Lightweight home altar made from brass plating, in the traditional Hindu 'singhasan' style.
In essence a singhasan is used as a part of a bigger altar; it's a special seat or throne where an idol or figurine of the deity can be placed upon, elevating it a bit from the rest of the altar, therewith showing respect for the power and presence of the deity.
Though the overall shape of a singhasan is always quite similar, the decoration on it may vary. Often important symbols from Hindu iconography are used. The one here in our shop shows a depiction of a svastika, one of the most sacred and ancient symbols in Hinduism (and many other spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Jainism). The use of the svastika as a sacred symbol can be traced back more than 10.000 years in the Indus Saraswati Valley civilizations. The word 'svastika' in Sanskrit translates to 'that which makes all well'. The svastika is understood to be a most auspicious symbol and as such used on a myriad of objects for both sacred and daily use in many Asian countries, and especially in India.
Over its thousands of years of usage, the svastika symbol has become a representation for many different concepts and deities such as for Lord Ganesha or for the ancient Sungod Surya. And its symmetrical, geometrical shape with the four arms is often associated with for example the four directions, the four veda's or the four seasons.
This singhasan is from vintage origin and shows the signs of its previous usage. As can be seen on the pictures, there is some oxidation on the altar base. With some good metal polish treatment, most of this can probably be cleaned again.
Sizes; the inside measurement / altar space is 21 centimeters wide and 14 centimeters deep. The outside measures; 14, 21,5 centimeters wide, 14,5 centimeters deep and 22,5 centimeters high (measured including the legs, and measured at the highest point at the backside. Total weight is 721 grams.
Only one available.
