vilakku:** Some idols may include representations of the sacred Makara Vilakku (lamp) associated with the Makaravilakku festival celebrated at Sabarimala, symbolizing divine illumination and spiritual enlightenment.
- **Dharma Sastha:** Lord Ayyappa is also known as Dharma Sastha, the guardian of righteousness and protector of devotees. The idol may reflect his role as a divine guardian and upholder of dharma (righteousness).
**Cultural Significance:**
- A brass idol of Lord Ayyappa holds immense cultural and religious significance for devotees, especially those who undertake the arduous pilgrimage to Sabarimala in devotion to the deity.
- Worshipping the idol is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Ayyappa, bringing spiritual growth, protection, and fulfillment of desires to devotees.
- The craftsmanship and symbolism embodied in the brass idol inspire reverence, devotion, and spiritual connection among devotees, fostering a sense of devotion and piety towards Lord Ayyappa.
In summary, a brass idol of Lord Ayyappa beautifully captures the divine attributes, symbolism, and cultural significance associated with this revered deity in Hinduism, serving as a tangible representation of his divine presence and blessings for devotees.
**Physical Appearance:**
1. **Iconographic Features:** Lord Ayyappa is typically depicted as a young and handsome deity, exuding a divine aura of peace and serenity.
2. **Attire:** He is often depicted wearing a flowing dhoti (loincloth) and adorned with a sacred cloth draped across his shoulders. His attire may be embellished with intricate designs and patterns.
3. **Jewelry:** Lord Ayyappa may be adorned with divine ornaments such as necklaces, earrings, armlets, and anklets, symbolizing his royal stature and divine splendor.
4. **Sacred Symbols:** The idol may feature sacred symbols associated with Lord Ayyappa, such as the bell (ghanta), arrow (baana), and bow (dhanush), representing his divine attributes and prowess.
5. **Mudra:** Lord Ayyappa may be depicted in a mudra (hand gesture) conveying blessings or reassurance to his devotees.
6. **Vahana (Mount):** He may be depicted seated or standing alongside his vahana (mount), the divine tiger or leopard, symbolizing his control over primal instincts and his ability to protect devotees from danger.
**Iconography:**
- **Sabarimala Temple:** Lord Ayyappa is closely associated with the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites dedicated to him. The idol may depict Lord Ayyappa in the attire traditionally associated with the deity worshipped at Sabarimala.
- **Makara Vilakku:** Some idols may include representations of the sacred Makara Vilakku (lamp) associated with the Makaravilakku festival celebrated at Sabarimala, symbolizing divine illumination and spiritual enlightenment.
- **Dharma Sastha:** Lord Ayyappa is also known as Dharma Sastha, the guardian of righteousness and protector of devotees. The idol may reflect his role as a divine guardian and upholder of dharma (righteousness).
**Cultural Significance:**
- A brass idol of Lord Ayyappa holds immense cultural and religious significance for devotees, especially those who undertake the arduous pilgrimage to Sabarimala in devotion to the deity.
- Worshipping the idol is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Ayyappa, bringing spiritual growth, protection, and fulfillment of desires to devotees.
- The craftsmanship and symbolism embodied in the brass idol inspire reverence, devotion, and spiritual connection among devotees, fostering a sense of devotion and piety towards Lord Ayyappa.
In summary, a brass idol of Lord Ayyappa beautifully captures the divine attributes, symbolism, and cultural significance associated with this revered deity in Hinduism, serving as a tangible representation of his divine presence and blessings for devotees.
