This sculpture represents R. Mani most notable subject of inspiration - Indra deity. Indra is a celebrated hero figure of the Hindu mythology. According to ancient Vedic texts, Rig Vedas, this deity is regarded as the warrior God and the king of heaven. Here the artist, depicts Indra as being seated boldly and fearlessly on the ground, celebrating his new victory. His confident posture represents his strength and power as a warrior, who has conquered many battlefields of the Mahabharata tales. The paradox, is that Indra’s figure also incorporates feminine features, that symbolize these qualities such as compassion and devotion.

About Indra deity - King of Devas

Indra is the king of the devas or angels, who permanently reside in heaven or swargaloka. Being a brother to Surya (sun), he is a son of Aditi. They possess the privilege of consuming soma rasa, a divine juice preferably available for the selected divine beings. Indra had defeated Vritra, a ferocious and indomitable dragon, by his prowess, intellect, and combat skills. Iconographically, Indra is identified by his gold-skin body and vahana, Airawat, a white elephant. In Hindu Mythology, Indra portrays stages of emotional characters, ranging from an egoistic and juvenile king to becoming an epitome of peace and harmony.

Artist - R. Mani ( Chenai, India)

R. Mani born in 1965 , is originally from Mahabalipuramlocated in Tamil Nadu state, South India. Influenced by Gupta and Kushan art periods, the artist specialises on traditional Indian Gods and Godesses. His inspiration is often sourced from world famous historic temples like Khajuraho and Meenakshi. R. Mani uses traditional Indian materials such as Sandstone, Granite and Soft stone. Mani was brought up surrounded by art. His father, Dhruva Pratap was a well-known sculptor and maintained and restored the sculptures of the famous Konark Temple in South India, passing on his skills to his son. Holder of two awards from the President of India, he is especially well known for his Buddha sculptures. He imbues his Buddha faces with such serenity and a sense of blissfulness that it’s no surprise they are used by so many to assist in deep meditation in some of the leading meditation centres around the world.

Size - 30cm x 20cm x 10cm

View more from our collection of Indian sculptures.

Indra - Sandstone