Sculptor in Rani Ki Sarai Crafts Unique Combined Shiva-Parvati Idol for Navratri Pandal Display In Azamgarh's Rani Ki Sarai, sculptor Amarjeet Singh Patel has crafted a distinctive unified idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati inspired by Instagram. Built at a cost of roughly 50,000 rupees over more than 15 days, this unique sculpture will make its debut during Durga Puja celebrations. With the auspicious festival of Navratri fast approaching, festive preparations across the region have picked up tremendous momentum. Throughout the district of Azamgarh, work on shaping sacred idols for numerous community Durga Puja pandals is progressing at an energetic pace. Amid these seasonal activities, a workshop situated in Rani Ki Sarai within the district has produced a visually stunning sculpture that is rapidly becoming a major point of public fascination. The singular highlight of this creation is that it brings together the forms of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati within a single unified figure, creating a divine sight that observers describe as both wondrous and captivating. Collaboration Between Local Artisans and Bengal Craftsmen According to sculptor Amarjeet Singh Patel, his workshop brings together dedicated local craftsmen alongside skilled artisans brought in from West Bengal and Kolkata. Together, this team has been busy producing a wide spectrum of traditional and contemporary figures designed to match the custom orders and aesthetic expectations of festive committees. Whatever design specifications or artistic styles organizers request, the craftsmen replicate them with precision. Among all the ongoing works, this unified representation has emerged as the central topic of discussion, offering viewers the distinct visual experience of two sacred presences joined within one sculptural frame. Amarjeet Singh Patel noted that an idol of this particular composition will be presented for the very first time in any Durga Puja pandal across Azamgarh district. He emphasized that the successful execution of this intricate concept was made possible by the persistent dedication, technical patience, and artistic capabilities of the participating local craftsmen. Inspiration Drawn from Social Media and Traditional Craftsmanship Sharing the background behind the design, the sculptor revealed that the initial spark for this presentation came directly from the social media platform Instagram. After spotting the creative design online, he resolved to translate that digital concept into a tangible reality through clay and straw. Bringing this conceptual piece to final completion required more than 15 days of intensive physical effort, with the total expenditure involved in the project coming to approximately 50,000 rupees. Explaining the materials and structural techniques used in the crafting process, he stated that the workshop relied strictly on conventional artisan methods despite the modern origin of the idea. The foundational phase began with shaping the core framework using straw, after which successive layers of dark clay were applied to build volume and strength. Finally, a specialized coat of sandy soil clay was utilized to achieve an immaculate, smooth finish across the entire surface. It was only through this methodical multi-layered treatment that the finished sculpture assumed its complete and polished appearance. What this means for you Festive pandals will see a blend of modern digital inspiration and traditional artistry this festive season. • For pandal visitors: Devotees in Azamgarh will have the chance to witness a first-of-its-kind combined idol during Durga Puja festivities. Anyone visiting local venues will find an entirely fresh artistic concept that departs from routine displays. • For traditional artisans: The project demonstrates how online platforms can offer valuable conceptual inspiration to grassroots craftsmen. Artisans working in regional districts can leverage digital designs to expand both their creative range and market demand. • On the festive economy: Elaborate specialty commissions are raising the bar for festive investments and artisan earnings across the area. With this piece costing approximately 50,000 rupees, it highlights committees' willingness to support premium craftsmanship. • On local cultural footfall: Rani Ki Sarai is likely to attract visitors from neighboring towns curious to see the innovative representation in person. This added interest will help support local vendors and micro-businesses during the busy festival days. Why this happened This creative endeavor emerged from pre-festival preparations for Navratri and Durga Puja, driven by an artisan seeking artistic distinction. The confluence of digital media inspiration and traditional craftsmanship enabled the creation of this unusual sculpture. • Festive demand and online concept: While busy with routine festive orders, sculptor Amarjeet Singh Patel encountered this distinctive Shiva-Parvati representation on Instagram. He chose to break away from conventional pandal styles by realizing this digital concept in three-dimensional form. • Skilled artisan collaboration: The complexity of uniting two divine figures within a single body required specialized technical execution, prompting the involvement of seasoned artisans from West Bengal and Kolkata. This teamwork between regional and outside craftsmen allowed the complex project to finish within 15 days. • Reliance on traditional materials: To ensure the structure remained sturdy and authentic, the craftsmen strictly applied time-tested methods rather than synthetic shortcuts. The sequential use of a straw core, black clay layers, and fine sandy clay finishing provided the required durability for public exhibition. Questions & Answers 1. Where in Azamgarh has this unique Shiva-Parvati idol been created? The idol has been crafted at the workshop of sculptor Amarjeet Singh Patel located in Rani Ki Sarai in Azamgarh district. 2. What is the standout feature of this sculpture? Its central uniqueness lies in presenting the divine forms of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati merged within a single body. 3. Where did the sculptor get the idea for this design? Sculptor Amarjeet Singh Patel drew the idea from a creative visual design he discovered on the social media platform Instagram. 4. How much time and money were invested in creating the idol? The project took more than 15 days to finish and incurred a total expenditure of around 50,000 rupees. 5. Which artisans contributed to constructing the idol? The work was completed through a joint effort involving local craftsmen alongside skilled artisans from West Bengal and Kolkata. 6. What materials and techniques were used to build the sculpture? Craftsmen built a straw armature, layered it with dark clay, and finalized the outer surface with fine sandy soil clay for a smooth finish. Inspiration & Lessons The accomplishment of Amarjeet Singh Patel and his artisan team shows how digital curiosity and dedication can elevate traditional craftsmanship. • Constructive use of digital tools: Social platforms can serve as productive engines of design inspiration rather than mere entertainment channels. Drawing a concept from Instagram helped a traditional sculptor expand the creative horizons of his craft. • Power of collaborative craft: Combining the strengths of local artists with skilled craftsmen from Kolkata and West Bengal proved essential. Pooling expertise across regional boundaries enables teams to accomplish complex creative tasks efficiently. • Balancing innovation with classic methods: While welcoming a modern visual idea, the team remained grounded in reliable, time-tested practices. Relying on straw, black clay, and sandy soil ensured that the innovative concept possessed structural integrity. https://trendkia.com/en/national/azamgarh-ke-rani-ki-sarai-me-murtikar-ne-banayi-shiva-parvati-ki-sanyukt-pratima-37529 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.